Created and produced by Bomb Productions as a modern-day reimagining of the classic Little Red Riding Hood fairytale, Isithembiso is a South African soap opera that premiered on Mzansi Magic on April 3, 2017. The telenovela ran for three seasons on the TV station before getting canceled in early 2020. As a result, its final episode was aired on March 27, 2020. Isithembiso follows the lives of two young people, who moved from rural SA to the City of Gold in search of better life opportunities, but eventually realized that all that glitters is not gold.
The series, which is centered on a millennial migrant story, delves into the lives of South African youths, exploring their ambitions, choices, and consequences. The two main characters on the show were played by SA film industry newbies, Zamani Mbatha and Nandi Mbatha. Isithembiso cast members also include veteran actors like Mavuso Magabane, Nandi Nyembe, Lillian Dube, and Hamilton Dlamini.
A Concise List of Isithembiso Cast Members and The Characters They Portrayed
- Hamilton Dlamini as Banzi Kuene
- Mxolisi Masongo as Leo
- Chichi Letswalo as Claudia Kuene
- Mavuso Magabane as Kero Kuene
- Nandi Mbatha as Simlindile “Simi” Ngema
- Bongani Maseko as Karlujah
- Farieda Metsileng as Kandy
- Zamani Mbatha as Zamani
- Nandi Nyembe as Dolly
- Londeka Mchunu as Snegugu
- Sboniso Nxumalo as Oscar
- Tshenolo Seabi as Palesa Kuene
- Lizwi Vilakazi as Tiro
- Zimkhitha Nyoka as Anathi
- Lemogang Tsipa as Bambatha
- Khaya Mthembu as Detective Mfihleko
- Sandile Vincent Mahlangu as Cheezeboi
- Tiisetso Thoka as Ali
- Mandla Jwara as Johannes
- Kabelo Thai as Sello Molefi
- Lilian Dube as Ethel
- Michelle Bradshaw as Cheryl Banks
- Samkelisiwe Hlophe as Chunks
- David James as Phillip Hartford / Consortium Member #01
- Andile Mbatha as Detective Matla
- Phumi Mncayi as Detective Cibane
- Thembisile Times as Thenjiwe
- Themba Nofemele as Mdluli / Mzwakhe
- TK Sebothoma as KB / Thabo
- Sibusiso Black Madondo as Abednego
- Mpho Sibeko as Nhlamulo
- Anga Makubalo as Lucky
- Kwezi Ndlovu as Vivian
- Winnie Ntshaba as Lihle
- Sindi Majola Khambule as Thuli
Meet The Cast Members of Isithembiso TV Series
1. Hamilton Dlamini
- Role: Banzi Kuene
- Age: 54 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 200 episodes
Hamilton Dlamini sensationally portrayed the character of ruthless and manipulative Banzi Kuene, who was nicknamed “The Wolf of Braamfontein”. He was one of the main cast members of Isithembiso and thus, made appearances in seasons 1, 2, and 3. Over the years, the 54-year-old actor has made a name for himself in the film industry with appearances in several TV series. He is known for playing a leading role in the SABC1 mini-series adaptation of Shakespeare’s King Lear titled, Izingane zoBaba. In the year 2005, Dlamini starred in the SABC1 TV series, Mzee wa Two Six.
Later in 2009, he scored another leading role in Stokvel, appearing in the sixth season of the series. He subsequently played the role of a private investigator, TT in the Mzansi Magic comedy series, Boomba and TT in 2012. He further featured as Mnqobi Simelane in the e.tv soap opera, Umilo in the year 2015.
2. Mxolisi Masongo
- Role: Leo
- Age: 34 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 150 episodes
South African actor, Mxolisi Masongo portrayed the character of Leo in the Mzansi Magic soap opera. He starred in the three seasons of Isithembiso and garnered much popularity for his performances in the TV series. Apart from being an actor, Masongo also works in the capacity of a journalist and presenter. He was born in Leandra, Mpumalanga on December 21, 1989, and began his career in entertainment when he was 18 years old. He started out as a dancer, joining a dance group known as Phly Boyz. He later worked as a puppeteer and manager of the 2010 FIFA World Cup mascot, Zakumi.
