The Wife
Made in South Africa
The Wife is a Showmax Original telenovela that follows the Zulu brothers and the women they marry. All episodes are now streaming.
The Wife series is a Showmax Original telenovela that follows the lives of the eight Zulu brothers, a formidable crime family, through the eyes of the women they marry.
Season 1 is inspired by the novel Hlomu the Wife, a bestseller by Dudu Busani-Dube. Rising star Mbalenhle Mavimbela (Skeem Saam, Isipho) plays “Hlomu the wife”, the journalist who falls in love with a taxi driver, not realising that when you marry a man, you marry his secrets. Her love interest, Mqhele, is played by Bonko Khoza, who burst onto the acting scene as Jabz in the multi-award-winning film Necktie Youth and has since appeared in the likes of Professionals and the Emmy-nominated Roots.
Season 2 is inspired by the follow-up novel, Zandile the Resolute. The role of Zandile, the fierce matriarch of the Zulu family, is played by Khanyi Mbau (Happiness is a Four-Letter Word) and Mondli Makhoba (Umkhokha) reprises his role as Nkosana, the eldest Zulu brother in The Wife.
Produced by Stained Glass, Season 1 of The Wife opened to rave reviews in November 2021, becoming the most-watched launch on Showmax ever. The show trended at the top of Twitter every Thursday during its run, for 13 consecutive weeks. All episodes of Seasons 1-3 are now streaming.
The season kicks off with Naledi, played by Gaisang K Noge, Qhawe’s love, having been kidnapped and the Zulu brothers’ crimes making front-page news. Wiseman Mncube takes over from Bonko Khoza as Mqhele, whose love story with Hlomu remains complicated.
After you’ve watched all episodes of Season 1, Season 2 and Season 3 of The Wife, binge-watch The Wife: Behind The Veil.
Meet the cast
Naledi
The third wife, Naledi Montsho, a doctor who falls for one of the Zulu brothers, Qhawe Zulu. She’s also a princess daughter of the chief of the Royal Thabeng. Rising star Gaisang K Noge plays the role of Naledi.
The Youth Squad
The Youth Squad aka the younger brothers round up this charismatic criminal family. Thulane Nkululeko Shange plays Mqoqi; Ishmauel Songo plays Mpande; and Swelihle Luthuli plays Ntsika.
Mandisa
The mother of Nqoba’s children, Mandisa is sassy and smart. She may be part of a crime family, but she makes sure to get what is due to her. Mandisa is played by Zikhona Sodlaka.
Zandile
She spent 10 years in prison; now she must win back her children’s love, rebuild her marriage, and establish herself as the matriarch of the Zulu family. Zandile is played by Khanyi Mbau.
Sambulo
There’s more to this brother than meets the eye. Laid back, funny, an undercover hitman. He’s not after power but is his brothers’ keeper and the true glue working silently to hold them all together. Sipho Ndlovu is Sambulo.
Qhawe
The sweetest of the brothers, Qhawe is also the family strategist. He saw Hlomu first, and it was love at first sight, but this once, he failed to put a plan into action. Kwenzo Ngcobo is Qhawe.
Nqoba
He’s a ‘hit first and explains later’ type of guy. Sometimes he doesn’t even explain. Abdul Khoza is Nqoba.
Nkosana
The firstborn of the Zulu brothers, he took charge of the family after his parents’ murder. He’s a man of a few words and thinks carefully before he acts. Nkosana is played by Mondli Makhoba.
Mqhele
On the surface, Mqhele is a loving, family man, but deep inside, his demons are at war with one another. He pursues what he wants until it’s his. In The Wife Season 3, Mqhele is played by Wiseman Mncube.
Hlomu
A passionate, young investigative journalist. Love forces her to choose between a life of uncovering the truth and a life of hiding it. Hlomu is played by Mbalenhle Mavimbela.
Videos
Sho't Left for more news on The Wife
The Wife Season 3 episodes 58-60: Hlomu and Mqhele’s tragic deaths
In The Wife finale, Hlomu and Mqhele meet their tragic demise, while Qhawe and Naledi live happily ever after.
Made in South Africa
Mbalenhle Mavimbela looks back on her career-making role as Hlomu in The Wife
Mbalenhle Mavimbela reflects on playing Hlomu in Showmax’s groundbreaking telenovela. All episodes of The Wife are streaming on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
The Wife Season 3 episodes 55-57 recap: The truth about the Zulu brothers revealed
Hlomu makes a bold move that threatens to destroy the Zulu family. Meanwhile, the royal family is at war, with the princesses striving to dethrone their father.
Made in South Africa
The Wife Season 3 episodes 52-54 recap: Hlomu catches her first body
Hlomu kills Xoli after finding out that she’s a Majola and has been sleeping with her husband on the latest episodes of The Wife Season 3.
Made in South Africa
The Wife Season 3 episodes 49-51 recap: Qhawe fights for Naledi his love
Qhawe rescues Naledi and Hlomu suspects Mqhele is cheating on the latest episodes of The Wife Season 3, now streaming on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
The Wife Season 3 episodes 46-48 recap: Naledi is missing
Naledi gets kidnapped by her abusive ex and Xoli turns up the heat with the Zulus on the latest episodes of the Wife Season 3.
Made in South Africa
The Wife Season 3 episodes 43-45 recap: Naledi is pregnant
The Wife Season 3 returns with drama, betrayal and jaw-dropping moments. Qhawe makes a shocking revelation about Naledi while Xoli gets one step closer to destroying the Zulu family.
