Abdul Khoza as Nqoba on The Wife
Warning: Spoilers ahead.
In a sombre turn of events, Abdul Khoza – who plays Nqoba Zulu on The Wife, exits the show.
The flamboyant character is anonymously killed under dubious circumstances in what seems to be a revenge crime against the Zulu family. As one of the notorious Zulu brothers, a loving partner to Mandisa (played by Zikhona Sodlaka) and father of her child, Nqoba is found dead alone in a dim bedroom.
In a previous interview with TRUELOVE, the actor shared how he and the cast members formed relationships off-screen.
“I come from a background of working a lot with a team and with unity. So, even with the brothers, one thing that stands out the most on our show is the brotherhood we have and I’m one of the people that literally encouraged that from day one. I insisted we start a WhatsApp group, that we start hanging out together as brothers, and get to know each other deeper, thoroughly and truthfully so,” he said.
The star also revealed that due to his martial arts training, he was able to perform his own stunts on screen.
Abdul earned a DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Favourite Actor Award in the Favourite Actor category for his role in The Wife and a Golden Horn for Best Supporting Actor in a Telenovela at the South African Film and Television Awards.
The Wife cast share farewell messages as the actor exits the show:
Zikhona Sodlaka - who plays Mandisa
What an incredible opportunity it is to work with such a talented man ... I think our chemistry worked because of how dynamic yet similar our characters are. The one is a female version of the other and vice versa. He is the scene partner I didn’t know I needed. We got to play so much on set.
Nqoba and Mandisa in The Wife.
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Mondli Makhoba - who plays Nkosana
I really enjoyed working with Abdul ... I’m really grateful for the relationship we have, both on and off-set. I think the off-set relationship we had made it easier for the on-screen chemistry. I was lucky to have an opportunity to work with him because of how good he is. It was challenging but a good challenge because he always wanted us to push each other to get better every time. He always wanted us to find better and more artistic ways to do scenes. We were always on our toes because of how good he is.
The Wife Season 1
Supplied by Showmax
Mbalenhle Mavimbela - who plays Hlomu
Oh man! I have so many memories with Abdul but my favourite one was when he jumped on the table to try to reach one of the brothers. That showed how much he cared about Hlomu and Mbali ... Honestly, something that’s very close to my heart is how he used to encourage me in between scenes. When I had challenging or very emotional scenes, he would come to me and speak to me on the side. Just to reassure me that I’m doing well. He would give me tips on how to play a certain part. I think that’s how much he cared and how much he saw my passion. I learnt so much from him; he was fun and made fun. He created that unity. He’s so talented. We love you, Abdul.
Bonko Khoza, Abdul Khoza, Zikhona Sodlaka, Mbalenhle Mavimbela, Khanyi Mbau, Mondli Makhoba, Kwenzo Ngcobo at the launch of The Wife Season 2 at the Greenhouse on 13 February 2022.
Gallo Images
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Sipho Ndlovu - who plays Sambulo
The success of Season 1 was driven by Abdul Khoza. He is one person who made sure that we have unity, and he brought us together. He ensured that we remained one, even off-screen as brothers. This became evident even to the viewers as they started picking up that the brotherhood they see on screen is just as strong off-screen. We attended gigs together, and even when it was only one brother who was booked, we went together to support him. He created that bond among the brothers. He always reminded us to do our best. We will miss all the fun on set, and we appreciate the role he played and also the fact that, while he has been in the industry for a while, he was down to earth. May he continue doing that to other shows.
The Wife
Supplied by Showmax
Kwenzo Ngcobo - who plays Qhawe
We will miss Abdul so much. It was wonderful working with him and there are so many fond memories that are still playing in my mind. He is a great leader and an icon. The fact that I got to share a screen with an actor like him is an honour. What an inspiring man. Working with Abdul taught me so many things.
Thulane Shange - who plays Mqoqi
I’ve got nothing but love for you, my big brother. Working with you has been a very beautiful and an amazing creative journey since the beginning. You know how much I respect and look up to you. The Wife journey might be ending for you but our journey continues until Jesus comes. I know wherever you are, you will keep motivating other actors like me. May it be a good one. Remain humble. I’ve got nothing but love for you.
Swelihle Luthuli - who plays Ntsika
Working with Abdul Khoza on The Wife is something I didn’t expect ... At first I thought maybe he would be like a superstar but he came across as very humble and chilled. He may seem like a hardcore person when you don’t know him but he’s very soft. Him exiting the show made me sad because of the bond we all have. He was like a big brother to me. He would always check up on me and also avail himself for assistance in terms of performance. He’s a person who cares and I will miss him so much.
Abdul moves on to feature in Mzansi Magic’s upcoming historical epic Shaka iLembe among other projects.
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