Mzansi Magic adds 10 new mini-series from May to DStv local slate produced by youth-led South African production companies

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) will be rolling out 10 new mini-series starting from May, several of which are helmed by youth-led South African production companies.

The plan is to strip these new mini-series from Mondays to Wednesdays, over a 10-week period, from 11 May and into July, three nights a week.

"We are excited to be sharing stories made by exciting, talented teams who really have their finger on the pulse," says  Shirley Adonisi, director for local entertainment channels.

"The mini-series format is a really important part of how we support industry development and create opportunities for creatives. It gives producers who've built their experience in film the chance to step into series storytelling by developing a three-part mini-series."

"The shift isn't just about format - it's about growing new skills in writing, directing and production. Through this process, we're helping creatives expand their craft while opening up more opportunities for directors, writers and production teams."

"At the end of the day, it's about creating a pathway, one that helps talent move from film into drama, and ultimately supports more jobs and long-term growth in the industry," adds Shirley Adonisi.

Included in the first six mini-series titles coming to Mzansi Magic are Love At Second Sight, produced by Ngomoya Films and starring Amanda Seome, Nduduzo Zuma, Aluve Mjali and Nimrod Nkosi.

It will air on Mzansi Magic from 11 May at 19:00. The mini-series' logline reads: "When her long-lost first love returns as her stable fiancé’s best friend, a successful woman must choose between the secure, prestige-filled life her family expects and the soulful connection she never truly outgrew."

Kuningi is from Weldun Media, the producers of Mzansi Magic films such as Entabani and Choose May’khethela, with the series centred on a single mother who lands the biggest opportunity of her career, only for it to reintroduce her to ghosts from the past, unearthing unresolved issues.

Kuningi will start on 18 May at 19:00, starring Samkelo Ndlovu, Kay Sibiya, Simphiwe Ngema, Andy Mnguni and Ratanang Mogotsi.

Amanzi Endlini is another Ngomoya Films production, set in the world of a traditionally married couple exploring the option of surrogacy. 

Their decision brings complications and distrust into their relationship. "Will they secure their legacy, or have they invited in a force that could destroy them both?" reads the logline. Amanzi Endlini will start on 25 May at 19:00 on Mzansi Magic and the cast will be announced soon.

Ke Nyala Jwang?  is produced by Pula Bakgaga Media, the production house behind Isithembu sika Msongelwa.

According to the logline, it is a story "that explores the complexities of marriage in modern South Africa, navigating cultural expectations and family tensions" and it will start on 1 June at 19:00.

Lobola lama 2000's logline reads "Love is simple, lobola is not. After running into issues with his uncles, a Gen Z accountant is left with no choice but to send his friends to represent him in his lobola negotiations"

This mini-series will start on 8 June at 19:00 and is produced by Behind the Best. It stars Khensani Chauke, Nolwazi Tsebesha, Ntando Mazibuko, Khaya Dumakude, Edward Nkhumishe and Sonny Khwesa.

Mamfundisi Bae is scheduled to start on Mzansi Magic on 15 June at 19:00. 

"A young pastor from a modern charismatic church stirs things up in a traditional congregation when she plans a bold send-off for the outgoing bishop - who’s also her father-in-law. However, with this move, she ends up clashing with the head of the women’s forum."

The cast of Mamfundisi Bae must still be announced with the series that is produced by Mthakathi Entertainment.

Angry MultiChoice execs sidelined by Canal+ frustrated and fearful for the(ir) future after decision-making moved to Paris - report

by Thinus Ferreira

Frustrated MultiChoice executives, sitting in Randburg in Johannesburg and who used to have final approval on decisions, say they're fearful about the future and their futures, after new owner Canal+ swooped in and moved the final decision-making function to Canal+'s own executives in Paris.

In a new report by Africa Intelligence, MultiChoice executives are quoted as saying they're frustrated and angry about having been sidelined in the decision-making process regarding content and other decisions since Canal+ acquired MultiChoice in September 2025.

According to the report, several MultiChoice executives who used to be in the loop, explained that they were not even so much as consulted recently before the publication of Canal+'s financial results for 2025 that now includes MultiChoice.

Angry MultiChoice executives are blaming Maxime Saada, Canal+ CEO, and David Mignot, Canal+ Africa managing director, for the way that things inside MultiChoice have deteriorated and broken down.

