Season 2
Isithembiso is a South African telenovela created and produced by Bomb as a modern-day reimagining of the classic Little Red Riding Hood fairytale, with characters such as Simi (Red Riding Hood), Banzi (the Big Bad Wolf) and Zamani (the Woodcutter), who becomes the rescuer to the damsel in distress.
The series follows the lives of two young people who come to the City of Gold in search of not just their fortune but familial ties, opportunity and education. It's a millennial migrant story that digs deep into the lives of Mzansi youth today, their ambitions, choices and the consequences.
We meet Simi, the wide-eyed innocent maiden from KwaZulu-Natal. She comes to the dazzling iGoli in search of her mother and job opportunities where her path collides with the resourceful Zamani, whose street smarts and swag belie that he comes from a small village in Limpopo.
Through a series of incidents – from chance meetings to destructive choices – their lives intertwine with Banzi, whose "sheep's clothing" easily deceive the gullible Simi. Whether it's fate or bad luck, this culminates in an explosive climax that has long-lasting and life-changing consequences.
There are promises made and broken - promises of a better life, a brighter future, greater life choices... Ultimately, the idealistic filter through which the young look at life is ripped off to reveal that "all that glitters is not always gold".
Will the sheer determination and tenacity of borne out of youth and hope triumph over obstacles and the hard knocks of life?
Industry newcomers Nandi Mbatha (Simi) and Zamani Mbatha (Zamani) are the two young actors central to this telenovela, joining veterans Hamilton Dlamini (Banzi) and Meshack Mavuso (Kero Kunene), among others.
Main Cast
Nandi Mbatha as Simi
Newcomer Nandi Mbatha portrays tragic rural heroine Simlindile "Simi" Ngema, the teenage damsel in distress with an impetuous streak. Simi's move to Joburg goes pear-shaped from day one, and her fairytale looks set to NOT have a happy ending.
Zamani Mbatha as Zamani
Newcomer Zamani Mbatha plays his namesake Zamani, a young, good-hearted hero with a hunger and desire to be someone of value, who can often be reckless. He is a first-year Mining Engineering student and his heart and good-guy tendencies get him in sticky situations.
Hamilton Dlamini as Banzi
Hamilton Dlamini stars as the manipulative and ruthless Banzi "The Wolf of Braamfontein" Kunene, whose pursuit for power and respect knows no bounds - although his fragile male ego could be his undoing.
Meshack Mavuso as Kero
Meshack Mavuso plays the even-tempered Kero "The Lion of Pimville" Kunene. The polar opposite of his cutthroat brother Banzi, he is a humble father figure to most of the township youth.
Chichi Letswalo as Claudia
Chichi Letswalo plays Claudia Kunene, the wife of Banzi - a bird in a gilded cage who yearns to be free. She regrets leaving the unassuming Kero for the flashier Banzi, and wants her daughter to learn independence instead of relying on a man.
Tshenolo Seabi as Palesa
Tshenolo Seabi plays daddy's little princess, Palesa Kunene. She is spoilt, a bit arrogant and desperate to never disappoint her doting dad.
Lemogang Tsipa as Bambatha
Bambatha is young, arrogant and opinionated. He is what has come to be termed a "Clever Black".
Moneoa Moshesh as Jabulile
Moneoa Moshesh is the fast-talking, street-hustling Jabulile. Temperamental and easily distracted, she is a graduate of the "university of life".
Sboniso Nxumalo as Oscar
Oscar is Zamani's maternal uncle and security guard at Santa Barbara. All he wants is to save enough money to buy a taxi and quit the security job.
Bongani Maseko as Khaludja
Club bouncer Khaludja is a gentle giant with an expressionless face who just wants to provide for his family.
Farieda Metsileng as Kandy
Varsity student Kandy is good-hearted girl, demure and conservative. She is everyone's best friend.
Isithembiso was created by Bomb, with story by Angus Gibson, Kutlwano Ditsele, Phatu Makwarela and Gwydion Beynon. The executive producers for Bomb are Teboho Mahlatsi, Desireé Markgraaff and Angus Gibson.
Gibson and Ditsele are producers and directors include John Barker and Emile Smith. The head writer is David Gordon, with storyliners Charleen Ntsane, Daniel Zimbler, Justine Loots and Sayitsheni Mdakhi. The score was written by Philip Miller (with additional music by Mpilo Shabangu) and the title sequence track was written by ATM, Jabulani Sihle Makhubo and Mfanafuthi Ruff Nkosi.