As a journalist, Mxolisi Masongo has been associated with multiple TV stations such as SABC1, Turkish TV channel, TRT and Arise TV in London. He served as the host of Sunday Live and Expressions on SABC1. He then began his acting career in the year 2012 with a minor role in the third season of the SABC1 TV series, Tshisa. He moved on to land a starring role in isiPantsula which aired on Mzansi Magic in the next year, as well as a recurring role in Generations: The Legacy in 2016.
3. Chichi Letswalo
- Role: Claudia Kuene
- Age: 42 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 200 episodes
Known as the better half of Banzi Kuene in Isithembiso – Claudia Kuene, Chichi Letswalo’s character in the series desperately yearned to be free as a bird in a gilded cage. She had regrets about dumping the unassuming Kero for good-looking Banzi. Though a main cast member of Isithembiso, Chichi only featured in the first and second seasons of the series. She is a South African actress and TV presenter who has been active in the entertainment industry for over a decade. In 2007, she left South Africa and moved to New York. There, she honed her acting skills at a performing arts school.
She stayed in the United States for five years before returning home. The talented actress was born in the Alexandria township outside Johannesburg where she grew up as well. She is 42 years old and her date of birth is September 14th, 1981. Chichi attended Akademie vir Dramakuns for two years and then gained a career breakthrough as the co-presenter of the SABC3 reality TV show, The Wedding Show. Some of her acting credits include Backstage, Generations, and Tshisa.
4. Mavuso Magabane
- Role: Kero Kuene
- Age: 47 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 200 episodes
Another main cast member of Isithembiso is Mavuso Magabane. In the series, he scored the role of Kero Kuene, a humble father figure to most of the township youth and was the opposite of his ruthless brother, Banzi. Magabane was born on April 8th, 1977 and his real name is Meschack Mavuso. The 47-year-old actor was among the celebrities who featured in the first season of the South African version of Who Do You Think You Are? He also participated as a celebrity dancer in Strictly Come Dancing New Year Special on December 31st, 2008.
On the acting front, Mavuso is best recognized for playing the role of Javas in Yizo Yizo and Vusi Moletsane in Isidingo. He also scored a role in the second and third seasons of the SABC2 police procedural TV series, Zero Tolerance, and equally guest-starred as a doctor in the SABC1 drama series, Soul City. His acting talent can further be seen in the e.tv robbery drama series, Heist and Mzansi Magic soap opera, Zabalaza.
5. Nandi Mbatha
- Role: Simlindile “Simi” Ngema
- Age: 26 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 200 episodes
Nandi Mbatha had her breakout role with Isithembiso as the series was partly centered on her character. She played the role of Simi, a distressed teenage girl who moved to Johannesburg in search of familial ties and opportunities. From the beginning of her journey to the City of Gold in search of her mother and job opportunities, her fairytale looked set not to have a happy ending and she eventually ended up as a tragic rural heroine in the soapie.
Isithembiso was Nandi Mbatha’s first credited acting role. She executed her debut role with precision and thus, sprung to the limelight as a deft actress. She starred in the three seasons of Isithembiso and was among the main cast members. The actress’ date of birth is November 27th, 1997. She was born and raised in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal.
6. Bongani Maseko
- Role: Karlujah
- Age: N/A
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 200 episodes
Club bouncer, Karlujah was played by South African actor Bongani Maseko. His character was a gentle giant working extremely hard to provide for his family. Though Bongani’s date of birth is yet to be made public, it’s no secret that he was born in Soweto. Growing up, he was lured to a life of crime and drugs. As a result, he got incarcerated at just the age of 17 and spent six years in prison. He eventually turned a new leaf, thanks to the late Bongani Linda, who visited the prison and inspired the inmates to change their way of life.
