
Meet child star Mangaliso Aluta Mthembu from One Weeks
Child star Mangaliso Aluta Mthembu has been scene-stealing in One Weeks, Chris Q Radebe’s hit Showmax Original family comedy.
One Weeks follows Fana (Zakhele Mabasa-Mokone), a charming high-school dropout from the streets of Soweto, who can’t believe his luck when he finds himself dating Lihle (Sihle Ndaba), a successful lawyer. He then has to rely on the help of Lihle’s sharp-witted 10-year-old daughter, Angie, to avoid losing Lihle to rich men.
Watch the trailer for One Weeks
On X, fans have been singing Mangaliso’s praises for her hilarious and heartwarming performance as Angie, who’s also affectionately known as Frozen or Woolies on the show. As Hlumelo (@HFesi) tweeted, “MANGALISO ALUTA MTHEMBU. A STAR IS BORN. #oneweekshowmax”
“I’m thrilled that the show is finally out and I’m thankful for the positive comments and overall support from the public,” says Mangaliso, an 11-year-old who turns 12 in September.
She says her One Weeks journey has been a two-year process that was initiated by her proud and very hands-on momager, Zama Kheswa. “In 2022 my mom told me that there was this show that required a child, so she and I took action and did a video audition, which was sent to production,” she says. “After a few weeks, I was informed that I got the role. I was so excited! Fast forward to December 2023 and we then started filming. The rest, as they say, is history.”

“I enjoyed acting alongside Aunt Sihle and Uncle Zakhele,” she says. “We just had so much fun and it hardly felt like work. The best part was us all being in the green-room after rehearsals. It was really just a fun vibe of chats and singing. Oh, and working alongside Uncle Siphiwe Mtshali and Uncle Mpho Malatsi was just pure chaos. If you thought those two are funny on-screen, you have no idea how silly they can get behind the scenes.”
One Weeks isn’t the first show Mangaliso wanted to be part of. “I’m someone who watches a lot of shows and I’ve always wanted to see myself on TV,” she says. “My current favourite show right now is Umkhokha and my favourite cast member is Hope Mbhele. I remember posting a video of myself expressing my love of the show and my interest in acting alongside Hope as her child in the show. I didn’t realise the traction that video would get as many people viewed and reposted that video. So putting myself out there and wanting to be on TV is second nature to me.”
So what’s next for the child star? “After One Weeks, I’d like to either be on a kids reality show or maybe play the role of a gangster’s child.”
Catch Mangaliso on new episodes of One Weeks streaming every Monday on Showmax.
Join the conversation: #OneWeeks
More like this

Kealeboga Masango’s wild ride in Youngins' final season
Kealeboga Masango talks about Buhle's wild ride in the final season of Youngins, premiering Friday, 19 September on Showmax.

Chicago PD S12
Action-packed spin-off of the Chicago series, following two different units at the Chicago police department: uniformed cops and the Intelligence Unit.

Where to see the cast of Levels on Showmax
From Bonko Khoza as Steve to Lunathi Mampofu as Bongi and Melusi Mbele as Frans, see the cast of Levels in some of their acclaimed roles on Showmax.

Married at First Sight's Bongani on Portia, therapy and more
Bongani reflects on his journey on Married at First Sight Season 2. Catch new episodes every Sunday on Mzansi Magic and Showmax.

Nêrens, Noord-Kaap S1-2
When three estranged brothers reunite, secrets, heartbreak and the truth surrounding their mother’s death threaten the path to redemption.

Lebohang Lephatsoana on Tumelo’s journey in Youngins
Rising star Lebohang Lephatsoana delves into Tumelo's turbulent journey in Youngins Season 3, premiering on Showmax on Friday, 19 September 2025.

Stream the biggest 2025 Emmy winners on Showmax
The Pitt, Hacks and Somebody Somewhere are among the stand-outs of the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards - all available to stream on Showmax.

Binge-watch The Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, featuring Celeste Ntuli and more
Catch Celeste Ntuli alongside top-tier and rising comedians delivering standout performances in The Laugh Africa Comedy Festival Season 2 on Showmax.
Laugh Africa Comedy Festival S2 on Showmax
Youngins S3, coming soon to Showmax
More binge-worthy series to stream

Kealeboga Masango’s wild ride in Youngins' final season
Kealeboga Masango talks about Buhle's wild ride in the final season of Youngins, premiering Friday, 19 September on Showmax.

Chicago PD S12
Action-packed spin-off of the Chicago series, following two different units at the Chicago police department: uniformed cops and the Intelligence Unit.

Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue
Its Red v Blue this weekend, with three blockbuster fixtures lined up to keep you on the edge of your seat. Stream them all on Showmax Premier League.

Where to see the cast of Levels on Showmax
From Bonko Khoza as Steve to Lunathi Mampofu as Bongi and Melusi Mbele as Frans, see the cast of Levels in some of their acclaimed roles on Showmax.
Latest Stories

Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue

Showmax presents September 5: A riveting look at a pivotal moment in news history

From doubt to dynamo: Micky van de Ven's rise at Tottenham

Mhlongo's bold prediction: Pirates to clinch MTN8 Title for a fourth year running

Glory awaits: From MTN8 Kings to Manchester's Crown, football's biggest stage is on Showmax

Art, money and power: a blueprint for The Brutalist

Uncover the soul of South African football with the boxset of Giants

Rianza Snyman on Vaal Riviera and being a stay-at-home mom

The best Premier League signings of 2025's summer window

SA siblings’ debut film chosen for BFI London Film Festival

Simo Magwaza on his challenging role as De Klerk in Youngins

Christopher Jaftha gets top billing in raunchy Khaki Fever

Nkululeko Mahlangu on Makoto, marriage and more

Alexander Isak a great option for LFC's attack, say former Liverpool striker David Ngog

What to watch on Showmax in September 2025

Kate and Annie take charge in Ten Pound Poms Season 2

Tshepo Miya talks about being on Married at First Sight

Vilakazi's verdict: Sundowns to "edge it" in high-stakes MTN8 semi-final

Khaki Fever and more sexy Afrikaans movies and series

Rivalries reignite in thrilling Premier League games on Showmax

5 patients you’ll meet in The Pitt Season 1
.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Ilana Glazer delivers in Babes

Makoto on what really went down in her Married at First Sight journey

Palesa Mphaki on being Married at First Sight, her husband and more