Season 2 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Hamilton Dlamini ... Banzi (as Hamilton Dhlamini)
Sicelo Dlamini ... Diamond
Emmanuel Gweva ... Peanuts
Chichi Letswalo ... Claudia
Nandi Mbatha ... Simi
Zamani Mbatha ... Zamani
Mxolisi Masango ... Leo
Bongani Maseko ... Karlujah
Mavuso Magabane ... Kero
Vincent Mahlangu ... Cheezeboi (as Sandile Mahlangu)
Innocent Masuku ... Nkudu
Londeka Mchunu ... Sne
Farieda Metsileng ... Kandy
Kgosi Mongake ... Skhova
Sboniso Nxumalo ... Oscar
Nandi Nyembe ... Dolly
Zimkhitha Nyoka ... Anathi
Tshenolo Seabi ... Palesa (as Nolo Seabi)
Mandla Shongwe ... Johannes
Fortune Thobejane ... Heaven
Tiisetso Thoka ... Ali
Lemogang Tsipa ... Bambatha
Lizwi Vilakazi ... Tiro
Recurring / Guests
Bhekisizwe Mahlawe ... Johnny Boy
Andile Mbatha ... Detective Matla
Siphiwe Nkosi ... Sangoma
Zinzile Zungu ... Doctor / Psychiatrist
Kabelo Thai ... Sello
Samkelisiwe Hlophe ... Chunks
Lillian Dube ... Ethel
Nomsa Xaba ... Gogo Ngema
Yolisa Cele ... Mpumi
Llewellyn Cordier ... Bank Manager
Lulama Dingane ... Nomvulo
Khadija Kathrada ... Phumi
Mlindelwa Mahlangu ... Edmond Phiri
Kwezi Ndlovu ... Vivian
Robert Nkosi ... Old Timer
Jasmine Sehlako ... Zaza
Vusi Simelane ... Prison Warder (as Vusi Simelani)
Giya Zuma ... Prison Official
Bhekumuzi Mkwanazi ... Scarface
Boitumelo Moalusi ... Councillor
Siyabonga Motseki ... Security / Campus Security
Bongeka Dlamini ... Bongi
Bongekile Dlamini ... Amanda (as Bongile Dlamini)
Linda Mashinini ... Mo
Phomolo Mokuele ... Banzi Junior
Oratile Moatshe ... Tshepo
Jabu Dhludhlu ... Policeman 1 / Cop Informer
Nozipho Majola ... Stripper
Bongi Mpandli ... Policeman 2
Sipho Feni ... Milners Barman / Thato
Vusi Shilenge ... Old Friend
Phillip Hlophe ... Bra Kush (as Phillip Hlope)
Tsholo Maseko ... Fix (as Tsholofelo Maseko)
Sibusiso Black Madondo ... Abednego
Themsie Times ... Thenjiwe (as Thembisa Times)
Solane Mlambo ... Pastor Barnabas (as Solane Molambo)
Sabelo Buthelezi ... Drug Dealer
Ferdinand Gernandt ... Editor
Thato wa Magogodi ... Maverick
Solomon Odinaka ... Drug Dealer
Nkosana Samani ... Drug Inmate
Inji Alian ... Drug Dealer
Thulani Majola ... Drug Inmate
Sihle Ngcobo ... Young Warder
Ziyanda Xulu ... DJ Ziya
Kamo Modisakeng ... Musa (as Kamogelo Modisakeng)
Mandla Jwara ... Johannes
Morena Motaung ... Limpy
Bongani Ngwenya ... Desperate Inmate
Nokuphila Khumalo ... Clerk
Tshepo Mboni ... Money Man (as Tshepe Mboni)
Sandile Ntshingila ... Investor 1 (as Sandile Ntshengila)
O'Brien Manana ... Investor 2 (as Obriean Manana)
Zakithi Dhlamini ... Chester (as Zakhiti Dhlamini)
Kgomotso Majani ... Karlujah's Worker
Tebogo Matchaba ... Juice
Chris Radebe ... Romeo
Mbali Ngiba ... Buhle
Mandla Gaduka ... David Maxhosa (as Mandla Geduka)
Noncedo Maseko ... Nurse Lufuno
Linda Matsolo ... Doctor
Duduzile Ngcobo ... Mama Betty
Shalima Mkongi ... Nthabiseng
Lorraine Engling ... Mo
John Whitely ... Selwyn Segal
Paul Maila ... Gwala
Thomas Manamela ... Ma-Dice
Dineo Tivane ... Nurse 2
Zanozuko Mdulwa ... Baby
Thandi Mthimkhulu ... Big Neighbour
Jacob Ntshangase ... Nsimbi
Matebo Ralekgogo ... Little Neighbour
Qhama Dayile ... Registrar
Nkosinathi Thembela ... Sithole
Langa Msimango ... JU Board Rep
Nozipho Mdletye ... Prospective Tenant
Malibongwe Mdwaba ... Lungi
Russel Savadier ... Prof Ackermans
Xolile Maluka ... Generous
Tshepang Selapyana ... Burnt Baby Father
Jane Makhubo ... Old Lady
Brian Jokozela ... Paramedic
Kamogelo Radebe ... Friend 1 / Nthabiseng's Friend
Nothando Ngcobo ... Friend 2
Vusi Msweli ... Hawker
Kgaogelo Tshabalala ... Marcia
Wenzile Zakubi ... Thug
Moses Sibeko ... Mdlose
Themba Manyoni ... Warder
Joseph Mvelase ... Police Officer #01
Sindi Majola ... Thuli (as S'thipha!)
