We always address them by their character names, because their real names are just way too foreign to our tongues.

No matter what new role they play, viewers will always address these actors by their character names

1. Karabo Moroka

Connie Ferguson has been in the industry for more than two decades but some of us still refer to her as Karabo Moroka. No matter how many times people try to correct us, Connie will forever be Karabo, thanks, bye.


2. Archie Moroka

The same applies with Archie Moroka, for the longest of time we didn’t even bother to know who his real name was. Sello who?

3. Sdumo

You would think our entire childhood was a lie the day we found out that Sdumo’s real name was Joe Mafela. The late actor was Sdumo to us, full stop, no arguments.


4. Velaphi

We bet that till this day you do not know what Velaphi’s real name is until you google it.

5. Jack Mabaso

Yeah, Jack Mabaso had a hard time convincing us that his real name is Vusi Kunene. No sir, you’re Jack Mabaso to us No seriously what are these men’s real names? Jack Mabaso.

6. Sophie Ndaba 

In 1994 Sophie Ndaba joined the cast of Generations as Queen Moroka – although the character of Queen may not have always been “Queen Moroka” as she is the sister-in-law of Karabo Moroka – who would also become a legendary character in the South Africa entertainment industry.

7. Sibusiso Dlomo

Menzi Ngubane In 2003 he joined Generations, South Africa’s mainstay soapie which airs on SABC 1. On Generations he plays “Sibusiso Dlomo” a media mogul, patriarch of the Dlomo family, meddling father and former freedom fighter with a questionable past as well as equally questionable integrity. He also played the part of Zola Dube on Soul City.

8. Popaye and Spinach

 EVERY Monday at 8.30pm on SABC1 viewers welcome Popeye (Thulani Didi) and Spinach (Kere Nyawo) in a new Zone 14 episode.

9. David Genaro 

Jamie Bartlett is a well known South African actor best known for his role as the wicked puppet master,David Genaro on Rhythm City that is aired in many African countries such as Kenya, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Cameroon and Ghana

10. Thandaza

In 1997 Sindi Dlathu was cast to portray the character of Nomthandazo “Thandaza” Buthelezi on the then television show, Muvhango, it has been reported that at the time her role was a minor but grew over time to become what is essentially one of the key characters.