Latest news with #MzansiMagic
The South African
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Casting on 'Youngins': Behind the scenes with Keneilwe Matidze
Showmax dropped the trailer for the much-anticipated Season 3 of the hit teen drama Youngins. The series has already set the record for the most first-day views on the African streaming platform since its relaunch. Youngins has been a joyful revelation in South African entertainment. It introduces fresh talent and opens doors for young stars like Ayakha Ntunja and Kealeboga Masango. They have both since found success in popular Mzansi Magic telenovelas Inimba and Genesis, according to Showmax Stories. The final season will begin streaming on Showmax from 19 September. To mark this exciting milestone, Keneilwe Matidze, the dynamic actress and casting director behind the show's vibrant cast, shared some insights. Keneilwe also plays Pearl, the lively Life Orientation teacher. Did she expect that Youngins would become such a success? 'Honestly, yes!' Keneilwe said. 'The energy during auditions was electric. Kids showed up from 8 am to 8 pm, and even after long hours, we were all dancing together outside. That vibe was infectious. I thought, 'If I were watching, I'd be hooked!' The talent was off the charts, and the story promised something special.' One standout fan favourite on ' Youngins ' is Tumelo, played by Lebogang Lephotsoana. Keneilwe described Lebo as a 'triple threat who could act, sing, and dance.' She said, 'Lebo was always full of life and positivity. Tumelo is the glue in the friendship group, and Lebo fits that role naturally. He's collaborative and contagious with his energy. He even helped me keep up with TikTok slang and dance moves!' Another cast member making waves on 'Youngins' is Thabiso Ramotshela, who plays Mahlatse. He brought great emotional depth, especially in Season 2. Keneilwe praised his dedication: 'Thabiso dug deep to connect viewers with Mahlatse's raw, emotional story. He pushed himself so hard that I worried about him at times, but his commitment made the character's journey authentic and relatable.' The show's supporting cast also shines. Tshepo Matlala, who plays Tshepo, brings humour and heart. According to Keneilwe, 'Tshepo uses his whole body to perform and taught me so much. We rehearsed off-set and found ways to elevate scenes beyond the script. He's always surprising me with fresh energy.' Youngins is also celebrated for its authentic queer representation. Keneilwe explained, 'We worked hard on chemistry tests for Tabile Tau (Sefako) and Lebogang (Tumelo). Intimacy on screen is tough regardless of sexuality, but these two were open, comfortable, and committed to telling the story honestly. Their friendship and professionalism carried the scenes.' The cast's chemistry extends off-screen, too. Keneilwe shared a touching story about Katlego Moloke, who plays Alex and came out during his audition. 'He said, 'Yeah, but Tumelo is gay, and I'm gay.' That humbled me and showed how much South Africa has changed,' she said. 'Katlego shaped the Alex character in ways I hadn't imagined.' Showmax viewers can catch the final season's thrilling conclusion from 19 September, with three new episodes dropping weekly. Meanwhile, Seasons 1 and 2 remain available to rewatch on Showmax, and Season 1 airs on Mzansi Wethu, DStv Channel 163, every Wednesday to Friday at 19:00. 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.
