Empini Season 1 Episodes 17-18: Past and present
This week on Empini, a surprise twist sees the past put on display, while a fight for control of MPS starts brewing. Here’s the recap.
Khaya is alive
Last week’s mysterious ending is resolved as we discover Khaya is alive! He faked his own death… but why? And who is the mysterious woman he’s asked to help him?
Khaya’s past and present collide
We flashback to Khaya’s past, when he was a young man who caught the eye of a pretty girl, Masasa—the same Masasa who is helping him thirty years later. We watch their love story unfold in the past as they grapple with their complicated history in the present.
Khaya makes a heartbreaking choice
Thirty years ago, Bonga and Khaya were recruited by General to take up arms against their enemies and live — or die — for Azania. In a bloody battle with a rebel faction, Khaya murders a man at point-blank range. He’s forced to leave Kokstad, and makes a painful choice … to leave Masasa behind.
Masasa tries to send Khaya away
Masasa asks Khaya to leave her house; she can’t forget his betrayal and threatens to go to the press and reveal that he’s alive — no matter how much danger he’s in. She gives him until 5 pm the next day to clear out.
It’s not back to business as usual yet
Thobani won’t clear Dingane for duty and Ndoni advises him to be honest with his therapist. Meanwhile, Winnie is convinced that Nosi is using Khaya’s death as an excuse to avoid starting her marriage.
Masasa’s secret is revealed
Khaya tries to make peace with Masasa, but she rejects his attempts, insisting he leave her house. Khaya is shocked to learn she has an adult son.
General makes his move
With Khaya out of the picture, General plots to seize control of MPS, but will Thobani take his threats about the NIA to heart, and does Uhuru have what it takes to step up?
Find out next week when Empini returns! New episodes land every Thursday.
More like this
Jojo on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion, social media backlash and more
Jojo opens up about the highly anticipated reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, coming to Showmax on 20 and 27 February.
The ‘Burbs S1
In this adaptation of the 1980s Tom Hanks dark comedy, a couple moves back to the husband's hometown, only to face a cul-de-sac shrouded in mystery.
MaBlerh to host the first-ever The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion
MaBlerh will host the first-ever reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, set to air in two parts in February 2026.
Daudi Anguka on Mizani, organ trafficking and why the coast is finally taking centre stage in Kenya's film industry
Award-winning filmmaker Daudi Anguka opens up about his first Showmax original, tackling organ trafficking and the rise of Kenyan coastal cinema.
Landman S1-2
Taylor Sheridan's Landman stars Billy Bob Thornton. In the heart of Texas, roughnecks and billionaires collide in the get-rich-quick oil industry.
Christall dishes on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip
Christall Kay on the drama of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, and what it was like to reunite with Evodia. All episodes on Showmax.
Mizani S1
From the award-winning director of Mvera and Pete comes a searing new series set in the dark underbelly of Kenya’s coastal city.
I Love LA S1
Toxic friendships are taken to a whole new level in this off-the-wall comedy, as a co-dependent friend group navigates life and love in Los Angeles.
Single Kiasi S4, now streaming
Reckless S1, now streaming
More Showmax Originals you'll love
Jojo on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion, social media backlash and more
Jojo opens up about the highly anticipated reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, coming to Showmax on 20 and 27 February.
MaBlerh to host the first-ever The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion
MaBlerh will host the first-ever reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, set to air in two parts in February 2026.
Daudi Anguka on Mizani, organ trafficking and why the coast is finally taking centre stage in Kenya's film industry
Award-winning filmmaker Daudi Anguka opens up about his first Showmax original, tackling organ trafficking and the rise of Kenyan coastal cinema.
Christall dishes on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip
Christall Kay on the drama of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, and what it was like to reunite with Evodia. All episodes on Showmax.
Latest Stories
Fall in love with romantic drama Touch, now on Showmax
Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online
How to Train Your Dragon: Bringing Hiccup and Astrid to life
7 things to know about indie award-winning movie Dìdi
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’s South African stunts
%2520(1)-1.jpg&w=2560&q=80)
Lenana Kariba speaks on returning for Single Kiasi Season 4
Veteran actor Helen Keli spills on playing Delilah on Single Kiasi S4
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip cast on first impressions, beefs and more
Novocaine: the US box office hit shot in Cape Town
Evodia on Ultimate Girls Trip Africa and her return to reality TV
From Poverty to Purpose: The Redemption of Emmanuel Adebayor: Why Saving Lives Trumps Scoring Goals
Christall on The Ultimate Girls Trip, Evodia and more
Manchester City vs Liverpool: The Rivalry Reignites
New seasons of your favourite series, now streaming
The best romantic series on Showmax
What to watch on Showmax in Kenya in November 2025
17 medical dramas to stream in an entertainment emergency
Annie Mthembu opens up about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa
Can LFC rediscover the form that saw them crowned champions?
Conor Bradley on Liverpool's difficult run and the path back
Big mobs, small jobs: 10 crime series to stream on Showmax
Must-watch trailer: The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
Showmax Premier League weekly watchlist: 18-23 February
Creating The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
