Latest news with #Empini
The South African
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
New South African drama 'Homecoming' to premiere this month
Mzansi Wethu (DStv Channel 163) is set to premiere Homecoming on 28 July at 18:30. This captivating new drama follows the story of Zethu Hlongwane (played by Mpume 'Six' Nyamane). Zethu is a straight-A medical graduate who faces shattered surgical dreams and returns to her rural home in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal. Zethu's return to her roots is anything but easy, as after chasing big-city ambitions, she must now navigate the realities of her small town. The series explores themes close to the heart of many South Africans: dreams, disappointment, and the unbreakable ties of community, according to DSTV . Amahle Khumalo, known for her role in Empini , plays a fascinating character in Homecoming : Mthandeni Madlala, a young 'shebeen queen'. This role is quite different from typical portrayals. Amahle shares, 'I was quite shocked when I found out that Mthandeni runs her own shebeen. It pushed me and a friend out of our comfort zones. We spent time in shebeens in Alexandra and Soweto. We wanted to experience the culture deeply, not just the parties but the lives behind the scenes. I'm grateful to those who let me behind the curtain to see how a shebeen really works.' Mthandeni's life is complicated, as she is married to Shwabi, a powerful ward councillor in Bergville. He is charming, calculating, and not very faithful. 'He promised Mthandeni luxury, a car, a ring, a lifestyle. Now, she is envied by many girls in town,' Amahle explains. 'But as South Africans, we understand the dynamic of 'sugar daddies' and 'sugar babies'. Mthandeni may look glamorous, but she's trapped. She's yet to admit this isn't the life she truly wants.' She adds, 'When married to someone like Shwabi, you become his property. Your own wishes come last.' Amahle herself relates deeply to Zethu's journey. 'I went back home in 2023 to start over, reset my goals. Zethu's story isn't one of failure, it's a 'full circle' moment. She's a product of a loving community that has always supported her.' Though Zethu aimed to study in Johannesburg and build a career in Cuba, life brought her back to Bergville. 'She now has the chance to use her skills to help the very people who shaped her. Going back home is not failing, it's an opportunity.' The cast combines fresh and familiar faces. Alongside Amahle and Mpume are Sipho Manzini ( The Queen ), Khombi Phetla ( The River ), Mpilo Mbatha ( Shaka iLembe ) and Khayalethu Xaba ( Shaka iLembe ). Amahle expresses her fondness for the show: 'It's real and relatable. Every South African will see themselves in these characters. The writing is beautiful and unlike anything we've seen before.' Don't miss Homecoming starting Monday, 28 July at 18:30. The series will air Mondays to Wednesdays on Mzansi Wethu (DStv Channel 163). This new drama promises to be a heartfelt reflection of South Africa's hopes, struggles, and the power of community. HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED A 'FULL CIRCLE' MOMENT SIMILAR TO ZETHU'S STORY? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
22-07-2025
- The South African
Advocate Malesela Teffo defends Kelly Khumalo against bullying
In a surprising turn, former advocate Malesela Teffo has stepped forward to defend Kelly Khumalo against ongoing social media harassment. Despite previously accusing Kelly of involvement in Senzo Meyiwa's murder, Teffo now asks fellow South Africans to cease harassing the singer. Last week, Teffo claimed Kelly shot and killed her late partner, Senzo Meyiwa, causing widespread outrage and backlash across platforms. Meyiwa, the former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, was murdered on October 26, 2014, while visiting Kelly's mother's home in Vosloorus. Five men currently face charges in this high-profile case, which has been ongoing for several years without resolution. Although disbarred for misconduct, Teffo continued making wild accusations against Kelly during a recent appearance on Podcast and Chill . Now, he publicly regrets his statements and urges the public to respect the legal process and refrain from harassment. In a video shared by Ntsiki Mazwai on X, Teffo pleaded for kindness and stressed the importance of Kelly's testimony in court. 'I want to make a plea to my countrymen and women in relation to the treatment of Ms Nonhlanhla Kelly Khumalo. I have seen that she has made an attempt to respond to what I said on Podcast and Chill; however, it was not necessarily because I was not fighting. 'Kelly is a very important witness in Senzo Meyiwa's case. We need her to testify. I'm pleading with you to refrain from attacking her and saying nasty things about her.' Teffo says the ' Empini ' singer has never refused to testify, but Advocate George Baloyi continues to avoid calling her to court. He insists Kelly and Longwe Twala could provide crucial evidence that could prove the five accused suspects are innocent beyond doubt. Teffo believes both hold key facts that expose the truth and potentially clear the wrongly accused men completely. He maintains the suspects are innocent and claims the real killers remain free due to failures in the initial investigation. 'I assure you that I'm going back to this case. I will call Kelly Khumalo, and within two months, the case will be closed with the truth on this matter. It's my humble plea that we respect Kelly,' says Teffo. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Mpumi Mpama on 'Empini': where television excellence meets thrilling drama
Mpumi Mpama features alongside a star-studded cast on 'Empini', Image: X Since May last year, 'Empini' has been captivating viewers with its riveting take on the dangerous world of private security. The local crime drama centres around Ndoni Themba, played by Nambitha Ben-Mazwi, a deeply troubled private security bodyguard who is in search of answers. But her journey takes her into the perilous world of the industry, where uncertainty and betrayal are around the corner. The award-winning actress, who is acclaimed for her roles on 'Savage Beauty', 'Kings of Joburg' and 'Happiness Ever After', shares the screen with a star-studded cast. This includes Mpumi Mpama, Nqobile Sipamla, Owen Sejake, Charmaine Mtinta, Angela Sithole, Sparky Xulu and Amahle Khumalo. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Ben-Mazwi explained during a previous interview with 'Independent Media Entertainment' that 'we all put our blood, sweat and tears into this show.' 'We all share the same vision, we want this show to be a success, and it was so heartwarming for me to see everyone being so invested in this story.' She also spoke about her pride after landing her first leading role in an action series with 'Empini.' 