Netflix’s The Polygamist stars Gugu Gumede and S’Dumo Mtshali open up on CNN African Voices about fame, acting, typecasting and advocating better protection for actors
CNN African Voices Features The Polygamist Stars Gugu Gumede and S’Dumo Mtshali
Power couple on Netflix’s hit telenovela The Polygamist, Gugu Gumede and S’Dumo Mtshali, will take centre stage this week on CNN International’s African Voices, sponsored by digital telecommunications company, Globacom.
The special 30-minute episode features the South African stars discussing their rise in the entertainment industry, the realities of fame and the evolving challenges confronting actors across Africa, while reflecting on their roles in the acclaimed 22-episode drama series.
The Polygamist follows the turbulent life of an unfaithful husband whose actions plunge his family into the emotional complexities of polygamy. The series explores betrayal, deception and the devastating consequences of infidelity, chronicling how a once seemingly perfect marriage unravels amid mounting intrigue and family conflict.
Speaking with CNN anchor Larry Madowo in Johannesburg, Gumede and Mtshali share personal insights into their careers, recounting the obstacles they have overcome in the competitive film industry. The conversation also delves into issues such as typecasting, managing public attention and their advocacy for stronger protections and improved welfare for actors.
Gugu Gumede, 34, who portrayed Joyce Gomora in The Polygamist, trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. She is widely recognised for her performances as Mandisa in Generations, one of South Africa’s longest-running television dramas, and as the prophetess Mamlambo in Uzalo, the country’s most-watched television series.
Her co-star, S’Dumo Mtshali, 43, played Jonasi Gomora in the telenovela. He rose to prominence after winning the SABC1 reality talent competition Class Act in 2010, a breakthrough that earned him his first lead role in the drama series Intersexions later that year.
Since then, Mtshali has built an impressive acting portfolio with appearances in productions including Inside Story (2011), Avenged (2013), iNumber Number: Jozi Gold (2023), Back of the Moon and The 4 of Us (2025), cementing his place among South Africa’s leading screen talents.
The special double-feature episode premieres on CNN International on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. on DStv Channel 401. It will be repeated the same day at 11:00 a.m., on Sunday at 3:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., on Monday at 3:00 a.m. and 5:45 p.m., and on Tuesday at 5:45 p.m. Additional repeat broadcasts are scheduled for the following weekend, including Saturday at 7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., Sunday at 3:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and Monday at 3:00 a.m.
