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Mbulelo Mpofu, Online Reporter
Zimbabwe-born actor, Ernest Phosa Ndlovu is the latest addition on etv’s recently-introduced drama series, House of Zwide.

He is by no means a stranger to the entertainment scene since his early acting days in South African soapie Generations alongside the legendary David Phetoe who helped him land the role. Phetoe, who died in 2018, starred on the soapie as Paul Moroka, father to Karabo (played by Connie Ferguson), Archie, (played by Sello Maake ka Ncube) and Busang (played by Arthur Molepo) .

Ndlovu was to return to Generations years later as Vukani Khoza, father to Zamani and Ajax.

In June, etv released a statement giving a sneak preview of the stellar cast that viewers had to expect from the soapie that replaced Rhythm City and there was no mention of Ndlovu. Even on the teasers, no one would guess Ndlovu would grace the new show. We were completely caught off guard on this one.

The television station surely knows all about suspense and keeping the best for the last. In its embryonic life, the drama series has been a hit among Zimbabweans who enjoy South African soapies.

Starring as Zechariah, father to the fashion guru, Funani Zwide (played by veteran actor Vusumuzi Michael Kunene), Ernest’s robust character is displayed as he is portrayed as a thick-headed father figure who demands the unreasonable out of his son. The audience does not know yet how long he will appear on the drama series, but with a career spanning decades, Ndlovu’s longevity and experience in the industry is unrivalled.

Before House of Zwide, the actor appeared on a plethora of television productions including Isibaya, Rhythm City, Roots, Umlilo, Izingane zobaba, Isono, Home Affairs and Generations. This has made Ernest a patriarchal figure to newcomers in the industry and the 67-year-old is not showing any signs of stopping.

Irrespective of the type of character that he may be given, Ernest has a tendency to seamlessly blend and own the character. Only God knows what the future holds for arguably the best talent that Zimbabwe has exported to the rainbow nation.  — @eMKlass_49