Season 1
Savage Beauty is a South African television drama series about a mysterious woman who embeds herself in a powerful family who possess a global beauty empire — and dark secrets - seeking revenge for her tragic past.
Fifteen years ago, Don and Grace Bhengu tested a toxic product on a group of children living on the streets.
Now one of the two survivors, Zinhle Manzini, returns to seek revenge.
Zinhle becomes the invisible force that exposes family secrets, leading the Bhengus down a path of destruction.
But innocent people get hurt along the way, while Zinhle's own darkness threatens to consume her.
In the end, Zinhle has to decide whether she wants justice or pure, cold revenge.
Savage Beauty stars Rosemary Zimu as Zinhle, the mysterious young woman with a tragic past who single-mindedly pursues revenge for the hellish crime committed by the Bhengus.
The family matriarch and patriarch Grace and Don Bhengu (Nthati Moshesh and Dumisani Mbebe), who rule their beauty empire and family with an iron fist, become increasingly ruthless as they try to unmask an enemy who wants to see their life's work reduced to ashes.
The series stars Rosemary Zimu as Zinhle, Dumisani Mbebe as Don Bhengu, Nthati Moshesh as Grace Bhengu, Angela Sithole as Thando Bhengu, Jesse Suntele as Phila Bhengu, Nambitha Ben-Mazwi as Linda Bhengu and Oros Mampofu as Ndu Bhengu.
Co-starring are Mpho Sebeng as Bonga, Slindile Nodangala as Gogo Simphiwe and John Ncamane as Kolobe.
There are also cameo appearances from Terry Pheto, Sarah Langa, Trevor Stuurman, Loyiso Gola, Thando Hopa, Kefilwe Mabote and Lasizwe, among others.
Savage Beauty was created by Lebogang Mogashoa and is produced by Quizzical Pictures for Netflix with assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry and Competition South Africa.
The executive producers are Harriet Gavshon, Lebogang Mogashoa and Nimrod Geva; and the series is produced by Siphiwe Hlabangane and JP Potgieter.
The directors are Rea Rangaka, Denny Miller and Thati Peele.
The head writer is Lebogang Mogashoa, with a writing team including Neo Sibiya and Nelisa Ngcobo.
Original music is by Kyle Shepherd.
Season 1 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Rosemary Zimu ... Zinhle
Dumisani Mbebe ... Don Bhengu
Nthati Moshesh ... Grace Bhengu
Angela Sithole ... Thando Bhengu
Jesse Suntele ... Phila Bhengu
Nambitha Ben-Mazwi ... Linda Bhengu
Oros Mampofu ... Ndu Bhengu
Recurring / Guests
Mpho Sebeng ... Bonga
Mampho Brescia ... Angela Makwetu
Nandi Mbatha ... Ruby
Eve Rasimeni ... Nurse Noni
Vele Manenje ... Makhosi Mnisi
Slindile Nodangala ... Gogo Simphiwe
Bridget Masinga ... Bhengu PR Person
Khutjo Green ... Chief Nurse
Mnatha Vika ... Doctor
Sibongile Phakathi ... Make-up Artist
Terry Pheto ... Herself
Relebogile Mabotja ... Herself
Loyiso Gola ... Himself
Zimasa Dyani ... Amahle
Thami Ngoma ... Regina
Matshepo Molefe ... Stylist
Nicole Bessick ... Model 1
Nosipho Twala ... Model 2
Zoë Modiga ... Herself
Thando Hopa ... Herself
Sarah Langa ... Herself
Kefilwe Mabote ... Herself
Trevor Stuurman ... Himself
Thula Sindi ... Himself
Ephymol ... Himself
Bo Denim ... Himself
Melody Molale ... Herself
Wanda Baloyi ... Herself
Keabetswe Jan ... Herself
Pamela Mntanga ... Herself
Mohale Motaung ... Himself
Masabata Mphatse ... Herself
Didintle Khunou ... Vee (as Didntle Khunou)
John Ncamane ... Kolobe
Tina Redman ... Zandi
Austin Malema ... Himself
Bontle Mosehla ... Young Amahle
Bokang Galane ... Young Bonga
Mixo Mtsenga ... Young Zinhle
Lebohang Mayeza ... Linda Stunt Double
Thembisile Mbhense ... Thando Stunt Double / Zinhle Stunt Double
Mandla Nhlapo ... Security Guard
Sylvester Sindane ... Don's Goon
Sidwell Buthelezi ... Bonga Stunt Double
Tshekiso Modise ... Kolobe Stunt Double
Uveka Rangappa ... News Anchor
Earl Abrahams ... Himself
Tseko Monaheng ... Detective Selikane
Laura Kelly ... Dr. Candice Cooper
Gert-Johan Coetzee ... Himself
Makgano Mamabolo ... Wedding Planner