Where to see the cast of My Brother's Keeper

The gripping telenovela My Brother’s Keeper, now streaming on Showmax, has captivated Mzansi. This 130-episode drama is set against the opulent backdrop of the Shabalala family empire, presenting a captivating tale of ambition, power, and the corrupting influence of greed.

At the centre of this intense saga is Nqubeko (Wiseman Mncube), Mshengu's ambitious love child, who seeks validation from a family that rejects him. Nqubeko sees an opportunity to cement his power through his sister-in-law, Fakazile (Zola Nombona), the key to the Shabalala legacy. This sets off a fierce power struggle with the rightful heir, his brother, Donga (Sdumo Mtshali), threatening to tear the family apart.

Watch the trailer for My Brother’s Keeper

As alliances shift and dark secrets come to light, the Shabalala family faces imminent collapse, forcing each member to confront their desires, loyalties, and the true cost of their quest for power.

Binge My Brother’s Keeper now »

Meet the Shabalala Family

Lindani Nkosi as Mshengu

Lindani Nkosi portrays Mshengu, a dominant figure wielding authority with a blend of savvy and confidence. His traditionalist values often clash with the rapidly changing world around him.

Nkosi has recently earned a SAFTA nomination for his powerful performance in the show. He’s also well-known for his iconic role as Lincoln Sibeko in Isidingo, as well as Clive Ngubane in the SAFTA-winning series Housekeepers, where he also received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. You can catch him as Vuyani’s dad in the hit drama Adulting.

Watch Lindani Nkosi in Adulting now »

Zola Nombona as Fakazile

Fakazile is an independent woman married to Khwezi and the linchpin of the Shabalala empire, making her the focal point in this heated power struggle.

Nombona is celebrated for her SAFTA-nominated role as Monde in Lockdown, a show that earned her nominations three years in a row. You can also catch her in the 1Magic comedy-drama Roomies.

Watch Zola Nombona in Lockdown now »

Wiseman Mncube as Nqubeko

Nqubeko, the ambitious love child, is constantly seeking his father’s approval, stirring the pot within the Shabalala family. 

Prior to this role, Mncube has been booked and busy, starring in hits like eHostela, a role that earned him his first SAFTA Golden Horn. You can also watch him in hit shows like The Wife and Shaka iLembe, where he recently garnered a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama for his role as Zwide, in the most awarded drama in SAFTAs history.

Watch Wiseman Mncube in Shaka iLembe now »

Mnqobi Kunene as Khwezi

Khwezi is Mshengu's firstborn, a bright mind and astute businessman whose unexpected absence triggers a whirlwind of drama.

Kunene continues to shine in his career, having been named 2019 Men’s Health Cover Guy and a 2024 Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South African. He stars as Kwanele in the Showmax Original Outlaws and is also starring in How to Manifest a Man.

Watch Wiseman Mncube in Outlaws now »

Sdumo Mtshali as Donga

Donga is Mshengu's firstborn from his first marriage, representing the rightful heir to the Shabalala legacy. With a complicated relationship with his father, Donga is married to Khathazile and has three children.

Since winning Class Act in 2010, Mtshali has thrived in the industry, playing notable roles in Isibaya and Is’Thunzi, for which he won a SAFTA for Best Supporting Actor in 2019.

Watch Sdumo Mtshali in Isibaya now »

Nkanyiso Mchunu as Ndumiso

Ndumiso is a man easily swayed by temptation. He’s the second-born son of Mshengu's first wife. He’s married to Puseletso and has a child outside of his marriage.

Mchunu is known for his roles in eHostela and Umkhokha: The Curse. He is the real-life brother of Nelisa Mchunu, who plays Khathazile, and Londeka Mchunu from Isithembiso.

Watch Nkanyiso Mchunu in Umkhokha: The Curse now »

Sparky Xulu as Thuthuka

Thuthuka is the youngest Shabalala. He’s charming yet irresponsible, navigating the complexities of family dynamics.

Xulu is known for his role as Muzi in The Herd. He has appeared in shows like It’s Complicated, Lingashoni, and Ring of Lies. He currently stars in the Showmax Original Empini as Zenzele.

Watch Sparky Xlu in Empini now »

Rosemary Zimu as Puseletso

Puseletso is Ndumiso’s wife who is determined to prove herself in the family business, showing the Shabalalas that she is more than just a makoti.

Zimu is known for her SAFTA-nominated role as Zinhle Manzini in Savage Beauty and has appeared in hit shows like The Queen and Ayeye: Stripped.

Watch Rosemary Zimu in Ayeye: Stripped now »

Vuyiseka Cawe as Nomusa

Nomusa is the supportive wife of Nqubeko, a homemaker with aspirations for her husband to follow in his brother Khwezi’s footsteps.

Cawe captured the viewers' hearts as Listerina in The Queen and has featured in Rockville and Umkhokha: The Curse.

Watch Vuyiseka Cawe in The Queen now »

Hlengiwe Lushaba as MamChunu

MaMchunu is the mother of Khwezi and Thuthuka. She entered into a traditional marriage with Mshengu after the passing of her sister.

Lushaba was recently nominated for Best Supporting Actress at this year’s SAFTAs and has appeared in Blood Psalms and Roomies.

Watch Hlengiwe Lushaba in Roomies now »

Nelisa Mchunu as Khathazile

Khathazile is Donga’s wife, who embodies tradition and support for her husband.

Mchunu has played the lead role of Bazothini in Mzansi Magic’s drama series Isifiso and has also appeared in the star-studded Mzansi epic Shaka iLembe. She is the sister of actor Nkanyiso Mchunu, who plays Ndumiso in My Brother’s Keeper, and actress Londeka Mchunu from Isithembiso.

Watch Nelisa Mchunu in Isifiso now »

Zimkitha Kumbaca as Nomtshado

Nomtshado is Fakazile’s sister who always stands by her as she faces the challenges of being a wife to the Shabalala family.

The Eastern Cape-born actress is known for her role as Busisiwe in Mzali Wam.

Watch Zimkitha in Mzali Wam now »

Other notable characters include Raphael Griffiths as Sibusiso, Ntando Mazibuko as Thoba, Lerato Mahlanya as Mam’ Sarah, Sebasa Mogale as Bab’ Mish and Nthabiseng Kgosana as Koketso.

My Brother’s Keeper is produced by Rhythm World, the powerhouse behind the hit telenovela Umkhokha: The Curse and Queen Modjadji. All the episodes for My Brother’s Keeper Season 1 are available to binge-watch on Showmax.