EVEN though she was part of a big production such as The Lion King for more than five years, actress Brenda Mhlongo reveals that she was quite nervous when she joined Generations – The Legacy.
ON HER ON-SCREEN HUSBAND
“At first, it was really scary, especially acting alongside legends such as Rapulana Seiphemo and Vusi Kunene,” admits the woman who plays Jack Mabaso’s wife, Nandi. However, that anxiety is now a thing of the past and she is feeling right at home on one of South Africa’s biggest soapies. “I’m having the time of my life and my colleagues have been very helpful,” she proudly says. Brenda says her on-screen husband has helped her become a great actress. “Vusi helps shape me as an actress. He also helps with my Zulu dialect,” she explains.
THE EFFECT OF HER CAREER ON FAMILY LIFE
The 35-year-old reveals that she’s not new to acting but she has not been very visible in local showbiz. She’s been working in productions around the world and has been acting since she was 16 years old. She mentions Disney’s Hong Kong, America on Broadway, and The Lion
King which saw her touring North America before returning home. She says her career has had an effect on her personal life, especially because she is a mother. “Motherhood has been very challenging since I was touring and had to leave my children for a while, but now we have become really close. I enjoy that I’m best friends with all of my three children. We do things together like shopping, praying, fasting and since they are so fashion forward, they keep me trendy,” she reveals.
RECIPE FOR A LASTING MARRIAGE
Brenda has been married for almost two decades. She tied the knot when she was merely 16 years old. She, however, admits that it has not been a walk in the park. “Like most marriages, we have our ups and downs. It’s definitely not smooth sailing. We always compromise so that things work for both of us. The core which is love and respect sustains our marriage,” she says. With so many years of marriage to give her boasting rights, Brenda is very modest about it when we ask for advice. “There’s no recipe for marriage. What works for me might not necessarily work for the next person,” she says.