Season 1
Sibongile & The Dlaminis is a South African telenovela based on the Zambian show Zuba and the Solalas which follows the extraordinary journey of Sibongile Mbambo (Luyanda Zwane), an innocent young rural woman forced to leave her family and dreams behind to become a domestic worker in the lavish mansion of the affluent Dlamini family.
Little does she know that destiny has an unexpected Cinderella story in store for her – in the form of a forbidden romance with the Dlamini's son Kwenzo (Vuyo Biyela).
Their burgeoning relationship transforms Sibongile's life and impacts those around her, including her employers and their enormous business empire.
Set in the small town of Ixopo in KwaZulu-Natal, Sibongile & The Dlaminis explores timeless themes of love, sacrifice, ambition and familial bonds.
The telenovela weaves a tale of triumph against all odds.
Sibongile's dream of pursuing higher education is shattered when her family's financial hardships force her to take a different path.
Amidst her stepmother Deliwe's (Slindile Nodangala) gambling woes and the chaos that ensues, Sibongile's life takes an unexpected turn.
The cast includes Siyabonga Shibe, Ayanda Borotho and Zodumo Shange, among others.
Produced by Rhythm World Productions, Sibongile & The Dlaminis is Mzansi Wethu's first original telenovela.
The executive producer is Duma Ndlovu and the series producer is Sinini Nyathi-Mati.
The head writer is Eddie Thaba, with a writing team including Daniel Webster, Donald Ndlovu, Bakang Sebatjane, Donna Sibande, Tshepo Ratona, Zintle Bobi, Minenhle Luthuli, Ashlynn Jones, Sibusiso Malaza, Lunga Radebe and Tsepo Wa Mamatu.
The director is Vivek Mehta.