Mzansi TV has always been home to some of South Africa’s most talented and beloved actors, with shows that capture the essence of the nation’s culture, politics, and daily life. But the entertainment industry is not without its controversies, and over the years, a few prominent actors have fallen from grace due to personal scandals, professional setbacks, or career shifts. While many South African stars have successfully weathered public scrutiny, some may have crossed lines that make it unlikely for them to ever appear on Mzansi TV again. In this article, we take a deep dive into why Musa Mthombeni, Smangele Mathibeli, Candice Derman, Chris Beasley, Thuso Mbedu, and Atandwa Kani may never again be seen on South African television.

1. Musa Mthombeni: From TV Presenter to Controversial Figure

Musa Mthombeni, a popular television presenter and former child star, rose to fame through his work on SABC 3’s “Expresso” and his well-loved presence on social media. He was admired for his quirky charm, energy, and passion for broadcasting, quickly becoming a household name. However, in recent years, Musa’s career has been marred by controversial comments and public arguments with fellow celebrities, especially on social media.

Mthombeni’s alleged insensitive remarks on topics ranging from race relations to gender-based violence sparked outrage among his fans and colleagues. Despite multiple apologies and attempts to repair his image, many TV networks and brands distanced themselves from him due to his behavior, fearing that the backlash could negatively impact their reputation.

Although Musa’s popularity hasn’t completely faded, his involvement in multiple public spats and his declining TV appearances suggest that his time in the spotlight might be over. The shift in South African audiences’ attitudes toward issues like accountability, gender respect, and professionalism makes it unlikely that Musa Mthombeni will return to mainstream TV anytime soon, unless he goes through a significant public rebranding.

2. Smangele Mathibeli: The Star Who Couldn’t Shake Her Scandals

Smangele Mathibeli, a once-promising actress best known for her roles on popular soap operas like “Uzalo” and “Generations: The Legacy”, became embroiled in allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement that have severely impacted her career. Mathibeli was accused of embezzling funds from a production company she worked with, leading to a major fallout in her professional life.

While she was beloved for her on-screen talent, the financial scandal left a stain on her reputation. The backlash from fans and fellow actors forced her to take a step back from television, and her absence from the screen became more pronounced as the years went by. Despite attempts to return to acting, the damage to her public image and the growing focus on transparency in the South African entertainment industry have made it highly unlikely that Smangele Mathibeli will return to Mzansi TV.

Her case remains a reminder of how sensitive the TV industry is to financial scandals, with companies and networks now more cautious than ever before about the public personas of the actors they employ.

3. Candice Derman: The Actress Who Stepped Away from the Spotlight

Candice Derman, best known for her role in “The Queen” and several other hit shows, was once one of the most sought-after actresses in South Africa. However, Candice made the decision to leave the entertainment industry after burnout and personal struggles led her to reevaluate her priorities. The actress, who had long been known for her dedication to her craft, decided to take a break from the high demands of television work in order to focus on her mental and emotional well-being.

Candice’s decision to step away was widely respected, but it also meant that she gradually faded from the public eye. While some fans hoped for her return, Candice Derman’s choice to pursue other ventures, including writing and entrepreneurship, has significantly reduced her involvement in TV. With fewer roles and a shift away from acting, it’s unlikely that Candice will return to the screen in a significant way. She has clearly chosen to prioritize her personal life, and at this point, a comeback on Mzansi TV seems highly improbable.

4. Chris Beasley: The Rising Star Who Fell Into Legal Trouble

Chris Beasley, known for his roles on “Isidingo” and “Rhythm City”, was once seen as a promising young talent with a bright future in the South African television industry. However, his career took a dramatic turn after he became involved in a legal scandal involving alleged assault and public intoxication.

In 2021, Beasley was arrested and charged following a highly publicized incident where he was accused of assaulting a woman at a popular Johannesburg nightclub. The case was widely reported, and Beasley’s involvement in the controversy led to an immediate fallout from the public and from production companies. Several shows from which he had previously earned roles quickly dropped him, and the actor faced legal battles that affected his ability to work.

Despite attempts to apologize and make amends, the nature of the charges against him and the highly negative media coverage has made it extremely unlikely that Chris Beasley will return to TV anytime soon. The South African TV industry, especially in the wake of movements like #MeToo and #AmINext, is quick to distance itself from actors involved in serious allegations of assault and misconduct.

5. Thuso Mbedu: The International Breakthrough Star Who Left Mzansi TV Behind

Thuso Mbedu, one of South Africa’s most internationally recognized stars, gained widespread acclaim for her role in the Emmy-nominated “The Underground Railroad”. Her performance earned her accolades and propelled her into the international spotlight, especially in Hollywood. However, Thuso’s growing fame abroad and her increasing number of global acting opportunities have significantly reduced her time on South African screens.

While Thuso’s departure from Mzansi TV is not due to scandal, it is simply a result of her success in the international arena. As her career flourishes overseas, the demands of international projects have left her with limited availability for local shows. Thuso Mbedu has openly expressed her desire to focus on more global opportunities, and as her Hollywood career continues to rise, it seems unlikely that she will return to South African TV any time soon.

For Thuso Mbedu, it’s a matter of moving on to bigger and more prestigious projects, and while her departure from the local scene is bittersweet for her South African fans, it’s a testament to her incredible talent and ability to thrive internationally.

6. Atandwa Kani: The Actor Who Chose His Family Over Fame

Atandwa Kani, known for his roles in “The Road”, “The Queen”, and other popular series, is another actor whose career has experienced a sharp decline. Atandwa, the son of legendary actor John Kani, once had a bright future in the South African entertainment industry, but in recent years, his absence from the screen has raised questions.

The main reason for Atandwa’s reduced visibility on Mzansi TV is his shift in focus to family and theatrical pursuits. In 2020, Atandwa announced that he would be taking a step back from television acting in order to focus on his personal life, including spending more time with his father and pursuing projects in theater. His decision to step away from the limelight, combined with the limited roles available for him on South African TV, has led many to speculate that Atandwa Kani’s time in television may be over for the foreseeable future.

While Atandwa continues to be active in the theater scene, his absence from TV dramas and soap operas has left fans wondering if he’ll ever return to the small screen.

Conclusion: Why We Might Never See Them Again on Mzansi TV

The absence of Musa Mthombeni, Smangele Mathibeli, Candice Derman, Chris Beasley, Thuso Mbedu, and Atandwa Kani from Mzansi TV speaks to a broader trend in South African entertainment—where personal actions, career choices, and public perceptions have a significant impact on an actor’s future in the industry. While some of these actors may one day make a comeback, it’s clear that their paths to returning to Mzansi TV are clouded by personal controversies, changing priorities, or legal troubles.

In an age where audiences are demanding more from their celebrities in terms of accountability, professionalism, and transparency, the consequences of their actions (or inactions) often have lasting effects on their careers. While South Africa’s TV industry is as dynamic as ever, these actors may have reached a point where their future on the small screen is uncertain—if not completely closed.