Meanwhile discontent under MultiChoice executives are growing, as well as producers and content creators, with MultiChoice staff telling producers that projects, budgets and approvals are all delayed and stacking up at Canal+ headquarters in Paris where Canal+ either can't or won't make decisions and do final sign-offs.

According to Africa Intelligence, the new Canal+ Africa management structure includes the former MultiChoice CEO, Calvo Mawela who has been kept on as Canal+ Africa president; Hennie Visser as director of Africa operations, and Byron du Plessis who was MultiChoice SA CEO, as a regional manager.

Aziz Diallo now oversees French-speaking Africa, Kemi Omotosho is now responsible for Nigeria, Retief Tromp is looking after English-speaking countries outside of South Africa, while Glauco Ferreira is overseeing the Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa.

Fuming MultiChoice and SuperSport executives say their hands are tied and they can no longer make decisions, are isolated and have no final say with anything anymore, and have to send decisions to Paris and then wait approval from there.

 Not only are these executives frustrated, they're also wondering about their futures within what used to be MultiChoice or Canal+ Africa going forward.

Canal+ is shuttering MultiChoice's loss-making streamer Showmax by 30 April, and while neither staff involved with Showmax, or within MultiChoice can he retrenched, Canal+ is now going to offer voluntary severance packages to try and get rid of workers who might want out.

According to the agreement Canal+ signed with South Africa's Competition Commission, no MultiChoice workers can be retrenched for a period of three years. 

What is however happening, is that people who work for service providers and production companies making local content for DStv channels like M-Net, kykNET, Mzansi Magic and Africa Magic are losing jobs.

This is because the volume of content that MultiChoice used to commission for these channels are decreasing due to Canal+'s cost-cutting, and because of the end of Showmax as a separate platform.

TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. On yet another M-Net PR failure and failed promises about Mzansi Magic's Big Brother and nothing being done to properly communicate with media trying to cover it

by Thinus Ferreira

Colour me baffled, disappointed and jaded (yet again!) by the latest just-concluded season of M-Net's Big Brother Mzansi: Bazozwa on Mzansi Magic - once again in my book a complete failure in anything resembling passable communication and proper MultiChoice PR in liaising on a bare bones, adequate way with the press trying, and supposed to, cover this show. 

After raising the issue(s) with M-Net's terrible and non-existent PR around Big Brother Mzansi directly with M-Net's PR people in 2025 - in emails, as well as in-person - nothing happened, and nothing changed for the 6th season of Big Brother Mzansi on DStv, again produced by Red Pepper Pictures.

After meeting with M-Net publicists Suzaan Keyter and Portia Hlongwane, responsible for Mzansi Magic publicity, and despite promises that all of the issues raised would be addressed and not happen again for the upcoming season, absolutely nothing - and I mean nothing changed or improved in the slightest.

Neither Portia Hlongwane, nor the Playmakers PR company, came to the party in any improved way the past few months in terms of starting to communicate in a dynamic and timeous way with media who want to, and would cover Big Brother Mzansi as a local DStv reality show. 

And that is after discussions about what is wrong and why, and after promises that there would be discussions with the PR company (which, it turns out, also apparently never happened).

Why is it so impossible, and seemingly so difficult and too high a bar, for M-Net to actually communicate with media and to build and sustain and have a media liaison relationship about a show like Big Brother Mzansi and about what is happening around it?

This is not rocket science. 

It's as easy as picking up a phone and calling someone, using Whatsapp, emailing someone, asking them if they got an email, suggesting stories and taking the few minutes to reach out and suggest collaborations in terms of articles, sending notifications about what would be happening and about talking - none of which Mzansi Magic seems capable of doing, or seems to want to do with Big Brother Mzansi with media who have been covering it for years.

Instead of griping about Canal+ Africa paying people for PR who are not doing what they're supposed to be doing - or simply doing nothing - imagine if journalists and publications did reporting and coverage and articles about Big Brother Mzansi because they actually heard from M-Net and Playmakers about what is going to happen, what is happening, about story ideas, about what media interactions would be taking place, and afterwards about what was said there?

Similar to 2023 and before when M-Net left media (myself and others included) completely out of the loop regarding Big Brother Mzansi, again did the same in 2024, and again did nothing in 2025, it all happened and played out PR-wise (despite assured promises that it wouldn't) exactly the same again in late 2025 and 2026 with the just-concluded season.

Cue the same problems and non-communication, about the exact same gripes that M-Net PR promised and promised it would rectify (and never does).

