In true Makhanda University style, allow us to endow you with a Public Service announcement of the season with the presentation of our newly elected “Actor of The Week”!
Introducing Buntu Petse, the 26-year-old actress who has left many in awe with her portrayal of Mbali Hadebe on the hit show Miseducation on Netflix. Petse had us gripped from the first episode, giving us self-absorbed, attention seeking and popular as one of the many character traits of Miss Popular soon to be Miss Downfall, Mbali Hadebe.
Miseducation is a miniseries that follows a wannabe influencer who enrolls in a small town University where she aspires to regain her social status after a public humiliation. Buntu Petse embodied the character in a way that allowed for many interpretations of her. Mbali’s nuances exist more in her personal moments- when she is not seen by anyone. These are the moments that flash her out a bit more to the audience. They make her quite 3-dimensional which adds to her story arc.
Miseducation S1 Buntu Petse as Mbali in Miseducation S1 Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023
It is always inspiring to see young and fresh talents, who are not only committed to the craft but are also committed to the characters that they play, on our local screens. Buntu masters the art of characterization through her scenes. Her ability to find a balance between leading the scenes and giving enough room for her scene partners to shine and lead in their own capacity is really commendable. The blend between her comedic timing and dramatic moments allows for nuance and range in character development.
One particular scene stands out as we take a closer look at her outstanding portrayal of Mbali Hadebe. As her world and all her hard work slowly begins to crumble before her, Mbali pays Caesar a missionable visit about the recent rigging of the voting elections of which she is responsible. Caesar boils her down to a state of discomfort, figuratively switching off her candle for the first time. We could say this is the inciting incident of her second downfall.
The scene has many nuances on its own and Buntu quite seamlessly locates her performance in the balance between fear, discomfort and control, she manages to keep the control that Mbali Hadebe naturally would.
Buntu is truly outstanding in her performance and has shown up in full preparation for this character. Thank you for sharing your profound talent so effortlessly and showing up in every scene.
We see you and wait in anticipation for the next challenging role that you will take on.