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Amanda Black, Yaya Mavundla, Rosie Motene and more talk Women's Day
In light of Women's Month celebrating the strides made by South African women, August 9 has become the most important day to honour these achievements and acknowledge the progress. TimesLIVE Premium tasked five women in various fields to discuss the progress made and whether Women's Day is still a calendar date worth celebrating. For singer and songwriter Amanda Black, the day is no longer celebrated because it is on the calendar. 'Women are the source of life, nurturing and creativity. The womb is a sacred space where our imagination first sparks and where healing takes place. By embracing and celebrating women's lives, we can overcome the negativity that roams among us, including jealousy and hatred, and instead foster a culture of love and support,' she said. She said women need to be celebrated every day, as one month is not enough to dedicate to the strides they have made. The same sentiment is held by Rosie Motene, a pan-Africanist queer writer, activist and life coach, who is a survivor of multiple forms of abuse that she experienced in the media space. She said an important facet of healing from the tribulations of womanhood comes from understanding each violation has its weight, its own timeline and a unique pathway to healing. 'When I resigned from a production [ Zabalaza ] in 2015, I felt that the channel [Mzansi Magic] should be commended for how they handled the situation. They did not try to silence me. Instead, they gave me a platform to tell my truth after both the producer and my then-agent lied about the circumstances — the channel's decision was to respect my voice, rather than cover up the truth. This was a rare and powerful example of accountability in an industry that too often protects perpetrators and punishes whistle-blowers,' she said Motene said it is also important for the media to stop lumping together all people who speak out; not everyone is ready to be called a 'survivor', and not everyone who shares their truth identifies as a victim. She said more women need to stop 'carrying a badge of resilience' as though it is a prize. For Motene, resilience has been weaponised against them and used to justify women's continued suffering. For Motene, a revolution lies in demanding healing. 'Women deserve to rest, to laugh without guilt, to cry without apology and to live without constantly having to prove their worth or justify their pain.' Yaya Mavundla, who is a multi-award-winning activist, described her struggles as a transgender woman in South Africa. Having faced rejection and transphobia, she feels society does not allow transgender people to exist freely, even though they face similar issues. Mavundla said ignorance towards transgender women in South Africa, especially on Women's Day, is still an issue, and it needs those who have a voice and the media to have conversations so society understands that transgender women belong. 'Transgender women are women, they are not men or the other. Therefore, trans women have the right to celebrate Women's Day.' While the march to the Union Buildings in 1956 saw women of different races unite against the oppressive dompas, protest culture has since morphed and has created an apathy around its efficacy in the modern context. For Palesa Musa, an activist who was detained at age 12 for her involvement in the 1976 Soweto uprising, protests are still a valid way to fight oppressive systems, and it's important to continue the same tactics such as closing down shops to ensure women's voices will be heard. 'Women must speak up and take to the streets. We fought for democracy, and we were heard. Yes, police were fighting us, and yes, it wasn't easy, but we tried. Young people must stay in school, study hard because education is key,' she said
News24
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
‘I'm grateful for the love' - Thembinkosi Mthembu on staying booked and busy
We were first introduced to him as Mabutho on The River, and his career has since pivoted, and it continues to surge. He's become one of the most recognisable faces on the small screen and is showing no signs of slowing down. Award-winning actor Thembinkosi Mthembu chats with Drum to discuss his latest role on Mzansi Magic's 'Homecoming.' In this exclusive interview, he reveals the secret behind his ability to master every character he portrays and gives insight into his exciting upcoming projects. 'To be honest, there's no secret to me getting more work, it's just how I treat my colleagues, the way I conduct myself on set. For example, I didn't audition for my first role at Tshedza Pictures, we just had one meeting and the role was mine,' he says, 'I'm very grateful for the love and support that I'm receiving from the public' Throughout his career thus far, the heartthrob has shown dedication to his craft. His sterling portrayal of his current role as Sifiso in Homecoming bears testimony to his impeccable work ethic. 'My current role on Homecoming is different from previous work; it's challenging. All the fighting. I respect my work, which is why I'm able to secure more work, and I even coined a nickname for my role on Adulting, which I don't like,' he chuckles, adding that he always gets a break between his roles. 'I always get a break before starting a new job, even if it's a week'. With such a hectic work schedule, just when does that star get time to retreat? Well, he says that although he has a busy work schedule, he can make time for family. 