Season 1
Zabalaza - which means struggle; striving towards success; hustling towards a content life - is set in Dube, Soweto, the home of Joseph "Jazzman" Cele, the patriarch of the Cele family, his wife Gasta and their children.
This typical family next door seems to have it all, but appearances can be deceiving. As the story unfolds, the Cele family secrets start to unravel, promises are broken and it's only a matter of time before the Celes turn against each other for selfish gain.
Seputla Sebogodi takes the lead as Jazzman Cele, with Baby Cele by his side as Gasta, the first lady of the Cele household. Other well-known actors include Zandile Msutwana, Manaka Ranaka, Mbali Ntuli, Thami Afrika, Matli Mohapeloa and Khanya Mkhangisa, among others.
A surprise addition to the cast is acclaimed soul artist Kabomo, who portrays Jazzman's accountant, Herbert.
The main difference between a Lokshin Soap format and other soaps is the township backdrop, which doesn't only refer to location, but to a way of life.
Zabalaza follows the successful footsteps of the Lokshin Bioskop series which demonstrates the expansion of this popular genre in South Africa.
Zabalaza is recorded in studio with set design that is a true reflection of the reality of township life. Though the characters face countless hardships and lows, they are proud to be part of the township community and they see their home as a place to empower.
A key plotline is that of the Cele matriarch Gasta and her rise from a silent wife living in the shadow of her rich husband, to one of the most powerful businesswomen in her community.
The series was created by Portia Gumede and Lebone Maema. Writers include Dudu Mabaso and Cleo Rinkwest. Herbert Hadebe directed the pilot and other directors include Bromley Cawood and Magic A.M. Hlatshwayo.
Storyliners are Malusi Bengu and Chisanga Kabinga and other writers include Marc Bloom, Paul Crilley and Linda Bere. The creative director is Portia Gumede and the series producer is Burgert Muller. The executive producers are Lebone Maema and Danie Ferreira.
Season 1 Cast
(scroll to bottom for actor bios)
Starring
Baby Cele ... Gasta Cele
Seputla Sebogodi ... Joseph "Jazzman" Cele
Zandile Msutwana ... Lindiwe Cele
Thami Afrika ... David Cele (as Thami Sithole)
Khanya Mkangisa ... Mpilo Cele
Matli Mohapeloa ... Moss Cele
Junior Singo ... Qiniso "Q" Cele
Mpho Molepo ... Mthunzi Cele
Manaka Ranaka ... Buhle "Beauty" Cele
Mbali Ntuli ... Nelisiwe "Nelly" Moabi
Siphiwe Hlabangane ... Robert (as Siphiwe Hlabangana)
Recurring / Guests
Lindiwe Ndlovu ... Sponono
Kabomo ... Herbert
Clementine Mosimane ... Aunt Thembi
Elliot Makhubo ... Lithebe
Gabriel Mini ... Thabo
Kagiso Diseko ... Granite
Menzi Mkhwane ... V12
Nolwazi Shange ... Kgomotso
Warona Seane ... Lulama Cele
Nomsa Madida ... Hot Girl
Mthunzi Ntoyi ... Waka
Peter Mashigo ... Benjy
Talitha Ndima ... Nandi
Miranda Mokhele ... Julia (as Miranda Ntshangase)
Andrew Stock ... Lecturer
Sisanda Henna ... Max
Moliehi Makobane ... Precious (as Moliehi Didi Makobane)
Thembile Botman ... Marcus (as Thembile Bosman)
Magic Hlatshwayo ... Commander Kani
Lekoane Phasumane ... Neli's Uncle
Omuhle Gela ... My Girl
Siyasanga Kobese ... Siphokazi
Innocent Mahlangu ... Orlando
Kgosi Monye ... Doctor (Kgosimore Monye)
Gregory Makhubo ... Kabelo
Mbuso Hlongwane ... Cronie
Johannes Mahuma ... Uncle
Lucas Ramalisa ... Uncle 2
Khanyisani Potolwana ... Tsotsi 1
Elia Moyo ... Tsotsi 2
Thembeka Radebe ... Guard 1
Imani Seboni ... Guard 2
Khutso Mositsa ... Guard 3
Maureen Phoshoko ... Nurse
Tumelo Matlala ... Insurance Agent
Godfrey Lechela ... Spijo
Michael Goba ... Inmate
Iko Mash ... Zaza (as Iko-Mash, real name Billy Mothola Mashiloane)
Edmund Ngema ... Parole Officer
Ivy Nkutha ... Ma'Kope
Ngcebo Dladla ... Bokgabo
Lisa Bala ... Mokgabo
Masoja Msiza ... Larry
Dennis Madibo ... Isaac
Mpho Ranwedzi ... Mafinyela
Aldaine Peters ... IT Guy
Maria Selepe ... Mam'Ncane
Lisa Bala ... Mokgabo
Ngcebo Dladla ... Bokgabo
Tebogo Mmtli ... Electrician (as Tobogo Mmtli)
Lebohang Masimola ... Bra Kort
Lesego Sebolai ... Janitor
Hastings Muravha ... Sunday
Aron Khunou ... Doctor (later as Fertility Doctor)
Allen Dlomo ... Explosives Dealer
Mpho Lelimo ... Security Guard Wife
Menzi Mkhwane ... Velaphi
Wendy Klassen ... Reporter
Mduduzi Modibedi ... Friend 1
Kamohelo Modibedi ... Friend 2
Baby Mokhoga ... Ma'Buthelezi
Lindsay Pikes ... Priest (as Linsy Pikes)
Sade Ngomane ... Shaka