Mpho Osei-Tutu ... Mayor Shivambu (as Mpho Osei Tutu)
Bouwer Bosch ... Stewart
Lungani Mabaso ... Prophet / Isiah
Nomalungelo Ncube ... Grace
Kelebogile Tlhapi ... Tinder Girl
Thivhi Mudau ... Junior Officer (as Thivhimudau Mudau)
Thapelo Molale ... Slow Joe
Steven Molaudzi ... Vusi
Lutho John ... Thabang Khambule
Thato Dhladla ... MK
Phumi Mncayi ... Detective Cibane
Mamello Mohlamme ... Professor / Nurse (as Mamello Mohlamme Mabule)
Lebo Mohata ... Patron #01
David Pholo ... Patron #02
Dumisani Khumalo ... Ronnie
Owen Mabuza ... Mojo
Thapelo Molale ... Bullet
Bohlokwa Mpiti ... Chester
Kenny Dlamini ... Prisoner
Ridwell Masekwameng ... Vusi
Khaya Mthembu ... Detective Mfihleko / Patrick
Nonkululeko Mogashoa ... Mayor's PA
Refilwe Moshaila ... Newsreader
Nomahlubi Mjanqeka ... Miriam
Kwanele Mbense ... Sne's Customer
Perry Mthembu ... Prisoner
Xabiso Ngqabe ... SRC Treasurer / Duma
Nelisiwe Hadebe ... Shopper Girl #01 / Salon Regular
Kagiso Kere ... Addict / Isaiah's Man #02
Samora Mangesi ... Isaiah's Man #01
Edmond Masemola ... Addict #02 (as Ermond Masemola)
Felicia Mokoena ... Board Member
Nkosana Samane ... Addict #01
Moses Nkabinde ... Isaiah's Man #01
Luversan Gerard ... Pastor Donovan
Linda Matsolo ... Female Caller / Bethany / Ziyanda
Khanyi Mbau ... Khanyi Mbau
Sonto Ndima ... Mayor's PA
Zingisa Nogcazi ... Senior Prison Official (as Zingaisa Nogcazi)
Similile Thu ... Ward Councillor
Mfundo Thabethe ... Gadget
Clayton Dlangalala ... Dealer
Mnatha Vika ... New Boss
Anita Sibozo ... Mmapula
Brenda Ntanza ... Sangoma
Garion Dowds ... James Jameson
Reginald Makhoba ... Ex-Boyfriend
Ayanda Zwane ... Warm Regular
Bonginkosi Ndima ... Heaven's Dealer #01 / Sporo
Zukisa Matola ... Claudia's Lawyer
Siyabonga Zulu ... Heaven's Dealer #02
Lindiwe Phakathi ... Nurse
Jerome Galiao ... Police Officer #01
Lesego Sebolai ... Police Officer #02
Paballo Koza ... Junior's Friend
Phumello Nkosi ... Fazel
Sydney Masina ... Male Caller
Ntombifuthi Matsheng ... Female Caller (as Nontombifuthi Matsheng)
Xolani Sintwa ... Dark Sangoma
Lebohang Motaung ... Mayor Ramakgopo
Mzamo Mnyandu ... Student #01
Khanya Ndlovu ... Reporter #01
Matshepo Maleme ... Benjemina
Michelle Bradshaw ... Cheryl Banks (as Michelle Bradshow)
Ron Smerczak ... Vice Chancellor
Nonhlanhla Hlomuka ... Vinolia / Church Friend
Thabo Monareng ... Richard Zwane
Seipati Mahamu ... Candy's Friend
Kopano Menoe ... Cute Girl
Noluthando Seshuba ... Prophetess
Thandazile Myeza ... Doctor
Oratilwe Marobela ... Hazel
John Herbert ... Ukrainian
Buhle Nhlangathi ... Salon Client
Precious Kgasi ... Client
Lesego Mashile ... Drug Dealer
Siphiwe Noko ... Weed Dealer / Student #01
Phumzile Msibi ... Simi's Doctor
Sky Nyakallo Makhetha ... Minkie
Vukosi Mashele ... Skinny
Randy Mbambo ... Reporter
Clayton Misoya ... Sbu (as Clayton Miyosa)
Sean Brebnor ... Doctor
Grace Mavuso ... Sne's Mother
