Actress Gabisile Tshabalala shared details about her participation in the second season of the series 'Inimba', explaining why her new, outspoken persona reminds her of her youth.
After making an impact in productions such as 'Scandal!', 'Losing Lerato', 'Love, Sex and 30 Candles', and most recently 'Muvhango', Gabisile Tshabalala joins 'Inimba' with a character who, according to her, resembles a younger version of herself.
The actress plays Tokozile, the older sister of Zeta (played by Mpumiye Huzwayo), and her return to Cosmo City promises to be far from ordinary. Tokozile unexpectedly reappears in the lives of her mother and sister after breaking up with her truck driver boyfriend and avoiding responsibility for a long time, while Zeta is preparing to become a mother.
Although she returns to reconnect with her family, her sudden appearance affects many people's lives. Speaking about the reasons for choosing this role, Tshabalala noted that she instantly felt a connection with Tokozile because the character reminded her of her youth.
She described Tokozile as someone who says what she thinks without overthinking—a freedom she admits she no longer has in real life. The actress stated: 'I like how cheerful she is. She speaks out and says things we usually keep inside so as not to hurt anyone, especially because I cannot behave that way in real life. She reminds me of my younger self when we were so carefree and could speak without offending anyone.'
However, beneath Tokozile's loud nature lies a person carrying an emotional burden. Tshabalala explained that she approached this side of the role by considering how many people hide their pain behind a smile, which she does in the role of a mother. This balance between humor and vulnerability became the foundation of her acting.
'The character is like a social media post where you show people what you want them to see,' commented Tshabalala. She also reported that the adaptation within the 'Inimba' family went smoother than expected. Regardless of whether she worked with familiar faces or met actors for the first time, she emphasized that the set immediately felt welcoming. Tshabalala said: 'It didn't feel like a new place; it felt like home, both for those I had worked with before and for those I met for the first time.'
Regarding the future development of the plot, viewers should not expect Tokozile's arrival to be peaceful. According to Tshabalala, her character will bring 'laughter, love, and a lot of chaos,' promising many exciting moments as she returns to family life. She also believes that Tokozile is a character that not all viewers will agree with.
Some will love her, while others may enjoy her frustration. Tshabalala compared her to the media personality Zodwa Bantu, noting that she lives life on her own terms, unconcerned with the opinions of others. 'I can compare her to the musical artist Zodwa Bantu, whom I love. Some people don't like her, and some like to hate her, but she doesn't care. She doesn't harm anyone and just enjoys a free life, making unintentional mistakes, but remaining pure and true to herself. Tokozile is the same.'
The series 'Inimba' airs weekdays from Monday to Friday on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) at 20:30.
