Season 3
Thandeka's Diary is South African teen sitcom created by Mandla N which revolves around the growing pains and (mis)adventures of 16-year-old Thandeka Zulu (Busi Mtshali) from Kagiso in the West Rand, and her colourful collection of family, friends and frenemies.
Her boastful father Bheki (Skhumba Hlophe) is a mechanic and her protective mother Neo (Tumi Maretele) is a self-employed seamstress who will do anything to turn back the clock, going to great lengths to keep her looks. Her parents don't bring in much but their belief is that family is more important than money.
Thandeka's 7-year-old sister Ayanda (Katlego Dinga) is like all annoying 7-year-olds: nosey and mischievous.
The family lives in a big house which her father inherited from his parents, who in turn were given the house by the old mine manager. The house came with her father's eldest brother Malume (Babsy Selela), who never moved out when they moved in, never lifts a finger, and is patiently waiting to inherit the house while reminding Thandeka's dad at every opportunity.
Thandeka is an intelligent high schooler and is often led by her curiosity into sticky situations, which require her to be rescued by her sassy BFF Sihle (Lwazi Mthembu), whose 'can do' attitude always saves the day.
Thandeka's world is rounded off by her sworn frenemy December (Dee) - or Cruella December as she's called behind her back. The mean know-it-all is played by Kgaogelo Monama.
Thandeka's Diary stars Busi Mtshali as Thandeka, Skhumba Hlophe as Bheki Zulu, Tumi Maretele as Neo Zulu, Katlego Dinga as Ayanda Zulu, Babsy Selela as Malume Mbube, Lwazi Mthembu as Sihle, Nomboniso Paile as Joyce, Jay Boogie as Sgo, Kgaogelo Monama as Dee and Lindo Ntombela as JJ.
The series was created by Mandla N, who is also executive producer with Tumi Masemola, TT Mbha and Lucy Witts for Black Brain Pictures. Mandla N is also the writer and director. Nicci Fourie is a producer.
The theme tune is by Black Soul Inc, with vocals by Rethabile Roberta Khumalo.
Broadcast Notes
There are 26 episodes in Season 3. The first 13 aired on SABC1 from 16 July to 8 October, 2018, on Mondays at 19h30; the season returned with Episode 14 on Monday 4 February, 2019, in the same timeslot.
Season 3 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Busi Mtshali ... Thandeka Zulu (as Busisiwe Mtshali)
Skhumba Hlophe ... Bheki Zulu
Tumi Maretele ... Neo Zulu
Katlego Dinga ... Ayanda Zulu
Babsy Selela ... Malume
Lwazi Mthembu ... Sihle (as Lwazilubanzi Mthembu)
Nomboniso Paile ... Joyce
Jay Boogie ... Sgo
Kgaogelo Monama ... Dee
Lindo Ntombela ... JJ
Recurring / Guests
Tefo Magengenene ... Bruce
Kaseran Pillay ... Mr. Subramani
Michelle Ayden ... Mrs van Niekerk
Thando Ndlwana ... School Kid
Siyanda Jonginamba ... School Kid
Randy Mpoai ... School Kid (as Randy Mopai)
Dumisani Mbatha ... School Kid
Diana Mbonani ... School Kid
Mahlako Sefaka ... School Kid
Elesby Mashila ... School Kid
Michele Tsoeu ... School Kid
Nomthandazo Ntshangase ... School Kid
Xolisa Ngxoni ... Police
Sandile Mnikathi ... Police
Basil Sono ... Postman
Vele Manenje ... Glory
Noluthando Meje ... Isisa
Clint Phillips ... Thandeka's Boyfriend
Sphamandla Dhludhlu ... Simon
Kgomotso Ramathebane ... Ayanda's Classmate
Koketso Kau ... Ayanda's Classmate
Onika Nodangala ... Ayanda's Classmate
Thabo Mdletshe ... Ayanda's Classmate
Thabang Mdletshe ... Ayanda's Classmate
Lebogang Phelelo ... Ayanda's Classmate
Kotloane Motlalekgosi ... Ayanda's Classmate
Buthlandie Phele ... Ayanda's Classmate
Neo Malefahlo ... Dee's Crew
Lindelwa Ngcobo ... Dee's Crew
Lunga Kongela ... Simon's Crew
Ogothle Nthebe ... Simon's Crew
Bulelwa Ndaba ... Coffee Shop Manager
Liezel Arnolds ... Ex Coffee Server
Mpho Rakwena ... Coffee Shop Waiter
Ashley Simaphuka ... Coffee Shop Waiter
Palesa Khumalo ... Pizza Waitress
Paballo Koza ... Themba
Modise Sekgothe ... Tjips
Siyabonga Mtshali ... Sfiso
Motseki Mokowe ... Mourner
Mojalefa Mukhude ... Mourner (as Mojalefu Mukhude)
Thabiso Tlou ... Mourner
Jabulani Makhubo ... Mourner (as Jabulani Makhuba)
Maletsatsi Modise ... Mourner
Kasper Mfholo ... Mourner
Gladys Plaatjie ... Mourner (as Gladys Plaatji)
Trevor Gumbi ... Hlomla
Thuli Thabethe ... Katleho
Raymond Mabaya ... Mr Mbeki
Zali Nxabi ... Bentley Khoza
Peter Mashigo ... Honest
Ipeleng Modise ... Wife
Matshidiso Noni ... Wife
Nhlanhla Shibambo ... Kid
Ofentse Segale ... Kid
Margeret Sed ... Lost Person
Elizabeth Masingoaneng ... Lost Person
Phumlani Mbonane ... Lost Person
Busisiwe Masuku ... Lost Person
Ntombi Nene ... Lost Person
Maureen Chosi ... Lost Person
Bobo Senne ... Lost Person
Samuel Mbeje ... Lost Person
Gloria Mngcongo ... Reporter
Susan Gomba ... Reporter
Thulane Kubheka ... Abraham (as Thulani Kubheka)
Sibongile Phakathi ... Lost Girl
Bujy Bikwa ... Lester
Katlego Nkuta ... Fashionista Manager
Karabo Dire ... Customer 1
Albert Sepeng ... Oldman
Zareef Minty ... Dipak
Ebenhaezer Dibakwane ... Teacher
Cynthia Ndlovu ... Gold Digger
Matli Mohapeloa ... Akha
Hellen Motsuki ... Court Official
Lewatle Magogodi ... Baby Glorious
Nomsa Buthelezi ... Tiny
Monamodi Motse ... Uncle
Samuel Mokoena ... Uncle
Godfrey Sibinda ... Uncle