A quiet truth from a familiar face
For many South Africans, Hlomla Dandala is not just an actor. He is a constant presence. A familiar voice, a steady face, someone who has carried local stories with dignity for decades. That is why his recent reflections on his time on Isidingo have landed with such weight.
Speaking candidly, Dandala revealed that his experience on the long-running soap was marked by discrimination and deep isolation. Despite being part of a show that would become a household name, he says he often felt alone and unsupported on set. It is not an easy admission from someone so respected in the industry.
Life on set was not what viewers imagined
At the time, Isidingo was celebrated for its ambition and reach. It pushed boundaries in storytelling and became one of South Africa’s most watched television shows. But behind the scenes, Dandala’s reality was far removed from the glossy image on screen.
He explained that he was treated differently and left to navigate the environment on his own. There was no sense of belonging, no safety net, and no meaningful support. For an actor still building his career, the experience was emotionally taxing and left a lasting impression.
Why this story still matters today
Dandala’s comments have sparked strong reactions online, with many South Africans expressing sadness, anger, and solidarity. On social media, fans and fellow creatives have praised him for speaking out, especially at a time when conversations around workplace culture in the arts are gaining momentum.
What makes his story particularly powerful is its timing. South Africa’s film and television industry has made visible strides since the early days of Isidingo, but Dandala’s experience is a reminder that progress often comes at a personal cost. Many actors of his generation endured similar challenges quietly, with little room to speak openly.
The full conversation is found on the Inside Story Network YouTube channel. Posted 22 Jan 2026
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A broader reflection on the industry
Looking back, Dandala’s experience offers a lens into how exclusion and discrimination were normalised in certain professional spaces. His honesty does not come across as bitterness. Instead, it feels like an attempt to add truth to the history of local television.
Today, he stands as one of the country’s most accomplished actors, with a career that has outgrown any single role or production. His story reframes Isidingo not just as a landmark show, but as part of a learning curve for an industry that is still evolving.
In sharing how alone he felt, Hlomla Dandala has opened the door for deeper conversations about respect, support, and accountability in South African entertainment. It is a reminder that the stories behind the screen matter just as much as the ones we watch.
Source:Â Briefly News
Featured Image:Â News24