Latest news with #Inimba
IOL News
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Lunathi Mampofu gets personal about her role in 'Inimba'
Award-winning actress Lunathi Mampofu is receiving praise for her powerful performance in Mzansi Magic's latest drama series, 'Inimba'. In the show, she plays Zoleka Mabandla, a driven woman forced to choose between her family and her career, a role that has resonated deeply with her. Speaking to IOL Entertainment, Mampofu unpacked the character and the storyline describing it as an emotional experience and pure healing. 'There's a lot of things that we as women deal with and not to say men don't, in this story but I've also had to deal with in my life, as a single parent and the ups and downs, the difficult decisions that we have to make.
News24
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
How Lunathi Mampofu's starring role in Inimba is a journey of healing
Lunathi Mampofu's latest lead role is Zoleka Mabandla in Inimba. Portraying the complex reality of a career-driven mother is what Lunathi loves about the role. She reveals that the series hits deep as a reflection of her reality as a single mother. ____________________________________________________ Sometimes life imitates art in a way that you'd least expect it. For award-winning actor Lunathi Mampofu, it was bringing to life the complexities of a career-driven woman and single motherhood, which mirrors the themes of her own life. Lunathi takes on the lead role as the headstrong tech mogul Zoleka Mabandla in the powerful drama series Inimba, who sacrificed everything for her career before returning home and attempting to reconnect with her daughter Qhawe (played by Ayakha Ntunja) she left behind. As a single parent herself, Lunathi was drawn to how real and honest the portrayal of real issues many South African women face in their own lives. The 38-year-old tells TRUELOVE about what she loves the most about bringing Zoleka to life. 'With this specific story ... It's real life issues and things that happen and I, as a single parent, am going through some of those things as well and the difficulties of having to choose between being a mom and coming out here and working and doing God's work. 'But I think for me, it's just the fact that I get to portray the reality of what's actually going on out there with the people and how they sometimes feel - and I think we all do - we always feel like we are alone in the situations that we're going through. Whether it's a divorce, whether it's being away from your child, whether it's the difficulties that we face at work, which we face even in our industry.' A reflection of reality Zoleka's tale is one that hits deep with Lunathi, who reveals that she personally has felt the pressures of being at a crossroads between fulfilling her commitments as a mother and as a prominent figure in South African entertainment. She admits, 'Ja man, a lot of times, like schoolwork and stuff like that, I would like to be more present, I would like to do more, but I can't split myself as being the breadwinner, the mother, the person who puts the whole household together, like all of it. That's the reality and the truth and until I'm blessed to find a partner who's going to assist me with that. 'But in the same breath, you have to make it work and I can't take away from the people that love me, that have been there in this journey with me, like my parents, my siblings, in moments where I had to be at work she has to be picked up or she needs to fly to Cape Town because I'm flying out of country. So, those are the moments where I'm just like you know what - and we've had those tough conversations together but the beautiful part is the fact that I've brought up to be independent as well and to understand the route that I've chosen.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Oros Mampofu | Actor (@oros_mampofu) The journey of healing Lunathi is someone who is very critical about her performances but, with Inimba, she is using this impactful story to have real conversations with her daughter in a way that is healing for the thespian. 'I struggle to watch myself but with this show - because I said again - it's healing for me in so many different ways, in so many different ways. 'So, it's also therapy just to rewatch it and have those conversations with u-aunty endlini and have those conversations with my daughter where you actually pick up the type of person that she's growing up to be as well and how understanding she is about certain things that have happened in our life. So, I really honestly chose this job because I knew what it was going to do for us.'
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Couples who binge together, stay together: 5 unexpected benefits of TV marathons
Studies have shown that engaging in shared activities enhances closeness in romantic relationships. Our relationships are often tested by time constraints, work pressures, and societal expectations, couples are finding creative ways to strengthen their connection. The dynamics of modern dating often reflect a desire for a deeper connection amidst the chaos of everyday life. For many couples, this means finding simple yet meaningful ways to bond. Interestingly, one of the most underrated yet effective bonding activities is binge-watching TV shows together. While the idea may seem trivial, recent research and behavioural studies reveal surprising emotional and relational benefits of this shared pastime. According to when couples sit down to watch TV shows together, it becomes more than just a passive activity. It transforms into a shared adventure filled with laughter, emotions, and even moments of reflection. 1. Creating shared experiences that strengthen bonds Shared experiences are the foundation of emotionally fulfilling relationships. They foster empathy, create lasting memories, and cultivate a sense of togetherness. Watching TV shows as a couple is a readily accessible shared experience that doesn't require elaborate planning or financial strain. Studies have shown that engaging in shared activities enhances closeness in romantic relationships. For couples juggling busy schedules, settling down for a series on Netflix or Showmax can serve as a mini retreat, a chance to reconnect after a long day. Whether it's debating the storyline of Inimba or laughing over the antics in How to Ruin Christmas, these moments become the glue that holds relationships together. 2. Introducing new topics of conversation One of the most mundane yet underestimated challenges in relationships is running out of things to talk about. Watching TV shows together can inject fresh topics into your conversations, breaking the monotony of discussing work, family, or chores. South Africa's diverse cultural landscape offers a unique opportunity to explore shows that feature different perspectives, such as "Blood & Water" or "Savage Beauty". These shows introduce themes of identity, social justice, and relationships, sparking meaningful dialogue. Couples can also engage in playful debates about character decisions or hypothetical scenarios from their favourite series, keeping the relationship dynamic and intellectually stimulating.
