Etv’s number one soapie, Scandal! has confirmed that its latest casting, Mxolisi Nodom who plays the role of Thando isn’t acting deaf, but is. The soapie shared the news on their social media channels: “Did you know that Mxolisi Nodom is the first Deaf actor on Scandal? And, Thando is his first acting role.’
Deaf SA also congratulated the actor for securing his first acting gig on Facebook: “Mxolisi Nodom we are so proud and thank you to the Scandal team for using a Deaf actor instead of a hearing actor acting Deaf #deafactor#SASL#SASL12#DeafSA#deafawareness#Scandal#RealDeafActor#etvScandal.” Nodom debuted on Scandal! a few weeks ago as Violetta Mamba’s deaf brother.
When he appeared, fans of the show immediately assumed he’s acting deaf and didn’t realise the actor is actually deaf. Here were some comments from fans of the soapie: “We are going to learn sign language before we all end up like javas.”
“You are really doing good scandal thank you.”“I appreciate dis awareness but do some spicy staff we see him laughing nyana not always being that confused.”
“But how can he not be confused when people act all crazy when trying to talk to him.”
“I thought he was ACTING as a Deaf person but great work from producers and all Scandal Management. Umsebenzi omhle uyanconywa.”
“I thought so too, he’s so clever coz really mamba doesn’t know sign language at all.”
“I like it for the sign language, especially those that have already with him, Javas, Mamba and Ndu, are killing it for me … Congratulations to him.”“I was so happy to see the diversity in Scandal You outdid yourselves with this one.””En he made his debut on World Hearing Day. Nina nje, you know your story.“
Current storyline: Thando is unaware that his sister, Violetta Mamba was killed by her husband and lover, Simo and he’s been looking for her as she’s the one who usually pays his school fees. Fans of the show are loving and supporting Thando who is the latest addition to the show as he’s prompted viewers to learn sign language.