Veteran Actor Dumisani Mbebe Returns to SABC1 After 14 Years With New Drama Higher Grade
After more than a decade away from SABC1, veteran actor Dumisani Mbebe is making his long-awaited return to the channel in a brand-new drama series, Higher Grade, set to premiere on Sunday evening.
The series, filmed earlier this year, is set in Vosloorus, Gauteng, and aims to inspire school pupils to embrace mathematics and science while celebrating the vital role of teachers. At the same time, it shines a light on the struggles and ambitions of educators working in township schools.
Mbebe, who has become one of South Africa’s most recognisable television faces over the years, said he was thrilled to be back on the public broadcaster with a production of this magnitude.
“It’s good to be back home. It is exciting to be back on SABC with this kind of show as well. It’s an exciting story. It’s going to be a beautiful show. We really put in a lot of work into it,” Mbebe said.
A familiar face with new energy
Although best known for his unforgettable role as the narcissistic and abusive Dumisani Shabani in Generations between 2008 and 2011, Mbebe’s career stretches across a wide variety of productions. He first gained prominence on e.tv’s Backstage before joining SABC in 2007 with Divers Down. Since then, he has appeared in shows such as Isidingo, Shooting Stars, In the Dock and the Netflix hit Savage Beauty.
Looking back on his career, Mbebe said he was proud of having portrayed characters with completely different energies and personalities.
“Looking back at Shooting Stars, I played a soccer player. Now, I play a teacher, and in Savage Beauty I played this brutal patriarch and businessperson. Generations was a totally different energy as well. I’ve never played characters where I felt, ‘this is the same character I played in a different story’,” he reflected.
Playing Muzi, the hustling teacher
In Higher Grade, Mbebe steps into the role of Muzi, a township teacher with big ambitions. Describing his character, Mbebe said Muzi is a hustler determined to climb the ranks and one day become principal. But Muzi’s hunger for power comes with a dark side – he is deeply corrupt and willing to engage in questionable dealings to achieve his goals.
Mbebe explained that the role offers viewers an eye-opening look at how some individuals manipulate their way into positions of authority.
Not a full-circle moment
Despite his return to SABC1 after 14 years, Mbebe was quick to dismiss the idea of this being a “full-circle” moment.
“It’s always difficult to say full circle, because as a freelancer you take on projects as they come. It doesn’t matter if it’s from a streamer or paid TV. With free-to-air TV, there’s so much exposure because there are a lot of people watching there,” he said.
A fresh cast and strong performances
Mbebe revealed that he had not previously worked with any of the other cast members of Higher Grade, a factor he believes highlights the incredible depth of South African acting talent.
“It was amazing to work with the cast members. Mothusi [Magano] is a brilliant actor. To see the young actors bring new energy on set was amazing. Of course, the directors did an amazing job,” he said.
The new series boasts a powerful line-up, including Ronnie Nyakale, best known for his intense roles in Yizo Yizo and Generations: The Legacy, alongside rising stars Lancelot Tshabalala, Londiwe Martiens, Nokukhanya Nkosi and Upile Bongco.
The debate on “recycling” actors
Addressing the ongoing criticism that the television industry repeatedly uses the same actors, Mbebe dismissed the claims as unfair.
“If you keep seeing the same face, then it means that face is good at what it is doing. We cannot have new faces for the sake of having new faces. We need to open the industry to faces that can actually act,” he argued.
At the same time, he praised his younger co-stars for their professionalism and ability, saying their performances reassured him that the industry has a strong future.
“I am happy that the new faces I worked with can act. It says at least our industry has a future; it is not going to die with the death of older actors,” he added.
Rooted in real issues
For Mbebe, one of the most important aspects of Higher Grade is that it speaks directly to the lived realities of South Africans. While it offers gripping entertainment, it also addresses education, corruption, ambition, and the pressures teachers face, particularly in under-resourced township schools.
He said the setting at Themba Lakusasa Secondary School is crucial because it highlights how township schools can also provide a valuable education, often in difficult conditions.
A different format from Skeem Saam
With the show debuting on the same channel as the long-running Skeem Saam, comparisons were inevitable. But Mbebe made it clear that the two productions are very different.
“They are two totally different stories, and two totally different formats as well. Skeem Saam is a soapie, whereas with this one, you are talking drama. The storylines are punchier and grittier. You are not finding yourself where you have to drag storylines for ages,” he explained.
Looking ahead
While Mbebe would not reveal too much, he hinted that he is already working on another project for Netflix.
For now, however, all eyes will be on Higher Grade as the series makes its debut. With a mix of established names and fresh talent, the production promises gripping storytelling, powerful performances and a much-needed focus on education.
Higher Grade premieres on Sunday at 7.30pm on SABC1.
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