The Wife
Play video

The Wife

Flag zaMade in South Africa

The Wife is a Showmax Original telenovela that follows the Zulu brothers and the women they marry. All episodes are now streaming.

The Wife series is a Showmax Original telenovela that follows the lives of the eight Zulu brothers, a formidable crime family, through the eyes of the women they marry.

Season 1 is inspired by the novel Hlomu the Wife, a bestseller by Dudu Busani-Dube. Rising star Mbalenhle Mavimbela (Skeem Saam, Isipho) plays “Hlomu the wife”, the journalist who falls in love with a taxi driver, not realising that when you marry a man, you marry his secrets. Her love interest, Mqhele, is played by Bonko Khoza, who burst onto the acting scene as Jabz in the multi-award-winning film Necktie Youth and has since appeared in the likes of Professionals and the Emmy-nominated Roots.  

Season 2 is inspired by the follow-up novel, Zandile the Resolute. The role of Zandile, the fierce matriarch of the Zulu family, is played by Khanyi Mbau (Happiness is a Four-Letter Word) and Mondli Makhoba (Umkhokha) reprises his role as Nkosana, the eldest Zulu brother in The Wife.

Produced by Stained Glass, Season 1 of The Wife opened to rave reviews in November 2021, becoming the most-watched launch on Showmax ever. The show trended at the top of Twitter every Thursday during its run, for 13 consecutive weeks. All episodes of Seasons 1-3 are now streaming.

The season kicks off with Naledi, played by Gaisang K Noge, Qhawe’s love, having been kidnapped and the Zulu brothers’ crimes making front-page news. Wiseman Mncube takes over from Bonko Khoza as Mqhele, whose love story with Hlomu remains complicated.

After you’ve watched all episodes of Season 1, Season 2 and Season 3 of The Wife, binge-watch The Wife: Behind The Veil.

More telenovelas and soaps to stream online »

Meet the cast

Naledi

Naledi

The third wife, Naledi Montsho, a doctor who falls for one of the Zulu brothers, Qhawe Zulu. She’s also a princess daughter of the chief of the Royal Thabeng. Rising star Gaisang K Noge plays the role of Naledi.

The Youth Squad on The Wife

The Youth Squad

The Youth Squad aka the younger brothers round up this charismatic criminal family. Thulane Nkululeko Shange plays Mqoqi; Ishmauel Songo plays Mpande; and Swelihle Luthuli plays Ntsika.

Mandisa on The Wife

Mandisa

The mother of Nqoba’s children, Mandisa is sassy and smart. She may be part of a crime family, but she makes sure to get what is due to her. Mandisa is played by Zikhona Sodlaka.

Khanyi Mbau Zandile the Resolute

Zandile

She spent 10 years in prison; now she must win back her children’s love, rebuild her marriage, and establish herself as the matriarch of the Zulu family. Zandile is played by Khanyi Mbau. 

Sipho Ndlovu is Sambulo in The Wife on Showmax

Sambulo

There’s more to this brother than meets the eye. Laid back, funny, an undercover hitman. He’s not after power but is his brothers’ keeper and the true glue working silently to hold them all together. Sipho Ndlovu is Sambulo.

Kwenzo Ngcobo is Qhawe in The Wife Showmax

Qhawe

The sweetest of the brothers, Qhawe is also the family strategist. He saw Hlomu first, and it was love at first sight, but this once, he failed to put a plan into action. Kwenzo Ngcobo is Qhawe.

Abdul Khoza is Nqoba in The Wife on Showmax

Nqoba

He’s a ‘hit first and explains later’ type of guy. Sometimes he doesn’t even explain. Abdul Khoza is Nqoba.

Nkosana

Nkosana

The firstborn of the Zulu brothers, he took charge of the family after his parents’ murder. He’s a man of a few words and thinks carefully before he acts. Nkosana is played by Mondli Makhoba.

Mqhele

Mqhele

On the surface, Mqhele is a loving, family man, but deep inside, his demons are at war with one another. He pursues what he wants until it’s his. In The Wife Season 3, Mqhele is played by Wiseman Mncube.

Mbalenhle Mavimbela is Hlomu on The Wife Showmax

Hlomu

A passionate, young investigative journalist. Love forces her to choose between a life of uncovering the truth and a life of hiding it. Hlomu is played by Mbalenhle Mavimbela.

