Latest news with #Showmax
The South African
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Nonku Williams leaves 'The Real Housewives of Durban'
In a shocking and unexpected announcement, Nonku Williams, the longest-serving housewife in Africa, has exited ' The Real Housewives of Durban (RHOD) .' The reality star rose to fame through the show after joining its first season, quickly becoming a household name with a loyal fan base. After entertaining fans for five seasons on the Showmax hit The Real Housewives of Durban, Nonku Williams has officially left the show. She announced her exit in an emotional and detailed post on her Instagram account. The reality star shared that she is stepping away from the franchise to prioritise her mental health, well-being, and personal growth. She also revealed that she won't be attending the reunion, disappointing many viewers who were expecting her to show up. They wanted her to take accountability for her actions this season and address questions about her character. Nonku has stirred controversy this season, with many viewers expressing disappointment in her behaviour. While some still believe she's reality TV gold, bringing the sass and drama that helped make the show a success, it seems she didn't win many hearts this time. The mother of two revealed that after watching herself on TV, she has realised that the woman she sees is not someone she recognises or respects. 'After much reflection, I've made the difficult decision not to return to the show and to distance myself from the reunion. It's not an easy choice, but it's one I must make. Watching myself on screen, I'm confronted with a reality that's hard to accept. The woman I see isn't someone I recognise or respect.' Reflecting on her journey with the show, she shared that the toxic cycle of women being pitted against each other, constant negativity, conflict, and drama no longer aligns with who she wants to be. She said it's time to choose peace and personal growth. 'I've played a role in shaping this narrative, but I'm also a product of the show's dynamics. The relentless pursuit of drama, the pitting of women against each other, the gossip, and the put-downs – it's a toxic cycle that wears me down,' she wrote. Nonku further opened up about her decision to walk away from the show, sharing: 'As I look to the future, I'm reminded of my responsibilities – to myself, my children, my faith, and the community. I want to make a difference, to leave a positive mark on the world. But this show, with its destructive tendencies, isn't the platform for that. I've come to realise that I have a responsibility to myself to prioritise my well-being, to protect my mental health, and to surround myself with positivity.' She further said that she chooses this to be a better role model for her kids and to positively impact her community. 'To those who've supported me throughout this journey, I'm grateful. I acknowledge my part in the chaos, but I also recognise the show's role in shaping our narratives. I'm choosing to break free from this cycle, to seek a path that uplifts and inspires. She further said, 'I'm choosing to use my platform to spread love, kindness, and positivity. I'm choosing to be a role model for my children and for others who may be watching. I'm choosing to prioritise my well-being and to take care of myself,' she said. ARE YOU GOING TO MISS NONKU ON RHODURBAN? 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.
Daily Maverick
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
Adam — a raw exploration of masculinity, race and resilience
Adam challenges traditional ideas of manhood through the story of a young man navigating the harsh realities of a strict farm school in South Africa. Drawing from personal experiences and social influences, directors Liyema Speelman and Winford Collings craft a powerful narrative about identity, belonging and breaking free from outdated norms. Liyema Speelman, co-director of the powerful new drama Adam, challenges traditional binaries through the story of a young man confronting the weight of patriarchy and finding healing in its aftermath. More than just a coming-of-age story, Adam offers a raw look at the emotional armour young men are expected to wear, to hide any sort of vulnerability. Fresh out of high school, Adam is trying to define his identity while learning to survive the harsh realities of a rigid farm school. Resilience, he discovers, isn't a choice; it's a lifeline. Directed by Speelman and Winford Collings, the film is part of Showmax's first-time directors slate in partnership with the Joburg Film Festival. The duo began working on Adam in 2023. After its premiere on 4 May, Speelman spoke to Daily Maverick about the inspirations and personal reflections that shaped the film. Adam, played by Marko Voster, is a hot-headed teenager questioning the next steps for his future after finishing high school. Without any warning, Adam is sent to a technical farm school to give him a new sense of direction. As he gets used to his new environment, Adam is forced to leave his 'old identity' behind and 'toughen up'. From the moment Adam arrives at the farm school it's clear that discipline – and abuse – reigns supreme. The institution, founded by the late father of its authoritarian