Roland Mqwebu (16 January 1941 – 28 August 2015) was a South African actor famous for his role as James Mkhize, an InDuna and mantshingelani (watchman) in the sitcom Emzini Wezinsizwa.[1]

Roland Mqwebu
Born
Roland Bantubonke Mqwebu

16 January 1941
Inanda, South Africa
Died28 August 2015 (age 74)
Durban, South Africa
Occupation(s)Actor, musician, businessman, director,
Years active1960s – 2015
SpousePinky Mqwebu
Children4

Early life edit

Mqwebu was born on January 16, 1941, in Inanda as the third of 13 children. He grew up in a Christian family with actors and singers. He learned how to play the piano and started to record his own songs. He performed as a backup singer for Phuzekhemisi.[2]

Actor edit

Some of Mqwebu's most notable early films were Diamante sir Gefahrlich (1965),[3] uDeliwe (1976) and Shaka Zulu (1986). For Shaka Zulu, he was the assistant director and played the role of Ngomane kaMqoboli, Shaka's friend and the commander of the Mthethwa clan.[1] He is best known[citation needed] for his role as Mkhize, an induna and security guard living in Room 8 of a hostel with Jerry Phele (Thabang Mofokeng), Jabulani Nkosi (Benson Chirwali), Vusi Thanda (Moses Tshawe) and Shadrack Ngema (inyanga uMagubane).

Personal life edit

Mqwebu lived in Belleview Gardens in Durban, South Africa. He married Pinky Mqwebu, a former teacher, and they had four children. One, Lawrencia, works as a content producer on Ukhozi FM.[4]

Death edit

Mqwebu died of kidney failure[5] on 28 August 2015, at the age of 74 at Ethekwini Heart Hospital and Heart Centre.

References edit

  1. ^ a b RDM News Wire. "Minister 'shocked and sad' to hear about death of actor Roland Mqwebu". Times LIVE. Retrieved 2 October 2015.
  2. ^ "Citypress Sunday 10 May 1998 p. 22:". naspers.com. Archived from the original on 27 September 2015. Retrieved 2 October 2015.
  3. ^ Roland Mqwebu at IMDb
  4. ^ Citizen reporter. "Emzini Wezinsizwa's Roland Mqwebu has died". The Citizen. Retrieved 2 October 2015.
  5. ^ Daily Sun. "TV legend Roland Mqwebu has died!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2 October 2015.