After regaining his freedom, Bongani ventured into acting, having determined to let go of his former lifestyle. He later got associated with Victory Sonqoba Theatre Company and then moved on to make guest appearances in many TV series. They include e.tv drama series, 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls, and SABC1 series, Heartlines. The actor also featured in Boomba & TT which aired on Mzansi Magic.
7. Farieda Metsileng
- Role: Kandy
- Age: 33 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 200 episodes
Farieda Metsileng’s character, Kandy was seen as everyone’s best friend in Isithembiso as she played the role of a kind and conservative damsel. As a main cast member of Isithembiso, Farieda was featured in the soapie’s three seasons. With Kandy being her first credited acting role, she had her career breakthrough with the series. Besides working as an actress, Farieda has also worked as an MTV video jockey and a production manager. She worked with Red Pepper Pictures as a production manager for a while before plying her trade in acting.
Before landing the role of Kandy, which is her biggest role to date, she had minor roles in a number of TV series such as e.tv drama series 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls, SABC1 sitcoms Ses’Top La and My Perfect Family. In 2021, Farieda Metsileng landed a titular role in the SABC1 comedy-drama series, uBettina Wethu. The series is loosely based on the international TV series, Ugly Betty.
8. Zamani Mbatha
- Role: Zamani
- Age: 26 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 200 episodes
Another newbie in the SA film industry, Zamani Mbatha made a name for himself with his depictions in the three seasons of Isithembiso, playing a main role. His namesake character, Zamani was a young and kind-hearted hero. Sometimes, Zamani seemed to be reckless in the series, having harbored a deep hunger and desire to become someone of value. Zamani Mbatha, who is the younger brother of actress Nomzamo Mbatha, made his acting debut in Isithembiso in 2017. His date of birth is April 7th, 1998.
9. Nandi Nyembe
- Role: Dolly
- Age: 73 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 200 episodes
73-year-old actress, Nandi Nyembe was cast in the main role in the Mzansi Magic telenovela, Isithembiso. She scored the role of Dolly in the three seasons of the TV series. Nandi was born on August 19th, 1950, and has been making waves in the film industry for more than twenty years now. In 1987, she portrayed Miriam in Saturday Night at the Palace and also had a role in Reasonable Man in 1999. She subsequently played main roles in the SABC1 drama series Yizo Yizo (2001-2004) and Izoso Connexion (2006-2007).
She further increased her height of fame in Mzansi with her role of Thembe Makhubu in Jacob’s Cross. Additionally, Nandi Nyembe is known for portraying Nandi Sibiya in the soccer drama series, Zone 14, as well as Sister Lizzie in the SABC1 series, Soul City. Her other acting credits include Yesterday, The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, Soul Buddyz, Hillside, and 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls.
10. Londeka Mchunu
- Role: Snegugu
- Age: 29 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 150 episodes
Masinga native, Londeka Mchunu garnered immense popularity while playing a main role in Isithembiso. The series propelled her career to a whole new level as she subsequently secured the recurring role of Londiwe in Isibaya and a main role in Rhythm City. Mchunu’s date of birth is July 10th, 1994. She was raised alongside her siblings, including actress Nelisa Mchunu in Clermont, in KwaZulu-Natal. She attended Varsity College and there, she studied Corporate Communications for a while before abandoning her studies to pursue a career in acting full-time.
11. Sboniso Nxumalo
- Role: Oscar
- Age: N/A
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 200 episodes
Zamani’s maternal uncle, Oscar was played by popular actor, Sboniso Nxumalo. In an effort to save substantial money to purchase a taxi, he began working as a security guard at Santa Barbara in the series. Sboniso was among the main cast members of Isithembiso, having featured in seasons 1, 2, and 3. His extraordinary performance in the Mzansi Magic telenovela catapulted him to fame as he is widely known for his role as Oscar in the series. In addition to featuring in Isithembiso, Sboniso Nxumalo has played a guest role in Isibaya. Though the actor’s year of birth is unknown, he was born on August 22nd.
