Given Stuurman unpacks his emotional ‘uMthetho’ role as Sphelele Dlamini

Given Stuurman, the South African actor known for his roles in various popular TV series, has captivated viewers with his performance as Sphelele Dlamini in Netflix's 2026 crime thriller series, "uMthetho". Sphelele is the younger sibling of Mbali (Nqobile Nunu Khumalo) and Moses (Tony Kgoroge), and is grappling with his place in society while dealing with the complexities of his family relationships.

Stuurman found it relatively straightforward to develop the character of Sphelele, as he recognized elements of the character in his own experiences and observations. He sought to give Sphelele a distinct emotional presence, avoiding the common stereotype of young men from the urban "kasi" areas. One of the main challenges Stuurman faced was capturing the emotional depth of Sphelele, who is caught in a whirlwind of responsibilities as he tries to be a good partner, father, student, and entrepreneur, all while striving to meet the expectations of his older siblings.

Stuurman believes that Sphelele's story resonates with many young black men who grow up without a strong father figure, as Sphelele's father passed away when he was young. Stuurman was particularly drawn to exploring the emotional complexities of Sphelele's character, including his relationship with his late father and his bond with his problematic brother Moses.

The series "uMthetho" revolves around a quest for justice and the consequential decisions made by the characters. For Stuurman, the most intriguing aspect of the show is witnessing how a single decision can drastically alter the trajectory of a character's life. Sphelele's own decision ultimately leads him to prison, prompting his sister Mbali to fight for his release.

Stuurman emphasizes that the decisions made by the characters in "uMthetho" can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond their immediate selves. Stuurman's portrayal of Sphelele is raw and emotionally charged, showcasing the struggles faced by many young men as they navigate their way through life. His portrayal has allowed the actor to demonstrate another facet of his acting prowess, and Sphelele's performance is a testament to his ability to convey vulnerability, uncertainty, and the pressures that come with trying to find one's place in society.

"uMthetho" is currently available for streaming on Netflix, and the production company, Black Brains Production, has quickly ascended to the top spot on the streaming platform.