Season 1
Ashes to Ashes is a South African telenovela developed by Genna Lewis and set against the backdrop of a family-owned funeral business in Tembisa which - despite being established and seemingly solid - faces forces that threaten to derail it from outside and within.
In Mzansi, funerals homes mean big business. From designer caskets, limos and fancy cars, to the over-catering, slaughtering of cows and high fashion.
Namane Funerals is a highly prosperous funeral home owned by a husband and wife, who inherited the business and created a funeral empire that the father runs with his two sons.
The head of the family, Selo Namane, is charismatic, charming, street smart and a family man, but has incredibly challenging addictions that may ruin the future that the family has worked so hard for.
In addition, there are destructive personalities in the family that threaten to derail the legacy that has been meticulously penned for the family.
So far, death has been good to the Namane family. But their luck is about to run out with the arrival of an estranged family member and a dark secret.
The series was developed by Genna Lewis. The pilot was directed by Gert van Niekerk. Other directors include Leli Maki Esq. and Kalumbu Kapisa.
The head writer is Rosa Keet, with storyliners Ruth Mo Moatlhodi, Chisanga Kabinga and Lerato Khanye. The music is by Alan Lazar.
The creative producer is Genna Lewis, the series producer is Frank Perold and the executive producers are Clive Morris, Sipho Gogotya and Ntokozo Mbuli for Clive Morris Productions. The executive producer for e.tv is Tshegofatso Monaisa.
Main Characters
Selogilwe "Selo" Namane (50)
Played by Patrick Shai
The Patriarch of the family, Selo is charismatic, charming, street smart and a family man. Coming from very poor beginnings, he is a township guy with a signature look, but his vice in life is his addictions.
Mandlakazi Namane (48)
Played by Nambitha Mpumlwana
The matriarch of the family, a perfectionist who is connected to her faith and culture. She puts family above everything and would do almost anything to protect them. Mandlakazi has done some very dark deeds in the name of family, but is not immune to guilt – she carries her sins with her.
Tsietsi Namane (28)
Played by Nyaniso Dzedze
The eldest son of the Namane's and happens to be their favourite son. He holds a clumsily obtained B.com degree, he is good-looking, charming and is pegged as the heir and head of the family (and the family business) when his parents pass. However, he hides a potentially disturbing side to himself.
Monwabisi Namane (26)
Played by Chumani Pan
Plays second fiddle to his brother Tsietsi and is also the romantic lead with a Masters in Psychology turned grief counsellor for the funeral home. He has largely rejected his cultural heritage in favour of Western psychological and philosophical beliefs. This makes him slightly condescending and patronising towards the devout clientele.
Reba (28)
Played by Zenande Mfenyana
The main female protagonist. A pretty woman with incredible inner strength and independent spirit. She is intuitive and often says what she is thinking before thinking.
Violet (25)
Played by Maggie Benedict
The striking funeral planner for Namane Funeral home holds a BA in marketing. She is a perfectionist, an over-achiever and a lover with overzealous plans.
Mickey (50)
Played by Craig Urbani
Mickey is not the sort of a man you'd like to meet in a dark alley. He is an ex-cop and gun for hire with good connection and the ability to manipulate. He works as the head of security for Namane funerals; and other things.
Damian (22)
Played by Mandla Gaduka
He mans the front desk and ensures the daily running of the office. He flirts with the female and boosts the males' egos, all for self-gain. He is also an aspiring actor who never gets a call back.
