Acclaimed South African actress Dineo Langa has made a powerful return to the screen in Season 2 of Unseen, taking on the emotionally complex role of Naledi—a character whose hidden past and layered trauma unfold in striking detail.
In an interview with True Love, Dineo opened up about the emotional demands of the role and how it mirrors the silent struggles many women in South Africa face daily.
A Role That Hits Home
Introduced in Season 1 as a vibrant woman married to a doctor and sister to the lead character Zenzi (played by Gail Mabalane), Naledi’s story deepens in Season 2. This time, viewers are taken on a raw, emotional journey into her past—one filled with pain, survival, and suppression.
“As soon as I knew that my lady had run away at a very young age, I knew she had worked very hard to suppress whatever trauma she had gone through,” said Dineo.
To prepare, Dineo revealed she used music to connect emotionally with the character before filming each scene. “It came down to understanding how to plot the world and the emotional points,” she shared.
Layers of Trauma and Sisterhood
The new season also introduces younger versions of Zenzi and Naledi, giving insight into the roots of their shared trauma. Dineo noted how impactful it was to see the sisters’ stories through their younger selves.
“It was amazing to meet the younger versions, to see how they explained their worlds to each other.”
The show delves into the complicated dynamics between siblings raised in an abusive environment. While Zenzi tries to hold everything together, Naledi chooses to walk away. Dineo explained, “In an abused environment, Naledi goes, ‘I can’t.’ But that’s hard for a firstborn like Zenzi to understand.”
A Reflection of South African Women’s Lives
Though Unseen centers on the life of a domestic worker, Dineo believes its themes reach far beyond. “People say women are doing more now, but many are still told, ‘Just do your part,’” she said. “And even when women try to stay quiet or small, they’re still judged just as much.”
With Unseen Season 2, Dineo Langa not only delivers a standout performance but also lends a voice to the silent battles many women face in private.