Made in South Africa
5 take-aways from The Wife Behind-the-Scenes Special
Get the inside scoop from the stars of The Wife in front of and behind the camera in this exclusive behind-the-scenes special.
Made in South AfricaIn the press
On Tagged!: More than guns, red flags and sex
"Opening with a romanticised shot of downtown Joburg, the show is a delicious exploration of love in the times of taxi rivalry, heists and violence."
On The Citizen: The Wife reactions: Zulu brothers steal the show
"As we are introduced to Mbalenhle 'Mbali' Mavimbela as Hlomu, we find that she is a natural. The Skeem Saam actress embodies who Hlomu is – a journalist, trying to get her life together, dealing with a boyfriend who doesn’t have time for her and a job that entangles her in the dark world."
On The Daily Vox: Showmax’s first telenovela The Wife is a wild ride through crime and love
"The production quality and photography is excellent. The [first] episode is 23 minutes long and packs a resounding gut punch. The imagery of the taxi rank in the first few frames immediately makes you feel at home."
More from South Africa
Sparky Xulu channels real emotion as Zenzele in Empini Season 2
Sparky Xulu talks about his role as Zenzele in the Showmax Original series Empini S2, a role he says is shaped by personal loss. Catch new episodes every Tuesday on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
Youngins stars tease the final season at Showmax Youth Day event
Youngins stars Kealeboga Masango and Toka Mtabane recently confirmed that Season 3 will be coming to Showmax. They reflect on its cultural impact and teased what viewers can expect in the upcoming season.
Made in South Africa
Minnie Ntuli talks about joining The Real Housewives of Durban S5
Minnie opens up about joining Season 5 of The Real Housewives of Durban, and where things stand with Londie. New episodes land Friday on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
Where to see the cast of Shaka iLembe S1-2 on Showmax
From Nomzamo Mbatha as Queen Nandi to Lemogang Tsipa as King Shaka Zulu and Thembinkosi Mthembu as King Dingiswayo, see the cast of Shaka iLembe in some of their other acclaimed roles on Showmax.
South African
The F-Show (2025)
The F-Show features a strong roster led by one of South Africa’s favourite comedians skewering the daily chaos that comes with being South African.
Made in South Africa
Showmax Gen Z stars speak out for Youth Day 2025
The young stars of Youngins, Soft Life, and Adulting share what Youth Day means to them and how their roles are influencing their generation. See them all on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
Youth Day 2025: How 8 South African stars got their start
From Thembinkosi Mthembu to Thuso Mbedu and Lemogang Tsipa, these South African stars have journeyed from humble beginnings to taking our screens and the world by storm.
Made in South Africa
Must-watch trailer for upcoming Showmax talk show, Untied
Watch the explosive trailer for Untied, featuring eight South African celebrities who have gone through public divorces. Hosted by Relebogile Mabotja, the talk show premieres on Showmax on 24 June 2025.
South AfricanMore Showmax Originals
Sparky Xulu channels real emotion as Zenzele in Empini Season 2
Sparky Xulu talks about his role as Zenzele in the Showmax Original series Empini S2, a role he says is shaped by personal loss. Catch new episodes every Tuesday on Showmax.
Made in South AfricaYoungins stars tease the final season at Showmax Youth Day event
Youngins stars Kealeboga Masango and Toka Mtabane recently confirmed that Season 3 will be coming to Showmax. They reflect on its cultural impact and teased what viewers can expect in the upcoming season.
Made in South AfricaMinnie Ntuli talks about joining The Real Housewives of Durban S5
Minnie opens up about joining Season 5 of The Real Housewives of Durban, and where things stand with Londie. New episodes land Friday on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
Life coach Ofentse represents Mzansi in The Mommy Club NBO
South African Ofentse Tsipa talks motherhood, marriage and being part of Kenya’s edition of The Mommy Club, now streaming on Showmax. Catch new episodes every Friday.
Made in Kenya
What if we believed the best can come from here?
Let’s rewrite the rules of what it means to be local.
Showmax Gen Z stars speak out for Youth Day 2025
The young stars of Youngins, Soft Life, and Adulting share what Youth Day means to them and how their roles are influencing their generation. See them all on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
Untied S1
Untied explores the deeply personal and often complex experience of divorce, told through the voices of women who have lived it. Stream from 24 June on Showmax.
Made in South AfricaMust-watch trailer for upcoming Showmax talk show, Untied
Watch the explosive trailer for Untied, featuring eight South African celebrities who have gone through public divorces. Hosted by Relebogile Mabotja, the talk show premieres on Showmax on 24 June 2025.
South AfricanThe best series to binge
Mr Throwback S1
In this hilarious basketball comedy, a down-on-his-luck memorabilia dealer looks for redemption by reuniting with his sixth-grade teammate, NBA legend Steph Curry.
Where to see the cast of Shaka iLembe S1-2 on Showmax
From Nomzamo Mbatha as Queen Nandi to Lemogang Tsipa as King Shaka Zulu and Thembinkosi Mthembu as King Dingiswayo, see the cast of Shaka iLembe in some of their other acclaimed roles on Showmax.
South African
Married At First Sight Mzansi S1
Eight strangers, one goal – to meet their perfect match for the very first time at the end of the wedding aisle. Stream all of Married at First Sight Mzansi Season 1 while you wait for Season 2, on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
Hacks S1-4
Emmy winner Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder make an odd partnership in the acclaimed HBO dramedy Hacks, about a legendary Vegas comedian and her new writer.