Dawn Thandeka King and Baby Cele are two female powerhouses that are keeping South Africans glued to their screens as they play bold, confident and no-nonsense women on popular soapy Uzalo. On screen their characters hardly cross paths, but off-screen they are like sisters.
By: Ayanda Sitole
Baby Cele: My character Gabisile is over- the-top, bossy and very much a busy body. She’s hyper and wants to take over everything, while in person I’m the complete opposite. In fact my character reminds me more of my sister.
Dawn: I could never have been anything else either than an actress. I was an entertainer at home as a child. I would act, direct, produce shows with my siblings and cousins, as well as fashions shows just to entertain my family.
Baby Cele: My favorite character that I’ve played so far is Sarafina’s teacher ‘Mistress’. It opened many doors for my career. When we traveled to New York in America, people would stop us in the streets and take pictures. I was a teenager then and it taught me humility .
Dawn: My favorite movie is Diary of a Mad Black Woman, actress Kimberly Ellis is an amazing actress. In the movie she showed strength in a story that all women can identify with. My character Lindiwe Xulu on Uzalo is also a strong woman. Although the things she does are bad. She does everything out of love for her family.
Dawn: One of my favorite all-time actresses is Baby Cele because she is amazing and has humility. There is a lot that I learn from her and one of the things is humility. She is focused, strong and has a work ethic and humility that I admire. It makes her a strong force.
Baby Cele: Showbiz is not easy. I went to the memorial of Siyasanga Kobese who died in an a car accident with Akhumzi Jezile. I realised that for me to have staying power is a blessing because God has kept me alive. I have so much to be grateful for.