headmaster (played by Dirk Stoltz), is steeped in legacy. But that legacy casts a long shadow that pushes the headmaster into an obsessive drive to live up to his father's image, ultimately leading him towards unravelling. Adam becomes a target of the built-up rage that the headmaster carries. While his schoolmates try to stay out of harm, Adam suffers, often in isolation, and is fearful to speak up. The brutal abuse he endures forces him to confront and redefine what strength and manhood truly mean. Why is this film relevant today? Adam is reminiscent of the popular South African original film, Moffie, directed by Oliver Hermanus, which came out in 2021. Both films explore initiation through the lens of military training, often portrayed as a rite of passage meant to transform boys into men. Adam draws inspiration from the personal experiences of both directors. Speelman reflects on his time growing up in an all-boys school in Port Elizabeth, which he attended from Grade 1. He recalls how slurs and name-calling, often with references to cult cartoon South Park, were a normalised part of daily life. 'If [these] are the only things that you have known, it becomes an afterthought,' he says, 'but soon this afterthought makes you realise that the 'normality' there is slightly incorrect. 'It takes us as filmmakers to kind of mirror [those experiences] and simply create a new path or give new suggestions as to what people should be doing nowadays.' Andrew Tate and the influence of the manosphere Even today, boys and men are often taught, whether subtly or forcefully, that showing emotion is a weakness. At the farm school, Adam's lack of athleticism sets him apart, and he's punished for it. Beyond the film, social media adds to the pressure, with hyper-masculine influencers pushing harmful ideals onto young and often vulnerable minds. Adam challenges this mindset, offering raw, emotional moments that reveal there's real strength in vulnerability. The directors were also inspired by the 1985 film Come and See, directed by Elem Klimlov. The film explores the heavy burden placed on young men sent to the army, expected to carry the weight of saving their country. Adam is their creative way of engaging with and imagining life within that world. Speelman explains that Come and See 'looks at the idea of boys going to war and being excited about the idea of becoming men and then being utterly terrorised, disenchanted and disillusioned by that idea of masculinity. More recently, in March 2025, Adolescence, the Netflix original series, sparked much-needed conversations around hyper-masculinity and male rage. Speaking to Speelman about the series, he points to Andrew Tate, one of the most infamous influencers known for promoting misogynistic content. 'Andrew Tate has become this beacon of fiery strong men, but it's a false archetype, a false god. 'With the rise of Andrew Tate, there's this anger that's fostered within a lot of young men because there's an element where a lot of their identity was grounded on this old idea of what a man is. 'The man essentially is the ketch of the household, he's the breadwinner but when a lot of those ideas are challenged, where now you're not the breadwinner and you feel like you're not needed, you feel left out and I think that's where there's this growing rage that I've been watching is simmering.' Talking about race Race is a subtle but important theme in the film, reflecting the directors' perspectives as men of colour. Through characters like Liam and Davey, the film highlights the experience of a boy of colour in a mostly white farm school. Although Adam isn't a man of colour, his close relationship with Liam, built on shared struggles with harsh punishments, allows the story to explore how race intersects with power and belonging. Dillon Windvogel as Liam. Speelman explains that 'the racial bodies in the film become that bridge within South African society of creating a friendship. But also [help us] truly understand one another to essentially move forward as one union.' Adam may not have visual components as strong as those in Adolescence and Moffie, but its stripped-down aesthetic is a memorable component of the film. It also taps into a deeper sense of stillness, which Speelman says was intentional. His reasoning behind some inert moments in the film is that 'a lot of emotions, especially through cinema, sometimes are rushed through. I think the type of cinema that I gravitate towards is very arthouse. Within that arthouse, you have to sit within the uncomfortability, and that is where the lessons stick a lot more.' Cinematographer Gray Kotze creates an intimate relationship between the viewer and the characters, and with an eye for documentary, he was able to immerse the viewers in Adam's world. DM
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Presley Chweneyagae: ‘He was every mother's son, every girl's funny lover, and everyone's best friend'
