Viewers are set to see Nhlanhla Kunene in a striking new light as the actor returns to television in the second season of Law, Love & Betrayal. Known for his SAFTA-nominated performance as Tsiki Tsiki in Adulting, Kunene now steps into a world defined by sharp suits, legal battles and complicated family ties.
Kunene takes on the role of Mondli Gumede, the long-mentioned yet unseen son of Gatsha Gumede, played by Nimrod Nkosi. Throughout the first season, Mondli existed as a name heavy with implication, casting a quiet shadow over the Gumede family and their powerful law firm. Season 2 finally brings that mystery into focus, and his arrival feels less like an introduction and more like a turning point.
He joins new cast members Shannon Esra as Sandra Steyn, Sparky Xulu, who plays astute social justice lawyer Sakhile Nxusa, and Katlego Lebogang as criminal lawyer Bakang Mokgotso, all confirmed to be joining the show’s second season.
Mondli is a mergers and acquisitions lawyer with a calm confidence and a strategic edge. His return stirs tension inside the Gumede household, especially with his sister Ayanda Gumede, portrayed by Pearl Modiadie. Old dynamics are challenged, loyalties are tested, and the family’s balance begins to tilt in unexpected ways.
We caught up with Nhlanhla Kunene to talk about stepping into Mondli’s shoes, exploring this transformation and what viewers can expect when the character finally makes his mark.
Mondli has been spoken about since Season 1 but only appears now. How did that build-up shape your approach to the character?
It almost felt like stepping into a role that already existed, because Mondli had been described and discussed for so long. There were so many conversations about who he is and what he represents. My responsibility was to give form to that idea, to make him real. He was no longer meant to be an imagined figure, but someone whose presence could finally be felt. It was challenging, but also exciting. I’ve always wanted to move away from the gangster-type characters I’ve played before, and Mondli gave me that opportunity.
The character description hints that Mondli will bring chaos to both the family and the law firm. How would you describe that chaos?
Mondli’s chaos comes from his voice. He’s been unheard and silenced for a very long time, largely because of his relationship with his father. Now that he’s back, he wants to be seen, heard, and acknowledged. The chaos may seem explosive, but it’s actually very calculated. He challenges his father, the firm, and his sister with intention.
Mondli’s return affects Ayanda deeply. What can viewers expect from their sibling dynamic?
Their relationship is intense and layered. Ayanda feels abandoned, while Mondli feels misunderstood, especially regarding why he had to leave the country. Their father is the root of that tension. Despite the conflict, there’s still a deep bond between them. It’s messy, emotional, and very real. And personally, working with Pearl Modiadie was a highlight. I never imagined we’d share the screen, so that was special.
Was there a moment where you fully understood who Mondli really is?
Absolutely. Mondli is a beast of a lawyer: he approaches life like a chessboard. There’s a particular scene where everything unravels and some hard truths are revealed. That moment felt like a checkmate. Even though Mondli doesn’t appear in every episode, when he does, his moves are deliberate and impactful.
Does Mondli see himself as a villain, a hero, or simply misunderstood?
Internally, Mondli sees himself as a villain, but narratively he’s often framed as a hero. He has his own intentions and goals, and as the story unfolds, viewers begin to understand that he’s driven by a deep wound. He’s far more complex than he appears.
Mondli’s sexuality isn’t treated as a spectacle, but as one part of who he is. How meaningful was that for you as an actor?
That approach was extremely meaningful to me. Mondli’s sexuality isn’t used for shock value or tokenism. It’s simply part of his identity. What mattered most was portraying a fully realised human being, not a stereotype. Representation is important, and being trusted with a role that reflects the experiences of a particular community, handled with respect and authenticity, is something I don’t take lightly.
If Mondli walked into a room, what’s the first thing people would notice?
His confidence. He owns the space. Mondli has a strong presence, a bit of a god complex, and he’s very much his father’s son. He does care about people, but often in ways that ultimately serve his own interests.
How does Mondli differ from Tsiki Tsiki in Adulting?
They’re very different. Tsiki Tsiki avoided confrontation and bottled things up. Mondli confronts issues head-on. If there’s a problem, he wants to deal with it immediately. He doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations.
What was it like working with Nimrod Nkosi, who plays your on-screen father?
It was an incredible experience. I grew up watching uBab’ Nimrod, so learning that he was familiar with my work was humbling. Sharing a set with him and portraying such a complex father-son relationship was truly special. There are two powerful themes between Gatsha and Mondli that I can’t wait for audiences to experience.
Law, Love & Betrayal premieres Sunday 8 March on Mzansi Magic DStv Channel 161 at 8 PM and streams Monday 9 March on Showmax.
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