Latest news with #KingsofJoburg
The Citizen
07-08-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
WATCH: ‘You guys are too sensitive,' says Open Chats Podcast Gayton McKenzie's Patriotic Alliance opens crimen Injuria case
'It's about dignity. Humour doesn't give you a free pass to degrade a community.' The Open Chats Podcast team is under fire for controversial remarks about Coloured people. This has prompted a legal case from the Patriotic Alliance (PA), a public march by its leader, Gayton McKenzie, and a national conversation about race, humour, and accountability. The show is hosted on Mzansi Wethu on DSTV. Liam Jacobs, a prominent member of the PA, has opened a crimen injuria case at a police station in Pretoria against the hosts of the Open Chats Podcast. This follows a recent episode that sparked outrage for remarks seen as racist and offensive toward the Coloured community. Jacobs, who recorded the moment live and shared it online, expressed that the comments were 'deeply insulting.' He said they represented a larger pattern of disrespect and stereotyping aimed at Coloured South Africans. 'This isn't about being sensitive,' said Jacobs at the station. 'It's about dignity. Humour doesn't give you a free pass to degrade a community.' His move comes as the PA, led by Gayton McKenzie, calls for accountability. The party prepares for a public demonstration at the podcast's recording location. Gayton McKenzie vows to march. PA leader Gayton McKenzie also weighed in, releasing a video where he slammed the podcasters' remarks. He announced that the party would be organising a march to the offices where the podcast was recorded. 'We will not allow our people to be the punchline of tasteless jokes. We're marching not just for Coloured people but for all who are tired of being mocked and disrespected,' McKenzie said. He further revealed that legal and political steps are being considered. The party demands consequences for what they describe as 'verbal abuse hiding behind entertainment.' ALSO READ:'It's racism' – Gayton McKenzie plans legal action against Open Chats podcast Podcast team responds: 'It was just a joke.' In response to the backlash, the Open Podcast team posted a video to Threads. They defended the comments and claimed that the entire discussion was meant as a joke. One of the hosts stated: 'I said Coloured people chow each other. You can tell that I'm joking.' Another added: 'You guys say out-of-pocket things all the time. It was also a joke.' A third voice chimed in: 'Guys, I'm sorry. After watching Kings of Joburg, I'm scared of Coloureds.' Their attempt to brush off the comments as satire failed to land with many online. Especially as they doubled down by accusing the public of being 'too sensitive.' Insensitive jokes go viral: 'Take the colouredness outside' One of the most criticised comments during the episode involved a discussion about dating Coloured women. A host remarked: 'When I deal with Coloured girls, she must take the Colouredness and leave it outside.' Pressed for clarity, he added: 'They're too much. Everything is war and hard-core, even in sports.' These remarks quickly made the rounds on social media. Thousands condemned the tone, stereotyping, and normalisation of casual racism under the guise of podcast banter. National backlash and legal ramifications While some of the podcast's fans attempted to defend the hosts' right to joke freely, the broader consensus online has been that the team crossed a line. Prominent cultural figures and everyday South Africans alike have expressed that humour does not excuse the harm. Legal experts suggest that if the crimen injuria case proceeds, it could set a precedent. This could influence how digital media creators are held accountable for inflammatory speech. What's next? Gayton McKenzie has promised on his social media channels to share the PA's next course of action in the coming days. This includes a proposed date for the march to the SABC offices and possible civil proceedings. The Podcast platform has yet to respond to the criminal charges.
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The Citizen
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Thembi Seete stuns in white bikini during luxurious Mauritius getaway [PICS]
Thembi recently jetted off to the tropical island of Mauritius for a well-deserved break. Thembi Seete is soaking up the sun in Mauritius. Pictures: Instagram/@thembiseete_ After a busy few weeks of media interviews ahead of the premiere of the new season of Kings of Joburg, actress and singer Thembi Seete has taken a well-deserved break. The star jetted off to the tropical island of Mauritius for a luxurious holiday. ALSO READ: Why a cruise might be an ideal holiday destination for your summer Inside Thembi Seete's Mauritius vacation Thembi shared a glimpse of her tropical retreat on Instagram, posting a series of sun-kissed snaps from her beachfront escape. Picture: Instagram/@thembiseete_ One of the snaps shows Seete in a sleek white bikini, basking by the ocean with a nice view behind her. Thembi Seete in Mauritius. Picture: Instagram/@thembiseete_ 'Chasing summer, sunsets, and soaking up the beauty of the Indian Ocean,' she captioned her snaps. Seete's island escape comes shortly after the launch of the third season of Kings of Joburg, which premiered on Friday, 13 June. She reprises her role as Keneilwe Masire in the hit Netflix series. Speaking to The Citizen ahead of the premiere, Seete said her character has evolved significantly since the first season. While Keneilwe had a fiery streak in earlier seasons, Seete said she now brings a calmer, more protective energy to the role. 'This season, you see her heart and her commitment to saving her family. She's a mother, a voice of reason — someone who'll do anything to protect her family.' READ MORE: 'Far superior to anything we've done before': Zolisa Xaluva, Sindi Mahlangu and Thembi Seete on 'Kings of Joburg' season 3
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 Citizen
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Malik Yoba on first African shoot and how he joined Kings of Joburg
