Fan-favourite actress Thuli Phongolo has sparked excitement among Generations: The Legacy viewers after sharing a video of herself at Urban Brew Studios on Wednesday, March 5. The actress, who portrayed the beloved character Namhla Diale, hinted at her return to the SABC1 soapie, leaving fans speculating about her comeback.
Phongolo’s Cryptic Post Fuels Speculation
Taking to TikTok, Phongolo shared a video of herself on what appears to be the set of Generations: The Legacy. She captioned the clip:
“You’re on set but then you realise your true calling.”
@thuli.phongolo♬ original sound – Denis-E
The post has since set social media ablaze, with many fans wondering whether she will be reprising her role. Phongolo originally played Namhla Diale, an IT specialist and the daughter of Jack Mabaso (Vusi Kunene) and Lucy Diale (Manaka Ranaka).
Her character was last seen in 2018, and her departure left many fans disappointed.
A Look Back at Phongolo’s Generations Journey
Phongolo joined the cast of Generations: The Legacy in 2014, playing Namhla Diale, a strong-willed and intelligent young woman navigating life in the city. However, she exited the soapie in March 2018, after four years on the show.
At the time, she took to social media to express her gratitude, writing in a now-deleted post on X:
“After 4 years of being on Generations: The Legacy… today I take a bow! Thank you for allowing me to live my dream. It’s been challenging and incredibly amazing at the same time.”
The show also confirmed her departure by posting a farewell tribute on their social media platforms.
Thuli Phongolo’s Career Since Generations
Since leaving Generations: The Legacy, Phongolo has continued to make waves in the entertainment industry. She starred in Showmax’s hit telenovela The Wife alongside Mbali Mavimbela and took on a role in Mzansi Magic’s Rockville (Season 5), playing Buhle alongside Siyabonga Shibe.
She also opened up about one of her most challenging auditions, revealing to Sowetan in 2021 that auditioning for The Republic in 2019 was incredibly tough.
“I remember talking to Cindy Mahlangu, who was there to audition for the role too, that the audition script was so hard. I didn’t want to embarrass myself.”
Despite these challenges, Phongolo has successfully established herself as both an actress and a DJ, securing a loyal fanbase.
Fans React to the Possibility of Phongolo’s Return
Following her video post, fans of Generations: The Legacy flooded social media with reactions. Some are thrilled about her possible return, while others are still upset about past cast departures.
Here’s what some had to say:
- @sigwili4: “Mr Mfundi Vundla what’s your problem vele? First it was Nolwazi, followed by Getty, and now it’s Hlahla? I don’t see any reasons to watch this soapie now because all my crushes are gone.”
- @Realist_BULLET2: “I don’t have a reason to even watch @Gen_legacy anymore. First, it was Nolwazi @Thando_Thabethe, now it’s Namhla @Thuli_P. They are kicking out the beauties.”
- @randymwase: “Is Generations having a problem paying actors again? Why is she leaving?”
- @olwethu_ngwenya: “Bye Hlahla, you will be highly missed.”
While some fans are hopeful about Namhla’s return, others remain skeptical, questioning the show’s ability to retain top talent.
Will Namhla Diale Make a Comeback?
As of now, Thuli Phongolo has not officially confirmed whether she is returning to Generations: The Legacy, and the show’s producers have remained silent on the matter. However, her cryptic video has undoubtedly raised expectations.
If she does return, it will be interesting to see how her character fits into the current storyline, especially after being absent for six years. Fans are already speculating on possible story arcs, with many hoping that Namhla will bring fresh drama and excitement back to the soapie.
For now, all eyes are on Phongolo and Generations: The Legacy to see whether the much-loved Namhla Diale will make a dramatic return.