12. Tshenolo Seabi
- Role: Palesa Kuene
- Age: 29 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 200 episodes
As daddy’s little princess, Palesa Kuene was desperate not to disappoint her father, Banzi Kuene. As such, she was spoilt and a bit arrogant. Her character was portrayed by South African actress and presenter, Tshenolo Seabi, born on April 3rd, 1995. Before becoming famous for her acting talent, Seabi was best recognized as a field presenter who anchored the SABC1 variety show titled, Selimathunzi. She joined the TV show in October 2015. As an actress, she played a few guest roles before landing her big break with the Mzansi Magic telenovela, Isithembiso.
She was cast in the main role in the TV series for the three seasons and it was her first time playing a lead character. She additionally featured in the e.tv anthology TV series, eKasi: Our Stories.
13. Lizwi Vilakazi
- Role: Tiro
- Age: 54 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 150 episodes
South African actor, Lizwi Vilakazi became a cast member of Isithembiso in the year 2017. He debuted in the first season and played a main role as Tiro in the first, second, and third seasons of the series. Also, he had a main role as Teddy in the TV series aYeYe. In the past years, Vilakazi has also made guest appearances in 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls, Zone 14, The Road, Jacob’s Cross, and Single Guyz. The actor further starred in the movie, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, as well as Five Fingers for Marseilles. He was born on December 15th, 1969, and has been present in the film industry since 1984.
14. Zimkhitha Nyoka
- Role: Anathi
- Age: 33 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 150 episodes
Zimkhitha Nyoka played the role of Anathi in Isithembiso and her performance in the TV series has been critically acclaimed. In the course of her ongoing career, she has starred in several TV series and movies. In 2014, she was cast in the main role in Norman Maake’s series titled, Mutual Friends and her performance landed her Africa Movie Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Nkoya was born on October 6th, 1990. She completed her high school education at Lady Grey Arts Academy in the year 2010 and then proceeded to the University of Johannesburg.
She participated in many plays and musicals while in the university. The actress played Juliet in the school’s play, Romeo and Juliet, and was equally featured in Dance the Dance. She then abandoned her studies after landing her first main role on TV in 2014 as she portrayed a lead character in the SABC1 series, Mutual Friends. She also had a role in Vaya in 2016 and has appeared in other series such as Reyka, The Hot Zone, Ngempela, and Gold Diggers.
15. Lemogang Tsipa
- Role: Bambatha
- Age: 32 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 150 episodes
Nicknamed Clever Black in Isithembiso, Bambatha, played by Lemogang Tsipa, was arrogant and opinionated in the TV series. The lead character was present in the first two seasons of Isithembiso as Lemogang was one of the soapie’s main cast members. Before joining the cast of Isithembiso, Lemogang Tsipa guest-starred in the miniseries, Forced Love which was aired on SABC1. The series was an adaptation of Penguin Films’ Taming of the Shrew. Later in 2014, the actor scored the role of Dini Masilela in the e.tv detective TV series Traffic. He also played the role of Smiley, a ruthless Zulu-speaking local gangster in the SABC1 drama TV series, JAB. Tsipa was born on May 6th, 1991.
16. Khaya Mthembu
- Role: Detective Mfihleko
- Age: 37 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 30 episodes
Before becoming prominent in the SA film industry, Khaya Mthembu first whetted his acting skills at Rhodes University, where he studied Acting and Contemporary Performance. He further improved his craft by enrolling in the Johannesburg-based school of film, AFDA. He is one of the actors whose career was shaped by Isithembiso as he had a recurring role in the Mzansi Magic telenovela. He made appearances in the second and third seasons of the TV series. Khaya Mthembu’s place of birth is Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal. His birthday is still unavailable, however, his birth year is 1987.
Asides from being popular for portraying Detective Mfihleko in Isithembiso, Khaya is well known for scoring the role of Skroef, a maverick, who never lacks solutions, in the TV series uSkroef noSexy.
