Ayanda Daweti on being a supportive boyfriend in Soft Life

Ayanda Daweti is currently starring in the Showmax Original drama Soft Life, which drops new episodes every Monday until 10 February 2024. 

Best known as Chumani Langa on eTV’s Scandal! and Sizwe on Mzansi Magic smash hit Gomora, Ayanda plays Siv Makhaza, whose girlfriend Owami (Zizipho Buti) plunges into the secretive world of high-society companionship to try to settle her mother’s rising medical bills. Fearful that her new profession could shatter everything she holds dear, Owami must keep her dual life hidden.

Zibuyile Dladla sits down with Ayanda to find out more about the hit show, which News24 hails as “a raw exploration of dreams and dilemmas in the glamorous world of high society.”

How would you describe your character?

Siv Makhaza is a young, passionate, and driven man from an academic family. His mother is a lawyer and he’s following in her footsteps. 

His upbringing has shaped him into a family-oriented individual with clear goals. At 27, he’s already thinking about building a life with the woman he loves, Owami, who comes from a completely different world - she’s a township girl from eThembisa, while he comes from a well-off family. Siv is fixated on his dream of building a life with Owami, despite their differences, and that determination defines much of his journey.

Siv seems like a well-rounded man and boyfriend. What would you say are his strengths and weaknesses?

One of Siv’s weaknesses is his naivety - he trusts people easily and needs to see evidence with his own eyes before believing anything negative about them.

On the other hand, his strength lies in his caring and supportive nature. He’s someone Owami can count on to be there when it matters.

If you were Siv's friend, what relationship advice would you give him?

As a close friend, I’d avoid coming from a place of judgement. Understanding the intricacies of his relationship with Owami would be key. Knowing her background and the circumstances influencing her choices, I’d encourage Siv to give her a second chance. I’d remind him that relationships are about navigating challenges together and affirm that I’d support him no matter what they face.

Do you think South African men are ready to have honest conversations about dating women with lifestyles similar to Owami's?

I believe we’re slowly moving toward that point. It’s rare to find someone perfect, and the pressures of social media often push people into situations where they chase money or try to keep up with trends. However, I see men gradually opening up to discussing these complexities and embracing more honest conversations about such relationships.

How was working with screen legend Nambitha Mpumlwana, who plays your mother, Judge Iris Makhaza?

Working with Mam’ Nambitha was like attending a masterclass every day. Her return to the spotlight in this role is something special, and I can’t wait for audiences to see the magic we’ve created together.

As an actor, you have a list of people you dream of collaborating with, and she’s definitely on mine. She’s incredibly generous with her insights, and I made sure to take every note she gave me to heart - it always enhanced my performance.

One lesson that stood out was her advice to slow down, both in speech and in presence. She emphasised the importance of being in the moment, not just acting but being, and it made a huge difference on screen. 

Why should people watch Soft Life?

Soft Life reflects the realities of our times. It’s a story about modern-day aspirations, challenges, and relationships, resonating with both the younger generation and the elders. It’s not just a show - it’s a conversation starter, packed with relatable moments while remaining thoroughly entertaining.

Watch the trailer for Soft Life

New episodes of Soft Life stream every Monday.

Created by Vusi Zion for Afriprime, the 13-episode drama is produced by Urban Brew Studios. SAFTA winners Nozipho Nkelemba (Gomora, Umakoti Wethu) and Nthabiseng Mokoena (Law, Love and Betrayal, The Wife) direct.