Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
FOR 14 years, the stage lights dimmed on Lucy “Ngcethe” Mhlanga. The Makokoba-bred dancer and thespian, once one of Siyaya Arts’ brightest exports, stepped away from the spotlight after the ensemble collapsed in 2011. What followed was a decade-plus of trying to adjust to a life without the rhythm, movement and storytelling that had shaped her identity since her teens.
But 2025 has been her year of return. Back on stage, back in character, back in the world where she feels most alive, Mhlanga has reclaimed her place with the ease and force of an artist who never truly left.
She was called back by arts doyen Saimon Mambazo Phiri, to join the reboot of the 1996 classic Zwelethu, originally written by the late Mike Sabiko for Siyaya and Nasa Theatre. For Mhlanga, the invitation was more than a casting call, it was a lifeline.
“I joined Siyaya in 2001, as a junior. I graduated into the senior team the following year, and I became among the youngest who toured the world with the ensemble. When the group collapsed in 2011, I also retired from the arts.
“The past 14 years were hard for me because I never did anything that is not arts related in my life. I tried to adjust but things were difficult. So, when I received a call from Mambazo to be part of the cast for Zwelethu at the 50 Dates at the Theatre, I said yes to the initiative and somehow, it has revived my spirit,” she said.
The re-imagined Zwelethu brought her together with fellow veterans, Prisca Mabhena, Nomthandazo Moyo, Richard Masuku, Pride Phiri and the late Desire Moyo, alongside a younger generation of thespians eager to learn from them.
Mhlanga said returning to the rehearsal room was both emotional and restorative.
“Sometimes it was hard and painful to do rehearsals because they brought flashbacks and I could see some of my late friends whom we performed this play together with, long ago. I also believe that this was a healing process for me as I used the artistic undertaking of Zwelethu as a tribute to honour these late thespians, who were part of the original cast.
“These include Mike Sabiko, Tawanda Moyo, Grey Zulu, Thompson Zulu, Nicholas Masuku, Lorraine Shito, Papaya Nkohliso Zulu and Levie Kheswa,” she said.
Set in the fictional African kingdom of Kwandlala, Zwelethu wrestles with themes of power, destiny and legacy. It follows Prince Jahana, restless for the throne and Nomahlubi, his determined sister, whose leadership carries the promise of a brighter future.
For Mhlanga, the revival of such a culturally rich production and the responsibility of guiding younger cast members reaffirmed her purpose in the arts.
Her comeback has not been limited to theatre. She is now embracing on-camera acting, taking on the lead role of Magarita in the hit series Madlela in Makokoba.
Filmed in the real streets of the township where she grew up, the production is soaked in authentic township life — market stalls, gossiping neighbours, hustlers and everyday drama that mirrors the pulse of Makokoba.
“I met Madlela at the burial of our brother Ishmael Muvingi. He came to me with a proposal of working together and I agreed to it. After some time, he called and said we’re now ready to shoot the production and I took the opportunity with both hands.
“It wasn’t easy to adjust and act in front of the camera for the first time. But, because I played a character that I always see every day, doing it became easy day by day. I also enjoyed acting with young people on the series. The future of our industry is in safe hands,” she said.
Her character, Magarita, a resilient street vendor raising her children against the odds, reflects the grit and heart of countless women in high-density communities across Zimbabwe.
Born on 12 May 1984, Mhlanga attended Lotshe Primary and Sobukhazi Secondary School before joining Siyaya’s junior ensemble in 2001. By 2002 she had risen to the senior group, fast becoming one of its most travelled performers. Her artistry has taken her across Africa, Europe and North America, including tours in the UK, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Canada and the United States.
