S’dumo Mtshali Embraces Being Netflix’s Most Hated Man
OkMzansi | 22.07.2026 12:34
South African actor S’dumo Mtshali is enjoying the success of his latest role, even if it has earned him a rather unexpected title.
The talented actor recently appeared in an interview with CNN Afrika alongside actress Gugu Gumede. The two actors are known for their roles in Netflix’s hit South African series The Polygamist. S’dumo plays the iconic character Jonasi Gomora, while Gugu plays his wife, Joyce Gomora.
During the interview, S’dumo spoke about the success of the series and the impact it has had on the South African entertainment industry. He also joked about how audiences have reacted to his character and said he is happy to accept the title of Netflix’s most hated man.
“We’re stretching this thing we can do other work, we can do other characters. But it’s a great feeling for the industry that we can do go this far as storytellers. We can reach the world,” S’dumo said.
The actor then jokingly said that he would happily take on the title of being the most hated man on Netflix.
“I will own the title, it’s okay, for now,” he said.
S’dumo’s comments come as The Polygamist continues to make a big impact with viewers both in South Africa and internationally. The actor recently celebrated another major achievement for the series after it reached an impressive 24 million views in just five weeks.
He shared a clip featuring Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos speaking about the success of the South African series. In his post, S’dumo wrote that Sarandos had mentioned The Polygamist during Netflix’s shareholder discussion on 16 July 2026.
Sarandos reportedly described the show as a “soapy series for South Africa” that had become a major hit locally while also reaching audiences across the region and internationally. He revealed that the series had reached 24 million views between 12 June and 12 July 2026 and was still appearing on Netflix’s charts.
While audiences continue to know S’dumo as Jonasi Gomora, the actor is also showing his range with his latest television role. He currently plays Bobby Dhlomo on e.tv’s telenovela The Four of Us.
His character, Bobby, is an ambitious and entitled sibling who challenges his older sister, Busani, played by Sindi Dlathu, for leadership and control of the family’s legacy.
With The Polygamist becoming a major international success and his new role on The Four of Us, S’dumo is proving that he is an actor who can take on different characters. For now, however, he seems perfectly happy to embrace being Netflix’s “most hated man.”
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