After the 6th season launch and press event in the form of a house-party reunion early December 2025 where Shirley Adonisi, channel director of general entertainment for Mzansi Magic spoke, I asked Portia Hlongwane yet again afterwards what happened, since media including myself, were not even told it would be taking place.

How to report on something you didn't even get a notification or a heads-up would happen, so as to plan possible coverage? What was said there by Shirley Adonisi and others? 

Of course, there was once again an "overnight stay" in January 2026 for some media and content creators, the season's premiere night in January, and the Big Brother Mzansi live finale and winner walk-out on Sunday with a "watch party" organised by Mzansi Magic.

The final was followed by yet another media day where some of the housemates and winner spoke. Again: No heads-up from M-Net or Playmakers about any of this at all.

What exactly do M-Net and Mzansi Magic want from media trying to cover something like Big Brother Mzansi? And what exactly are those responsible for publicity for it, doing - and not doing - to try and get these desired outcomes from media?

As if it hasn't yet been said in the past, and in-person: What is done (and not being done) isn't working.

The very easiest and most ridiculous thing that M-Net publicity people and PR agencies, tasked with and paid to Communicate about Big Brother Mzansi can do, is so preposterously simple, and yet seemingly so difficult. And it's the title of a Carly Rae Jepsen song:

Call Me. Maybe.

ALSO READ: Sweet Guluva wins as Mzansi Magic's latest Big Brother Mzansi Umlilo season on DStv ends with the same sorely deficient M-Net PR it began with

ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. Yet another Big Brother Mzansi. Yet another big M-Net and MultiChoice media fail

BREAKING. DJ Warras (40) murdered in Johannesburg

by Thinus Ferreira

Warrick Stock - the South African radio and club DJ and TV presenter, VIP protection service owner and podcaster known as DJ Warras - was shot and murdered on Tuesday afternoon in Johannesburg. He was 40.

Stock, a former 5FM and Cliff Central producer, and also known as Shady Lurker, was shot and killed on Tuesday afternoon on the corner of Von Wielligh and Commissioner Street in Johannesburg in front of the Carlton Centre.

According to Xolani Fihla, superintendent of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), "a shooting incident that happened this afternoon in the Johannesburg CBD".

"JMPD officers were first respondents to the incident when they were stopped by members of public who alerted them to the shooting."

"Currently, as a JMPD we don't have any information regarding the incident or the victim. And the matter will be criminally investigated by the South African Police Service, who will then shed better information regarding the incident."

The area was cordoned off by yellow police tape as Warrick Stock's lifeless body lay on the scene close to an alleged hijacked building.

According to the police, DJ Warras was approached by three suspects who opened fire on him, shot him dead and then fled.

On social media, Stock's friend and businessman Rob Hersov said his friend was murdered.

"He was murdered today in Johannesburg. I just want to say he is the most loving, compassionate, friendly, honest, open, decent human being, and it is a tragedy beyond belief. Warras, we love you, we miss you, may you rest in peace, brother."

Days ago, DJ Warras - who is also the owner of JT VIP: Elite Guarding & VIP Protection Services, a security company that handles VIP protection and building protection - criticised Rachel Kolisi's upcoming documentary film, Falling forward, claiming that the ex of South African Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi was trying to cash in on the breakdown of their marriage.

"I find this woman insufferable, bro, we get it - you got divorced! Sorry! But now it's become her whole identity, she just wants everyone to feel sorry for how heartbroken she is," he noted.

"F- sakes, what happened to keeping quiet and fading into the background? Dealing with the matter privately and putting on a brave face in public, because you have children, woman!" DJ Warras said.

Warrick Stock, who was born in Durban, never knew his father and was raised by his grandparents and mother, moved to Johannesburg as a teenager.

Stock started working at the Yfm radio station in 2008 where he did various shifts, after which he moved to the SABC's 5FM radio station as a DJ.

In September 2012, after also playing the club DJ circuit, DJ Warras made the jump to television as the new co-host together with Luthando Shosha of SABC1's music magazine show Live AMP from the 14th season.

Four years later in 2016, Warrick Stock who is a dad of three sons, became one of the presenters of the lifestyle magazine series The Man Cave on SABC3 for that show's 5th, 6th and 7th seasons.

In March 2024 DJ Warras started The Shady PHodcast on The Real Network with Phind'Gcobe "DJ PH" Madubela.

In October 2025, DJ Warras started as the presenter of the new reality show Ngicel'iVisa on MultiChoice and M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel, noting that it "wasn't trash TV".

