Tyson Mathonsi, the new heartthrob on SABC2's popular soapie Muvhango, has a story that will resonate with many South Africans.
His journey to fame is one of resilience, passion, and overcoming adversity. Mathonsi, who plays the character of Sakhile, the son of Dr Nonhlanhla Ximba (played by Leleti Khumalo) and Avhatakali Ramabulana (played by Lloyd Nedohe), has just returned to find his parents navigating the difficult waters of his father's infidelity.
The young actor, hailing from Esikhawini in KwaZulu-Natal, recently spoke to Daily Sun about his journey into the world of acting and the challenges he faced along the way.
"I always say acting found me due to circumstances," he shared.
Mathonsi's story is one that many South Africans can relate to, as he candidly revealed that he and his mother were once homeless in Cape Town.
"My mum and I were once homeless in Cape Town, and at the time, I went to a community theatre because there was a shelter where we would sleep. There, we played sport and did musical theatre. I ended up playing for a rugby development team and got chosen to play for a team back home in KZN and that’s how we got back home from Cape Town," he explained.
Despite his passion for rugby, Mathonsi never abandoned his love for theatre.
"Even though I played rugby, which was what I loved at the time, I still did musical theatre. Throughout my school years, I'd get scholarships because I played rugby. When I got to grade 11, I was injured so I had to stop playing. I went back to doing theatre and I think God led me back into that path. Then, I studied film and TV post matric,” he said.
Mathonsi's acting career began with his first big role in the television series Isipho in 2019. However, his joy was short-lived as the show was cancelled soon after he landed the role.
"Isipho was my first big gig but as soon as I got the contract and my character taking off, they cancelled the show. I was sad. I did Grassroots and some shows. But I never got anything as solid as what I did in Isipho. Fast forward, I got The Queen, which was a month-long gig. Then, DiepCity which was for three months. But all those shows got me some movement and I started getting MTV Shuga Down South."
It was MTV Shuga Down South that truly propelled Mathonsi into the spotlight.
"Shuga was my breakout role where people could see my work. It was a huge transition. Then, I was in Sibongile & the Dlaminis, which I’m still in," he said.
Mathonsi's character in Muvhango, Sakhile, is set to bring some excitement to the show.
"He’s a private school kid who grew up in school more than at home. But he’s not too much of a flashy kid, he studied in the UK and studied construction because his parents are on that career path. He’s in line to take over and is navigating relationships with his mum and dad," Mathonsi shared.