17. Sandile Vincent Mahlangu
- Role: Cheezeboi
- Age: 30 years old
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 150 episodes
During the first season of Isithembiso, Sandile Vincent Mahlangu had a recurring role in the series, portraying the character of Cheezeboi. Following his depictions in the soapie, he was handed a main role in the second and third seasons. Prior to joining the cast of Isithembiso, Sandile featured as Cash in the e.tv soap opera, Rhythm City (2016). He also featured as a medical student, Siya in season 2 of the SABC1 series, Single Guyz. He then made a debut in Scandal in August 2020 and portrays the character of Simo, the half-brother of Romeo in the e.tv soap opera.
In addition to working as an actor, Vincent Mahlangu is a dancer and model. He has made appearances in commercials for Halls and KFC. His date of birth is September 6, 1993.
18. Tiisetso Thoka
- Role: Ali
- Age: N/A
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 150 episodes
Tiisetso Thoka gained the first main role of his career in the year 2017 when he debuted in the first season of Isithembiso as Ali. He further reprised his role in the second season and then moved on to join the cast of several other TV series. In the same 2017, he portrayed a lead character of Mandla in the Mzansi Magic TV series, Nkululeko. He further played the role of a herdsman, Dingane, in another Mzansi Magic drama series titled, The Herd in 2018. Then in the next year, he joined the cast members of the e.tv soap opera, Rhythm City. He plays the role of Siya, a handsome metrosexual young man in the soapie. Thoka was born and raised in Limpopo and he celebrates his birthday on June 16th. His birth year is unavailable.
19. Mandla Jwara
- Role: Johannes
- Age: N/A
- Cast Type: Main
- Number of Episodes: Over 150 episodes
Soweto native, Mandla Jwara made appearances in Isithembiso in the first and second seasons. He portrayed the character of Johannes and was one of the main casts of Isithembiso. Jwara, who was born Mandla Shongwe, is a famed radio DJ, TV presenter, and actor. He is best known as the presenter of TV shows such as Beyond the Classroom, Telly Fun Quiz, and Your Own Business. He has also worked for radio stations such as Kaya FM, Voice of Soweto, Talk Radio 702, and SA Stream. Jwara kicked off his acting career with a minor role in the series, Molo Fish.
He then went on to make appearances in numerous soap operas, including Generations: The Legacy, Scandal, Muvhango, The Road, Isibaya, Greed and Desire, The Wild, and High Rollers. He has also starred in movies such as Mandela’s Gun, Against the Wild 2: Survive the Serengeti, Dead Easy, and The Tokoloshe. The age of the TV presenter is yet unknown as he has kept it private. He had his high school education at Tikwana Comprehensive School and then studied Acting at the Fuba School of Drama and Visual Arts, Johannesburg. A well-known linguist, Mandla Jwara fluently speaks seTswana, Zulu, seSotho, and English.
20. Kabelo Thai
- Role: Sello Molefi
- Age: 28 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 100 episodes
One of Isithembiso‘s best-known characters, Sello Molefi was played by Kabelo Thai. He featured in the three seasons of the Mzansi Magic telenovela, playing a recurring role. From 2015 to 2016, Kabelo scored a recurring role in the e.tv drama series, Umilo. He portrayed the character of Lwazi in the series. He later featured as a lead character, Turbo in the Mzansi Magic series, The Imposter in the year 2018. The young actor has further scored roles in many other TV series. They include The Road, Yizo Yizo, He Wild, 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls, The Lab, and Hard Copy. Kabelo Thai is 28 years old. He was born on July 25th, 1995.
21. Lillian Dube
- Role: Ethel
- Age: 78 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 100 episodes
Another veteran actor in the South African film industry who also scored a role in Isithembiso is Lillian Dube. She had a recurring role as Ethel in the three seasons of the TV series. The actress has been active in the film industry for close to three decades. She gained a career breakthrough with her role as Sister Bettina in the SABC1 TV series, Soul City, which she played for over ten years (1994-2009). Over the years, she has featured in movies and TV series as well. She had the role of Mme Motsatse in the short movie, The Ring and was also featured as Masibobe in Generations: The Legacy.
