Gugu Gumede Shares Why She Loves Playing Phumelela Dube
OkMzansi | 02.07.2026 17:23
South African actress Gugu Gumede has opened up about what she loves most about her new character, Phumelela Dube, in eGagasini: Waves of Change.
The new drama recently premiered on Monday, 29 June, at 19:30. As viewers get to know the show’s characters, Gugu has shared why portraying Phumelela has been such an exciting experience.
In a short clip posted on her Instagram page, the actress spoke to Pop Pulse about the role. She described Phumelela as a strong, confident and ambitious woman who is not afraid to stand up for herself. Gugu said those qualities are exactly what made her fall in love with the character.
“I am so excited to play the role of Phumelela, she’s a vibrant woman, she’s a go-getter, she’s an entrepreneur, she knows talent, she sees talent. She’s on the ball about what happening, the trends, the pop culture. Also, Phumelela, she’ll finish you now. She doesn’t play like that! She’s not like this other role that I was playing where my role undermined herself. This one she will kill you now and ask questions later. So, I love a character like that. I’m so excited for everyone to see her, to meet her and to love her as much as I do.”
Gugu explained that Phumelela is very different from one of her best-known characters, Joyce Gomora, in The Polygamist. While Joyce often undermined herself, Phumelela is fearless, confident and never hesitates to take charge.
The actress said she enjoys playing a woman who is a go-getter, recognises talent and keeps up with trends and pop culture. She added that Phumelela is the kind of character who speaks her mind and refuses to let anyone walk over her.
Gugu also shared that she hopes viewers love Phumelela and hopes they will enjoy watching her journey just as much as she has enjoyed bringing the character to life.
The actress also reflected on her relationship with Stained Glass Productions, the company behind the show. She revealed that she has worked with the production company on several projects, including Uzalo, Umjolo and The Polygamist. She also shared that she was meant to star in The Wife, but she became pregnant with her daughter before filming.
Speaking about the production company, Gugu said:
“Stained Glass Productions is my family, they’re my safe space. They are people that I love because they are always bringing in new talent and I’m so blessed to once again to be part of their production.”
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