Season 1 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Patrick Shai ... Selogilwe "Selo" Namane
Nambitha Mpumlwana ... Mandlakazi Namane
Nyaniso Dzedze ... Tsietsi Namane (as Nyaniso Dze Dze)
Chumani Pan ... Monwabisi Namane
Zenande Mfenyana ... Reba Rankhoana
Added in Episode 84
Menzi Ngubane ... Detective Nkonzo Mazibuko
Recurring / Guests
Aya Mpama ... Monwabisi's Woman
Craig Urbani ... Mickey
Maggie Benedict ... Violet
Richard Lukunku ... Stitch
Mandla Gaduka ... Damian
Khanyi Mbau ... Pinki
Thabo Malema ... Young Selo Namane
Cleopatra Simelane ... Khanya
Simo Magwaza ... Godfrey Simelane
Siyabonga Shibe ... Kgosi
Nomsa Xaba ... Judith
Amos Ketlele ... Bab'Nkomonde
Palesa Mocuminyane ... Thandeka
Bonga Dlamini ... Capt. Ramathesele
Nyalleng Thibedi ... Mpho Rankoane
Tinah Mnumzana ... Mantsho
Ferry Jele ... Ma'Khoza
Lekoane Phasumane ... Mister Phakade's Cousin
Miza Modibedi ... Himself (as DJ Miza)
Ashley Hayden ... Angelica du Plessis
Francis Rangoajane ... Jerry
Palesa Sekati ... Young Mandlakazi Namane
Mamohato Askew ... Young Judith
Carlo Radebe ... Young Bab'Hlongwane
Jesse Suntele ... Kabelo
Xolelwa Mbali ... Rose
Pamela Ndlovu ... Ayanda Kekana
Cordelia Maneli ... Griever / Attractive Widow
Thami Mzaku ... Langa Pastor
Sithelelele Mthwesi ... Sam
Big Joe ... Hearse Driver
Eddy Peffers ... Coffin Helper 1
Mpho Tholo ... Coffin Helper 2
Hellen Links ... Church / Community Lady
Invodia Tsharingue ... Church / Community Lady
Ntombozandile Kapela ... Church / Community Lady
Peter Sikele ... Kekana Uncle
Siviwe Zibi ... Pretty Girl
Eddie Modika ... Loan Shark
Hellen Makgae ... Nozizwe
Thembisa Nkonongi ... Church / Community Lady
Martha Mkontwana ... Church / Community Lady
Prince Mathebula ... Phiri
Vusi Gule ... Selo's Friend
Sammy Olifant ... Selo's Friend
Mnyamezeci Conjwa ... Selo's Friend
Dave Baloyi ... Kgosi's Thug
Kola Tisana ... Kgosi's Thug
Dudu Ncube ... Congregation Member
Bongani Koboka ... Congregation Member
Pascal Luse ... Congregation Member
Kabelo Pico ... Congregation Member
Dudu Molefe ... Congregation Member
Precious Sithole ... Congregation Member
Zanele Siyolo ... Congregation Member
Nduduzo Sithole ... Congregation Member
Kholosa Lubisi ... Congregation Member
Tinyiko Hobyane ... Congregation Member
Stephens Ndhlovu ... Congregation Member
Mpho Aphane ... Congregation Member
Thabang Magoba ... Congregation Member
Paulina Seloi ... Congregation Member
Mmabatho Mashoba ... Congregation Member
Sana Aphane ... Congregation Member
Elizabeth Kgasi ... Congregation Member
Mike Vunjana ... Congregation Member
Nomava V. Ngaloshe ... Congregation Member
Paulinah Bokwe ... Congregation Member
Vency Kerr ... Congregation Member
Mohammed Modan ... Dealer
Fanado Dlamini ... Gambler
Cyril Oneyema ... Gambler
Jaco Bezuidenhout ... Gambler
Beauty Sokti ... Waitress
Getmore Sithole ... Bab' Shezi
Phillip Madiba ... Kgosi's Chauffeur
Rampai Mohadi ... Joseph Shabangu
Nazo Maloyi ... Godfrey's Minion in Car / Kgosi's Driver
Boitumelo Motsoatsoe ... Young Nozizwe
Stephen Mofokeng ... Jay Masilela
Ken Welcome ... Phil Bunu
Khanya Mavuso ... Young Nozizwe - Age 10
Lihle Mavuso ... Young Mandlakazi - Age 8
Ayabulela Taz ... Dream Voice Over (voice)
Buhle Dumana ... Dream Voice Over (voice)
Sibabalwe Nyobole ... Dream Voice Over (voice)
Mahlabe 'Shammy' Tlaka ... Delivery Guy