Lillian Dube additionally had a role in the second season of The Lab, as well as the season one of Taryn & Sharon. Other series she has featured in include City Ses’la, Intersexions, My Perfect Family, It’s Complicated, Skwizas, Madam & Eve, and Die Sonkring. Dube was born on September 30th, 1945.
22. Michelle Bradshaw
- Role: Cheryl Banks
- Age: 53 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 50 episodes
English-born South African actress, Michelle Bradshaw first came to the limelight for her portrayal of Lindsay Barnes, head of housekeeping at Dinaledi Lodge, in the soap opera, The Wild. She then debuted in Isithembiso in the first season, playing a recurring role of Cheryl Banks. She further reprised her role in season two of the series. Bradshaw was born in Kent, the United Kingdom on August 24, 1970. She moved to Johannesburg when she was eight years old and has been residing in the city since then. She graduated with a Diploma in Drama from the Pretoria Technikon and also achieved a Licentiate from the Trinity College of London.
Additionally, Bradshaw works as a voice-over artist, radio DJ, and presenter. She has been the voice behind some of LG and Stuttafords’ commercials. She has also worked for Jacaranda FM. Apart from featuring in Isithembiso, Generations, Isibaya, and Isidingo, the gorgeous actress has been a cast member of multiple theatrical productions. They include Sleeping Around, Same Old Story, and The Trail.
23. Samkelisiwe Hlophe
- Role: Chunks
- Age: N/A
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 50 episodes
Playing Chunks in Isithembiso, Samkelisiwe Hlophe featured in the three seasons of the Mzansi Magic telenovela. Before joining the cast of Isithembiso, she participated in a dance competition reality series titled, Dance Your Butt which was aired on SABC1 from 2011 to 2012. She joined the TV show to prove that her weight can’t derail her from doing certain things as she was tired of being called names as a result of her body size. Besides scoring a recurring role in Isithembiso which sprung her to the spotlight, Hlophe is also best recognized for playing a recurring role in Mansi Magic TV series, The Road.
24. David James
- Role: Phillip Hartford / Consortium Member #01
- Age: 51 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 20 episodes
South African actor and singer, David James was one of the cast members of Isithembiso. He portrayed Phillip Hartford in the first season of the TV series and then a Consortium Member #01 in the second season. The actor was born on October 28th, 1972, and has been active in the film industry for close to thirty years. In the late 80s, he began featuring in theatrical productions. As such, he has a handful of theatre work credits, including A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Jock of the Bushveld, Aladdin, Kiss Me Kate, Cinderella, Turandot, Everybody Else is Fucking Perfect and My Fair Lady.
Also, the deft actor has featured in TV series such as Wild at Heart, Isidingo, Criminal Minds, Jozi Streets, Snitch, The Estate, Isidingo, Jacob’s Cross, Kidnap and Ransom, and Reyka. In the past years, David James worked for corporate organizations such as Momentum Life, FNB, Nedbank, Checkers, Shoprite, ABSA, and IBM. He is bilingual and can speak Afrikaans and English eloquently.
25. Andile Mbatha
- Role: Detective Matla
- Age: N/A
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 30 episodes
Another Isithembiso cast member whose height of fame soared following his performance in the soap opera is South African actor, Andile Mbatha. He played the role of Detective Mantla in seasons 1 and 2 of the series. He attended the Soyikwa Institute of African Theatre and then moved on to land acting roles in popular soap operas such as Soul City and Muvhango. From 2008 to 2009, the actor was cast as Sly in the second season of the TV series, Tshisa. He then made guest appearances in season two of Mtunzini.com. He further appeared in Isibaya, Gauteng Maboneng, Isidingo, The Alliance, and Naledi.
