Sizwe Dhlomo Explains Why He Turned Down a Role on eTV’s ‘Rhythm City’

• Sizwe Dhlomo claims he was once handed an opportunity to star on the once-popular drama series, Rhythm City
• The radio personality explained that he has been offered "lots" of gigs in his lifetime, and some, like the Rhythm City opportunity, were rejected
• Reactions to his statement were a mixture of admiration as well as sarcasm, seeing that some netizens clearly didn't buy his story

Did you know that Sizwe Dhlomo was once approached for an acting gig? The controversial radio personality opened up about his years-long career in the industry and the perks of being one of the country's brightest stars.

In a Twitter (X) thread from 18 August 2025, Sizwe explained his reasons for turning down job offers, saying he has bigger plans in mind:

"I had a bigger plan for my life. I turn down a lot of jobs. Like, lots!"

Read also

Kelvin releases a statement regarding his no-show at Sun City Resort Outdoor Event

In the same post, the Kaya 959 presenter went on to reveal that he was handed an opportunity to star in Rhythm City, in a role specifically created for him, but declined the job because acting was not his forte:

"Do you know that the role of Sbu Vilakazi on Rhythm City was written for me? I politely declined because I’m not an actor."

Lungile Radu was eventually cast as Sbu Vilakazi, though the character was later written off in the show's early seasons.

The popular youth drama series, which revolved around the challenges of trying to break into the music industry, featured stars like Mduduzi Mabaso (Suffocate Ndlovu) and the late Jamie Bartlett (David Genaro).

It aired for 13 seasons from July 2007 to July 2021, becoming a staple in South African households, and is still a major reference point as one of the country's most successful productions.

Read also

Ntsiki Mazwai admires Sizwe Dhlomo's freedom of speech after his remarks about Gayton McKenzie

Social media weighs in on Sizwe Dhlomo's claims

Fans admired Sizwe Dhlomo for not feeding into greed and accepting the role despite not being an actor:

AsanteGraceX said:

"True. If you have bigger plans, you will not say yes to everything. You did well."

Pkaleam admired Sizwe Dhlomo:

"I respect how much you acknowledge luck. But most importantly, how you still work hard regardless of your privilege."

thats_britz wrote:

"You should teach this to influencers who are ruining the art."

athee_Athee posted:

"You are not greedy, you know your worth and focused on your passion."

Meanwhile, the shade from other social media users was evident, as many rubbished Sizwe's story:

oscarphilus5 said:

"Lol, we all tell these kinds of stories to ladies we're interested in, and Sizwe really knows how to lie, shame."

CChaena48754 wasn't buying it:

"Dinangwe, you like being the main character. Now I see why people say you like acting like a slay queen."

Read also

Former 'Scandal!' star Given Stuurman is reportedly down and out, SA reacts: "Life happens"

Anele Mdoda gives Mduduzi Mabaso his flowers

In an earlier report, Briefly News shared online reactions to Anele Mdoda praising Mduduzi Mabaso's incredible acting.

However, the radio personality appeared not to know of the former Rhythm City star, and social media users were not impressed at all.

Source: Briefly News