Skeem Saam’s Bongani Masondo now a writer for Umkhokha:The Curse

The journey of Masondo, an AFDA graduate, has been marked by a consistent reliance on voice-over work for the past eight years before he finally landed his first writing gig on the acclaimed show, Umkhokha: The Curse, last year. Now, as he assists Kagiso Mogale, the head writer for the show, Masondo is leveraging the skills and knowledge he has acquired during his time as a student at AFDA, according to City Press

The decision to bring him on board at the start of Umkhokha’s second season was a strategic one, providing him with the opportunity to find his footing and integrate seamlessly into the writing room. This move has not only allowed Masondo to apply his existing scriptwriting expertise but also to further hone his craft under the guidance of an experienced industry veteran like Mogale. The synergy between their collaborative efforts is poised to contribute to the continued success and evolution of the captivating narrative that has captivated audiences nationwide.

Bongani Masondo said:
I have now learnt what goes into writing, so I have learnt this new skill in its entirety. I thought I knew something, but only by being in the room, did I learn a lot. The people I am with within the writing room say we are in an ocean in Umkhokha. If we can swim on Umkhokha, you can swim anywhere because you will be able to hold your own.

Writing for a television series can be a complex and demanding task, especially when dealing with intricate subject matter such as church, culture, and tradition. Siphesihle Masondo, a storyliner for the show “Umkhokha,” understands this firsthand. As a traditional healer himself, Masondo brings a unique perspective to the writing room, incorporating elements of his personal experiences into the narrative.

“Umkhokha is such a demanding story because of the world that we are dealing with. We are dealing with church, culture and tradition. There is a lot that goes into writing Umkhokha, even the format we use apparently is not the same that is used in other writing rooms. I am a traditional healer, so there are certain things that I bring into the room and the story,” he said

Masondo emphasizes the importance of the writing team’s vision and the power that lies in the scripting process. He acknowledges that the format used for “Umkhokha” differs from the conventional approach, reflecting the show’s unique storytelling approach. Masondo’s experience as both an on-screen and off-screen contributor has given him a deeper appreciation for the crucial role of writers, whom he considers the “alphas and the gods of the story.”

The former actor believes that delving into the writing process can provide valuable insights for actors, as it allows them to understand the intended interpretation of the words they bring to life on screen. Masondo finds the process of seeing his written words translated into a tangible on-screen product to be a deeply rewarding experience, as it validates the team’s collective vision and thought processes.

As Masondo continues to hone his writing skills, he remains hopeful that he will land opportunities that will allow him to make a lasting impact on audiences, much like his previous acting roles. While he acknowledges the changing landscape of the acting industry, with the rise of “Instagram actors,” Masondo’s dedication to his craft and his unique perspective make him a valuable asset in the world of television storytelling.