
15 March 2019
Khanyi Mbau opens up about her role on Abomama
Khanyi Mbau is the perfect example of what a rebrand looks like. The media personality has come a very long way from her days as a controversial socialite who was often labelled as a “gold digger”. Now she’s a woman who only wants to be known for her work and she’s making headlines for all the right reasons.
Not only is she a successful talk show host, but she’s also a good actress. She certainly made her mark on Mzansi Magic’s hit drama series, Abomama, which is currently streaming on Showmax.
Speaking about playing the role of Tshidi, Khanyi explained to Masechaba Ndlovu on Metro FM recently: “Playing Tshidi on Abomama was very interesting because I come from a staunch Christian family. My grandmother and mom are like highly Christian, so it reminded me of my background. I grew up in a church environment, I grew up with church women around me.”
She continued: “I know how they behave, I know how they think, I know how they look at the worldly things and how they associate themselves with them. So, for me it was quite interesting where I got to mirror what I always saw growing up.”
The making of your favorite scene #AbomamaMzansi THANK YOU FOR WATCHING pic.twitter.com/89LWCbBHl5
— KHANYI MBAU (@MbauReloaded) June 17, 2018
Fans were shocked when Abomama was snubbed at the South African Film and TV Awards (SAFTAs) earlier this month. Thomas Gumede, whose production company Parental Advisory Productions produced the series, took to social media to share his disappointment.
“So #Abomama didn’t get even one nomination at the SAFTAs. Out of all the categories and all the shows nominated, a panel sat down and decided that there was not a single thing that was done right on one of the highest rating dramas on Mzansi Magic,” he wrote on Twitter.
Clearly, the snub hasn’t affected Khanyi, and she still believes that she’s on the right track.
When asked about her greatest point of growth, professionally or personally, she told Masechaba: “I think the moment that I accepted myself, that I’m not perfect and I forgave myself for everything else that I couldn’t achieve. You know, we look to our peers all the time and try and measure how far we have come through their success. And once I forgave myself when I said, ‘listen, maybe I didn’t win an Oscar or a SAFTA or whatever, but I am doing well and it’s okay, Khanyi’. So, that’s my greatest achievement is forgiving myself for my disappointments.”
Ms Mbau has certainly grown over the years and she’s well on her way to making her mark in the film and television industry. You can watch her on Abomama right here on Showmax.
SA celebs open up about divorce on Untied
The action heats up on Empini
More Mzansi gold

The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad S1
Stream the reunion of the hit Showmax Original reality show, featuring five dynamic, wealthy women from Pretoria as they manage relationships, families, businesses, and busy social lives, on 27 June and 4 July 2025.

Eye-opening homegrown documentaries to stream
These unmissable South African shows and movies deliver surprising insights on the country we’re living in today.

20+ addictive South African reality shows to stream
Stream The Catch, The Real Housewives of Durban, The Mommy Club, and more of South Africa’s best reality shows on Showmax.

MaBlerh returns to host The Real Housewives of Durban reunion
MaBlerh returns to host The Real Housewives of Durban reunion for the third year in a row. The Season 5 reunion drops in two parts on 4 July and 11 July 2025.