Tributes pour in for Uzalo actress Gugu Gumede

Uzalo actress Gugu Gumede has reportedly taken a break from the telenovela after her mother, National Freedom Party (NFP) leader Zanele KaMagwaza-Msibi, died on Monday.

KaMagwaza-Msibi died of cardiac arrest linked to Covid-19 after being admitted to Umhlanga Hospital in Durban two weeks ago. She had suffered a major stroke in 2014, that placed her in a coma for a few days and affected her speech.

The actress plays the role of Hlengiwe Mlambo in the SABC 1 telenovela.

“Gugu loves her mother. She took care of her since she suffered a stroke until she died. As she had to be hands-on preparing for her funeral, she decided to take a break,” said one source.

One of her colleagues said the actress did not go to work on Monday.

“Everyone knows how Gugu respected her mother. She always spoke good things about her. But, we believe she is resting in peace as she suffered a lot after the stroke,” said the colleague.

Gugu asked for privacy.

“I ask you nicely to give me some privacy as we are mourning and preparing a great send-off for my beautiful and wonderful mother,” she said.

Uzalo spokeswoman Nomfundo Zondi said that she cannot comment as Gugu is in the trying time.”I can’t confirm or deny anything, let’s give Gugu the privacy that she deserves,” said Nomfundo on Gugu’s alleged Uzalo break.