'I've been praying for an action role, and I really wanted to get into a completely different genre, which I haven't done ye,t and I was hungry for this, so I believe that timing is everything,' she said. Mpumi Mpama is one of the stars on the local crime drama, 'Empini.' Image: X Meanwhile, Mpama, who replaced Siyabonga Thwala on the 52-episode Showmax Original in January, stars as Khaya Bhodoza, Ndoni 's mentor and a well-known businessman and political heavyweight. The 48-year-old described being cast in 'Empini' as 'Mission accomplished'. 'As an artist when you look at the complete canvas you feel the fulfilment of the work put in,' he said during an interview with 'Independent Media Entertainment.' When he was asked why he decided to be part of this series, Mpama said that he was excited at bringing a new life to a character. 'Every opportunity that presents itself to me as a challenge is well accepted because that gives me a field to play in and to express my talent to the enjoyment of the viewers.' The actor, who hails from Soweto in Johannesburg, has a long list of starring roles to his name. He made a name for himself in several South African soapies such as 'Generation: The Legacy', "Rhythm City' and 'Saints and Sinners', while also shining in productions which include 'Isibaya', 'Laduma' 'Housekeepers', 'Legacy' and 'Queendom'. And while also working as a presenter, voice artist, poet, producer and a director, Mpama is loving his time on 'Empini.' He explained that he is delighted to work with such an esteemed cast and crew. 'I think that it is so amazing when everyone invests in their characters,' he said. 'It makes putting together the whole show easier.' Mpama is also encouraged by the love that the show, as well as his character, has been receiving. 'It's amazing and well received as expected according to the task given to bring it to life. It got people asking for more.' The actor explained that 'Empini' has been resonating with viewers from all walks of life because of the universal themes it unpacks, which he believes to be 'loyalty, betrayal, secrets and brutality.' On why he thinks 'Empini' has been such a television hit, Mpama said: 'Simply because it went out of the predictable and ordinary.' He added: 'In South Africa, we need more shows that will engage the viewer and leave them in expectation.' Meanwhile, after having established himself as a leading industry professional, Mpama has worked with scores of different people during his various projects over the decades. But he insisted that 'Empini' has been a truly unique experience for him. 'What has surprised me the most about my time on the show so far has been the intensity of an action show.'
The Star
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Khuma Film Festival back for its second edition to inspire young filmmakers
The Khuma Film Festival makes a triumphant return for its second edition, set to light up the Matlosana community from May 27 to 30. With an exciting three-day celebration of film and creativity, the event will be held at the Phillemon Masinga Stadium Hall, in Khuma, North West This year's festival will see the talented Neo Ntlatleng, known for his roles in productions like Empini , taking charge as festival director, promising a weekend filled with passion and purpose for local filmmakers and audiences alike. Building upon the success of its inaugural edition, the festival will feature an array of engaging events designed to inspire and educate the next generation of cinematic storytellers. Attendees can look forward to insightful panel discussions, hands-on masterclasses, celebrity school tours, and workshops aimed at demystifying the film industry. Last year, the festival made a significant impact by educating and entertaining students from various primary and high schools in the area. This year will follow suit with a series of planned school tours. These tours form a vital part of the festival's community-driven mission, facilitating meaningful interactions between aspiring filmmakers and leading figures in South Africa's film scene. With Ntlatleng at the helm, the festival aims to cultivate an enduring love for cinema among young audiences. 'The plan is to cultivate young audiences and film lovers by showcasing local films made by a diverse mix of South African filmmakers. We want to leave the youth of Khuma and Matlosana with memorable moments and learning, and looking forward to future editions of the Khuma Film Festival offering,' he added. Naomi Mokhele, CEO of Sebabatso Media, echoed the same sentiment, emphasising the festival's role as a springboard for youth dreams. "This year we once again have school tours, over and above film screenings, film industry workshops and panel discussions. ''All this is done to inspire, educate and inform young people on the opportunities available to them within the country's thriving and dynamic film and television industry and as Sebabatso Media , we are proud to share what is in store for the young people of Khuma and Matlosana." As anticipation builds for this year's Khuma Film Festival, the community of Matlosana can look forward to a unique cultural experience aimed at fostering tomorrow's filmmakers and igniting their passion for storytelling through cinema. The Star [email protected]
IOL News
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Khuma Film Festival back for its second edition to inspire young filmmakers
The Khuma Film Festival is set to empower Matlosana's youth, promoting film culture and industry engagement amidst South Africa's vibrant cinematic landscape. It will take place in North West. The Khuma Film Festival makes a triumphant return for its second edition, set to light up the Matlosana community from May 27 to 30. With an exciting three-day celebration of film and creativity, the event will be held at the Phillemon Masinga Stadium Hall, in Khuma, North West This year's festival will see the talented Neo Ntlatleng, known for his roles in productions like Empini, taking charge as festival director, promising a weekend filled with passion and purpose for local filmmakers and audiences alike. Building upon the success of its inaugural edition, the festival will feature an array of engaging events designed to inspire and educate the next generation of cinematic storytellers. Attendees can look forward to insightful panel discussions, hands-on masterclasses, celebrity school tours, and workshops aimed at demystifying the film industry. Last year, the festival made a significant impact by educating and entertaining students from various primary and high schools in the area. This year will follow suit with a series of planned school tours. These tours form a vital part of the festival's community-driven mission, facilitating meaningful interactions between aspiring filmmakers and leading figures in South Africa's film scene. With Ntlatleng at the helm, the festival aims to cultivate an enduring love for cinema among young audiences.
