Latest news with #MzansiWethu
News24
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Former Smoke & Mirrors actor Khayalethu Xaba talks new roles and career growth
His dramatic exit from hit telenovela, Smoke & Mirrors, shocked the show's viewers, but it wasn't the last time he'd grace the small screen. Actor Khayalethu Xaba, who played the role of Mpendulo on the show, is now starring in Mzansi Wethu's telenovela, Homecoming, which is being recorded in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal. Taking a break from filming to speak with us, he's eager to explain why he decided to take on the role of Vusi. He tells Drum that he was drawn to the role because, unlike all his previous characters who were based in Johannesburg, this one offered something different. He also shares his journey and how he continues to grow as an actor. ead more | 'I've grown so much' - House of Zwide's Nefisa Mkhabela talks industry lessons 'I decided to take the role firstly because of where he's based in Bergville, KZN. All of my previous characters have been either street smart or cheese boys from the suburbs. I've never played a boy from the villages. Most importantly, though, as a storyteller, it's important to know your audience, and right now I feel like I'm talking to people, especially those in the hoods and villages, even the ones in the suburbs. The challenges I usually have with characters resonate with young men,' he says. The heartthrob shares that he is also entering into a new dimension of comedy. 'I'm also dabbling in stand-up comedy, but I'm new in the space. I still have a lot to learn in the space. I don't just want to be an actor who thinks he's funny. I want to be a comedian. Everything I'm doing now has been a childhood dream of mine since I was five and ten years old, ' he reveals. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Khayalethu Xaba 🇿🇦 (@ Although he was aware of the pitfalls of the industry, he remained undeterred in his pursuit of his childhood dream. 'I only became aware of the challenges of the industry just before I got my first gig, but I realise that every career has its pitfalls. I didn't let that stop me from pursuing my childhood dream.' As a young actor, he cherishes having mentors who have walked the path before him. 'One of our mentors is Sdumo Mtshali, because we worked together before. He has always supported me and showed me the ropes. Another one is Bonko, who told me that his door is always open for me to talk to him to get guidance on whatever I need help with. These are my two mentors, who have been instrumental in helping me with my career so far,' he concludes.
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Meet the stars of 'Homecoming': Thembinkosi Mthembu and Mpume 'Six' Nyamane lead the telenovela charge
Thembinkosi Mthembu and Mpume "Six" Nyamane will star in the upcoming Mzansi Wethu telenovela "Homecoming". Image: X A new culturally-rich telenovela, 'Homecoming', is coming to our small screens soon. In the announcement that was shared by DStv on Monday, July 14, it was revealed that 'Homecoming' is replacing 'Sibongile & The Dlaminis", which will be coming to an end on Wednesday, July 23. Produced by the award-winning production house, Tshedza Pictures, 'Homecoming' follows the life of Zethu Hlongwane (played by former 'Generations: The Legacy' actress Mpume 'Six' Nyamane), a medical graduate who dreams of joining the list of a few black female surgeons in our country. However, she realises that her dream appears to be far-fetched because things are not going as she had hoped or planned out, which forces her to go back to her rural town of Bergville in KwaZulu-Natal. While back at home, she faces unexpected life hurdles and a complicated, unexpected love life. This telenovela features a star-studded cast including 'Shaka iLembe' star Thembinkosi Mthembu, 'Smoke and Mirrors' actor Khaya Xaba and former 'The Queen' actor Sipho Manzini. Mthembu plays the role of Sifiso Kubheka, a police officer and a traditional healer who crosses paths with Hlongwane and leaves her in a dilemma between science, tradition and love. Mthembu has solidified and dominated the acting industry for quite some time since his role on 'Shaka iLembe' for his role as King Dingiswayo, the son of King Jobe of the Mthethwa. He has gained widespread recognition and won multiple accolades for not only appearing on the historic series, but Mhembu received nods for Best Actor for his role on 'Outlaws' and Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor in a Telenovela for 'The River' in 2024. The recent announcement about his new role on 'Homecoming' received a positive reception from netizens, as many revealed that he is one of their favourite actors in Mzansi. 'Bagging roles all day, every day. Love it for him,' one social media user said. 'I love the fact that he plays different characters, he's versatile,' another user shared. ∎ 'Homecoming' premieres on Mzansi Wethu (DStv channel 163) on Monday, July 28, at 6.30pm.
TimesLIVE
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Actress Mpume 'Six' Nyamane joins Mzansi Wethu's new series
Homecoming, a compelling new telenovela from award-winning production house Tshedza Pictures, is set to premiere on Mzansi Wethu at the end of July. The telenovela features a stellar ensemble cast, blending familiar industry powerhouses with rising stars including Sabelo Hadebe, Sipho Manzini, Khombi Phetla, Mpilo Mbatha, Khayalethu Xaba and Amahle Khumalo. Set in the scenic backdrop of Bergville, KZN, Homecoming follows the journey of Zethu Hlongwane, played by rising star Mpume 'Six' Nyamane (Unmarried), a brilliant medical school graduate with dreams of becoming one of South Africa's few black female surgeons. However, when reality hits hard — no job, no placement — Zethu is left with no choice but to return to the rural village she once left behind, her aspirations seemingly stalled. Back in Bergville, Zethu finds herself torn between two worlds — one of Western science and medicine, and the other deeply rooted in African tradition. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Sifiso Kubheka, portrayed by the award-winning Thembinkosi Mthembu (Shaka iLembe, The River). Sifiso is a man of dual identities: a dedicated police officer by day, and a traditional healer by night. Their meeting ignites a powerful exploration of identity, healing, belief — and ultimately, love. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Shirley Adonisi, director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net said: ' Homecoming is a story that speaks to so many South Africans. It is rich in emotion, grounded in culture and full of heart. We are proud to have a show on Mzansi Wethu that reflects the complexity and beauty of rural life in a way that feels fresh, honest and deeply relatable.' Homecoming is helmed by acclaimed producer Lulu Hela, who sees the series as more than just entertainment. ' Homecoming is a deeply meaningful project for us,' Hela explains. 'The title reflects a return to the places, people and practices that shaped us. At the heart of this story is a powerful conversation between traditional and Western medicine — two worlds often seen in opposition. Viewers can expect a rich, character-driven narrative that challenges, heals and sparks conversation.' This promises to be one of the most talked-about new local dramas of the year. Don't miss the premiere on Monday July 28 at 6.30pm. The show will air every Monday to Wednesday on Mzansi Wethu. Homecoming takes over the time-slot of fan-favourite Sibongile & The Dlaminis, which wraps up on Wednesday July 23.
