BET Africa unveils Redemption as its second BET Original telenovela, set inside a South Africa megachurch run by powerful Zikode family starring Simon Zikode, Kwanele Mthethwa and Tina Jaxa.

by Thinus Ferreira

Paramount Africa's second locally-produced telenovela entitled Redemption starting on 26 September at 18:00 on BET (DStv 129) is set within the world of a South African megachurch starring Themba Ndaba as celebrity pastor Simon Zikode and Kwanele Mthethwa as his daughter Faith.

Similar to BET's first telenovela Isono which lasted a single season and is currently getting a re-airing on e.tv as South Africa's only commercial free-to-air TV channel, Redemption as a BET Africa Original will also get a free-to-air rebroadcast a few months later on e.tv.

Redemption is produced by Matsimela Films from the merged Seriti Films and Burnt Onion Productions, with the story starting after the disappearance of Simon Zikode. 

His daughter Faith, who is on the cusp of an international music career, drop everything to come to her family's rescue.

As Faith becomes immersed in the church organisation and family affairs "she uncovers devastating secrets about those closest to her and is confronted with her own skeletons. Dark truths come to light and the Zikode family are faced with many baffling decisions as they scramble to salvage the family’s legacy," BET Africa says.

Mond Twala, senior vice president of editorial and general manager for Paramount Africa and peer lead for BET International, says "Our mission at BET Africa is to engage the black community and truly drive black excellence in our industry and through the stories we tell".

"The team behind this BET Africa Original is exceptional. Redemption is a co-production by two of the most notable production companies in South Africa; Seriti Films who are known for their masterful storytelling and Burnt Onion Productions who deliver world-class productions. This, together with the stellar cast of Redemption, guarantees an enthralling viewing experience for our audiences across the continent."

Leanne Kumalo, Seriti Films managing director and executive producer, says "We are very excited about our collaboration with Burnt Onion, and strongly believe the co-production has elevated the project. Together the two companies have been able to really add something dynamic to the industry".

Leanne Kumalo, Katleho Ramaphakela, Rethabile Ramaphakela and Tshepo Ramaphakela are executive producers on Redemption, with Thabang Moleya, Nozipho Nkelemba and Athi Petela as directors and Siphosethu Tshapu and Kagiso Mogale serving as head writers.

The Redemption cast includes Tina Jaxa as pastor's wife Evelyn Zikode, described as "a classic matriarch who guards her nest like a hawk". Sthandiwe Kgoroge plays a villain BET Africa isn't giving a character description yet.

The rest of the Redemption cast includes Seputla Sebogodi, Yonda Thomas, Pearl Modiadie and Sparky Xulu, along with newcomers Nkone Mamejta and Toka Mtabane. 

Also part of the cast are Kwanele Mthethwa, Pakamisa Zwedala, Yonda Thomas, Mmarona Motshegoa, Peter Mashigo, Helen Lebepe, Sonni Chiediebere, Pearl Modiadie, Luthando Mthembu, Zenzo Ngqobe, and Majorie Langa.

Themba Ndaba says who plays Simon says "Redemption will bring much-anticipated drama, it will ignite fervent conversations around day-to-day experiences of the ordinary South African and shine a light on value systems within African communities. The energy on set is electrifying and we can’t wait to see that translate on screen".

Redemption will have new episodes from Mondays to Thursdays on BET Africa at 18:00 with a nightly repeat at 21:30.