Online Reporter
Durban-born actor and performer Sihle Chiliza is the newest face joining the hit SABC1 telenovela Amalanga Awafani and his role as Prince Melizwe Manqele, is already stirring excitement and curiosity.
The storyline takes viewers deep into the Zulu royal kingdom of eNhlanhleni, where Thembi (played by Nonsikelelo Mthiyane) finds herself caught in an arranged marriage with a prince hiding his own secrets.
For Chiliza, the call to play Melizwe was more than just another acting gig. It was a moment of pride and disbelief.
“I really didn’t know how to respond because my heart started beating differently,” he told Sunday World. “My emotions were all over the place. But I was so proud of myself that I managed to bag this role.”
Role took a lot out of his character
Stepping into the shoes of a royal character came with both depth and challenge. While Chiliza shares some traits with Melizwe — humility, kindness and a strong sense of family — he admits the role pushed him far beyond his comfort zone.
“The toughest part was playing a character whose sexuality is different from mine. It was way out of my comfort zone as a straight man. I had a lot of questions like, ‘Would I be able to do it?’ But I reminded myself: ‘Sihle, you’re a professional actor, you studied hard for this. So please don’t back down.”
Melizwe’s character arc explores themes of duty, love and self-acceptance within a royal framework. As the only heir to the Manqele throne, the prince carries the weight of tradition and expectation.
“I had to go back and learn how abantu basemakhaya baphila kanjani — how rural people live,” he explains. “Being the only heir comes with a lot of pressure and sacrifices. You don’t get to make your own decisions. You get orders from your father, the king and the council.”
But audiences will soon see a side of Melizwe they don’t expect. — Online
