Linda Sebezo on playing the church bully

Linda Sebezo plays The church bully everyone loves to hate in comedy drama, Mamfundisi Bae.

The next installment of Mzansi Magic’s mini-series rollout kicks off with another three-episode comedy-drama, Mamfundisi Bae, airing from 8-10 June on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) at 19:00.

Produced by Mthakathi Entertainment, Mamfundisi Bae follows Thandiwe, the young wife of a pastor from a modern charismatic church, who shakes things up in a traditional congregation when she plans a bold send-off for the outgoing bishop, Bishop Dlamini, who also happens to be her father-in-law.

Her ambitious plans, however, put her on a collision course with the formidable head of the women’s forum, Ma’Shozi.

The series stars Yolanda Buthelezi as Thandiwe, Sabelo Majola as Ndumiso, Linda Sebezo as Ma’Shozi, and Magic Hlatshwayo as Bishop Dlamini. Linda Sebezo (Lockdown, Isibaya, Ring of Lies, Zabalaza) shares what viewers can expect from her character, Ma’Shozi, and why this church drama is bound to strike a chord with audiences.

In your opinion, how would you describe Ma’Shozi?

Ma’Shozi is a lot! She’s a control freak who wants to lead every decision involving the church. What’s particularly frustrating about her is that she insists on being the only person who handles Bishop Dlamini’s affairs. She takes full advantage of the fact that the bishop doesn’t have a wife and has inserted herself into every aspect of his daily life.

She’s that problematic church elder who comes across as holier-than-thou, but beneath the surface, she’s mean-spirited, condescending, and desperate for recognition. Nothing happens at the church unless Ma’Shozi approves it.

What makes her even more entertaining is how dismissive she is towards the other women in the congregation. In her mind, no woman should come anywhere near Bishop Dlamini except her. But that rule is shattered the moment Thandiwe enters the picture and that’s when all hell breaks loose.

If you, as Linda Sebezo, were part of the congregation and witnessed the way Ma’Shozi treated Thandiwe, what advice would you give her?

Thandiwe actually has several advantages. She is the bishop’s daughter-in-law, her husband Ndumiso is next in line to take over as bishop, and she is genuinely kind-hearted and well-liked within the church. All of that makes her a threat to Ma’Shozi.

I would advise Thandiwe to lean into those strengths. Her authenticity, warmth, and position within the church community are powerful assets, especially if she is destined to become the next mamfundisi. I’d also tell her to let Ma’Shozi carry on for the time being. Eventually, the pressure will catch up with her, and she’ll find herself in trouble.

Sometimes the best response to a bully is to allow their own actions to expose them. In the meantime, Thandiwe should focus on being a loving and supportive wife to Ndumiso and a respectful daughter-in-law.

Does the show highlight the intricate politics often found within churches?

Absolutely. There are plenty of politics in churches, and there are many people like Ma’Shozi in real life. Some present themselves as dignified and righteous churchgoers, but there’s often another side to them that emerges when they think nobody is watching.

That’s one of the reasons I was excited to be part of this project. The storyline is incredibly relatable because audiences will recognise these dynamics immediately. Characters like Ma’Shozi exist in many churches, making the story both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Lastly, if you were a member of the church’s women’s forum, how would you have handled Ma’Shozi’s behaviour?

I wouldn’t beat around the bush. I’d be very direct and remind her that we all left our warm beds to come to church to worship and hear the Word of God - not to deal with bullying and unnecessary drama.

And if Bishop Dlamini appreciates the contributions of the other women in the church, then Ma’Shozi should step aside and allow people to serve and enjoy church in peace. There’s room for everyone, and church should be a place of unity, not intimidation.

Watch Mamfundisi Bae from 8-10 June at 19:00 on Mzansi Magic channel 161.