Haven't watched The Republic Season 2 yet? Here's why you should

President Mulaudzi might have cleaned up her cabinet, but the country is still in a state of chaos, with protests, riots, and power outages being the norm - it is obvious that the nation needs a hero, now!

From riveting performances to the gripping storyline, the new season of The Republic continues to enthral Mzansi viewers. 

The new season focuses on two young South Africans who are unsettled about how the government is running the country. Through their frustrations, they pluck up the courage to strike back against the corruption that is eating away at their homeland. 

The two new young leads are played by Lemogang Tsipa (Isithembiso) as Sizwe and Noxolo Dlamini (Isibaya) as Thina. Flo Masebe (Ring of Lies, Elelwani) reprises her role as President Lufuno Mulaudzi, alongside Masasa Mbangeni (The River, Mzali Wami) who also reprises her role as Bridget.

If this isn't enough to convince you to add The Republic S2 to your next binge-list, here are five reasons we suggest you should.

An A-list cast for the win!

When we say The Republic has a star-studded cast, we mean it. The show boasts some of the best actors in Mzansi.

They include acting veterans such as Flo Masebe, Masasa Mbangeni (Mzali Wam S1), Bonnie Mbuli, Bongile Mantsai (Knuckle City, Grootboom & Sons), the legendary Thembi Nyandeni (Isibaya), Charmaine Mtinta (Isibaya, Igazi, The River), Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha, Lemogang Tsipa (Isithembiso), and Jamie Bartlett (Black Tax).

When The Republic debuted on our screens, viewers and fellow actors couldn't contain their excitement over this star-studded cast:

MK - the antagonist we love to hate

Every show has that one antagonist who brings the drama and, in this case, it's Mkhuseleli Mthembu known as MK. Viewers love to hate him because of his crooked ways. He has been planning Madam President’s demise from right under her nose. 

So good was MK at keeping his underhanded tactics hidden that Madam President trusted him enough to appoint him as the Deputy President. When he thought he had hatched the perfect plan to get himself the number-one seat, things came crashing down. You'll have to binge the rest of the season on Showmax to find out what happens to MK's plans.

When art imitates life

If there is one thing you will appreciate about The Republic, it's how relatable the storyline is. The fictional world of the drama series is so similar to the economic and political climate in South Africa, you might find yourself wondering if you're watching a drama series or an actual documentary disguised as entertainment. 

The theme song

This might not sound like a good enough reason to binge on The Republic Season 2, but trust us, it is.

The best way to trademark a story is to give it a memorable opening theme song and The Republic has just that. The show has the most beautiful theme song written and sung by Brenda Mtambo who also appears in the Showmax Original reality show Life With Kelly Khumalo.

Hope for the youth

Viewers are rooting for the relationship between Sizwe and Thina. The start of their relationship began when the looting in Thembisa took place. And despite the mayhem that surrounds them, the youngsters not only find love in a hopeless place but also discover the inner courage to fight against an oppressive and disruptive system.

Their bravery is not only a representation of the good the youth is capable of, but it is also a lesson that despite the economic and political disparities that may engulf a country, the voice of the youth is one that still has the power to change the narrative of a nation.

The Republic Season 2 is produced by Tshedza Pictures, the production company behind the International Emmy nominated series The River, and the new Showmax Original Adulting. The whole of Season 1 and Season 2 are now streaming on Showmax.