"We've done our research and the show is in line with what DStv subscribers actually want to see. What's happening on Ngicel'iVisa could easily happen to you or me - it's real life!"

Coincidentally, the new episode 11 out of 13 of Ngicel'iVisa will air tonight at 20:00 on Mzansi Magic. 

TVwithThinus asked Mzansi Magic for comment on the death of DJ Warras on Tuesday afternoon and whether the season of Ngicel'iVisa completed filming with Warras as presenter.

Shirley Adonisi, director of local entertainment channels at M-Net, said "It is with sadness that we, as Mzansi Magic, extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of the talented and charismatic Warrick Stock better known as DJ Warras".

"DJ Warras was a vibrant member of our Mzansi Magic family, currently hosting our reality show, Ngicel’ iVisa."

"His natural ability to mediate sometimes complex human emotions with wit and sincerity, made him the perfect host for the show. His contribution to our sister channel, Channel O (DStv 320) was also instrumental in helping shape Mzansi’s urban music landscape and his on-screen presence was testament to his legacy in the local entertainment industry."

"DJ Warras was more than just a face of a reality series, he was a talented storyteller, a passionate music lover and a warm soul who brought joy and energy to every moment on screen."

"His dedication to creativity left an indelible mark on our channels. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his friends, family and all who knew and loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time."

A decade ago, DJ Warras told Move!-magazine "I passed matric with three A's and B's through the guidance of my grandparents, whom I stayed with".

"My grandfather insisted I educate myself so that I could be able to do everything for myself. I really looked up to him and that's why I am the person I am today. I turned out to be responsible and it's all because of the people who raised me, and for that I am forever grateful."

DJ Warras said that being a father made him more cautious since his sons "are my life".

"Being a father has taught me to be more responsible and cautious. Even though I am no longer with the mother of one of my sons, we are doing a great job in taking care of our child."

M-Net commissions Mpondoland from Origins Productions as new Sunday night dagga drama from 7 December for Mzansi Magic with Thembekile Komani and Tina Jaxa

Thinus Ferreira

M-Net has commissioned a new drama series for Mzansi Magic (DStv 161), Mpondoland for Sunday nights that will start on Sunday 7 December at 20:00, starring Thembekile Komani and Tina Jaxa.

Mpondoland is M-Net's first isiMpondo language series.

M-Net was asked in a media query what production company filmed Mpondoland, where it was filmed and how many episodes there will be and when M-Net responds it will be added here.

M-Net says Origins Pictures are producing Mpondoland with Mmamitse Thibedi and Chumisa Cosa as executive producers, and will have 13 episodes. 

Thembekile Komani portrays Mkhondwana, the reluctant heir of the KwaKhonjwayo village that grows dagga and "where the ground is holy, spirits communicate in water, and leadership is a sacred gift from the ancestors".

He is however making plans to leave, while Tina Jaxa plays a conniving pharmaceutical villain, Pele-Pele who arrives and demands that the marijuana plantations are sold to her. That forces Mkhondwana to protect his heritage.

Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director of local entertainment channels, says Mpondoland "can be seen as a celebration of African spirituality, heritage, and the power of community".

"Mkhondwana’s journey is one that will resonate, as it is about finding strength in vulnerability and honouring the past while facing the future. We are proud to bring this unique and culturally rich narrative to our viewers."

MultiChoice and M-Net silent over reevaluation of podcasts on Mzansi Magic after more DStv brand damage following another derogatory podcast blow up

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice and M-Net are not willing to say whether the traditional pay-TV company, soon to be taken over by France's Canal+, is reevaluating its strategy of broadcasting derogatory podcasts on its linear Mzansi Magic TV channel after another one is inflicting massive brand damage.

The shocking and degrading podcast, Open Chats Podcasts- hosted by Mthokozisi, Sonwabile, Lefa Hlalele and Busisiwe Radebe and run on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) as one of several podcasts placed on the linear channel - sparked massive public condemnation over racist and revolting utterances, causing more brand damage for MultiChoice, DStv and Mzansi Magic.

Although the specific podcast episode in question wasn't aired by M-Net on Mzansi Magic, MultiChoice is paying Open Chats Podcasts for its content and supporting them financially, and even led to South Africa's minister of communications, Gayton McKenzie, calling MultiChoice about the obscene content.

