‘SA’s Game of Thrones’ Ifalakhe kicks off with two births and a beheading

For weeks on end, South Africans waited patiently as Stained Glass Productions presented snippets of Ifalakhe, its most riveting local drama series ever. Over the weekend, the wait was finally over, as viewers across the country sat huddled up in their living rooms waiting with bated breath for the first episode.

South African audiences can be difficult to impress, and the first opening sequence didn’t sit too well with some viewers on social media. But after an hour of gripping content, Ifalakhe was a trending topic.

More than anything, viewers appreciated the show’s understanding of what South Africans yearn to watch on television when it comes to local content.

“This is the content I signed up for”

True authentic African stories, this is the content I signed up for, this is the kind of content I want to create, it feels like us, it feels like home 🙏🏾 usebenzile Gugu 🙏🏾 #IfalakheMzansi

— Nkosazana💙 (@nkosazana_the) October 6, 2019

It came highly recommended and I'm thoroughly impressed. SA shows are legit! #IfalakheMzansi

— Tino (@MrKumbawa) October 6, 2019

Also love how @stainedglasstv_ is always unearthing new talent! I’m here for authentic African stories told through fresh African talent 🙌🏽#IfalakheMzansi

— sibonisile.ngubane (@NgubaneSbo) October 6, 2019

I'm in love. Everything about the production is done just right. The casting, setting, sound design etc. It's very raw. The IsiZulu spoken is on another level. @stainedglasstv_ never disappoints. I'm in awe of your work. Thank you. #Ifalakhe

— Mafa Sikhafungana (@I_am_Mafah) October 7, 2019

It’s safe to say that, for these fans, Sunday evening between 20:00 and 21:00 is booked for Ifalakhe.

First episode of #ifalakhe has me locked in.Story line so far has me locked in. The look and feel has me locked in. The cast has me locked in. I’m locked in👌🏾

— MoFlava (@moflavadj) October 6, 2019

Bring back iHashi Elimhlophe!

Another reason why Ifalakhe has caught the attention of South Africans is because of its stellar selection of cast members.

The appearance of legendary Maskandi artist iHashi Elimhlophe was met with great excitement, but the enthusiasm was short-lived.

In an unexpected turn of events, iHashi Elimhlope’s character is murdered during a war scene, which sees his head chopped off and thrown back to his tribe.

Shocked and disappointed at iHashi’s Elimhlophe’s early exit from the show, viewers voiced their astonishment over his character’s death.

When the head of iHhashi elimhlophe was chopped off, it suddenly became silent endlini..

Nkos'yam @guguzuma did you guys have to let him die like that, in the first episode though?? 🙆‍♂️🙆‍♂️🙆‍♂️🙆‍♂️#IfalakheMzansi pic.twitter.com/gkyf7vDMHb

— Save our Country 🇿🇦 (@nhlanhlaxulu4) October 6, 2019

I didnt see enough of Ihashi elimhlope wish his character didnt die #Ifalakhe

— Ntokozo Memela (@toxcie) October 7, 2019

The decapitation really took people by surprise.

The beheading part #IfalakheMzansi pic.twitter.com/urSHRX0oV9

— Tetê 🌹🍰 (@HappyTerresa) October 6, 2019

A Game of Thrones-inspired local drama series?

On the other hand, some consider Ifalakhe to be the local version of Game of Thrones thanks to a few similarities they associate with the Emmy-winning show.

This looks like a Zulu version of Game of thrones, people are waking up from death n ish😱👀 🥵#IfalakheMzansi pic.twitter.com/5BqOCEmEbr

— Bab’𝐆𝐪𝐢𝐛𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐳𝐢 (@Mnyamande28) October 6, 2019

This is the African game of thrones we’ve been waiting for #IfalakheMzansi #Ifalakhe pic.twitter.com/2Q8nZaJsVL

— The Lord of Dragonstone (@Ser_TwinkleToes) October 6, 2019

South african GOT#IfalakheMzansi pic.twitter.com/IXzfVADKOG

— Nosi🌸 (@nosi_phow) October 6, 2019

So basically "The Throne" in IsiZulu #IfalakheMzansi pic.twitter.com/9AioNtlPSc

— Thyto🧚🇿🇦 (@TeeBestz) October 6, 2019

If you’ve been longing for new local content with an authentic storyline, then Ifalakhe is a show worth watching.

Ifalakhe airs every Sunday on Mzansi Magic at 20:00 and will also be available to stream on Showmax immediately after.