Mudi Mudau
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Mudi Mudau

Local Intel: Mudi Mudau

When she is not in front of the camera, this is where actor Mudi Mudau loves to hang out.

Poelano Malema
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Actress Mudi Mudau needs little introduction. She has appeared in drama series such as Queen Mudjadji, Muvhango on SABC2, and most recently Pimville. Through her roles, Mudau has cemented her reputation as a respected actress, particularly in productions that explore themes of tradition and heritage.

The actress, who describes herself as fun, loyal, and ambitious, has also fallen deeply in love with Johannesburg.

Her passion for acting began when she was still a little girl. One of her fondest memories is playing a zebra named Kwagga in a story about how zebras got their stripes. The play was performed at a special school for children with disabilities, and Mudau says it was the children's reaction that truly sparked her love for acting.

Outside of acting, Mudau says she enjoys spending quality time with her family. One of her favourite things to do is simply sit under a tree and enjoy the shade, reflecting her deep appreciation for nature. She also enjoys being in the steam room or sauna.

Having been born and raised in Limpopo, then later living in Cape Town before settling in Johannesburg, Mudau says there is a lot to fall in love with in the City of Gold. 

When describing her move from Cape Town to Johannesburg, Mudau says the contrast between the two cities was striking.

"Cape Town is more like a modern village; it's small, so you become familiar with your surroundings easily. Joburg is bigger, more spread out, so one feels you need to know people to get familiar," she says. 

When speaking about what she loves most about Johannesburg, Mudau says the city’s history holds special meaning for her, particularly because of her family’s connection to it.

Her father once worked at the Bantu Social Club on Eloff Street, a place where members of the ANC would meet before going underground during the struggle years. The building is now the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) headquarters.

“I loved that building - the architecture, detail and the way it stood the test of time. I wish it had been turned into a museum,” she says.

Another thing she appreciates about the city is the spirit of Ubuntu that runs through its people.

“The spirit of the people in Johannesburg is vibrant,” she says. “There’s a sense of hard work and hustle, and yet people also want to have fun. It’s a very colourful city through the arts. That is the same spirit that has kept it alive regardless of its painful past.”

Mudau also enjoys exploring the many parks around the city. Occasionally, she takes a drive to Hartebeespoort, where she hikes and enjoys outdoor activities with her family.

Join Mudau as she shares some of the places and experiences that make Johannesburg a city she proudly calls home.

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Mudi Mudau Jozi Favourites

Modderfontein Farmers Market

I like the Modderfontein Farmers Market because it’s right at my doorstep. I also like the fact that it’s in a nature reserve, so one can hike or cycle before sitting down for a snack.

I love the stalls with various foods, which also celebrate the cultural diversity of our city and country. They have live music, and one can enjoy the atmosphere with children. If you want to up the party, there is a section for grooving, which does not permit children. This place is really convenient.

Virgin Active Greenstone

At the moment, I am enjoying working out at the gym. That physical fitness helps with mental strength and therefore I feel spiritually fit. We have talented, dedicated instructors at Virgin Active Greenstone - guys like Thabo Malemela (Shape), Karabo Mukgoatlheng and Zakes MDA (Grid) will torture you till you repent, but we keep going back. The gym is my safe place; it heals me inside and out. Due to my passion for exercise, I have recently become an instructor at Virgin Active Greenstone and find it extremely fulfilling when I can help someone reach their goal or just inspire them.

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Kung-Fu Kitchen

For Fast food I enjoy Kung-Fu Kitchen. The restaurant has good deals, and even their sushi is reasonable.

Mama Brazil

I also love eating Nigerian food, I like jollof rice. For the best Nigerian food, there is a restaurant called Mama Brazil in Kempton park. Lately I love mashonzha (mopane worms). I think it’s the high protein content. 

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Tortellino d’Oro

For a fine-dining experience, I enjoy going to Tortellino d’Oro. It is a lovely Italian restaurant in Norwood. It’s intimate and authentic. We also enjoy going there for our date nights because my partner loves Italian food.

Date nights are lovely because we get to be together and just catch up. It reminds us of where it all began. The one story I always tell is about our first date, when we went out for sushi because I told him I liked it. Strangely enough, I found out months later that he hates fish and does not eat it. So no wonder that day he kept going for the nigiri.

Sometimes we go to The Neighbourhood in Bedfordview, where there are a few good restaurants. As long as the restaurant offers both seafood and meat, since he does not eat fish, we are fine.

Jazz Coffee

I don’t drink coffee, but I know a lovely coffee shop called Jazz Coffee. I love places with positive stories, and Jazzman Mathlakgane is a businessman from Alexandra building his legacy.

He has his own blend of coffee beans called Jazz Coffee. It is a blend of Brazilian, Ugandan, and Ethiopian beans. Coffee lovers come from all over just for this blend. There is also champagne for those who want to take things up a notch.

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4 Ways Farmers Market

The 4 Ways Farmers Market is a safe environment for children, and I love being outdoors in nature with live music.

Jack's Inn

I also enjoy going to Alexandra township, there’s Jack’s Inn or Millie’s Place; they pump on Sundays. Now and again I go to Parkhurst, where there are plenty of cool places. I like good music, so as long as that’s in place, I’m happy.

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River Park Café

We sometimes go to Mogodu on Mondays at River Park Café. It’s such a cute place. You can enjoy various traditional dishes and a nice vibe - a bit too nice for a Monday.

The Market Theatre

I love going to the theatre, either Johannesburg Theatre or The Market Theatre, which is my favourite. The Market Theatre has history - it played a huge role in the liberation struggle.

In high school, we used to visit The Market frequently. That is where I got to see shows like “Master Harold”… and the Boys. That’s where we learned that through theatre or storytelling, one can influence perceptions.

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