Coming up on
Season 2 of Shaka iLembe when it premieres on Mzansi Magic on Sunday 15 June at 20h00: these five new characters with a blitz of Zwide offspring.
Here's a description of each of them with studio pics of the actors portraying them:
Zamani Mbatha
Who plays Nomahlanjana
Nomahlanjana is Zwide's ambitious son. He's formidable warrior driven to outdo his brothers to be his father’s heir. He's dangerous and unpredictable.
This from Zamani on the role:
Zamani: “Every time they said 'action,’ I was taken aback by what I was able to do - and I didn’t know where that came from. I never doubted God’s timing, even after an audition process that was challenging and intense, I am excited to be part of this production.”
Flash fact: Zamani is the younger brother of Nomzamo Mbatha who returns to play Shaka's mother Nandi. She's also an executive producer on the show.
Anele Sphamandla Nene
Who plays Sikhunyana
Sikhunyana is Zwide's other son who's very different from Nomahlanjana. He seeks peace in a world ravaged by war.
He's drawn to diplomacy and reason, and finds himself at odds with his warrior brother, testing his loyalty when duty clashes with love.
Anele on the role:
Anele: “Being on Shaka iLembe is a dream come true. Everyone wants to be part of uShaka, and I am grateful it finally manifested. It is a deeply spiritual show - you can’t just be there for the sake of being there.”
Amanda Seome
Who plays Ntombazana
Ntombazana is Zwide’s cunning daughter. She's a master of manipulation in a world dominated by men - trained by her formidable grandmother Ntombazi.
Amanda on the role:
Amanda: "I auditioned for Season 1 and was not successful, I was heartbroken. My mother had to comfort me. But when Season 2 came around, I got a second chance and it was smooth - like it was meant to be.”
Sikhanyiso Sithole
Who plays Princess Hletjiwe
Princess Hletjiwe is a radiant Ngwane royal who finds herself in a heartbreaking entanglement. She's married off in a political alliance and soon realises that her heart belongs elsewhere, setting the stage for a poignant and tragic arc.
Sikhanyiso on the role:
Sikhanyiso: “I can’t believe I am here. I am proud to represent eSwatini."
Luyanda Zuma
Who plays Liyana
Liyana is a spirited and independent maiden who serves under Queen Mother Mthaniya. Liyana’s quick wit and boldness make her a captivating presence, drawing the attention of both Shaka and Nandi in ways that will reshape her fate.
Luyanda on the role:
Luyanda: “I manifested myself into the cast. I religiously watched interviews of the show. The casting process was gruelling - I went through seven callbacks. Bomb is very rigorous and thorough. Nomzamo was welcoming and made the experience a breeze.”
You'll find more on the season by tapping here:
The poster with a tease