Latest news with #Zethu
The South African
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
New South African drama 'Homecoming' to premiere this month
Mzansi Wethu (DStv Channel 163) is set to premiere Homecoming on 28 July at 18:30. This captivating new drama follows the story of Zethu Hlongwane (played by Mpume 'Six' Nyamane). Zethu is a straight-A medical graduate who faces shattered surgical dreams and returns to her rural home in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal. Zethu's return to her roots is anything but easy, as after chasing big-city ambitions, she must now navigate the realities of her small town. The series explores themes close to the heart of many South Africans: dreams, disappointment, and the unbreakable ties of community, according to DSTV . Amahle Khumalo, known for her role in Empini , plays a fascinating character in Homecoming : Mthandeni Madlala, a young 'shebeen queen'. This role is quite different from typical portrayals. Amahle shares, 'I was quite shocked when I found out that Mthandeni runs her own shebeen. It pushed me and a friend out of our comfort zones. We spent time in shebeens in Alexandra and Soweto. We wanted to experience the culture deeply, not just the parties but the lives behind the scenes. I'm grateful to those who let me behind the curtain to see how a shebeen really works.' Mthandeni's life is complicated, as she is married to Shwabi, a powerful ward councillor in Bergville. He is charming, calculating, and not very faithful. 'He promised Mthandeni luxury, a car, a ring, a lifestyle. Now, she is envied by many girls in town,' Amahle explains. 'But as South Africans, we understand the dynamic of 'sugar daddies' and 'sugar babies'. Mthandeni may look glamorous, but she's trapped. She's yet to admit this isn't the life she truly wants.' She adds, 'When married to someone like Shwabi, you become his property. Your own wishes come last.' Amahle herself relates deeply to Zethu's journey. 'I went back home in 2023 to start over, reset my goals. Zethu's story isn't one of failure, it's a 'full circle' moment. She's a product of a loving community that has always supported her.' Though Zethu aimed to study in Johannesburg and build a career in Cuba, life brought her back to Bergville. 'She now has the chance to use her skills to help the very people who shaped her. Going back home is not failing, it's an opportunity.' The cast combines fresh and familiar faces. Alongside Amahle and Mpume are Sipho Manzini ( The Queen ), Khombi Phetla ( The River ), Mpilo Mbatha ( Shaka iLembe ) and Khayalethu Xaba ( Shaka iLembe ). Amahle expresses her fondness for the show: 'It's real and relatable. Every South African will see themselves in these characters. The writing is beautiful and unlike anything we've seen before.' Don't miss Homecoming starting Monday, 28 July at 18:30. The series will air Mondays to Wednesdays on Mzansi Wethu (DStv Channel 163). This new drama promises to be a heartfelt reflection of South Africa's hopes, struggles, and the power of community. HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED A 'FULL CIRCLE' MOMENT SIMILAR TO ZETHU'S STORY? 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
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.
