November marks Men’s Health Month, better known as Movember, a time to raise awareness around the physical and emotional health of men.
And fittingly, Mzansi Magic’s hit telenovela Inimba is tackling one of the most silent yet deeply personal battles many men face: infertility.
In the storyline, Inimba places the spotlight on Lazarus, portrayed by the seasoned actor Loyiso McDonald, a man admired for his success, charm, and generosity.
Yet, beneath the confident exterior lies a private pain: his struggle with infertility, an issue that quietly challenges traditional notions of masculinity.
“Male infertility is incredibly personal and complex,” says Loyiso.
“It’s not a flaw you can fix or work on. I had to constantly remind myself that this isn’t something Lazarus chose.
“Does it make him less of a man? How does he make peace with it? How does it affect his relationships? These were questions I had to explore deeply.”
Old-school idea challenged
The storyline has been widely praised for its authenticity and sensitivity. Loyiso credits the Inimba writers and directors for their bravery in handling such a layered subject.
“Our creative team did a phenomenal job. Lazarus’s story challenges the old-school idea that a man’s worth lies in his ability to father biological children.
“He’s successful, loving, and gives back through his orphanage—another form of fatherhood. That’s a powerful message.”
As the world shines a spotlight on men’s health this month, Loyiso says the role has also made him reflect on his well-being and emotional resilience.
“Playing Lazarus forced me to confront my own mental health. How do I deal with stress, anxiety, or disappointment?
“I hope viewers take away the message that your struggles don’t define you. It’s okay to seek help, and to know your worth isn’t tied to one experience,” he says.
‘Inimba’ storyline stands out
Having built a career on complex and memorable roles, from Rockville’s Africa Mbatha to The Queen’s Kagiso Khoza and Youngins’ Principal Mthembu, Loyiso says this storyline stands out because it redefines what strength and masculinity truly mean.
“The beauty of storytelling is that when done honestly, it can tackle any issue. With Lazarus, I had to ask myself, what is a man’s value?
“We need to embrace vulnerability and start defining manhood on our terms, not through the expectations of others.”
Outside of his on-screen work, Loyiso is passionate about mental health awareness, especially among men.
“It’s encouraging to see more organisations speaking up about men’s mental health. But we still have a long way to go.
“Sweeping issues under the carpet doesn’t solve anything; we need to start having real conversations.”