26. Phumi Mncayi
- Role: Detective Cibane
- Age: N/A
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 30 episodes
The character of Detective Cibane in Isithembiso was portrayed by actor and presenter, Phumi Mncayi. He was cast in a recurring role in seasons 1 and 2 of the series. He is a native of Khayelitsha in Cape Town. He achieved a Diploma in Drama from the University of Cape Town and also studied Drama at the Waterfront Theatre School. As a stage actor, Phumi scored a titular role in the theatre production of Shaka Zulu – The Musical at the State Theatre in Pretoria in the year 2010. He also had a role in the ITV TV series, Wild at Heart and SABC1 mini-series, Dream World.
His other acting credits include Rhythm City, Mzansi Love: Kasi Style, and The Queen. In addition to acting, Phumi Mncayi has served as the presenter of multiple TV shows, including the SABC1 Lotto game show titled Wina Manje. He also co-hosted SABC3 science and technology show Q, as well as Magic to the Max which aired on M-Net.
27. Thembisile Times
- Role: Thenjiwe
- Age: 74 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 50 episodes
Thembisile Times, who is professionally known as Themsie Times was born on September 22nd, 1949. She joined the cast of Isithembiso in the second season, playing the role of Thenjiwe, which she further reprised in the third season. Throughout her career, she has featured in a good number of TV series. She played the role of Maria Zibula in the TV series, 7de Laan which aired on SABC2. She was also cast as Ma Jordan in Yizo Yizo and further appeared in Generations: The Legacy, Madam & Eve, Dead Places, Isipho, and Shadow.
28. Themba Nofemele
- Role: Dr Buthelezi / Mdluli / Mzwakhe
- Age: 45 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 100 episodes
Themba Nofemele had diverse roles in Isithembiso. He was cast in season one of the TV series as Dr Buthelezi, then Mzwakhe in the second season, and Mduli in the third season. The South African actor hails from Bloemfontein and was born on May 20, 1978. He began his acting career in the year 2006 when he landed a role in the SABC1 series, Tshisa. He then went ahead to have minor roles in other TV series such as Generations: The Legacy, Mtunizini.com, Backstage, and Rhythm City.
After emerging as the winner of a talent search competition, he secured a role in the SABC2 soap opera, Muvhango. He scored the role of Ranthumeng in the series from 2010 to 2013. Themba Nofemele has also served as a judge in the SABC1 dance competition reality TV series, So You Think You Can Dance.
29. TK Sebothoma
- Role: KB / Thabo
- Age: 29 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 100 episodes
In the year 2018, during the second season of Isithembiso, TK Sebothoma joined the cast of the Mzansi Magic telenovela as Thabo. He then had a recurring role as KB in the third season of the series. The Queen star was born on May 24th, 1994. He is a graduate of AFDA where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Live Performance in the year 2016. Upon his graduation, TK has made his presence felt in the film industry by making appearances in several TV works. He had his first credited TV role in the year 2017 when he was featured in the fifth season of the MTV Base series titled, MTV Shuga. He further reprised his role as Zolani in the seventh season of the series in 2019.
In the same 2017, TK Sebothoma joined the cast of the Mzansi Magic soap opera, The Queen, portraying the character of Jomo. He further scored a recurring role in The River in the next year. Later in 2019. he played a leading role, the first of his career, in the Mzansi Magic TV series, Impilo (The Scam).
30. Sibusiso Black Madondo
- Role: Abednego
- Age: 40 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 100 episodes
Sibusiso Black Madondo, whose real name is Sibusiso Sipelele Madondo, landed his break-out role with Isithembiso. He made his first appearance in the series as Abednego on April 3, 2017, when Isithembiso was premiered. He had a recurring role in seasons 1, 2, and 3 of the Mzansi Magic telenovela. The actor made his TV debut in the year 2009 in the SABC1 series, Mtunzini.com. He then moved on to land a guest role in the e.tv anthology series titled, eKasi: Our Stories in the next year. Then in 2012, Madondo featured in the Mzansi Magic series, Boomba & TT. He subsequently had roles in Isibaya and Rhythm City.
