Season 1
Mamello (a Sotho word meaning "Resilience") is a South African television drama series produced by Endemol Shine South Africa which follows an idealistic teacher who relocates to a new school to escape an abusive marriage, where she falls in love with a fellow teacher and begins to rebuild the school as she rebuilds her own life.
This is a family drama that aims to encourage parents, children and communities to be open and honest about their challenges and seek solutions together.
Escaping an abusive marriage, idealistic principal and teacher Keneilwe Mogotsi (Tsholo Matshaba) has returned to Sebokeng, the industrial township she ran away from as a young woman. Her mission is to rescue Mamello High, a disadvantaged school on the verge of being closed down.
There she meets fellow teacher Patrick (Jude Tshisevhe) and the pair are drawn together, not only by their love but also by their common vision for the school, their idealism and their genuine passion for the school and for the students. They are teachers who love teaching.
Together, through the series, they face numerous challenges in the school ranging from a basic lack of resources, under-qualified teachers and an ever-changing curriculum to child-headed households, drugs and gangs to rape, a viral sex video and teenage pregnancies.
Can Keneilwe rebuild the school as she rebuilds her life?
Mamello stars Tsholofelo Matshaba as Keneilwe Mogotsi, Lethabo Bereng as Kamogelo Mogotsi, Lebohang Motaung as Kotsi Mogotsi, Mary Makhatho as Mosumbuka, Jude Tshisevhe as Patrick Mashego, Boitumelo Motsoatsoe as Bokang Mashego and Refilwe Madumo as Dorah Mashego.
The series is in Sotho, with English subtitles, and was shot in various locations around Gauteng to ensure an authentic look and feel.
Mamello is produced by Endemol Shine Africa, with executive producers Sam Shale and Sivan Pillay and supervising producer Shirley Adonisi. The series director is Zuko Nodada and the head writer is Julie Hall.
Scriptwriters include Sipho Xolisa Tshapu, Clive Madiya and Duduzile Mabaso. The title sequence and theme music was composed by Gregory Nottingham.
Season 1 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Tsholofelo Matshaba ... Keneilwe Mogotsi
Lethabo Bereng ... Kamogelo Mogotsi
Lebohang Motaung ... Kotsi Mogotsi
Mary Makhatho ... Miss Masombuka
Jude Tshisevhe ... Patrick Mashego
Boitumelo Motsoatsoe ... Bokang Mashego
Refilwe Madumo ... Dorah Mashego
Recurring / Guests
Liopelo Maphathe ... Faith
Vele Manenje ... Mrs Bat
Robert Mpisi ... Ferrari
Sello Motloung ... Mr Thobejane
Kitty Moepang ... Bontle (as Keitumetse "Kitty" Moepang)
Momo Matsunyane ... Teresa
Nyalleng Thibedi ... Naledi
Boikie Pholo ... Pastor Karabo (as Moditle "Boikie" Pholo)
Boshadi Nkomo ... Social Worker
Mpho Noko ... Kutsang
Mimi Dyantyi ... Gog' Lizbeth
Sithembiso Mbatha ... Gerrie
Lerato Pitso ... Pepper-sprayed Jogger
Simphiwe Ntshingila ... Zoro
Jabu Thabethe ... Vincent Mogoshi (as Jabu Cornelius Thabethe)
Pereko Makgothi ... Bokang's Friend 1
Rebone Nketle ... Bokang's Friend 2
Phindile Zwane ... Bokang's Friend 3
Xolani Sakwe ... Nervous Athlete
Thando Malgas ... Excited Athlete
Yolanda Matabane ... Ms. Kgosana
Itumeleng Seatlholo ... Skinny Boy
Elizabeth Magumbe ... Granny
Gloria Bokala ... Parent 2
Queen Ledwaba ... Parent 1
Oupa Malatji ... Jacob
Simphiwe Johannes ... Linda
Siyabonga Mbele ... Sipho
Zoliswa Gcingca ... Bontle's Mother
Gilbert Makhubedu ... Ferrari's Father
Linda Mbatha ... Senior Police Official