'When I'm not working, I'm at the gym or I'm with family here in Jozi or KZN. As busy as I am, I do make time for my family. I came to Johannesburg to work; this is the reason I hardly take a break. I'm just grateful for the opportunities that I continue to get, because the industry is tough,' he quips. While the fact that he spends a lot of time at work may not be ideal, he doesn't like complaining, as he is aware of the fact that he came to Johannesburg to work, and in the industry he's in, not many of his peers can usher in new work opportunities as frequently as he does. 'I can't complain about anything, my mission was to work when I got here, so being able to work is nothing short of a blessing'. Since the start of his career, he has remained unstoppable, and as he undertakes new ventures in the best future, Thembinkosi remains upbeat that he'll continue to keep his work ethic. 'In 2026 and 2027, there are projects that I'm working on with Angus Gibson. We've already spoken about them, and it's only a matter of time before we start working on them,' he concludes.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Litsoanelo Seturumane talks divorce after ‘Married at First Sight Mzansi' match with Khutso Mokoena
Litsoanelo Seturumane opens up about her divorce from Khutso Mokoena, discussing financial struggles and emotional abuse that led to their separation. Image: Instagram What began as one of the most promising matches on "Married at First Sight Mzansi" has ended in divorce. Litsoanelo 'Dee' Seturumane, a participant in the first season of the reality dating experiment, has publicly confirmed that she and Khutso Mokoena have parted ways. The show, which aired on Mzansi Magic and Showmax, followed eight brave singles who agreed to marry strangers, relying on a team of relationship experts to match them based on compatibility. After exchanging vows and saying 'I do', the couples move in together for six weeks to see if they are indeed compatible and if they would still adhere to the sweet words they shared at the altar, where they officially met and saw each other. 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 ✕ Seturumane and Mokoena quickly became one of the fan favourites. Their chemistry felt genuine, and while their relationship had its share of trials and tribulations, they chose to remain together after the cameras stopped rolling. However, that hope was short-lived. In a recent episode of the 'Engineer Your Life' podcast, Seturumane did not hold back when she opened up about why their marriage came to an end. Speaking candidly to host Lungelo KM, the full-time law student and pastry chef shared that behind the scenes, the relationship had deep-rooted issues that stemmed from financial strain to emotional mistreatment. She revealed that their biggest issue was the finances. Despite her former husband generating income by renting out his apartment on Airbnb, she claimed he contributed just R2 000 toward their shared household expenses. 'There were different types of abuse. Narcissistic abuse, emotional abuse, the silent treatment, stonewalling,' she said. 'Financial abuse, because why are you living in my house, using your apartment as an Airbnb, but all you contribute financially is R2 000?' Seturumane explained that as a student, her resources were limited. 'I'm a full-time student,' she said. 'I had lectures this morning. So maybe because you think I'm one of the Oppenheimers based on what you're seeing … yeah, that is okay to do that?' She went on to say that the behaviour became so concerning that a fellow cast member, who became a friend, reached out privately, urging her to put an end to the situation. 'She said, 'He's using you. This is abuse. You have to stop it',' Seturumane recalled. While she did not shy away from calling out problematic dynamics in the marriage, Seturumane was also honest about her role in the breakdown. She admitted that her ongoing communication with the father of her son, Zion, created friction in her relationship with Mokoena. 'He felt I was too close to my ex, but it was about my son,' she said, defending her decision to prioritise her child's well-being. Besides Seturumane and Mokoena, the experimental show consisted of Boitshepo Mashetla and Sebenzile Ngwenya, Thabang Mvuyane and Makhumo Ngobeni, as well as Thami Nyandeni and Zithobile Sibiya. While the experiment offered excitement and a unique path to love, intense drama, clashing personalities, and off-screen realities ultimately led to each of them going their separate ways.
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Where spinning meets soul: Mzansi Magic's 'Gush'Lyf' premieres tonight
Gush'Lyf premieres at 8pm on Thursday on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) and it's bringing the high-octane, unfiltered world of spinning into your home. What started as an underground street thrill has evolved into a full-blown kasi lifestyle — one of adrenaline, artistry and raw street cred. Gush'Lyf dives deep into this culture, following spinners such as Ngozi, Dankie Darlie, Poroza and Mzet as they light up the skidpan with jaw-dropping stunts and big engine energy. From heart-racing rollbacks and bonnet flips to tyre-popping laps and insane 720 cray flips, these drivers take the art of spinning to the next level. But behind the smoke and roar lies a real story of people chasing dreams, juggling pressures and spinning not just for fame but for survival. Need to get fluent in Gush'Lyf lingo before the premiere? Here's a taste: rollback — when a car whips into reverse without hitting reverse gear; kitchen — a narrow part of the pitch where precision meets madness; crazy flip/720 — a rapid spin where the car does a full (or double) 360° while staying on course; bonnet flip — when the bonnet pops mid-trick. Wild, right? And let's not forget the rides — from the legendary Botsotso (BMW E30) to multivalve engines, VQ25s and V8 beasts.