The nasty trashcast continues to be condemned by the public, community groups, politicians and viewers after the presenters made appalling and crude comments about coloured people, falsely claiming that coloured people have incestuous sexual relationships and that it is due to mental illness.

Mthokozisi said "The coloureds apparently chow each other" after which Lefa said "siblings" and another chimed in with "I believe that's because the coloureds are crazy" and saying "I have dated a coloured guy. If you're mentally crazy of course you will sleep with your cousins".

Following the uproar Open Chats Podcasts in a statement says "The intention was never to cause harm or disrespect the coloured community. Open Chats is a platform centred on open conversations, which at times touch on sensitive topics".

"We do understand that as a platform, we should conduct conversations respectfully."

Politicians in South Africa are now calling for regulation of podcasts. The Open Chats Podcast is now also being investigated by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). The Patriotic Alliance political party has opened a criminal case with the South African police.

MultiChoice has now canned the Open Chats Podcast on Mzansi Magic.

It is just the latest podcast that was taken from the internet to be repositioned on one of M-Net's linear pay-TV channels and where it went up in flames, causing brand damage.

Earlier this year MultiChoice and M-Net suffered reputational damage when the Podcast and Chill presenter MacGyver "MacG" Mukwevho got dumped from Mzansi Magic in May after extremely vulgar and degrading gender-attacking comments he made about another the private parts of local personality, Minnie Dlamini.

The next to go in June was podcaster Lasizwe Dambuza after the Awkward Dates podcast also ended on Mzansi Magic when that deal got terminated.

These podcasts - a group of eight - have been supplied to M-Net for its Mzansi Magic channel by Leading Edge Growth since the place-podcasts-on-TV deal was announced in March, but so far the results have been completely disastrous.

While M-Net tried to save money by spending less on producing and programming its own local content for Mzansi Magic and paying for much cheaper content ripped from the internet that comes with lower production values, standards and no oversight, the results have been extremely destructive for DStv, M-Net and Mzansi Magic.

Mzansi Magic's decision led to the South African public broadcaster also starting to experiment with replacing some linear programming with cheaper and low-value podcasts. 

TVwithThinus asked MultiChoice, M-Net and Mzansi Magic whether they have been, or are busy reevaluating the cheap replay of online podcasts for linear primetime on DStv - a programming decision that was signed off by Shirley Adonisi, the M-Net director for local entertainment channels.

MultiChoice, M-Net and Mzansi Magic declined to answer the specific questions asked but in a response said "MultiChoice is aware of recent comments made on the Open Chats Podcast".

"Open Chats' contract with DStv ended on 25 July 2025, as the show was removed to make way for our August content slate. The episode in question was not aired on our platform. MultiChoice adheres to stringent quality control processes and does not promote any discriminatory content."

Meanwhile, South Africa's TV and film industry is openly wondering why traditional broadcasters are giving up valuable airtime to low-quality content and vapid microphone-filmed talk that drags down ratings, leads to brand damage, isn't supportive of local production companies and ends up as a disservice to DStv subscribers and other viewers who pay with the expectation of getting original content that has higher production values.

MultiChoice, M-Net and Mzansi Magic were also asked why they feel that it's good business to continue to air podcasts on linear television and to be associated with this type of content and these content creators, and what they make of the Open Chat Podcast and the utterances of these talkers, but they declined to answer these questions.

M-Net declines to give media screeners for season 2 of Bomb Productions' Shaka iLembe on Mzansi Magic, says press can watch it on Sunday nights

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net's publicity division has declined to provide South Africa's media with any screeners of episodes of the new second season of its Shaka iLembe produced by Bomb Productions for its Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) TV channel, saying journalists must watch it on Sunday nights.

M-Net's refusal to provide digital screeners of episodes ahead of time to the press, is in stark contrast to screeners provided on request for its other local content across its M-Net, kykNET and Mzansi Magic TV channels on DStv.

M-Net and Showmax also provide press with screeners for international shows on request through the intermediary screener platforms of Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery's HBO and others. 

MultiChoice doesn't have its own proprietary screener platform that safeguards content but allows for content to be viewed securely, by for instance media, with watermarks and other security measures.

M-Net didn't provide a reason for why it doesn't want media to see Shaka iLembe episodes ahead of time and isn't doing screeners.

Portia Hlongwane, Mzansi Magic publicist, says "No screeners have been made available for either Shaka iLembe season 1 or 2. All media covering the episodes are watching them live and sending through requests".