Wanda Ndlovu ... Thabang Mokoena
Mpho Nemauluma ... Doctor
Nontobeko Ntshingose ... Seamstress 1
Smangele Mohamane ... Seamstress 2
Given Sithole ... Sanele the Ghost
Joe Phiri ... Guard
Maroti Modiba ... Policeman
Brian Lufumpa ... Policeman
Brian de Villiers ... Policeman
Zama Simelane ... Policeman
Sihle Mobuthi ... Policeman
Sharon du Toit ... Onlooker
Danielle Naude ... Onlooker
Mapule Mashigo ... Onlooker / Seamstress / Restaurant Customer 2
Damian Vemoor ... Onlooker
Michelle Venter ... Onlooker
Tanya Venter ... Onlooker
Max Gurahla ... Client
Thapelo Mofokeng ... Chief Pitso Rankhoane
Matthew Monica ... Rankhoane Uncle / Namane Uncle 1
Ncebo 'Steve' Siyaya ... Young Man in Photograph
Ephraim Tsumane ... Rankhoane Elder
Lenasia Meyer ... Mary
Robert du Plessis ... Namane Uncle 2
Professor Mavuso ... Mister Phakade
Zweli Mtsholongo ... Rankhoane Elder 2
Catherine Dumakude ... Ma Nkosi
Grace Bapela ... Lieketseng
Pulani Moholi ... Mom
Mpho Mojapulo ... Son
Jonathan Simelane ... Chief's Security Guard
Joseph Chauke ... Chief's Security Guard
Joseph Morake ... Hearse Driver / Pallbearer
Doris Papole ... Moloi Sibling
Nelly Mazibuko ... Moloi Sibling / Couple 1
Lovejoy Nkuna ... Ma'Khoza's Bodguard
Joy Ntolosi ... Nurse
Zandile Nkhosi ... Customer
Gina Mabasa ... Customer
Nokwendeza Baca ... Customer
Zama Simelane ... Customer
Gugu Chisali ... Customer
Serame Sambo ... Customer
Jabulani Masilela ... Bab' Hlongwane
Thembalethu Proh Mchunu ... Njandini
Sebastian Ndlovu ... Namane Client / Security Guard
Joseph Ngubeni ... Namane Client
Constance Mdletje ... Namane Client / Gravesite
Mammie Mvulane ... Namane Client
Grace Tshoma ... Namane Client
Sylvia Nkosi ... Namane Client
Angel Mdletje ... Namane Client
Neo Blessing Msibi ... Baby
Boitumelo Bogopane ... Waiter (later as Tumelo Bogopane)
Siyabonga Ngxakata ... Delivery Guy
Andrea Fox ... Waitress
Themba Msimango ... Mourner
George Maikeco ... Mourner
Marla Joles ... Mourner
Tumelo Bogopane ... Waiter
Muzi Ka Chibi Mthabela ... Pangaman (as Muzi Mthabela)
Baluti Do ... Kgosi's Thug
Driss Wintanday ... Kgosi's Thug
Christian Tshiscaka ... Injured Guy
Tumelo Bogopane ... Waiter
Sam Saint ... Fight Scene
Benji Tangu ... Fight Scene
Philiswa Myekelwa ... Client
Lemogang Lekgoe ... Client
Sipho Nhlapo ... Mashonisa
Thulani Khumalo ... Chief Pitso's Bodyguard
Guqa Maqhubela ... Heist Gang Member
Phulani Buthelezi ... Heist Gang Member
Mthunzi Dlamini ... Delivery Guy
Edmond Nhamanga ... Delivery Guy
Khanyisani Madikane ... Namane Client / Grave Digger 1 / Delivery Guy 1
Steven Sibiya ... Namane Client / Grave Digger 2 / Delivery Guy 2
Edmond Nhamagu ... Gang Member
Fani Dladla ... Gang Member
Livhu Mashao ... Gang Member
Bonginkosi Zondi ... Gang Member
Herman Dube ... Chef
Ntokozo Puzi ... Customer
Nanelwa Ngogela ... Customer
Akhona Mtabane ... Customer
Queen Mokiba ... Mourner
Thabang Modisha ... Namane Worker 1
Bantu Puzi ... Namane Worker 2
Cleef Murray ... Restaurant Customer 1
Azwindini Maluleke ... Restaurant Customer 2
Chantel Schwartz ... Restaurant Customer 3
Yvonne Luthuli ... Restaurant Customer 4
Nokhona Gcado ... Seamstress 2
George Lamola ... Customer 1 / Teenager 1
Emily Mukhonwa ... Customer 2 / Customer 5 / Customer 7
Neo Blessing Msibi ... Sacrificial Baby
Ike Khumalo ... Kgosi Henchman 1
Mzwakhe Dlamini ... Kgosi Henchman 2
