Scandal!, E.tv’s long-running soap opera, recently revealed the reason behind fan-favorite actor Melusi Mbele’s departure from the TV streaming services

 

Melusi Mbele, an award-winning actor, has decided to take a break from Scandal! to explore other opportunities. The e.tv show announced on X (formerly Twitter), “uJojo aka @melusimbele will be taking a break from #etvScandal to explore other opportunities.”

The announcement continued, “We at #etvScandal are grateful for his contributions to the show. These are some of our fave Jojo Kubeka moments. What have been your favourite memories of him?”

Mbele’s character, Jojo Kubeka, concluded his storyline on Monday, June 17, 2024. In 2023, Mbele received a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for his portrayal of Jojo. The character won him the Best Actor in a TV Soap award, as confirmed by IOL.

 

MELUSI MBELE AND OTHER STARS LEAVE THE SHOW

Melusi Mbele is the third actor to exit the e.tv soapie this season, following Mathews Rantsoma and Lerato Nxumalo. Nxumalo, who played Phakamile, has already bid farewell to the show, while Rantsoma, who portrays Nhlamulo Maseko, is set to leave in July.

According to the Broadcasting Research Council of South Africa’s (BRCSA) May ratings, Scandal! is currently ranked fourth with 3.5 million viewers. The soap opera was overtaken by Smoke and Mirrors, which secured the third spot with 3.6 million viewers. The ratings indicate that Scandal! experienced a decline in viewership from April to May, dropping from 3.8 million viewers in April. Scandal! lost its leading position in March when SABC1’s soapie Skeem Saam aired in the same 19:30 time slot.

The departure of key actors like Mbele, Rantsoma, and Nxumalo marks a significant shift for Scandal! as it navigates changes in its cast and viewership dynamics. Fans of the show will undoubtedly miss Jojo Kubeka, but they remain hopeful for Mbele’s future endeavors and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for him.