A longtime journalist told TVwithThinus "It's M-Net's loss. Talk about a buzz-kill approach. The excitement to do work about something is gone before it even starts. Do they think I'm going to sit on a Sunday night to watch something to then send requests? Who's too stupid to realise they should tell you ahead of time what's happening or make it available before airing?"

Another writer covering television said "Their lack of even asking who wants a screener or sending out a link signals they probably have no media they actually trust. If you have relationships with journalists and actually know them, why can't you give them a screener to an episode?"

A third journalist noted "It's funny how they want all this coverage for Shaka and think it will happen with no effort but can't even get basics right like a screener or creating an actual media relationship over the course of this season".

MultiChoice sends out its own 'review' for Shaka iLembe that looks like it was done by AI, with its Playmakers PR agency saying Mzansi Magic's second season script 'resists the urge to rush'.

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice and M-Net have sent out a "review", done by itself for its own TV show - and apparently written by artificial intelligence (AI) using effusive, flowery language - saying its second season of Shaka iLembe on Mzansi Magic "draws us into a world of simmering tension".

M-Net didn't respond to media queries about its "review" it sent out through its Playmakers PR agency for the second season of Shaka iLembe on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) produced by Bomb Productions.

M-Net and Playmakers were asked who wrote the "review" but none of the publicists bothered to respond after sending out the "Shaka iLembe season 2, episode 1 review".

Reviews of TV shows are done by TV and media critics, externally, independent of the producer or broadcaster. Nissan doesn't send out a self-written review of one of its own cars. Southern Sun doesn't send out a self-written review of one of its own hotels. 

M-Net and MultiChoice were also asked why a decision was made to send out a review of a TV show, why MultiChoice, Mzansi Magic and Playmakers issued a review about their own work, and whether AI was used in creating the review.

No answers were forthcoming.

Here is the "review", published in full, as received by Playmakers, for M-Net's Mzansi Magic channel.

Note how it looks like it was created by ChatGPT using tired review-language tropes that say and mean nothing:

"Shaka Senzangakhona returns to KwaNobamba in the Season 2 premiere, carrying the fate of a kingdom. Power fills his hands, yet so does doubt.

Episode 1 opens with an extended shot continuing directly from Season 1's finale: Sigidi (King Shaka) and his mother, Queen Nandi, return home. 

Their arrival sparks a mix of excitement, confusion, and resentment. Despite the high stakes, Shaka meets this moment with composed strength, no bravado, just a steady, commanding presence.

Nomzamo Mbatha embodies Queen Nandi with fierce elegance, delivering perhaps her most commanding performance yet. Thembinkosi Mthembu layers Dingiswayo with quiet wisdom, while Dawn Thandeka King returns as the ever-watchful, sharp Mkabayi kaJama, with her useful "iBhobhodlane" (young lover) lingering nearby.

The entire cast moves with assurance, each character aware of the stakes without overplaying them.

The scenic views are stunning. The KwaNobamba landscape is lush and expansive, offering a backdrop that is both grand and intimate.

Interiors glow with warm light, framing characters in spaces that feel lived-in and meaningful. The beauty serves the emotional core rather than distracting from it.

The first episode draws us into a world of simmering tension. Shaka is a reluctant warlord, caught between obligation and caution, surrounded by veiled threats and fractured loyalties. 

His vision seems anchored less in conquest and more in building and unifying—a drive to forge something lasting. Behind him are loyal warriors. 

Beside him are matriarchs like Nandi and Mkabayi, who are never mere observers. In front of him is a kingdom uncertain of its allegiance, watching and waiting.

Old enemies reappear, carrying the weight of past betrayals. Familiar allies return, some holding firm, others hiding intentions behind polite silences. There may be a love interest, or there may not be.

Glances, teasing touches, disrespect, and perhaps flirtation occur, but Shaka remains composed. Relationships are complex; nothing is offered simply. Everyone appears to be playing a longer game.

What makes the episode effective is its restraint. The script resists the urge to rush. There are no long speeches or dramatic outbursts. Power is felt in glances, pauses, and subtle shifts in tone. This quiet confidence gives the story depth and lets tension build without fanfare.

Season 2 sets the stage with precision. 

It establishes conflict, introduces new tensions, and reminds us of the burden Shaka carries, not just as a warrior or king, but as a man. There is promise here, and danger. 

