Mangaliso from Skeem Saam
His real name is Bongani Masondo and he played the role of Mangaliso on Skeem Saam. Bongani Masondo is a South African actor best known for his starring role as Bafana “Prince” Shabalala in the SABC1 drama series Tshisa, from 2006-2012. Remember ‘Babymaker’ in Skeem Saam on SABC 1 who us to be Lelo Mthiyane’s baby daddy and boyfriend?
Bongani’s talent and acting skills were among some of the reasons the show gained popularity but unfortunately, he left the show.
Speaking to Sowetan in 2017, the talented actor who is also a musician said he decided to end his relationship with Skeem Saam after a contractual dispute this means the show’s producers allegedly failed to agree to his salary demands.
“A lot of things have been happening in the past season and I was not really happy. “My character was featured in almost every part of the storyline and I did not complain about that”, said Masondo.
“When we had to talk about renewing contracts at the end of the season in March, I asked my agent to negotiate a higher salary for me because I was all over the show and I worked really hard, they [the producers] refused,” he said.
“I worked so hard my doctor had to diagnose me with stress because I was overworked and I didn’t get time to rest and I was still expected to be on set after that.”
Masondo also mentioned that he missed out on two opportunities to work on international movies after PEU Communication Solutions, the production company owned by award-winning producer Winnie Serite, didn’t agree to give him time off.
Skeem Saam spokesman Percy Vilakazi confirmed that Masondo had rejected their offer.
“He rejected our offer, wanting a lot more money, which was beyond what the production could afford,” Vilakazi said.
He also said Masondo was not allowed to participate in other projects outside of Skeem Saam due to his role on the soapie.
“He was contractually bound to always be available for Skeem Saam.”
It’s been a while since we last heard from Bongani Masondo and he is no longer active on his social media platforms. Do you also miss him?