Chweneyagae embodied God-given talent, said Phathutshedzo Makwarela, executive producer of The River and Cobrizi. DStv, the broadcaster which was home to late actor Presley Chweneyagae in recent years, has paid tribute to the beloved actor. 'He was every mother's son, every girl's funny lover, and everyone's best friend,' said CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice, Nomsa Philiso. Chweneyagae passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 40. His talent agency and management team at Moonyeenn Lee Associates (MLA) confirmed his death. 'It is with profound sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of one of South Africa's most gifted and beloved actors, Presley Chweneyagae,' the statement read. The cause of death is still unknown to the public. ALSO READ: 'The River' and 'Tsotsi' star Presley Chweneyagae dies at 40 A generational talent Philiso said Chweneyagae was a generational talent whose work helped shape Mzansi television. 'His characters felt like family,' she shared. 'Through characters like Cobra on The River, and most recently on Mzansi Magic's Cobrizi, he didn't just entertain — he made us laugh, made us care, and helped us understand the people behind the stories. His work brought heart and humanity to every role.' Chweneyagae's performances on The River made him more endearing to Mzansi as the hilarious older brother with an English twang. 'His legacy lives on in the stories he helped bring to life. He was part of some of DStv's most loved productions, and his performances will continue to resonate. We will miss him dearly,' Philiso said. ALSO READ: 'Working with Presley and keeping a straight face is almost impossible' — industry mourns Chweneyagae A tribute to Chweneyagae Hours after the news of the actor's passing broke out, Showmax released a tribute to the actor on its app. Titled A Tribute To Presley Chweneyagae, Showmax has curated a collection of recent shows featuring the late actor, as aired on MultiChoice platforms. The tribute includes all six seasons of The River, the first season of the drama series iNumber Number and the feature film of the same name, which was released in 2014. Co-creator and executive producer of The River and Cobrizi, Phathutshedzo Makwarela of Tshedza Pictures, said Chweneyagae epitomised God-given talent. 'Presley was one of a generation. He was the epitome of God given talent. Tshedza Pictures is blessed to have worked with him for close to nine years on The River and its spin-off Cobrizi. Today, the world is a much sadder place today by the loss of this talent.' Tsotsi co-star Terry Pheto said she was shocked by Chweneyagae's passing. 'I'm shocked and saddened by the news of Presley's sudden passing. My heart goes out to his family and the rest of our friends and colleagues in the film industry. We shared an unforgettable moment when we won the Oscar. It's a moment I will forever cherish,' said Pheto. NOW READ: Khanyisa Jaceni welcomes her first bundle of joy
News24
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
The power of Lorraine Moropa's puff
Beloved for her role in The Queen, Lorraine Moropa has shared both her talent and joy with fans. She recently opened up about portraying Letsatsi, a God-fearing church woman, in the Showmax original Not My Type, saying: 'I could easily empty myself and use my body as a vessel to carry her personal journey, navigate her world and evolve with her.' Whether she's fully immersed in a powerful role or living out a radiant love story, Lorraine continues to embody beauty, grace and unapologetic hair confidence. Our ode to her hair moments: Stacked puffs The two high puff buns on the top of the head have each been made of smaller afro puffs stacked vertically. The hair is neatly parted down the middle and the puffs are tightly coiled showing the natural texture. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lorraine SA (@ Culture and coils Styled to frame the face while showcasing the hair's full texture, the look is complemented by traditional beaded accessories, including a headpiece that rests across the forehead and adds cultural flair. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lorraine SA (@ Grace in every coil The high puff is brushed up and gathered into a full, rounded puff at the crown of the head. The edges are laid, giving it an elegant finish that complements the looks. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lorraine SA (@ Beauty and curls The tightly coiled curls are styled in an Afro. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lorraine SA (@ Power puff perfection The high puff ponytail with a smooth finish at the crown leads into a natural-textured afro at the back. It balances elegance beautifully. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lorraine SA (@
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Weekly entertainment wrap
Gayton McKenzie went viral playIing his first golf tournament. On this week's entertainment wrap we have a look at Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie who went viral when he played his first golf tournament. This is followed by Phelo Bala who recently completed six months of rehab. Lastly if you looking for something to watch you can check out Ama Grootman which is now streaming on Showmax. The reality show dives headfirst into the lives of six self-proclaimed gentlemen from Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal, who are navigating gout, girls young enough to be their daughters and chaotic relationships. ALSO READ: Get to know the new faces of Listing Cape Town as show returns for season 3
