The Ranakas: Mpumi finalizes her divorce and a pregnancy is kept a secret

In Season 4, the Ranaka family faces various challenges, from healing to finding a sense of belonging and keeping the family together, to building intergenerational wealth and preserving a legacy.

Let’s take a look at what went down in the first few episodes.

The divorce that disappointed Mr and Mrs Ranaka

Mpumi is finally getting divorced and the separation leaves her parents heartbroken and disappointed.

“It’s a good day to get a divorce,” says Mpumi, but the statement angers Mr and Mrs Ranaka, who are not happy with the end of their daughter’s marriage.

“It’s a sad day, there is nothing good about a divorce. It’s like death!” says Mrs Ranaka.

Mpumi’s parents considers this divorce a failure for both parties. Mrs Ranaka feels that Mpumi and her ex-husband did not focus on the foundation of what makes a marriage work, and instead, they decided to focus on what they wanted as individuals.

Ma and Pa Ranaka calling Mpumi a failure for getting a divorce is truly breaking my heart. You can't "begezela" if things are not working in a marriage – even through all the sacrifices and compromises. All she needs now is support from her family, not judgement.#TheRanakas

— Tsholo K. (@Tsholo_k) January 7, 2021

Mpumi’s reason for divorce resonates with viewers

The end of her daughter’s marriage brings Mrs Ranaka to tears. The divorce is also a reminder of the hardships she endured when she was growing up.

As much as they are disappointed, Mpumi explains to her parents that the divorce is the best decision, not only for herself but for her kids.

“Marriage is an empty box, it is what you put in it that makes it work,” says Mpumi. This particular statement resonates with many viewers.

#TheRanakas , the talk Mpumi had with her parents regarding divorce. An educational moment 🔥thank you for sharing

— gracey_st🤸🏽‍♀️ (@graceys_mum) January 9, 2021

https://twitter.com/simplydeegee/status/1347468843787169793?s=21

This moment between Mpumi and her parents, took me back to when I had this talk with my parents. It was filled with disbelief and tears. It was a very sad moment for us:but in the end they supported me #TheRanakas

— sbosh (@Misgudy2shoes) January 7, 2021

Katlego’s baby shower

Katlego is Manaka’s 20-year-old daughter. The family holds a baby shower for her but we soon learn that the news of her pregnancy was initially not met with great excitement.

For seven months, Katlego kept her pregnancy a secret because she was scared of her family’s reaction to her pregnancy – especially those of her mother and grandmother.

“She kept it a secret until she realised this is too much for her. I felt a bit disappointed by my granddaughter because she tells me everything,” says Mrs Ranaka.

The surprise baby shower was a success but Katlego then received an earful about motherhood and her keeping the pregnancy a secret.

“You’re bringing a child into the world and when reality starts to sink in, you’re going to feel it. But just know we are here for you but, I’m also not going to sugar-coat things for you. Communicate, grow up and make sure that Mpho [the baby] comes first,” says Manaka.

For more family drama, stream The Ranakas on Showmax, fresh from Mzansi Magic.