Where to see the cast of Mpondoland on Showmax

Mzansi Magic’s first-ever Mpondo drama, Mpondoland, storms onto the channel’s Sunday night line-up with a gripping tale about heritage, ambition, and the fight to preserve tradition. Packed with homegrown brilliance and some of the country’s finest storytellers, the series unfolds in the sacred village of KwaKhonjwayo, a world where duty and destiny collide.

Where to watch Mpondoland

Catch Mpondoland every Sunday at 8PM on Mzansi Magic Channel 161. Tune in every week for authentic local storytelling with powerful performances.

When will Mpondoland be on Showmax?

At this time, Mpondoland is not on Showmax but fans can catch it live or catch up on DStv. Stream every Sunday evening.

Dive into the mystical and richly fertile land of KwaKhonjwayo

At the centre of this epic is Mkhondwana, played by SAFTA-nominated actor Thembekile Komani, who must choose between pursuing his personal ambition and following tradition. Opposite him stands Pele-Pele, played by the legendary Tina Jaxa, a ruthless outsider who threatens to disrupt the peace in Mkhondwana’s sacred homeland, KwaKhonjwayo. Produced with intention and cultural depth, Mpondoland premiered Sunday, 7 December at 8PM on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161). But if you’re already wondering where to catch your favourites on Showmax, we’ve got you covered.

Meet the cast of Mpondoland and where to see them on Showmax

Here’s a closer look at the characters steering this powerful story and the series or movies you can catch them in on Showmax.

Main cast

Thembekile Komani as Mkhondwana

Thembekile Komani plays the character of Mkhondwana, the reluctant heir set to take over as the “green thumb” of the village. He plans to eventually leave the village for the city to pursue his artistic interests, so he’s hesitant to take up the powerful role, but is forced to accept it. 

You can see Thembekile in the Showmax Original drama Blood Psalms as Mzinzi. The actor has also portrayed Mbulelo in Grootbom and Sons S2. Other roles include his breakthrough performance as Zuks in Nkululeko, and he most recently starred as Qinisani in Mzansi Magic epic drama Shaka iLembe S1, and Sizwe in the Showmax movie Thato Ya Modimo.

Tina Jaxa as Pele-Pele

Tina Jaxa plays Pele-Pele, a greedy, power-hungry outsider and big pharmaceutical villain who demands that the villagers sell her their marijuana plantations, throwing the once-harmonious world of KwaKhonjwayo into chaos. You can catch her commanding presence in Mzali Wami as Phathiswa. You’ve also seen her as Tina in Nkululeko, and the unforgettable role as Thembi in Vula Vala. Her impressive résumé also includes roles in Die Byl and as Nomawonga in 1802: Love Defies Time.

Siziphiwe Maqubela as Noma

Siziphiwe Maqubela steps into her breakthrough role as Noma, bringing fresh energy and an exciting new presence to Mpondoland. You may recognise her from the Mzansi Magic telenovela Gqeberha: The Empire, where she plays Nontle Makwethu. 

Anele Matoti as Mahamba

Anele plays the character of Mahamba, who is responsible for client procurement and buying the KwaKhonjwayo produce. When he is falsely accused of a crime, he is resolute in clearing his name. You can watch him as the fan-favourite Msimelelo in Mzansi Magic telenovela Gqeberha: the Empire, and as Frank in M-Net’s quirky murder mystery Recipes for Love and Murder. He also appears in the acclaimed film Five Fingers for Marseilles and plays a determined lawyer in the Mzansi Magic telenovela, Wounds.

Other cast

Luzuko Nkqeto as Mzwakali

Luzuko Nkqeto takes on the role of Mzwakali in this unique and culturally rich narrative. Whether he is ruling as King Debeza in 1802: Love Defies Time, or delivering a standout performance as MK in Grootboom & Sons, the veteran actor always delivers a masterclass. You can also watch him as the unforgettable Qiniselo in Mzali Wami, and he’s equally compelling in the hit telenovela Lingashoni as Nondumo, and Buzwe in the drama series Grassroots.

Mlamli Mangcala as Mthethutsho

Mlamli plays Mthethutsho, the custodian of Intaba Yesixhenxe's laws in KwaKhonjwayo. You can watch him as Captain Radebe in Mzansi Magic’s long-running telenovela The Queen and as Hlangene in another Mzansi Magic telenovela Lingashoni.

Khojane Morai as Dalindyebo

This rising star plays Dalindyebo in this new drama. You can watch him in a number of roles, including the role of Nduku in 1802: Love Defies Time, and he has also featured as Bongani in M-Net drama White Lies. He portrayed Thando in Recipes for Love and Murder and has been on a good run with two Showmax Original movies, as Onke in Abomkhulu, and as Morena in Forever Yena.

Ayanda Makayi as Scelo

Ayanda plays the role of Scelo in Mpondoland. Ayanda has long been a fan favourite on South African shows. Viewers can enjoy him as Stokkie in Gqeberha: The Empire, as the dynamic Kike in the epic Showmax Original Blood Psalms, and as Ezekiel Biko in Ingoma. He also starred as Boysie in the hit fantasy series Igazi.

Mbasa Msongelo as Onombhola #1

Mbasa plays the role of Onombhola #1. From his standout role as Keith in the Showmax Original 016FM, to Zola in Grootboom & Sons, and Casper in the award-winning series Is’thunzi, as well as Abza in the comedy-drama Roomies, Mbasa is a familiar face to South African audiences.

Robert Mpisi as Sithembiso

Robert Mpisi plays the role of Sithembiso. You can watch the talented actor as the character of Mdizeni in 1802: Love Defies Time, Lethabo in Binnelanders, and the unpredictable London in Gomora. His performances in Lockdown as Julius and as Bheki Khoza in The Queen further cement him as one of Mzansi’s most versatile screen talents.

Momelezi Ntshiba as Wushe

Momelezi Ntshiba plays Wushe, who takes it upon himself to teach Mkhondwana the ways their forefathers used to care for their crops and protect themselves after Dizu's unexpected passing. You can watch him in Ithemba as Surgent Tenza, and as an elder in Grassroots.

More like Mpondoland to watch on Showmax

Igazi

A Xhosa royal family is in conflict over the throne. The family is at war with itself and the magical forces of darkness. A son is forced into the battle for his father’s kingdom. Will the rightful king reign?

1802: Love Defies Time

A spellbinding time-travel telenovela. A young doctor is about to start her career when destiny intervenes and transports her back in time. Here, she discovers that her true purpose is far greater than she ever imagined.

Ithemba

When Philiswa's sister disappears, her search leads her into the heart of a shadowy cult. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a family secret that threatens to destroy them all.

The Herd

The pursuit of wealth and power can lead a man to sacrifice his soul. The Mthethwa family is close-knit, but they're threatened by secrets and supernatural forces in this compelling, creepy drama.

Queen Modjadji

Born to the throne and blessed with a unique gift, Queen Modjadji tells the story of a matriarchal dynasty with the ability to summon the rain, placing the Balobedu royalty among the most revered African dynasties.

Shaka iLembe

Set in the 1700s, Shaka iLembe tells the story of the heroic rise of the iconic Zulu king, played as an adult by Lemogang Tsipa and a boy by newcomer Ntando Zondi.