Dineo Rasedile, a name long associated with youthful roles in South African television, is now stepping into a groundbreaking new phase of her career. In the Showmax Original legal drama Law, Love & Betrayal (LLB), Rasedile takes on her first adult role, portraying Gugu Mabaso, a formidable township lawyer navigating the cutthroat world of Sandton’s elite legal firms.
Over the past decade, Rasedile, the 33-year-old actress from Secunda, has built her career playing teenage characters, including Yolanda in Ambitions, Andiswa in Saints and Sinners, and Thuli in MTV Shuga Down South. Her portrayal of Amogelang in The Estate and Itu in Justice Served further showcased her range. However, Law, Love & Betrayal marks a significant departure as she steps into the role of Gugu Mabaso, a driven lawyer from Tembisa determined to carve out her place in a prestigious Sandton firm.
Rasedile’s reaction upon receiving the script was a mix of excitement and anxiety. “I was nervous at first since it’s a legal show and I’ve never done anything like that before,” she admitted. “However, once I read through the brief and went through the references, I felt confident.”
She stars as Gugu Mabaso, a formidable young woman from Tembisa with a law degree, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Gugu is dedicated to advocating for those unable to defend themselves while striving to establish her own career and uncover her personal truth. “Gugu Mabaso is an incredibly strong young woman from Tembisa who studied law and is now on a journey of self-discovery,” she explains. “Her mission is to establish herself in her profession and uncover the truth about her identity.”
This role marks a departure from the younger character Rasedile has portrayed in the past. “For the first ten years of my career, I played characters much younger than myself,” she reflects. “At the beginning of the year, my prayer was to play a grown-up character, so when this opportunity came, it felt like an answered prayer.” Her previous role as an adult character on Scandal! was a step in this direction, but Gugu represents a more fully developed adult persona, adding a new dimension to her acting career.
Rasedile’s preparation for the role was intensive. She delved into legal jargon and industry nuances, thanks to the detailed guidance from casting director Keneilwe Matidze. This preparation was crucial for understanding Gugu’s struggles and triumphs in a male-dominated field. “For example, during my research, I learnt about certain demographics, such as the ratio of black female attorneys to white male attorneys. Gugu is fighting in a world where she has her back against the wall,” she noted.
Embracing Gugu’s emotional arc involved drawing inspiration from other strong, relatable characters. “I watched Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich,” she reveals. “Although she isn’t a lawyer, she ends up in the legal field. Her character comes from a disadvantaged background and takes on powerful figures who think they know everything.”
Rasedile finds personal similarities with Gugu, particularly their deep family values and commitment to fighting for what’s right. “We’re both very family-oriented. Family means so much to me, along with the loyalty that comes from long-lasting relationships,” she notes. “While Gugu is more immediate in her actions, I tend to be more reflective and deliberate.”
Working with seasoned actors such as Nimrod Nkosi, whom she previously collaborated with on The Estate and MTV Shuga Down South, was a rewarding experience. “Mr. Nimrod is such a cool person,” she praises. “Another common trait is our shared passion for fighting for what’s right, although she is much more intense about it. She tends to act immediately, whereas I prefer to think things through and take my time.”
Her on-screen chemistry with Siya Raymond Sepotokele, who plays Gugu’s childhood sweetheart, was facilitated by an effective chemistry test and the guidance of an intimacy coach. “Siya is very open, and you can discuss what you’re comfortable with and what you’re not,” she says. “He is very respectful, very experienced, and made me feel safe.”
Rasedile is enthusiastic about the unique aspects of Law, Love & Betrayal. “Currently, there’s no other show quite like this one. While there are many similar narratives on television, there isn’t anything specifically focused on law. This show isn’t make-believe; we’re quoting real acts and cases,” she noted.
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