I am called a prostitute': Uzalo's' Nomalanga Shabane (Cocoa)

I am called a prostitute': Uzalo's' Nomalanga Shabane (Cocoa)The actress, who played the prostitute, Cocoa on the soapie says she's been called magosha' since she joined the show in September.

by Rae Seleme

28-10-2021

in SA TV and Film

Uzalo' actress, Nomalanga Shabane as Cocoa. Image via Instagram @Uzalo

Actress, Nomalanga Shabane, who played the role of a prostitute, Cocoa on Uzalo says she's labelled a prostitute in real life since taking on the role.

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Shabane says she initially didn't have a problem because she thought viewers would get used to her character but she was wrong.

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A post shared by Nomalanga Shabane (@nomalanga_shabane_)

-- MAGOSHA' IS OFFENSIVE She says she's been called magosha' since she debuted on the soapie in September this year.

Whenever I go out, I am being called a prostitute. It is offensive and I don't like it.

The actress told Daily Sun that she is not a magosha (prostitute) in real life but an actress and has now taken it upon herself to educate people.

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She wants viewers to know the difference between a character and an actor and admits that educating people can be challenging.

Shabane also told the publication that she would've considered the job if there was no stigma attached to prostitution.

Sex selling is like any other job and should not be frowned upon.

You can sell it exclusively to one person in the comfort of your home but at the end of the day, it's prostitution.

Also read: Gugu isn't going anywhere': Uzalo' rubbishes MaMlambo's exit

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A post shared by Uzalo Mon Fri 8.30pm (@uzalo_sabc1)

-- The actress also adds that she did extensive research before taking on the role and that not all sex workers want to be in the business.

She says some sex workers are forced by circumstances while others do it for fun and extra income.

Yonela Sinqu from the Sex Workers Education as Advocacy Taskforce told the People's Paper that being a prostitute is risky because it is not accepted by society.

As an organisation, we are happy to see such storylines in South African production.

Such roles address the myths around sex workers.

Sinqu also added that the word magosha' is offensive and shouldn't be used by anyone.

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A post shared by Uzalo Mon Fri 8.30pm (@uzalo_sabc1)

-- Also read: UZALO: Tonight's episode, Wednesday 27 October 2021 - E168 S7

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LINK:	https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/sa-tv-film/i-am-called-a-pro...
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