IN May 2021, fans of Jack Mabaso (Vusi Kunene) bid farewell to the villain on ‘Generations: The Legacy’.

Having been a part of the revamped version of the soapie for five years, Kunene’s character was one that fans loved to hate - a mastermind who was always a step ahead of the rest.

When he left the television show, Kunene said: “I’ve always had a serious passion for Jack. He is the most popular character I have ever played and bringing him to life has been a pleasure.”

“I’m really going to miss everyone because ’Generations’ is like a family. It’s not one person’s work, it’s all our work. We all pull together and that’s what makes the show so special,” he added.

Fans of the “original gangster” will be glad to hear that he is set to return.

In a press statement, the production team noted that Kunene will return to the show from August 14 and will continue to heighten the standard of entertainment television in South Africa and beyond.

“After prolonged outcry for his return, Generations: The Legacy is ecstatic to announce the return of Vusi Kunene as the iconic supervillain Jack Mabaso!

“The gloved colossus of South African television can be seen from the 14th of August, coming out of the proverbial shadows to spread his special brand of terror and respect,” they announced.

Executive producer Mfundo Vundla commented: “Vusi Kunene is one of the truly great actors! He will continue to heighten the standard of entertainment television in South Africa and beyond, reminding us of the iconic status of ‘Generations’.”

Another icon who has recently returned the show is multi-award-winning actor Rapulana Seiphemo.

He rejoined the show as Tau Mogale on July 3, more than two decades since he first established his role as ‘Tau’ in the original soapie.

Following the highly reported scandal when the show’s creator and executive producer, Vundla, boldly kicked most of the lead actors from the original series to the curb in 2014, hardly anyone could have anticipated his return.

Production members said: “As crew members, we are very excited to have him back. He is a larger-than-life character who brings humour and colour to the set.

“He is a pleasure to work with and from what we’ve shot so far, we can tell that viewers will welcome the evolved version of Tau Mogale.”

∎ Catch Vusi Kunene on August 14 on “Generations: The Legacy” on SABC1 at 8pm.

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Vusi Kunene makes triumphant return to ‘Generations: The Legacy’ after dramatic exit