The episode does not shout. It watches, listens, and draws us into a world where power constantly shifts and even the strongest must tread carefully. It remains to be seen whether Shaka will go to war in the second episode, as other parts of the story turn to the Xhosa, the Swati, and the kingdoms of Dingiswayo and Zwide. 

Stay tuned. It is certainly Shaka iLembe Season 2. Sibuye ngegiya eliphezulu nina bakaPhunga noMageba (We are back with a bang). Storytelling doesn’t get better than this!"

MultiChoice adds Presley Chweneyagae's Tsotsi to M-Net, Mzansi Magic and Showmax after actor's death

by Thinus Ferreira

After the death of actor Presley Chweneyagae, MultiChoice has acquired the South African Oscar-winning film Tsotsi and will show it on M-Net (DStv 101) and Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) on DStv, as well as carry it on its Showmax streaming service from today.

Alongside the season finale of the Mzansi Magic drama series Cobrizi, MultiChoice worked to curate a collection of Presley Chweneyagae's on-screen appearances for DStv subscribers.

The world was introduced to a 20-year-old Presley Chweneyagae in 2006, when Tsotsi won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. 

Based on Athol Fugard’s novel, the film follows a young boy forced to survive alone in the Johannesburg townships, whose life is upended when he finds a baby in the back seat of a car he's stolen.

Directed by Gavin Hood and produced by Peter Fudakowski, Tsotsi stars Presley alongside Terry Pheto, Kenneth Nkosi, Jerry Mofokeng and Rapulana Seiphema.

Tsotsi will be broadcast on M-Net (DStv 101) at 21:00 on 6 June and will be available to stream on Showmax and DStv Stream. It will then be on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) on Saturday 7 June at 20:00 and M-Net Movies 4 (DStv 108) on 15 June at 20:00.

Mzansi Bioskop will be honouring his work with broadcasts of a series of his films, including Zama Zama (9 June); State of Violence (10 June); iNumber Number (11 June) and Tsotsi, once more, on 11 June, all at 21:00.

In Cobrizi, Presley returned to captivate audiences in a spin-off series named for the nickname his character acquired on The River.

A gritty, heart-wrenching and ultimately hopeful tale of survival, love redemption, Cobrizi showcased the heart, soul and inventiveness of Presley. 

The series comes to an end on 8 June at 20:00 on Mzansi Magic.

• Friday 6 June 2025:

Tsotsi M-Net (DStv 101) at 21:00 and available on DStv Stream and Catch Up, as well as Showmax

 

• Saturday 7 June:  

Tsotsi Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) at 20:00 and available DStv Stream packages and Catch Up

• Sunday 8 June:

Cobrizi season finale - Mzansi Magic, 20:00

• Monday 9 June:

Zama Zama Mzansi Bioskop (DStv 164), 20:00

• Tuesday 10 June 2025:

State of Violence, Mzansi Bioskop (DStv 164), 21:00

• Wednesday 11 June:

iNumber Number, Mzansi Bioskop (DStv 164), 21:00

• Thursday 12 June:

Tsotsi, Mzansi Bioskop (DStv channel 164), 21:00

• Sunday 15 June:

Tsotsi, M-Net Movies 4 (DStv 108), 20:00

M-Net orders Genesis as a 260-episode telenovela set in the gospel music biz for Mzansi Magic from Singavision Productions

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net has commissioned a new 260-episode telenovela for Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) entitled Genesis from Singavision Productions, set in South Africa's vibrant gospel music industry and starting in in April.

Genesis will start on Monday 21 April at 19:30 and is set inside the high-stakes world of South Africa's gospel music industry where people might sing like but don't behave like angels.

The title Genesis refers to Genesis Records, the gospel music record label where the lives of the various characters intertwine.

The Genesis cast includes Baby Cele, Buyile Mdladla, Nay Maps, Gaosi Raditholo, Kealeboga Masango and KB Motsilanyane.

According to the official Genesis logline, "Felicia Thabethe, once the queen of gospel, thought she had built an unshakable legacy with her husband Gabriel. But when shocking secrets surface, everything she has worked for is thrown into chaos".

"Now, with Genesis Records at risk, Felicia must fight to protect her family's name before it all crumbles. Will she rise from the ashes of betrayal, or will the fallout cost her everything she holds dear?"

Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director for local entertainment channels, says viewers "must gear up for an emotional rollercoaster of a ride because that's what's in store when Genesis premieres".

"It's all about family, power struggles, love, faith – all set in the powerful and highly contested Gospel music industry which is very relatable to Mzansi."