Muvhango allegedly lied about Chief Azwindini (Gabriel Temudzani) leaving the show

The viewers of one of SABC 2 longest-running soapies Muvhango were put through the wringer this past week. This is as the fans of the beloved TshiVenda soapie were tasked with bidding farewell to one of the beloved and longest-running characters in the world of the story as Gabriel Temudzani as Azwindini was marking his exit from the soapie.

As reported following the formal statement by the soapie and the channel:

Gabriel Temudzani…has been with the soapie since 2000 as Azwindini Mukwevho. Introduced as the eldest son of the late chief, for over two decades the county has seen the Chief of Thathe claim, fall from grace and reclaim his chieftaincy.

While his character has been a signpost of the soapie. Similar to his fiction and real-life love story with vho-Susan actress Maumela Mahuwa. It seems that viewers will have to bid their final farewell to the character and the actor as SABC 2 has confirmed his exit.

Azwindini’s Gabriel Temudzani leaving Muvhango after 23 years

SABC 2 released the official statement confirming the exit of the Great Chief of Thathe Azwindini Mukwevho, played by Gabriel Temudzani, after 23 years of playing the beloved character. This comes after the story was broken by entertainment commentator Phil Mphela.

But it seems that all of the week’s furore over his exit might have been to up views while playing a ruse on viewers. This is as it seems that Gabriel did not leave the world of the story and is set to make an imminent return to Muvhango in the future.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM MUVHANGO

The Chief dies.

Funeral to be held later this month. https://t.co/A13mxulrGe pic.twitter.com/oogRAllatD

— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) May 8, 2023

#Muvhango: Actor Chief Azwindini’s fall from grace

The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in many job losses, causing increased strain on people’s physical and mental health – specifically on men, according to studies.

Studies show that men’s self-esteem takes a hit when they lose their jobs, because their jobs and ability to provide for the family are often a major part of how they define themselves.

Studies further show that there is often a feeling of shame, worry about how others might view them, questioning of purpose, or feeling as though they are letting the family down.

Word of Mouth Pictures and Muvhango series writer, Herbert Hadebe, said it is against this background that Muvhango has decided to use Azwindini‘ s character to put a spotlight on the dynamics of power shifts in its storyline.

Hadebe said the focus will be around Azwindini’s fall from grace to help viewers understand, humanize and sympathise with the many ways people experience hardships. In the storyline, Azwindini finds his comfortable life disrupted when he loses his chieftainship, his wife to his enemy, social standing, and is reduced to the lower life.

Along with entertaining and educating viewers, Hadebe says social-issue stories help tackle day-to-day issues.

“This helps the audience experience what the characters are going through in as close to real-time as we can get, ” he said.Muvhango believes the impact is always stronger with a character the audience knows and loves.

“Many viewers love Azwindini. It will be richer and more fulfilling for them to take the journey with him,” said Habede.

Gabriel Temudzani, who plays Azwindini, said the storyline has hit home as he has also hit hard times in his personal life.”I can relate with what

Azwindini is going through right now. For a man, a husband, and a father to go through this is very painful. Such situations are a big test to the character. I hope men will learn a thing or two from Azwindini’s resilience,” said Gabriel.