
17 August 2018
Leading ladies rule on SA TV
Remember when Beyoncé made a song about girls running the world? We think she was onto something. Whether they’re running their households, holding it down in the boardroom, or just kicking some serious butt in life, women definitely rule. What’s also impressive is that we get to see great examples of powerful women on our TV screens every weekday. Now that’s something worth smiling about.
Check out our list of some of TV’s favourite leading ladies, all of whom you can see in action on Showmax, and why we think they’re awesome.
Harriet Khoza: The Queen
Have you ever loved and hated a TV character at the same time? That’s exactly how The Queen’s Harriet Khoza, played Connie Ferguson, makes us feel. She’s an amazing mother to her children and always makes sure that they are well taken care of and protected.
However, the downside is that keeping her loved ones protected sometimes means breaking the rules – even if it means committing a crime. Now that’s real love.
Harriet sees red! Tune in tonight! #TheQueenMzansi pic.twitter.com/1vJWyaCTkC
— Mzansi Magic (@Mzansimagic) April 16, 2018
She’s also known for being a ruthless businesswoman. And, when we talk about business we mean the illegal kind, you know, drug dealing! No matter the challenges she faces in her “industry”, Harriet always manages to bounce back. You can’t help but admire her hustle.
Lindiwe Dikana: The River
Just like Harriet, Lindiwe is all about making sure that her loved ones are secure. Although she isn’t doing any illegal business dealings, she is just as ruthless as Harriet. The River’s Lindiwe, played by Sindi Dlathu, has lied and killed all in the name of making money and protecting her interests.
What makes her rule, however, is her ability to take care of her loved ones, while also ensuring that her mining company runs effectively. On top of that, she has an amazing husband who loves her dearly (wait until he finds out she tried to kill him).
Lindiwe decides that the best way to kill Zweli is to poison him!#TheRiver1Magic pic.twitter.com/5BeGYmBAQE
— 1max (@1max_TV) August 1, 2018
Mkabayi Zungu: Isibaya
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about this fierce Isibaya character? For us, it’s that time when she showed the nation that she’s not afraid to use an AK47. Mkabayi, played by veteran South African actress Thembi Nyandeni, had viewers hailing her bravery and courage when she went on a shooting spree – but it was all in the name of showing her enemies who’s boss.
Haibo! Looks like Mkabayi is stacked and ready for war. Catch #Isibaya in the next hour! https://t.co/rvJ17FCDAQ pic.twitter.com/yCKG6ljnE5
— Mzansi Magic (@Mzansimagic) January 14, 2016
One thing we know about leading ladies is that they never back down from a challenge. This is exactly what Mkabayi continues to show on the Mzansi Magic show. Mkabayi takes matters into her own hands, and sometimes it gets pretty ugly. But that’s what being a leading lady is all about, right?
Let’s celebrate these phenomenal women and others who keep us entertained on our screens. You can watch them in action on their shows which are all streaming right here on Showmax. Whether you want to see start from the beginning, or catch up with some of the latest episodes (The River comes to Showmax every weekday, express from the DStv broadcast), we’ve got you covered.
Are you a DStv Compact or Compact Plus subscriber? Sign up to Showmax now, add it to your DStv bill, and pay only R49 per month for unlimited access to the Showmax catalogue. Read more here.
https://stories.showmax.com/how-to-add-showmax-to-dstv-compact/
Original African stories by local talent

Vaal Riviera
Vaal Riviera follows four Afrikaans families living in the heart of Vaal River society, where family, business, car racing and legacy all come into play. Stream from 22 August, with new episodes on Tuesdays.

The ABC Killer
The ABC Killer is a twisty true-crime documentary series about serial killer Moses Sithole. Stream now on Showmax.

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Let’s rewrite the rules of what it means to be local.

Untied S1
Untied explores the deeply personal and often complex experience of divorce, told through the voices of women who have lived it. Stream now, with new episodes every Tuesday.

Reckless S1
Reckless follows a pair of young brothers who find themselves at a crossroads when a tragic accident changes their lives forever. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday and Tuesday.

The Mommy Club NBO
The Mommy Club NBO is the fifth instalment of the record-breaking Mommy Club franchise. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.

Empini S1-2
Empini is a high-stakes, action-packed drama set in the ruthless, corrupt world of private security. Season 2 is now streaming, with new episodes every Tuesday.

Youngins S1-2
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins. S1 and S2 are ready to binge.
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