Mzansi Magic debuts its first teen drama next month with the premiere of Is'thunzi: Damaged But Not Broken on Monday, 10 October at 20h00.
The 13-episode series is set in KwaZulu-Natal and follows the exploits of four girls who call themselves the Ninjas.
The story begins with Winnie (played by Saints and Sinner's Thuso Mbedu), a go-getter who has her heart set on marrying a rich and famous rugby player. But... her fantasy turns out to be a lot more difficult to achieve than she imagined when she gets exiled to live with her strict aunt in Berville, KZN.
Here she meets three girls who have a dramatic impact on her life and together they become the Ninjas. The threesome are:
Londi, played by Zikhona Bali (Mfolozi Street, Umlilo, eKasi Our Stories, Gauteng Maboneng, Zabalaza)
Londi's a young wife who defies her in-laws by returning to school to get her matric.
Thishiwe, played by mover and shaker Makgotso M who's literally on everything at the moment. In case you've missed the memo, she has roles on Isidingo, Muvhango, Sober Companion and Mutual Friends.
Her character Is'thunzi character Thishiwe is a misunderstood creative spirit who terrifies the community because of a darkness that befell her family.
Noxolo, played by Yolanda Kgaka (formerly Msimanga) (Soul Buddyz, Binnelanders, Jacob's Cross).
Noxolo's a shy and smart girl who hides a shameful secret.
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Together the three of them help Winnie pursue her dream of meeting her prince while they strive to achieve their own dreams.
According to M-Net's Head of Drama, Reneilwe Sema, the show explores what it means to be young and full of potential while having to overcome financial, social, and cultural barriers in order to make something of yourself.
Others in the cast include Nandi Nyembe, Sdumo Mtshali, Bohang Moeko, Mbali Maphumulo, Pallance Dladla and newcomer Thulane Shange.