Lufundo fights criminals in Gqeberha: The Empire

Mandilakhe Lufundo, a Mdantsane native, will play a police officer attempting to combat crime in the Gqeberha area in a new television drama show.

Lufundo is a character in Gqeberha: The Empire, a new South African telenovela set in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape that premiered on Monday, January 16.

This telenovela replaces The Queen, which ended last Friday.

When asked about his role in the show, he told I’solezwe lesiXhosa that, while many people have played police officers on television, he has tried to be unique in every way.

He will play detective Mahlangu, whom he describes as a law-abiding officer.

“Everything related to breaking the law, I fight with all my might to end it, and I don’t even accept a bribe,” Lufundo said of his role.

Lufundo once appeared in an East London-set show about the kidnapping of a child. Kiss of the Justice was the title of that show, which aired on e.tv.

“Even there I was playing the role of a detective investigating the case, we eventually found the perpetrator.”

Lufundo also appeared in the film, Knuckle City, directed by Jahmil XT Qubeka.

He has also performed in several theatre plays, including his own, Tears of the Creatives, which was presented at the Makhanda National Arts Festival.

Lufundo had a good time on Gqeberha: The Empire.

“I am delighted because my dreams have come true. Some of my colleagues there, such as Phila Madlingozi and Ayanda Makayi, I have previously worked with,” said Lufundo, who said he will be representing Mdantsane in Gqeberha: The Empire.

“I feel like I am representing Mdantsane, a place with a lot of talent but is overlooked,” Lufundo explained.

He said that this opportunity came at the perfect time for him, and that he will make his debut on his birthday.

“I don’t know how to express how happy I am. I had the pleasure of working with people I used to watch on TV, which proves that if you don’t get tired of walking in your own lane, your dreams can come true,” Lufundo said.

This actor wants to help young people in Mdantsane who want to work in the film industry.

“I’d like to bring companies that will help develop talent here so that it can be seen. I also want to open a school where children can learn acting for free, as I was helped by the late Michael Lubisi and Abel Sisa Mhlophe, both of whom played important roles in my life,” he said.

Other Eastern Cape actors in Gqeberha: The Empire include Peddie natives, Anele Penny and Toffee Zitshu, Mnoza Melane, Tembinkosi Ngcukana, Lonalimandika Bawuti, and others.

Gqeberha: The Empire airs Monday through Friday at 9pm on Mzansi Magic (channel 161).