Over the past few weeks, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) student’s life has been a living hell following the SABC2 soapie’s storyline involving a leaked sex tape that went viral.
Sithole said she was called names on campus for playing Busi Motsamai, a student who is head over heels in love with her professor.
“I was on the verge of deregistering,” said the first-year business management student.
“It’s been hard for me, especially on social media, where the comments are posted and re-tweeted.”
The 19-year-old’s nightmare began when the soapie aired episodes in which her character Busi’s infatuation led to the professor, played by Tshepo Desando, recording their sexcapades.
The recorded sexual encounters were then leaked and went viral on the internet before Busi could delete them.
“They always look at me in this weird way,” she said.
“It’s especially the older women working on campus. Many people believe everything they see on TV. I try to explain that this is a play, the storyline was meant for people to learn from it, especially young girls.
“We are trying to show the public how young girls fall into dangerous situations because of temptations, and later regret all the mess they find themselves in.
“I don’t have the time to explain myself to each and everyone.
“It’s mainly the females who are making my life difficult, not males.
“On social media, my situation has been unbearable. It got to a point where I just couldn’t handle it.”
Sithole replaced the old and fourth Busi, then played by Omuhle Gela, when the sex tape character and storyline were introduced early this year.
Muvhango’s followers have been raving lately about Busi, the professor and the sex tape.
Sithole was cast for the role last year after being told by a friend about the auditions. She went to try her luck, and received a call a day later that she got the nod.
The student said she “kind of knew the sex tape would cause a sensation because that’s what is happening in real life. Men are taking advantage of young women, and the girls fall into the trap.”
Sithole said she did not think her ordeal warranted that she report it to the university authorities or police.
“I’ve overcome everything, I’m fine now,” she said.
“I hope the message has been loud and clear to the young girls – out there – for them not to be taken advantage of and to those who believe everything they see on TV is real.
“I hope this sets the record straight for them to chill.”
-sundayworld