Malik Yoba stars as Isador in the hit series Kings of Joburg. Malik Yoba and Connie Ferguson at the 'Kings of Joburg' season 3 launch. Picture: Instagram/@malikyoba Veteran American actor Malik Yoba opened up about joining the third season of Kings of Joburg and filming in Africa for the first time. Yoba is popularly known for his roles in Hollywood films like Why Did I Get Married, Cool Runnings, and the TV series New York Undercover just to mention a few. He portrays the character Isador in Kings of Joburg. Speaking to The Citizen, Yoba said he was thrilled to finally be part of a South African production. 'It's exciting to be part of not only the series but also my first-ever time shooting anything in Africa. That was really important to me,' he said. Discussing how he landed the role, Yoba explained that it came through relationships. 'This is not a traditional thing. It's not something that came through Hollywood. This came through relationships. And to be here and part of this is great.' ALSO READ: 'Far superior to anything we've done before': Zolisa Xaluva, Sindi Mahlangu and Thembi Seete on 'Kings of Joburg' season 3 'Kings of Joburg' raising the bar for African storytelling Yoba said he believes Kings of Joburg is helping to reshape global perceptions of African storytelling. 'It's on par with anything else I've shot or seen from an international production, and that's exciting from an international perspective. 'I have a lot of friends in the States and in many places who love the show. So it's definitely doing what it's supposed to do.' He added that he was impressed from the moment he began watching the first season. 'Just looking at the graphics, I thought, 'Okay, South Africa representing.' Then I started watching and thought the quality of storytelling was definitely a level above what I expected.' The third season of Kings of Joburg premiered on Friday, 13 June, picking up where the second season left off. The new season sees the Masire family maintain their grip on Johannesburg's criminal underworld — but a deadly curse and rising betrayals threaten their empire. NOW READ: 'It's not just music, it's a story': Showmax celebrates Kabza De Small's Amapiano brilliance
The Citizen
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Chat with 'Kings of Joburg' cast members about new season
We caught up with Kings of Joburg cast members Thembi Seete, Zolisa Xaluva, and Sindi Mahlangu to hear what excites them most about the new season. The stakes are higher, and family bonds are tested like never before in the explosive third season of Kings of Joburg, which premiered on Friday, 13 June. The new season sees the Masire family maintain their grip on Johannesburg's criminal underworld, but a deadly curse and rising betrayals threaten their empire. With new characters, expanded settings, and elevated stakes, the cast says audiences are in for the most thrilling ride yet. We caught up with cast members Thembi Seete (Keneilwe Masire), Zolisa Xaluva (Mo Masire), and Sindi Mahlangu (Phumzi) to hear what excites them most about the new season – and how their characters have evolved. 'I'm really excited to see both worlds come together — Joburg and Cape Town — as well as the collaboration of incredible actors from different parts of the world. 'When I first read the script, I thought, 'Oh, we have a good story,' and with the other characters' worlds and how the story played out, I was really excited for them,' Seete told The Citizen. Season three takes viewers deeper into the supernatural and criminal elements that define the Masire family saga, with new characters and expanded locations bringing fresh energy to the storyline. For Xaluva, who plays family patriarch Mo Masire, the thrill lies in the complexity and visual scale of this season. 'It's a strong, clear story — dynamic, constantly evolving. From a visual point of view, we would say it's a heightened, cinematic offering — far superior to anything we have done so far. We had two directors of photography, one shooting in Joburg and the other in Cape Town. It's an exhibition of South African technical brilliance.' Mahlangu, who returns as Pumzi, said she was excited to see talent from different parts of the world come together and create magic. 'We've got a lot of actors coming together from different countries to tell one story, and that's also very exciting. We don't get a lot of those here, so I feel like for me, it was good to see everyone unite to tell this beautiful story.' ALSO READ: 'My intimate scenes have never been this intimate' – Thembi Seete on her 'Adulting' role Character development in the 'Kings of Joburg' new season Season three also highlights deeper character growth. Seete said her character, once known for her fiery temper, now serves as the family's voice of reason. 'This season, you see her heart and her commitment to saving her family. She's a mother, a voice of reason — someone who'll do anything to protect her family. In the first and second seasons, it was more about fighting, but now we see her saying, 'Please, let's not do this. Let's solve this. Let's rather go about it this way.'' Xaluva said Mo's character remains consistent in his moral compass, but the challenges he faces become far more intense this season. 'Mo has always been an open book. What you see is what you get. But this time, he just goes through a more intensified journey. He's in prison, breaks out to save his family, and travels from Johannesburg to Cape Town by car to hide out and try to eliminate this big enemy from Cape Town.' Meanwhile, Mahlangu's Phumzi undergoes a transformation of her own, shaped by motherhood. 'Phumzi this season is a mother. And once you become a mother, there's a lot that shifts. Your child's well-being becomes the centre of it all. So she's changed — she's basically trying to figure out a life that best suits her child and is doing everything she can to make sure that her child is protected.' NOW READ: 'A new chapter': Siphokazi celebrates independence after 16 years with former label
