Television viewers, particularly those from the Zulu tribe, are unhappy with Ntando Duma’s casting on Shaka Ilembe. Shaka Ilembe will showcase the Zulu history detailing what happened during those times. Production-wise, it will be a ground-breaking epic series that will be edutainment.
Ntando Duma was named as one of the cast members of the show. She will play the role of Bhibhi KaSompisi,, theth wife of King Sompisi. Since Ntando Duma can’t speak the IsiZulu language fluently, there are concerns she might ruin the storyline.
People of the Zulu tribe pride themselves on their culture and languages. If a figure that can’t even pronounce words correctly is given such importance, it will taint the story.
Tweeps aren’t just unimpressed with her casting; some say even her acting is horrible. Many times in the past, viewers of a few shows weren’t happy with Ntando being cast. When she was playing the role of Mpho Sebata on The Queen, viewers of the show said she looked like she was holding back laughter.
Many people agreed on social media that Ntando is better off as a presenter and not an actress. As a presenter, she has great energy and keeps viewers entertained. She receives no complaints on that side of her career. Many tweeps said Ntando doesn’t need the talent to be cast on Shaka Ilembe as she has beauty and followers on social media. According to the tweeps, that’s all you need to make it in the media space. Tweeps said she has the pretty privilege and follower privilege.
After many people asked why they didn’t Shaka Ilembe look for native IsiZulu speakers in KwaZulu Natal, some threatened not to watch it. Some said the casting is mediocre, and they’d rather watch the old Skaka Zulu dramas. Perhaps Ntando Duma will learn to speak IsiZulu more fluently to blend in with the role. She had to audition and be approved for an actor to be cast.