Sisekho Velelo ... Sbu's Wife
Samuel Mbeje ... Priest
Sinethemba Ndwandwe ... Nhlanhla
Palesa Thafeng ... Thandeka
Millicent Makhado ... Social Worker
Amile Nani ... Sponge Bob
Mondli Makhoba ... Ganda-Ganda
Kennedy Stab ... Fingers
Vusimuzi Majola ... Leo's Friend #01
Kgothatso Dithebe ... Leo's Friend #02
Basetsana Moiloa ... JU Admin Officer
Chris Sobeka ... Tiro's Friend
Thando Sibiya ... Winnie / Female Caller
Amahle Mbonani ... Thuli
Carol Mkhize ... Amber (as Carol Makhathini Mkhize)
Letlotlo Mpele ... LJ
Lutendo Mametsa ... Moagi
Elné Pretorius ... Lindsay (as Elne Pretorious)
Pabee Moganedi ... Bonnie
Saint Seseli ... MEC
Mbali Mathebula ... Prostitute #01
Zekethelo Chiliza ... Prostitute #02
Anele Gwele ... Mr Hadebe vo (voice) / Detective Anele
Raymond Mabaya ... Police Officer
Gcina Mdikane ... Refiloe
Yemekele Mnyaka ... Sifiso
TK Sebothoma ... Thabo
Khutjo Green ... Senatla
Thabang Majola ... Jola
Precious Sethemane ... Thandi
Johannes Mafeto ... Rich Customer
Mpho Molefe ... Dodgy Guy
Sanelisiwe Nkosi ... Amber Girl #01
David Motahane ... Street Bum
Andile Sithole ... Sipho Gumede
Nhlanhla Ndovela ... Policeman
Charles Allen Kemp ... Polygraph Operator
Ramsey Ondinaka ... Elijah
David James ... Consortium Member #01
Themba Nofemele ... Mzwakhe
Thabiso Bapela ... Priest
Neo Letlhaka ... Dodo
Pholani Madondo ... Undertaker
Gebuza Mkhwanazi ... Silence
Mmathapelo Mthembu ... Lerato
Lencon Gumede ... Grave Digger
Nongezo Mekgwe ... Auntie #01
Sheila Mokgosi ... Auntie #02 (as Sheila Mokogosi)
Ivy Nkutha ... Ma Khumalo (as Ivy Nkuta)
Busisiwe Kunene ... Nyanga
Thenjiwe Bhengu ... Church Leader
Nkateko Mathebula ... Police Officer
Siphiwe Singeni ... Sizwe
Sibongile Vabaza ... Woman
Sipho Dirulelo ... Cab Driver
Blessing Mosuwe ... S'thembiso
Lucian Joseph ... Designer (as Lucian Valrerian Joseph)
Fuzi Mahamba ... Lebo
Paulinah Mphethahanyi ... Mbali
Michelle van der Nest ... Doctor
Gift Sebiloane ... Bodyguard
Zethembe Nkwayane ... Elder Uncle
Nhlanhla Sibisi ... Woman #02
Celukuthula Zwane ... Woman #03
Nompumelelo Mncube ... Bergville Nurse
Phumzile Mlangeni ... Woman #01
Duma Mnqobi ... Head Cop
Njabulo Mahlangu ... Bergville Boy
Thulane Kubheka ... Bergville Father (as Thulani Kubheka)
Mpho Sibeko ... Nhlamulo
Kwanele Mthethwa ... Ayanda
Lucky Mqoboli ... Patrick
Dineo Rabotapi ... Zoleka
Nduduzo Zuma ... Sbu
Kgotso Mathibela ... Siyanda (as Kgotso Matibela)
Yithi Zulu ... Mrs Thusi
Claudia Phantshi ... Cecilia
Thabo Boom ... Doctor
Lucius Kgatle ... Officer (as Lucious Kgatle)
Patrick Ndlovu ... Uncle Koloi
Anga Makubalo ... Lucky
Thami Luthuli ... Lucky's Boy
Siphelele Mshubi ... Sangoma
Loungo Basetsana ... Prison Warden
Mulalo Mudau ... Parole Board Member
Paballo Seletisha ... Nasty Student
Thami Mbongo ... Pastor Absalom
Winnie Ntshaba ... Lihle
Sibusisiwe Kondleka ... Tumi
Tebogo Molefe ... Khethiwe
Chanel Xaba ... Bongi