PICTURE: INSTAGRAM/@SIPHESIHLEVAZI
SABC1’s Amalanga Awafani is welcoming a new face while bringing back a familiar one, with actor and presenter Siphesihle Vazi joining the cast and Melusi Yeni reprising his role as Reginald Gumede.
Also see: ‘Amalanga Awafani’ welcomes new faces to the series
According to The Citizen, Siphesihle joins the telenovela as Dr Thokozane Jobe, a confident and ambitious medical professional whose arrival is set to add a new layer of drama to Stha’s storyline. He makes his debut on Monday, 24 August.
Siphesihle Vazi joins Amalanga Awafani
Dr Thokozane initially enters Stha’s (played by Amandla Dladla) life as her doctor, but their relationship soon develops beyond the professional boundaries of a doctor-patient relationship.
The pair become romantically drawn to each other, but viewers may soon discover that Thokozane is not quite the charming and supportive love interest he appears to be.
His confident exterior hides a controlling streak, potentially putting Stha in a complicated situation as their relationship develops, reports News24.
Siphesihle said he feels “incredibly blessed” to be joining the popular SABC1 drama after years of working with the public broadcaster.
“I’ve been incredibly blessed to grow within the SABC1 family, from my Selimathunzi days, to producing my own show She Is DJ, and now joining one of the most loved shows on the channel,” he told News24.
The actor and presenter previously hosted Selimathunzi for more than five years and also presented the Weekend Gig Guide on Ukhozi FM.
Siphesihle said he was particularly excited about the conversations his character’s storyline could generate, as Dr Thokozane’s story touches on parental and step-parent rights.
He also expressed his gratitude to Stained Glass, the production company behind Amalanga Awafani, for giving him the opportunity.
Also see: Melusi Yeni part of new telenovela ‘Amalanga Awafani’
Melusi Yeni returns as Reginald Gumede
While viewers prepare to meet Siphesihle’s new character, Amalanga Awafani is also bringing back one of its familiar stars.
Melusi has returned as Reginald Gumede, a character viewers previously believed was dead.
According to The Citizen, Reginald’s return on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, has raised questions about what happened to him and where he has been all this time. His comeback is also expected to reopen old wounds and disrupt the lives of his son and the Dumas.
His unexpected appearance comes at a crucial point in the drama, with several characters already dealing with secrets and complicated family relationships.
The dead have a way of coming back with unfinished business… 👀
After everyone believed Gumede was gone for good, Melusi Yeni makes a shock return to #AmalangaAwafani.
But where has uGumede been all this time… and what is he coming back for? 👀 pic.twitter.com/G24UmAXB23
— AmalangaAwafanisabc1 (@Amalanga_SABC1) August 19, 2026
What to expect from Season 2
The second season of Amalanga Awafani continues to follow twins Sabelo and Thembi as they attempt to rebuild their lives after losing their wealth and returning to Johannesburg.
Sabelo is focused on reviving his music career while trying to repair his relationship with Kenosi, while Stha’s growing celebrity profile is pushing her towards bigger ambitions.
At the same time, Sugarbasin’s increasingly dangerous decisions continue to put his family at risk, while the Dumas are forced to confront secrets from their past.
With Dr Thokozane’s arrival and Reginald’s shock return, the drama is set to become even more complicated for the show’s characters.
Amalanga Awafani airs Monday to Friday at 6.30pm on SABC1 and is also available on SABC Plus.
Also see: SABC1 launches new telenovela ‘Amalanga Awafani’
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