Eyewitness News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Eyewitness News
iThonga, Genesis and Inimba redefine South African storytelling
JOHANNEBSURG - In an era where African storytelling is reclaiming its voice with boldness and depth, three new telenovelas iThonga, Genesis, and Inimba are doing more than just filling primetime slots. These series are reshaping narratives, questioning societal norms, and offering a fresh lens into identity, spirituality, ambition and cultural heritage. At a recent media day hosted by MultiChoice, audiences were offered a rare glimpse into the minds behind these powerful new shows. Exploring Untold Worlds in Genesis Lufuno Lefowa, Senior Manager of Telenovelas at MultiChoice, emphasised that they were committed to telling stories from worlds that are rarely seen on screen. 'With Genesis, we're diving into the world of gospel music, a world whose complexities are often overlooked,' said Lefowa. 'Gospel is usually portrayed in a church context, but there's a business side to it, too. Not everyone singing gospel is doing it for faith; some do it as a career. That's the world we wanted to explore.' Kagiso Mogale, head writer and executive producer of Genesis, added, 'At its core, Genesis is the story of an underdog, something audiences naturally gravitate toward. We were intentional in making sure that if you're not hooked by the story, the music will draw you in.' 'We carefully curated the soundtrack to evoke nostalgia and emotional resonance. And so far, the response has been incredible. Even though we're only two weeks in, the feedback on social media and through direct messages has been overwhelmingly positive. People are excited to see something different on South African television.' iThonga: Where Culture Connects Us iThonga is more than a drama, it's a cultural exploration. Lefowa shared that the show's 8:30 p.m. slot was strategically chosen to showcase South African heritage. 'We wanted to celebrate culture by highlighting both the differences and the shared values across our communities,' she said. 'As we developed iThonga, we realised that themes like the cultural understanding of twins appeared across different traditions, Venda, Tswana, and others. These common threads reminded us that, as diverse as we are, we're deeply connected. It's only when we tell our stories that we truly see how similar we are.' Inimba: Reversing the Gender Narrative For Inimba, the goal was to flip a familiar script. Executive producer and head writer Siphosethu Tshapu explained: 'For generations, it's been socially acceptable for men to leave their families for work. But we asked what happens when it's a woman who leaves?' 'Today's women are just as ambitious and career-driven. Inimba explores what it means for a woman to leave her family, not out of neglect, but to create a better life. Her motives mirror those of many men, yet society judges her far more harshly.' 'This story reflects a growing reality: women across South Africa are making these tough choices every day. Through Inimba, we're starting a conversation about the emotional and cultural implications and the double standards that still exist.' Tshapu added that the series aims to reflect the evolving roles of women and men in society, sparking dialogue and introspection among viewers. Phathu Makwarela, executive producer of iThonga, reflected on his long-standing relationship with Mzansi Magic: 'It's been nearly 15 years since I started working with Mzansi Magic, started as a head writer on Rockville, their very first drama. That journey from writer to producing The Queen and The River was only possible because MultiChoice saw potential and invested in it.' 'Now, seeing them do the same with a new generation of producers, commissioning shows like Genesis and Inimba, is inspiring. They've created an environment where talent is nurtured and where creative partnerships can thrive.' 'It's rewarding to know that mentorship and opportunity are still part of the DNA of South African television. I'm excited for what's ahead for both our stories and the storytellers behind them.' Speaking from the heart, Ayakha Ntunja (Qhawe), a young actor from Inimba shared their excitement and gratitude for being part of a show that's not only breaking ground in storytelling but also opening doors for the next generation of creatives. 'I think I speak for a lot of young people when I say: sometimes, all we really need is someone to take a chance on us.' 'There's so much value in having guidance from people who've been in the game longer. I'm learning things I never would've known otherwise, and it's helping me grow, both as a performer and a person.
