Season 1
My Brother's Keeper is a South African telenovela which tells the tale of a family drawn into a deadly succession battle of its own making, exploring how far people will go in their quest for power and acceptance, with a focus on the tradiotional custom of Ukungena.
Against the opulent backdrop of the Shabalala family empire, at the heart of this drama stands Nqubeko (Wiseman Mncube), Mshengu's (Lindani Nkosi) ambitious love child, trapped in the shadows and yearning for his rightful place in the family.
Nqubeko is headstrong and tired of being sidelined by his father.
Nqubeko, driven by both ambition and the need for validation, sees an opportunity to become more powerful, setting his sights on his sister-in-law Fakazile (Zola Nombona), the key to the Shabalala legacy.
But as he navigates this dangerous path, he finds himself at odds with his siblings, especially Donga (Sdumo Mtshali), the rightful heir.
As alliances shift and secrets come to light, the Shabalala family finds itself on the verge of collapse, with each member forced to reckon with their desires, loyalties and the true cost of power.
The Shabalala Family
Mshengu (Lindani Nkosi)
A dominant figure, Mshengu establishes authority with a mix of savvy and confidence. His traditionalist values often clash with the changing world around him.
Khwezi (Mnqobi Kunene)
Mshengu's firstborn with MaMchunu. An astute businessman, Khwezi's unexpected absence sets in motion the drama to unfold.
Fakazile (Zola Nombona)
An independent woman and wife of Khwezi. As the key to the Shabalala empire, she becomes the focal point of the power struggle.
Nqubeko (Wiseman Mncube)
The ambitious love child, constantly seeking his father's approval. His decisions stir the pot within the Shabalala family.
Donga (Sdumo Mtshali)
Mshengu's firstborn with his first wife, representing the rightful heir to the Shabalala legacy.
Other featured cast include Nomusa (Vuyiseka Cawe), the supportive wife of Nqubeko; Thuthuka (Sparky Xulu), the charming yet irresponsible youngest Shabalala; and Ndumiso (Nkanyiso Mchunu), a man easily swayed by temptation.
A story about the corrupting nature of greed, My Brother's Keeper also features Hlengiwe Lushaba-Madlala, Raphael Griffiths and Nthabiseng Kgosana.
My Brother's Keeper is based on a concept by Duma Ndlovu and Tshepo Ya Rona Mamatu and is produced by Rhythm World Productions.
The executive producer is Duma Ndlovu and the series producer is Sinini Nyathi-Mati.
The director is Uvelile Bangani and the head writer is Nonthuthuzelo Magoxo.
Season 1 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Wiseman Mncube ... Nqubeko
Zola Nombona ... Fakazile
Lindani Nkosi ... Mshengu
Sdumo Mtshali ... Donga
Nkanyiso Mchunu ... Ndumiso
Vuyiseka Cawe ... Nomusa
Recurring / Guests
Hlengiwe Lushaba ... MaMchunu (as Hlengiwe Lushaba-Madlala)
Zenzelisphesihle Xulu ... Thuthuka (as Sparky Xulu)
Rosemary Zimu ... Puseletso
Nelisa Mchunu ... Khathazile
Mnqobi Kunene ... Khwezi
Noma Chauke ... Receptionist
Mike Masoka ... Corporate Red Ant
Lungile Sello ... Investor
Nombulelo Thamba ... Village Woman
Pauline Nkosi ... Village Woman (as Pauline Tshokotshoko Nkosi)
Ntando Mazibuko ... Thoba
Zesuliwe Hadebe ... Nomalanga
Sebasa Mogale ... Bab' Mish
Lerato Mahlanya ... Mam' Sarah
Raphael Griffiths ... Sibusiso
Zimkitha Kumbaca ... Nomtshado
Nthabiseng Kgosana ... Koketso
Zinhle Zuma ... Phindi
Bangani Msiza ... Shabalala Uncle
Nombulelo Jwara ... Shabalala Aunt
Sfundo Nkosi ... Shabalala Aunt
Zamandosi Cele ... Shabalala Aunt
Sinethemba Ndwandwe ... Thulani
Mpilo Khumalo ... Shaba Snacks Canteen Manager
Bongani Mdakane ... Shaba Snacks Customer
Nomthandazo Ndaba ... Helper
Sipho Mbele ... Lawyer (Hlatshwayo)
Percy L. Maboane ... Piet
Kamogelo Ndawo ... Musa
Oleboheng Tlhong ... Didi
Siphelo Yanta ... Security Guard
Tshepiso Tshabalala ... Canteen Worker
Zanele Modibetsane ... MaSkhosana
Aletta Adams ... Helper
Itumeleng Khoetle ... Lerumo
Sefiso Hlongwane ... Designer
Tshepo Matshona ... Security Guard
Thandiwe Ndeza ... Lwethu
Thandeka Ndeza ... Hlelo
Vusimuzi Ndlazi ... Police Detective (as Vusimuzi Ndazi)
Joseph Mlomo ... Security Manager
Mxolisi Nxumalo ... Police Officer
Mxolisi Nkanjeni ... Doctor
Elizabeth Khoetle ... Nurse 1
Thobile Thonga ... Nurse 2
Thami Nhlabathi ... Caller 1 (voice)
Lesiba Mogale ... Paledi
Joseph Mvelase ... Unscrupulous Lender 1 (as Bafana Mvelase)
Ralesela Letlotlo ... Unscrupulous Lender 2
Wendy Mainganye ... Nomusa's Mother
Dandy Andries ... Nomusa's Faqther
Kabelo Moshielo ... Thabang
Katlego Nthebe ... Tiro
Michael Mboshane ... Drunk Man (as Micheal Mboshane)
David Motahane ... Shisanyama Manager (as David Rhino Motahane)
Judy Manyali ... Gynaecologist
Angelinah Mofokeng ... Dr Mthembu
Nelly Manqele ... Cleaner 1
Jabulile Mayisele ... Cleaner 2
Austin Mothapo ... Kgoshi
Rose Mapholo ... Mphahlele Aunt
Douglas Rangata ... Mphahlele Uncle (as Douglas Rangat)
Bhekumuzi Mkhwanazi ... Hulumeni
Bhekisisa Sithole ... Goon 1
Prince Mathibela ... Goon 2
Barry Malele ... Fleet Manager
Moopi Mothibeli ... Moeketso Moeti
Thembisile Mnisi ... Recruiter
Boitumelo Bembe ... Detective #2
Tshepiso Shabalala ... Didi's Friend
Phumzile Kubeka ... Puseletso's Mother
Fikile Gumede ... Puseletso's Aunt
Prince Dlamini ... Wedding Priest
Judy Manyali ... Gynae
Patrick Khumalo ... Inyanga
Palo Mokoailane ... Nqubeko's Lawyer
Musa Silwana ... Police Officer 1
Shadrack Modungoa ... Police Officer 2 (as Shadreck Modungoa)