In 2015, he was cast as Williams in the soap opera, Gold Diggers and also played a guest role of a mortuary assistant in The Alliance in the following year. He further displayed his acting talent in TV series such as Mamello, Broken Vows, Scandal, Thola, and The Estate. Sibusiso Black Madondo is a native of Meadowlands in Johannesburg. He was born on December 19, 1983. He earned a Diploma in Speech and Drama from Soyikwa Institute of African Theatre in the year 2006.
31. Mpho Sibeko
- Role: Nhlamulo
- Age: 29 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 50 episodes
Mpho Sibeko portrayed the character of Nhlamulo in the second and third seasons of Isithembiso. Sibeko previously had roles in the e.tv series, Rhythm City, as well as in 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls. He played a main role in the SABC2 TV series, Gauteng Maboneng, and in 2019, he debuted as Pastor Samson Ngema in Scandal. He has additionally featured as Lucky Gumede in Gold Diggers, Mancane in Abomama, Yanga Ramotswe in Isono, and Dumisani Mokobame in The Estate. The actor was born in Johannesburg on June 15th, 1994.
32. Anga Makubalo
- Role: Lucky
- Age: 36 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 50 episodes
Debuting as Lucky in the second season of Isithembiso in 2018, Anga Makubalo further had a recurring role in the third season of the series. He was born in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth on May 28, 1987. He attended Edenvale High School in Johannesburg before transferring to Talent International where he had acting and presenting classes. He also studied Contemporary Music at Damelin, Branley. From 2008 to 2009, he served as the presenter of the SABC2 show, Hectic 9 Nine and In 2011, he joined the cast of Generations: The Legacy as MJ Memela. In that same year, he made a guest appearance as a singer in the SABC1 TV show titled, Mmino Mania.
Anga Makubalo further showcased his singing prowess by performing in the MTV Africa Music Award show and the South African Music Award show as well. He participated as a contestant in the seventh season of Tropika Island of Treasure.
33. Kwezi Ndlovu
- Role: Lucky
- Age: 30 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 50 episodes
South African actress, Kwezi Ndlovu had a recurring role as Vivian in the Mzansi Magic telenovela. She made her first appearance in Isithembiso in Episode 49 of the first season and was further cast in the second and third seasons. Following her performance in Isithembiso, Kwezi moved on to land roles in other TV series such as The Herd and Isibaya. She played the first leading role of her career in season one of the Mzansi Magic series, The Housekeepers, and further reprised her role of Thuli Ngubane in the second season. Kwezi Ndlovu’s place of birth is Clermont in KwaZulu-Natal and her date of birth is July 28th, 1993.
34. Winnie Ntshaba
- Role: Lihle
- Age: 48 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 30 episodes
Bawinile Ntshaba, known professionally as Winnie Ntshaba, played the recurring role of Lihle in Isithembiso seasons 1 and 2. She previously had a guest-starring role in The Road in the year 2015 before joining the cast of Isithembiso. Winnie was born on September 1st, 1975. She achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Drama from the University of Natal (Durban). Throughout her career, she has featured in theatre productions, feature films, and TV series. She played a supporting role in the Academy Award-nominated film, Yesterday and also scored roles in the theatre works for AREPP Shoestring Productions.
35. Sindi Majola Khambule
- Role: Thuli
- Age: 51 years old
- Cast Type: Recurring
- Number of Episodes: Over 50 episodes
After four years break from the acting scene, Sindi Majola Khambule made a return to the small screen by joining the cast of Isithembiso. She debuted as Thuli in the first season of the series in August 2017 and was further cast in the second and third seasons. The actress was born on April 14, 1973. She is well recognized for portraying Sindi Sibiya in seasons 1 and 2 of the SABC1 series, Zone 14 from 2005 to 2008. She also starred in the Academy Award-winning movie, Tsotsi in the year 2006. Over the years, Sindi has been featured in TV series such as Yizo Yizo, Jacob’s Cross, The Mating Game, Backstage, Rhythm City, and The Lab.
