Calling all Umlilo lovers... it's almost time for its return.
Season 3 premieres on e.tv on Monday, 21 March at 21h30 with a mix of returning and new characters who arrive to take the action further.
Flashback
Season 1 aired from March 2015 and explored a polyamorous marriage and the interpersonal dramas of a family in a state of flux. It was during this season that polygamist Mnqobi Simelane introduced his third wife Khwezi, oblivious to her devious intentions.
Season 2 returned in August 2015, where more drama and death took place. We saw Khwezi, along with her uncle Welcome, put their plan into action, leaving the Simelane’s in tatters.
Dumile (Mnqobi's second wife) made sure she discovered Khwezi’s identity, but it was too late as Mnqobi had already lost his first wife Cebisile and his entire family’s lives were in danger. In the end,
Khwezi held Mnqobi and Dumile hostage, forcing him to shoot Dumile.
N.O.W.
In Season 3: Thembi, previously known as Khwezi, is trying to get out of prison but has to overcome obstacles in the form of the Simelane’s, her lawyer as well as her past. Mnqobi tries to regain composure, but digs up a deeper hole for himself while still trying to hide the truth.
Dumile tries to pull herself together with the support of Spikiri. Andile goes to University hoping her family drama will not follow her. Mqobi’s troubles mount when the Minister returns for revenge.
According to series producer Denny Miller of Quizzical Pictures: "In season 3 Mnqobi has finally accepted the truth, which is exactly what viewers have been asking for. Thembi will definitely not go down without a fight and, as we all know, there is always a twist on the show and nothing is at it seems."
The cast
The starring cast of previous seasons are all back. Those returning include Hamilton Dhlamini as Mnqobi, Nokuthula Ledwaba as Dumile, Nomzamo Mbatha as Khwezi-turned-Thembi and Omuhle Gela and Fezeka Ndlazilwana as Andile and Phindile, Mnqobi's daughters.
The new cast members include legal types and are headlined by Khanyi Mbau in a Snazz McJazz power suit. The new characters are:
Khanyi Mbau as Palesa Tladi, a razor sharp public prosecutor, a woman of strong principles, but with a deep secret she keeps well hidden.
Mzwandile Ngubeni as Vuyo Vilikazi, an advocate of note who defends abused women. He's charming and eloquent but also can be blinded by his own arrogance.
Sobantu Nqayi as Zuko Ntuli, an astute sociology lecturer and a defender of traditional and rural ways. He's also a lover of women.
Phumello Nkosi as Mthandeni Simelane, Mnqobi’s much poorer cousin who lives in a hostel in Joburg, runs dagga and other goods (both legal and illegal).
Also new this season is
Matthew Monika as Judge Edwin Ntuli, a judge in the Johannesburg Magistrate court. He's experienced, usually fair, but sometimes he lets his emotions get the better of him.