Perv Or Purge: Luzuko Nteleko

While the ladies in the industry are ranking in endorsements like they collect shoes, the guys seem to be falling on by the wayside. At present we really do not have a guy that stands out as the ultimate "IT" guy.

One can argue that guys like JR, Stevel Marc, Lulo Cafe', Tbo Touch and Lunga Shabalala fall under that category but let's be honest none of these guys has the kind of clout that girls like The Twins, Bonang, Minnie, Dineo and newcomer Boity command in the industry.

No guy in SA at this moment has selling power as a brand. Yes we love some guys' music, others we love seeing on our favourite shows but we will never go buy a magazine just because they are on the cover.

Lunga had the potential of being the guy-Bonang of Mzansi but for some reason it all went wrong somewhere. The hype that surrounded the KZN hottie is fast fading.

Personally I think it had a lot to do with overexposure when the guy had not really done much to solidify his A-List status. What are journos supposed to write about, where he is concerned, without being redundant?

Lunga is still young so hopefully he is working on building his brand outside the media hype so he can be seen as not just a hottie but also a formidable force in this industry.

On the other hand we have guys that never get the same attention that the aforementioned get but are doing things in the industry that will cement thier place in this business for years to come.

They are not just pretty faces or 'fame by default' kind of celebs. They are actually talented and are doing things that are commendable and could have young South Africans looking up to them.

One such unknown star is Luzuko Ntekelo. You may not know his name but he happens to be one of the most famous faces in Mzansi, if tv ratings figures are anything to go by.

Luzuko Nteleko is best known for his television roles as Loyiso on Zone 14 (since 2010) and as Student Constable Lebogang Chuene on Strets of Mangaung, currently on SABC2. Given that both shows are seen by a combined audience of over 7 million that makes him more famous than most A-list stars.

Zone 14 has been the second most watched show in South Africa for quite a long time and Streets of Mangaung is doing very well on SABC 2.

Having studied at Wits Tech, Luzuko now owns an educational/industrial theatre and promotions Company. He is multilingual, speaking Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho, Xitsonga and English. These are traits that will keep Luzuko in the industry for a while.

Okay the Sebokeng native has not really caught up to the celebrity status and its requirements yet, the guy still wears RJ underwear, but we like guys who work hard and pay their dues instead of riding the fame machine with nothing to back it up with.

The brotha is easy on the eye, has great work ethic and business acumen so with a bit of makeover and some panache he would be a perfect A-Lister. It doesn't hurt that he is actually talented.

In the meantime, we want you to know his name: Luzuko Nteleko

Follow him: @luzukonteleko

Watch him:

• Zone 14 on SABC 1 at 20h30 weekdays 
• Streets Of Mangaung on SABC2 at 21h30 Tuesdays 

So do we Perv Or Purge?!

Perv if you think he has potential - Purge if you think not!