Empini Season 1, episodes 39-40 recap: In the name of Bonga Themba

This week on Empini, secrets and betrayals rise to the surface as Zenzele steps into a larger leadership role, Ndoni reconnects with her past, and tensions in the Bhodoza family reach new heights. Here’s what went down:

Ndoni is suspended, again

Ndoni hands in her report on the school incident, but Thobani and Zenzele are dissatisfied, leading to her immediate suspension. Ndoni is furious and lashes out at Jabulani for snitching to Thobani, blaming him for the mess.

Family tensions boil over

Nosi tries to convince Winnie that Zenzele could be a positive influence on Mkhonto, but Winnie won’t hear it. The tension escalates, leading to a heated argument where Winnie slaps Nosi across the face. Ouch!

Ndoni’s distractions

Suspended and frustrated, Ndoni turns to her mother, Dora, for comfort. Dora encourages her to use the break to rest and reflect, but Ndoni opts for a more lively distraction — reconnecting with Blaza and throwing an intimate party for two to blow off some steam.

Zenzele’s deal with Enoch

Zenze meets with Enoch, who hands over a folder containing what’s needed to restore the government contract. However, Enoch insists that Zenze must lodge a formal appeal to keep their integrity intact—something Zenze isn’t entirely sure about.

Dora and Ndoni’s emotional journey

Ndoni and Dora spend the day visiting charities in Bonga’s name, something that holds deep meaning for both of them. During their time together, Dora reveals that she never cried about Bonga in front of Ndoni, leaving Ndoni to confess that she felt alone in her grief. 

A forced family reunion

Enoch surprises Winnie with a visit, bringing Zenze along for a family sit-down. Though Winnie feels ambushed, Enoch insists it’s time to act as a united front, pushing the idea that Zenzele could be the best thing for MPS.

Khaya and Sasa’s connection rekindled

Meanwhile, Khaya and Sasa rekindle their old connection, even though Sasa insists her heart still belongs to Mzoxolo. Khaya confesses his regret for leaving her all those years ago, but Sasa reminds him of his responsibilities to his other family — Winnie, Nosi, and Mkhonto.

Unsolved mysteries resurface

Ndoni pushes Dora to revisit Bonga’s unsolved case, but Dora resists, content in knowing that Bonga wasn’t a traitor. She fears that reopening old wounds will damage Ndoni’s already fragile mental health.

Zenzele uncovers a shocking truth

While at the Bhodoza mansion, Zenze makes himself at home and snoops around his father’s study, discovering bullets that match those from the restaurant shooting. After confirming with Khaya that he never used them, Zenze realises the shocking truth: someone inside the Bhodoza mansion orchestrated his attempted murder. Will Zenze uncover who’s behind the plot before it’s too late?

Stay tuned to find out! New episodes of Empini drop every Thursday on Showmax!