Season 1
uBettina Wethu is a South African adaptation of the Colombian telenovela Yo soy Betty, la fea, also known as Ugly Betty.
The series follows the journey of a wholesome, intelligent-but-gawky people-pleaser with a dated, unsophisticated sense of style, who finds her self-worth and image challenged when she is employed at Nubia, a brand management company, where people value image over substance.
Bettina Sikhakane is a kind-hearted, smart, career-focused woman, with a dream of running her own company.
When she lands a job as the PA to Nubia's new MD, she has to contend with her colleague's assumption that because of her quirky style and kindness, she must be stupid.
She has to battle her growing love for her boss, clouding her already blurred boundaries and posing a risk to a job that means everything to her.
The series stars Farieda Metsileng as Bettina, Mbasa Msongelo as Mpilo, Zweli Dube as Dingaan, Ayanda Bandla, Tsholo Mashishi as Linda, Motshabi Tyelele as Aunt Ethel, Sizwe Moeketsi as AJ, Lesego Tlhabi as Zaza, Manie Malone as Naomi, Brighton Ngoma as T-Bang, Mhairi Fergusson as Amanda, Mike Potter as Brandon, Alex Sono as Reggie and Elliot Makhubo as Israel.
uBettina Wethu is a Viu Original, co-produced by Viu South Africa and Known Associates Entertainment in association with SABC1, the Department of Trade Industry & Competition South Africa, Canal+ International and The National Empowerment Fund.
The head writer is Vanessa Jansen, leading a team of writers and storyliners including Gillian Breslin, Brad Katzen, Muzi Mthembu, Neiloe Whitehead, Julian Koboekae, Lentsoe Serote, Lurdes Maswanganye, Sphamandla Madondo, Nina Mncube, Bakang Sebatjane, Carrie Doherty, Lihle Msimang, Wilson Shaddai and Stephan Bester.
The series is produced by Tshepiso Chikapa Phiri and directed by MQ.
The original music score is by Neill Solomon and the opening title music is by DJ Sphectacula and DJ Naves.
Broadcast Notes
The first season did not air on e.tv.
Season 1 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Farieda Metsileng ... Bettina Sikhakane
Mbasa Msongelo ... Mpilo Hadebe
Zweli Dube ... Dingaan Jiyane
Ayanda Bandla ... Lakhe Amon
Tsholo Mashishi ... Linda Jiyane
Motshabi Tyelele ... Aunt Ethel
Sizwe Moeketsi ... AJ
Lesego Tlhabi ... Zaza Moloi
Manie Malone ... Naomi
Brighton Ngoma ... T-Bang Moeketsi
Mhairi Fergusson ... Amanda
Mike Potter ... Brandon Thomas
Alex Sono ... Reggie
Elliot Makhubo ... Israel Sikhakhane
Recurring / Guests
Jason Willemse ... Wendell
Siya Mdlalose ... Max
Keabetswe Mashugane ... Angelina (as Keaby Mashugane)
Luyolo Mngonyama ... Martha
Thabisile Jiyane ... Intombi Cosmetic Owner
Tlamelo Masila ... Ifeoma Fashion Designer
Lurdes Maswanganye ... Leila Leaks (as Lurdes Maswanganyi)
Brian Morobi ... 2 BIG
Sammy Mathabatha ... Diggety
Thato Maluleke ... Reporter
Thobani Mbhele ... Sibu
Bonke Msibi ... Bikini Model 1
Zanokuhle Mkhwanazi ... Bikini Model 2
Titus Langa ... Goon 1
Isaac Thuwe ... Goon 2
Soso Rungqu ... Nomthandazo
Rorisang Thandekiso ... Roxanne
Lwando Mbelu ... Photographer
Pheelo Nkosi ... Man 1
Mduduzi Sithole ... Man 2
Sunboy Dube ... Man 1
Humphrey Sigeca Jr ... Man 2
Hector Theko ... Sephiri Mokoena
Thandile Dlamini ... Sophia
Lesego Motjopye ... Woman
Yolo Noruwana ... Director
Mo Flava ... DJ Stops
Sinqobile Majola ... Intern
Noko Comedy ... Caterer
Larona Maponyane ... Young AJ (as Larona Maponyana)
Amukelani Msiza ... Bully 1
Ditebogo Papi ... Bully 2
Tebogo Semu ... Male Cop
Mbali Mabaso ... Female Cop
Sithembiso Malinga ... Wakanda Man 1
Nkululeko Mahlangu ... Wakanda Man 2
Jacky Kao ... Lee
Tebogo Sema ... Officer (as Tebgo Sema)
Innocent Masuku ... Tjovitjo
Stevel Marc ... Oba
Mary Elegance Sayegh ... Clere Receptionist
Lucia Mthiyane ... Pinky Khalipha
Palo Mokoailane ... Sizwe Myeni
Florence Mokgatsi ... Thulzi
Owami Kgonyane ... Young Betty
Martin Le Maitre ... Stephan
Portia Siwasa ... Jeweller
Sifiso Nene ... Security 1
Tarisa Munetsiwa ... Aminata
Leon Payne ... Stylist
Koena Selemela ... UIF Officer
Tshiamo Mojahi ... Security 2
Lwando Mbelu ... Photographer
Luyolo Mngonyama ... Martha
Kamo Moth ... Melody
Maureen Sesenyamotse ... Petunia
Sekoati Tsubane ... Samson
Thuledu Nxumalo ... Receptionist
Athi Mgoqo ... Sharon
Mondli Thusi ... Biza
Dillan Wessel ... Dulce
Mary Selepe ... Aunt Mae
Sherlain Holmes ... Alyssa (as Sherlin Holmes)
Eesham September ... Afzal
Sandile Moloane ... Mfenzi
Yanda Mntungwa ... Waiter
Nazia Ismail ... Akhila
Jakkie Naude ... Brain
Tracie Jane Viljoen ... Minka
Gabriella Cirillo ... Marelize (as Gabriella Cirrillo)