Gomora: Top 5 Teddy heartwarmers

Gomora character Teddy is something special, says actor Sicelo Buthelezi. “I am so happy that viewers have reacted to him in the way they have, welcoming him and his situation with open arms. The fact that he is special and sees the best in people makes him one of a kind, he turns the other cheek and always wants to do better for those who love him,” adds the actor.

Teddy is living with his headmaster, Melusi (Zolisa Xaluva), and his family after he was taken away from his alcoholic mom, Zodwa (Sannah Mchunu). He’s trying to get ahead in life and even when something kicks him down, “He gets back up, dusts himself off, and continues trying to do good in this world.”

If you’ve fallen in love with Teddy and want a reminder why, here are a couple of scenes to tug at your heartstrings…

Episode 1: Teddy gets told off

Teddy’s foster brother Ntokozo (Ntobeko Sishi) admonishes him for eating all the polony and leaving nothing for Ntokozo, who is a blood member of the family. Instead of being cheeky and clapping back, you can see the sadness in Teddy’s eyes. He feels bad and he’s about to feel worse when Melusi gives Ntokozo, unfairly, a tongue-lashing: “If I were you, I’d shut my mouth otherwise you’ll go to school hungry.” In that moment, you can see that poor Teddy is a sweet-natured boy who means no harm.

Episode 3: Teddy gets rejected

Teddy has always wanted his foster brother’s approval. Ntokozo is an idol to the teen, so seeing Teddy being shot down by Ntokozo is so sad. All he wants to do is kick the soccer ball with the guy he looks up to, but because of Ntokozo’s murderous secret he ignores Teddy, then tells him to get lost. Watching the boy hang his head is so very sad, realising that the one person he wants to be like doesn’t want to give him the time of day.

Episode 4: Finding a father figure

It’s no secret that Teddy loves his faster parents Melusi and Gladys (Thembi Seete). There’s nothing he won’t do for them. Even if it’s making tea, their interaction is always sweet-natured and loving. It’s the first time in his life that Teddy has someone worried about his well-being and taking an interest in him, so his chat with Melusi about the soccer match they’re going to watch will warm hearts as they talk about who’s going to score, who is betting on the game and which of their favourite teams will win. The smile on Teddy’s face when Melusi calls him “My boy” is priceless.

Episode 6: The ultimate embarrassment

Shame! The worst embarrassment for Teddy comes when his neighbourhood-drunk mom Zodwa wanders through the school screaming out his name. He’s busy studying in class, trying to be a diligent hard-working student and do Melusi proud with good grades. Now he has to listen as his embarrassment of a mom berates his teacher for her “fancy English”, demanding “to see your principal and his wife”, then stumbles into the classroom and turns him into the laughing stock. It’s hard enough being a teenager, but Teddy doesn’t deserve this. But what really makes the scene – and Teddy’s nature – all the sweeter is that he doesn’t hate his mom. He feels sorry for Zodwa because she can’t help herself and she doesn’t actually mean him harm.

Episode 9: Ntokozo comes clean

Want proof that Teddy will do anything for Ntokozo? When he asks, “My brother, what happened that night?” you know what’s coming. He’s going to find out that Ntokozo was involved with the hijacking and murder. The decision to protect Ntokozo is etched on Teddy’s face. He’s stunned by what he’s told by his hero brother and the episode ends with Teddy doing the unthinkable: he confesses to Ntokozo’s crime.

Binge all the episodes of Gomora so far on Showmax, then watch new episodes 24 hours after the Mzansi Magic broadcast.