Prudence Lamola ... Customer 1 / Customer 3 / Customer 11
Lehlabile Mahlaba ... Customer 2 / Restaurant Customer 2 / Customer 9 / Customer 1
Lebo Lamola ... Customer 3 / Customer 8
Phillip Mateya ... Kgosi Henchman 3 / Customer 5 / NF Client 2 / Policeman 1
Njabulo Sibanda ... Kgosi Henchman 4 / Namane Client 8
Ali Ngubese ... Kgosi Henchman 5 / Namane Client 7
Bongani Mokoena ... Namane Client 1
Aubrey Msanza ... Namane Client 2
Matsatsi Chauke ... Namane Client 3
Nomthandazo Ngwenya ... Namane Client 4 / Customer 1
Ayanda Nkabinde ... Namane Client 5
Mareyne Moonsamy ... Namane Client 6
Thembisile Khubeka ... Client 1
Veronica Matlaila ... Client 2
Mfundo Mbuli ... Pianist (as Mfundo "Mus Scales" Mbuli)
Belinda Smith ... Customer 1
Dorcas Tlomatsane ... Customer 2 / Customer 10
Bongani Mangopu ... Customer 4 / Customer 2
Evence Tsotetsi ... Tea Garden Customer 1
Sinonye Mahlamvu ... Tea Garden Customer 2
Sipho Masebe ... Bongani Njomane
Lachel Taljaard ... Jenna du Plessis
Cleo Bam ... Young Client
Ethel Makukumare ... Gravesite / Namane Client
Serge-Abdias Mboma ... Restaurant Customer 1 / Customer 4 / Restaurant Customer 2
Nontobeko Ntshingose ... Restaurant Customer 2 / Restaurant Customer 4
Luyolo Mjanyelwa ... Biker 1
Hlobiseni Twala ... Biker 2
Sinaye Mahlangu ... Customer 1 / Film Crew
Ali Ngobese ... Customer 3 / Film Crew
Phumzile Macwabe ... Customer 5
Kedibone Thage ... Customer 6 / Restaurant Customer 5 / NF Client 1
Thoko Mgcina ... Customer 9 / Customer 3 / Customer 5
Precious Rathupa ... Customer 12 / Restaurant Customer 1 / Customer 4
Simon Makhathini ... Goat Man
Olga Ntswalelike ... Restaurant Customer 3
Tebogo Ramaphakela ... Restaurant Customer 1
Ebenhaezer Dibakwane ... Film Crew Director
Sibabalwe Ngqayana ... Film Crew
Ceiuikwazi Radebe ... Film Crew
Themba Mfika ... Film Crew
Pilani Bubu ... Special Guest Appearance
Sinaye Mahlamvu ... Teenager 2
Siphiwe Noko ... Customer
Mabona Liziwe ... Customer / Customer 6
Sylvia Mthembu ... Customer 2
Zac Tau ... Customer 6 / Customer 4
Realeboga Mattaka ... Customer 7 / Customer 5
Kgomotso Chauke ... Customer 8 / Customer 1 / Customer 4
Carbin Mpofu ... Customer 10 / Customer 2 (as Carbin Mpefu)
Vuyani Mdlangu ... Customer 11 (as Vyani Mdlangu)
Yvonne Onowal ... Young Widow
Nomsa Mvalose ... Namane Client
Itumeleng Monaheng ... Customer 2
Samantha Mgiolma ... Customer 5
Mike Onuai ... Customer 6
Bheki Mzuza ... Customer 7 / Forensics 3
Sharon Sithole ... Customer 8 / Customer 3
Dan Sithole ... Jackson
Yvonne Mduangu ... Customer 3
Andrew Fisher ... Chris
Ramos Chauke ... Couple 2
Pertunia Maphisa ... Namane Client
Tersia Moalusi ... Cleaner
Siat Mnisi ... Customer 1 / Policeman 6
Bheki Nzuza ... Customer 2
Yvonne Majova ... Customer 4
Thobe Gumede ... Customer 6
Manqoba Kubheka ... Customer 8 / Policeman 4
Tersia Moalusi ... Cleaner
Damon Berry ... Don
Skhandisa Nyembe ... Policeman 2
Boitumelo Maja ... Policeman 3
Chester Nkonyane ... Policeman 4
Trevor Sithole ... Policeman 5 / Forensics 2
Joyce Mojela ... Namane Client 1
Kagiso Makhubedu ... Namane Client 2
Mphikeleli Nkabinde ... Namane Client 3
Chester Nkonyane ... Forensics 1
Nonhlanhla Masoku ... Paramedic 1
Kgabo Semenya ... Paramedic 2
Broadcast Notes
The series began by airing Mondays to Thursdays at 20h00. From 11 May, 2015 it became weekdays at 20h00 with the addition of Friday episodes.