Stan’s come back to help his brother bring down Daniel. We chat to actor Luthuli Dlamini about his role on Scandal!
Best known for his lead role as Stan Nyathi on Scandal, Zimbabwean-born actor Luthuli Dlamini joined the show in 2005 when it first aired. Luthuli starred on numerous shows across the country, but Stan was his first lead character. He says he’s drawn to the character of Stan because it’s a character that he had to start from scratch and build up to what it is now.
“His genesis in many ways is almost a part of me – the world that Stan lives in is the one I’ve become comfortable with,” explained Luthuli. “He will be with me for the rest of my life and I hope he never dies.”
Luthuli took a break from the show in 2007 and rejoined the set again in 2011 as Stan came back to take on Daniel and expose his lies. After a brief attempt in which Stan almost lost his life, he left for South America to look for his brother, the real Daniel Nyathi.
This week Stan returned to South Africa after learning that his brother escaped from prison and is holding Lucas hostage.
We chat to Luthuli about what Stan’s return means for Daniel and Mangi.
Tell us about your character, Stan, what major storylines has he been involved in?
Stan left to South America to find his brother, the real Daniel, because that was the only way he could expose Lucas for a fraud and save his brother who was wallowing in jail in South America. So when he got to South America, he goes from prison to prison hunting for his brother.
He then discovers that his brother escaped from prison, he disappeared and went back to South Africa. And that’s what prompts his return to South Africa. Of course, when he arrives he discovers that a gentleman who has been parading as Cain Gumede is in fact his bother Daniel. Then he discovers that Cain is so racked with hatred and revenge that he’s already put his plan for revenge into action.
Why is it important to him that Daniel is exposed?
Number one, because Daniel is a bastard and he deserves it. Number two, the truth must come out and Lucas must be punished for all his bad deeds. Daniel also shot Stan, but Stan isn’t really after revenge, he just wants justice.
Will he help his brother bring down Daniel?
He’ll certainly try. Stan is about trying to help his brother and he’s more concerned about seeing that justice is served. And of course, repairing his relationship with Mangi is also important.
Does he regret abandoning Mangi?
Hugely, Stan is racked with guilt and he feels that he’s let Mangi down. And really the person he cares most about is Mangi. Everyone else has let him down – his ex-wife Thato, Daniel, Gogo and Shakira. Eddie and Mangi are the only people who’ve always been there for him.
Will he try to mend his relationship with Mangi?
Yes, he makes a plan to. What Stan really needed was to sit Mangi down and explain what happened and to assure him it wasn’t about him. But he also finds a way of making amends to Mangi at the expense of Lucas.
Does he think his brother is capable of harming anyone?
Yes, when he understands just how damaged he is. 10 Years in prison can damage anybody and he comes to realise this through Cain’s actions.
What can viewers expect from Stan in the next few weeks?
Stan will be himself. There’ll be a lot of angst. There’s a lot at stake but what’s important to him is Mangi’s wellbeing and subsequently Quinton’s because he discovers he is a Nyathi.
Will justice be served and Daniel punished? Catch Scandal! Monday to Thursday 7:30PM.
