Dineo Langa joins UNSEEN Season 2 as Naledi

Played with layered intensity by Dineo Langa, Naledi is no ordinary supporting character — she’s a volatile mix of estranged blood, unspoken truths, and fiercely guarded vulnerability.

From clashing egos to unshakable love, Naledi’s presence adds new weight to the emotional core of the series. “She’s bonded to Zenzi to the bone,” says Dineo, as she unpacks their raw, complex sibling dynamic.

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Exclusive Q&A: Gail Malabane on Zenzi’s Unrelenting Return in UNSEEN Season 2

Glamour: Season 2 of UNSEEN drops soon, and Naledi is a crucial new piece of the puzzle in Zenzi’s world. How would you describe the sibling dynamic between Naledi and Zenzi?

Dineo Langa: Initially, when you meet them in the Unseen universe, Naledi and Zenzi are quite estranged. There's a lot of stubbornness and difficulty in holding each other accountable. But as the season progresses, you’ll see just how deeply bonded they are — to the bone. It’s a relationship that evolves from cold distance to a connection that, despite all the trauma, can’t be undone.

Glamour: What attracted you to the role of Naledi?

Dineo Langa: Honestly, it was her complexity. When a character is trying to suppress something, there’s always this web of "why" underneath. Women are often portrayed as one-dimensional in the media, but Naledi challenges that. She’s not just a villain or a hero; she’s real, she’s layered. I wanted to bring that depth to life — a woman who is everything except what society expects her to be. That’s powerful, and I knew I wanted to be part of that.

Glamour: You work alongside Gail Mabalane in the series. What was the chemistry like on set?

Dineo Langa: The chemistry with Gail was instant. From the very first moment, we clicked. We have very similar ideas about acting — about where the performance should go. She’s incredibly generous as a leading lady, and that’s rare to find. We just fed off each other in a way that made the work feel easy, even when the scenes were intense.

Glamour: Naledi seems to walk the line between ally and adversary. How did you interpret her motives?

Dineo Langa: Naledi’s selfishness isn’t born out of malice — it’s survival. Her hardened exterior is a defense mechanism she adopted very early on. She had to learn to show no fear, even when she was terrified deep inside. It's all a preservation tactic. As the story unfolds, you begin to understand why she acts the way she does, and that’s where the depth of her character really shines. It’s not as simple as "good" or "bad" — it’s much more complicated than that.

Glamour: How did you and the directors shape Naledi’s arc for this season?

Dineo Langa: One of the most thrilling parts of this process was the collaboration with the directors. Gambit Films is brilliant at working with actors and making sure we’re part of the creative process. Every time I pitched something, they would push me to go further. For example, they sat me down and explained that this season, Naledi would need to be stripped down — emotionally, physically, mentally. That gave me the clarity and commitment I needed to dive deep into her journey.

Glamour: What do you think this series says about sisterhood, forgiveness, and family?

Dineo Langa: I think it shows that family dynamics are never simple or one-dimensional. Forgiveness doesn’t happen under ideal circumstances — it’s messy, it’s complex, and it takes time. As for sisterhood, it’s not always easy, but it has the ability to endure even the harshest challenges. Naledi and Zenzi’s bond proves that unconditional love can exist even through pain and betrayal.

Glamour: Were there any scenes that really tested your emotional limits while filming?

Dineo Langa: Oh, so many. There were moments where I felt completely drained emotionally, but I can’t pinpoint just one scene. Let’s just say viewers may need to take a break from watching because they’ll be crying, and so will I. (Laughs.) But that’s the beauty of working on a show like this — the emotional stakes are so high that it leaves you exposed.

Glamour: This show is intense. How did you decompress after filming tough scenes?

Dineo Langa: I had to find ways to release the tension in my body, so I did a lot of somatic exercises and yoga. I could feel how tight my body became during the tougher scenes, and stretching became essential. Honestly, though, my husband and my dogs were also crucial to my healing process. A lot of hugs. (Laughs.)

Glamour: What do you hope viewers take away from Naledi’s decisions in the story?

Dineo Langa: I hope viewers leave with a sense of grace. When you look at someone and judge their actions, you rarely know the full picture. I think Naledi’s journey will remind people that there’s always a deeper story — and sometimes, all we can do is extend understanding, both outwardly and inwardly.

Glamour: If Naledi had a spinoff, what kind of journey would you like to see her go on?

Dineo Langa: (Laughs) Okay, you’ve got me stumped! Let me think about that one and get back to you! Naledi is a character full of surprises, so I’m sure whatever journey she takes would be just as unexpected as she is.