Ernest Ndlovu on Empini Season 2: The dark side of politics

Ernest Ndlovu is a seasoned South African actor with a career spanning more than four decades in the film and television industry. His memorable characters include Ngwebedla in Isibaya, Qhamuka in Gomora, and King Jama in Shaka iLembe, the most awarded drama series in the history of the SAFTAs.  

As Empini returns for Season 2 from Tuesday, 4 March 2025, Ndlovu steps back into the spotlight as Deputy President Enoch Mbatha – a stern, no-nonsense leader who is set to make a lasting impact on the action-packed drama, which was one of the 10 most-streamed series on Showmax last year. 

Watch the new Empini S2 tease trailer

Zibuyile Dladla sat down with him to find out more about playing someone who is both a hero and a villain. 

What was it about the Empini script that made you want to be a part of this project?

What stood out to me about Empini is its raw and unfiltered reflection of South Africa’s political landscape since 1994. Back then, people had high hopes for change and a better future after the first democratic elections. But now, as we approach 2025, we’ve realised that many things have gone terribly wrong. My character, Enoch Mbatha, is part of both the movement that once fought for change and the corruption that followed.

He represents a tragic reality – freedom fighters who sacrificed everything for a better South Africa but later became part of the system oppressing the very people they once fought for. These are individuals who went into exile, joined liberation movements, and returned with the promise of transformation. But somewhere along the way, power and greed consumed them. That duality – being both a hero and a villain – is what drew me to the role. 

It’s a classic case of art imitating life, shedding light on how corruption erodes a nation. Empini is not just entertainment; it’s a political education wrapped in drama.

In Empini Season 1, you worked closely with the legendary Owen Sejake, who played General Moeti. Tell us more about that experience.

I’ve known Owen for a long time. While his career was deeply rooted in theatre, mine was mostly in television. What I appreciate about our journeys is that we both worked on projects reflecting South Africa’s political climate – his through protest theatre and mine through TV productions.

That shared experience made it easier for us to step into our Empini characters. We both understood the complexities of portraying political figures who, on the surface, seem to have noble intentions but are deeply flawed. Working alongside Owen was not only an honour but also a learning experience.

What was your favorite scene from Season 1?

Oh wow, there are so many! But if I had to pick, I’d say the scenes where Enoch discovers the depth of Khaya Bhodoza’s corruption. The fact that Khaya is married to Enoch’s daughter, Winnie (played by Angela Sithole), makes things even more personal.

Those moments of realisation – when Enoch’s anger and disgust towards Khaya reach their peak – were some of the most powerful scenes for me. You can feel his internal battle as a father, a politician, and a man who once had strong moral convictions but now finds himself surrounded by betrayal.

What would you say to convince people to keep watching Empini Season 2?

Season 1 laid the foundation, but Season 2 is where everything truly takes off. We’re connecting the missing pieces, answering the lingering questions, and exposing even deeper levels of corruption. Betrayals will unfold, secrets will be revealed, and tensions will explode.

Every episode is packed with twists that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. If you thought Season 1 was intense, just wait – Season 2 is going to blow people away.

What has changed in the film and TV industry in 2025 compared to when you first started?

So much has changed! When I started out, there were barely any Black filmmakers or production houses. Seeing Black creatives now leading the industry, producing high-quality content, and telling our own stories is truly inspiring.

The industry has evolved in ways we once only dreamed of. We’re no longer just actors – we’re directors, producers, and decision-makers. The fact that audiences are now enjoying stories crafted by Black storytellers, reflecting our history and reality, is something that brings me immense joy.

Empini Season 2 starts streaming on Showmax from 4 March 2025, with new episodes on Tuesdays.