Season 1
Isibopho is a South African television drama series which begins when a woman's husband and father-in-law are murdered and she is culturally obligated to marry her brother-in-law – who also wants her dead.
The show explores the cultural practice of 'ungeno' – when a widow marries her late husband's close relative in order to stay in the family.
The series is an exploration of the lengths people go to for money and power, and how far they are willing to go in order to protect themselves.
Driven by distorted family dynamics caused by greed and obsession with money, Isibopho tells the story of Thandi Ndlovu (Zethu Dlomo), a young widow left with the Ndlovu family inheritance.
However, her life is in danger from her new husband and former brother-in-law Sgoloza (Sicelo Dlamini) and his mother, Onica (Slindile Nodangala), the matriarch who will do anything and sacrifice anyone for what she believes belongs to her family.
Will Thandi find out the truth in time about who killed her husband and father-in-law, or will she lose her own life?
While the concept of the family at war is at the heart of Isibopho, the show also takes us into the murky and dangerous worlds of fafi / mochina (a form of gambling based on dream interpretation) and rhino horn smuggling.
The series stars Zethu Dlomo, Sicelo Dlamini, Slindile Nodangala, Jerry Mofokeng and Lerato Makhetha.
Isibopho is produced by TN Pictures and Eclipse! Television Productions for Mzansi Wethu.
Created and executive produced by Thabile Ngwato and Thokozani Nkosi, Isibopho is the channel's first original drama series.
The series producer is Anda Moyake and the series director is Zuko Nodada.
The head writers are Siphosethu Tshapu and Kagiso Mogale.
Season 1 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Zethu Dlomo ... Thandi (as Zethu Dlomo-Mphahlele)
Sicelo Dlamini ... S'goloza
Slindile Nodangala ... Onica
Jerry Mofokeng ... Jacob
Lerato Makhetha ... Mazwi
Recurring / Guests
Andile Mxakaza ... Detective Msimang
Dineo Lusenga ... Mumsy
Bahle Vilakati ... Amahle
Christopher Ntombela ... Sikhalo
Nondumiso Msomi ... Home Owner
James Zhang Dhong ... Lin Chan
Thandeka Qwabe ... Mbali
Webster Kutoane ... Bab Given
Diketso Ramasetsane ... Ndlovu Aunt
Vincent Tsoametsi ... Ndlovu Uncle
Nhlanhla Mtshali ... Phoyisa Lomthetho
Sive Matiwane ... TK
Martin Mnguni ... Shane
Maureen Wells ... Gogo Msimang
Thobani Mbhele ... Fake Cop 1 (as Thobani Mbhelei)
Vuyani Mgugunyeka ... Fake Cop 2
Linda Lukhele ... Fake Cop 3
Thembelihle Khumalo ... Zinhle's Mom
Lumka Mzolo ... Doctor
Reabetswe Tlabyane ... Nurse