Being born on the 10th of December 1991 means that South African entertainer Gugu Gumede is 32 years old.
The KwaZulu-Natal native is the daughter of prominent politicians in SA. She came to the limelight after she gave expression to the character of the loud-mouthed vociferous lady named Mamlambo in Uzalo.
The ongoing TV show has become one of the country’s most-watched shows and it goes without saying that its popularity rubbed off on the cast members, Gugu inclusive. For this piece, we will be focusing on the beauty’s age and her Uzalo role.
Profile Summary of Gugu Gumede
- Full Name: Gugu Gumede
- Date of Birth: 10th of December 1991
- Age: 32
- Nationality: South African
- Education: American Academy of Dramatic Arts LA
- Parents: Father, Simon Hulumeni Gumede, and mother, Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi
- Occupation: Acting
- Years Active: 2013 to date
Gugu Gumede’s Parents Are Prominent South African Politicians
Gugu Gumede was born to parents who were active in South African politics. Her dad, Simon Hulumeni Gumede, was a known political figure in the country, just like his wife Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi, a fearless freedom fighter who served under the Jacob Zuma led administration. Gugu, who is black and proud, is said to be more like her mum in the sense that she can be rather stubborn and does not take nonsense. The actress is not her parent’s only child as she grew up with a brother in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Nata.
Simon Hulumeni Gumede
Gugu Gumede was just in her mid-teens in 2017 when her dad Simon Hulumeni Gumede lost his life in a tragic motor accident. Simon was a heavyweight in the SA political scene. He is the longest-serving member of IFP (Inkatha Freedom Party) as well as the KZN legislature. He held the chairmanship position at the KwaZulu-Natal provincial house of traditional leaders.
Though her parents got divorced when she was still very young and she ended up with her mum, Gugu’s dad still had an impact on the actress’ life. In fact, the accident that claimed his life happened on his way back from dropping his children at school. According to the SA actress, her dad was really amazing during his lifetime.
Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi
From what is obvious, the Gumede family is neck-deep into politics. Just like her late dad, Gugu’s mother Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi also plays an influential role in their country’s politics and has served the country in several capacities. She was once a parliamentarian but has since served as the president of NFP (the National Freedom Party) – a position which she has held since January 25, 2011.
During the past administration of Jacob Zuma, Zanele was part of his cabinet, serving in her capacity as the country’s Assistant Minister of Science and Technology. Before joining Zuma’s cabinet, Gugu’s mum put in 19 long years as a councilor, and for 15 out of the 19 years, she served as the Mayor of the Zululand District Municipality. Zanele, who is an alum of the University of Zululand, was a one-time chairperson of the Inkatha Freedom Party. She once contested in the South African general election vying for the post of KwaZulu-Natal’s Premier.
Gugu Received Her Higher Academic Qualifications in America
There are no records of her early education but according to available information, Gugu Gumede acquired her higher academic qualifications in the United States, precisely in Los Angeles, California. The emerging actress enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts LA to study acting and drama. According to Gugu, her mum always wanted her to go for a law degree, thus, convincing her was tough work. However, the SA actress said she has always had her mother’s support in all her life decisions.
The Actress was 22 Years Old When She Scored Her Debut On-Screen Role in 2013
Upon completing her education in LA, Gugu was skeptical about coming home to SA as she had already started building a life for herself in America with the hope of launching a career in Hollywood. But on one of her visits back home, she heeded her mum’s advice to meet some popular industry people. It was in the course of this meeting that the emerging entertainer scored her debut role on television, depicting the character of Mandisa in one of the most successful shows in South African entitled Generations.
Gugu Gumede was 24 Years Old When She Joined the Cast of Uzalo
After Generations, Gugu Gumede went ahead to audition for a role in Uzalo which turned out to be the most-watched TV show in the whole of South Africa. Playing the role of Mamlambo was what brought her to public attention and has remained her best-known role to date. Initially, the actress thought the role would go to someone else as the show’s producers already told her that the character they were envisaging for her was actually that of an older woman and at 24, she was already too old to portray the character’s younger generation. With all hope lost, Gugu went home disappointed only to receive a call that they have chosen her to play Mamlambo.
Gugu thus joined the cast of Uzalo in 2015 playing Mamlambo – the opinionated, vociferous, daring, gossiping, and man-stealing character which comes in contrast with her real-life persona. She, however, shares her love for God and the church with the Mamlambo character. When fans found out that Gugu was merely in her twenties, they were really surprised as they initially thought she was in her fifties, closer in age to the character she portrays.
Away from acting, Gugu Gumede is a born-again Christian who loves the church. She participated in the 11th edition of the Crown Gospel Music Awards as one of the presenters. Gumede shared this role with the likes of Rebecca Malope, Somizi Mhlongo, Clement Maosa, and many more. Besides, she is against gender-based violence and actively campaigns for it to end.
Away from the entertainment scene, Gugu was recently selected as one of the official @globalsurvey17 ambassadors representing her country Southern Africa.
She Talks About Her Plans For The Future
According to the South African entertainer, there is more to come from her and the viewing public should get ready to see her portray different characters in the nearest future. Though she seemed reluctant to elaborate further, Gugu’s body language spoke volumes. Fans can be sure to see her flaring up the SA movie and television scene with her charismatic and charming self in diverse roles. All we need to do is wait and see. The actress has achieved much within the short time she has spent in the industry. She recently capped her efforts with a brand new ride worth a whooping R 1.2 million.
