Most of us fell in love with her when she played her award-winning role, Zodwa, on DSTV’s Gomora.
Sannah Mchunu is back on our screens as Matron Lulu, a strict boarding school matron who means business when it comes to disciplining mischievous school kids.
In Youngins, a teen drama series set in the fictional boarding school called Olifantsfontein High, viewers will follow the tumultuous yet exciting lives of five learners known as the "famous five". Their journey includes navigating through the challenges of boarding school while grappling with the obstacles thrown their way by the adults in their lives.
Sannah says she was very happy when she got the call saying the role of Matron Lulu was hers after taking a chance and auditioning.
“Matron Lulu is a very strict person, she has been working at the school for over 20 years and loves discipline,” she says.
But here's the twist - Matron Lulu harbours a significant void in her private life, adding a layer of complexity to her character.
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The actress encourages fans to tune in to the Tshedza Pictures’ teen drama as it shows parents what kids get up to when they are sent off to boarding school, away from their watchful eye.
We asked Mchunu about the dynamics of working with a predominantly young cast and how her relationship with them has taken form throughout the production of the series.
As a mother herself, she has quite the experience of dealing with younger generations.
“We dance together on set, and I give them advice on how they should focus on their studies and work hard so that they can grow up to be respected individuals.”
The mother of seven says juggling parenthood with her acting career is no small feat. She always wants to know what’s going on in her children’s lives and fights hard to ensure that they are well taken care of.
Acting, like any profession, has its highs and lows.
“It gets really quiet at times and when that happens, I knock on closed doors and reach out to everyone I can think of.”
She says she fights the way she does because she wants to be a good example to her children and be a testament to them that if they push through when the going gets tough, nothing can defeat them.
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The DSTV Mzansi Viewer’s Choice Award winner has faced a lot of challenges throughout her life. From teenage pregnancy at the age of fourteen to returning home after her marriage ended, she reflects on her resilience. “It’s true when they say you shouldn’t write a person off in life.”
Despite all the challenges she went through and starting off her acting career later in life, Sannah's success is a testament to her unwavering determination.
Looking towards the future, Sannah Mchunu expresses her love for trying new things, and hints at her desire to portray diverse characters, from a criminal to a crazy old lady or even a granny prostitute.
Viewers can expect the actress to bring her signature passion and authenticity to the intriguing character of Matron Lulu.
Youngins premieres on Shomax on Monday, February 12.
