Serene queen Susan

Maumela Mahuwa is quite comfortable as royal wife Susan, seemingly the only voice of reason in Thathe’s royal house.

- EMILE BUTLER-O’BRIEN

For more than 25 years, Susan Mukwevho (Maumela Mahuwa) has been a loyal first wife and the biggest supporter of her philandering businessman husband Chief Azwindini (Gabriel Temudzani). When something goes wrong for Azwindini, Susan is at his side. If the royal house is in chaos, Susan stands up and takes care of the family. It’s not just because Susan works as a nurse that she cares and heals. It’s her personality, says Maumela, whose character is once again at Azwindini’s side during another public scandal.

In mid November, Azwindini found out that his youngest wife Mpho (Azwi Rambuda) is pregnant and the father is his biggest enemy Tenda (Nat Ramabulana). “Azwindini is in dark place and he can’t sleep at night, so he turns to his first wife, the wife he trusts most, and asks her for advice,” explains Maumela. “Anyone who offends Susan’s husband, offends her,” says Maumela. “Mpho knows that she is in trouble and that she has brought shame to the royal family.” Once again, it falls to Super Susan to try clean up.

GETTING TO WORK

“This is a very difficult situation for the family,” admits Maumela. “It needs to be dealt with care. Susan has always been the voice of reason in the royal house, and she now has to rely on her calm skills to defuse the situation. Azwindini shockingly tells Susan that he wants to murder Mpho this fortnight for her betrayal, but Susan talks him out of such a desperate act.” Susan quietly calls a meeting to discuss the baby situation and the way forward.