Videos

Season 2 Episodes 1-3

Available to stream: Now

Season 2 Episodes 4-6

Available to stream: Now

Season 2 Episodes 7-9

Available to stream: Now

Season 2 Episodes 10-12

Available to stream: Now

Season 2 Episodes 13-15

Available to stream: now

Season 2 Episodes 16-18

Available to stream: now

Season 2 Episodes 19 - 21

Available to stream: now

Season 2 Episodes 22 - 24

Available to stream: now

Season 2 Episodes 25 - 27

Available to stream: now

Season 2 Episodes 28 - 30

Available to stream: now

Season 2 Episodes 31 - 33

Available to stream: now

Season 2 Episodes 34 - 36

Available to stream: now

Season 3 Episodes 1-3

Available to stream: now

Season 3 Episodes 4-6

Available to stream: now

Sho't Left for more news on The Wife

Hlomu and Mqhele on The Wife Season 3

The Wife Season 3 episodes 58-60: Hlomu and Mqhele’s tragic deaths

In The Wife finale, Hlomu and Mqhele meet their tragic demise, while Qhawe and Naledi live happily ever after.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
The Wife Season 3 finale now streaming on Showmax

Mbalenhle Mavimbela looks back on her career-making role as Hlomu in The Wife

Mbalenhle Mavimbela reflects on playing Hlomu in Showmax’s groundbreaking telenovela. All episodes of The Wife are streaming on Showmax.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Hlomu confessing on The Wife S3

The Wife Season 3 episodes 55-57 recap: The truth about the Zulu brothers revealed

Hlomu makes a bold move that threatens to destroy the Zulu family. Meanwhile, the royal family is at war, with the princesses striving to dethrone their father.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Hlomu on The Wife

The Wife Season 3 episodes 52-54 recap: Hlomu catches her first body

Hlomu kills Xoli after finding out that she’s a Majola and has been sleeping with her husband on the latest episodes of The Wife Season 3.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Qhawe and Naledi on The Wife Showmax

The Wife Season 3 episodes 49-51 recap: Qhawe fights for Naledi his love

Qhawe rescues Naledi and Hlomu suspects Mqhele is cheating on the latest episodes of The Wife Season 3, now streaming on Showmax.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Naledi crying on the Wife Season 3 episode 48 on Showmax

The Wife Season 3 episodes 46-48 recap: Naledi is missing

Naledi gets kidnapped by her abusive ex and Xoli turns up the heat with the Zulus on the latest episodes of the Wife Season 3.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Khawe in The Wife Season 3 on Showmax

The Wife Season 3 episodes 43-45 recap: Naledi is pregnant

The Wife Season 3 returns with drama, betrayal and jaw-dropping moments. Qhawe makes a shocking revelation about Naledi while Xoli gets one step closer to destroying the Zulu family. 

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
The_Wife_Behind_The_Scenes

5 take-aways from The Wife Behind-the-Scenes Special

Get the inside scoop from the stars of The Wife in front of and behind the camera in this exclusive behind-the-scenes special.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa

More from South Africa

The F-Show on Showmax

The F-Show (2025)

The F-Show features a strong roster led by one of South Africa’s favourite comedians skewering the daily chaos that comes with being South African.

/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Youngins S2 on Showmax

Showmax Gen Z stars speak out for Youth Day 2025

The young stars of Youngins, Soft Life, and Adulting share what Youth Day means to them and how their roles are influencing their generation. See them all on Showmax.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Thembinkosi Mthembu as King Dingiswayo in Shaka iLembe

Youth Day 2025: How 8 South African stars got their start

From Thembinkosi Mthembu to Thuso Mbedu and Lemogang Tsipa, these South African stars have journeyed from humble beginnings to taking our screens and the world by storm.

/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Relebogile from Untied on Showmax

Must-watch trailer for upcoming Showmax talk show, Untied

Watch the explosive trailer for Untied, featuring eight South African celebrities who have gone through public divorces. Hosted by Relebogile Mabotja, the talk show premieres on Showmax on 24 June 2025.

Original
/images/za.svgSouth African
Married At First Sight Mzansi S1_Maintenance Portrait KV

Married At First Sight Mzansi S1

Eight strangers, one goal – to meet their perfect match for the very first time at the end of the wedding aisle. Stream all of Married at First Sight Mzansi Season 1 while you wait for Season 2, on Showmax.

/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Presley Chweneyagae on Cobrizi

Showmax and DStv celebrate the legacy of Presley Chweneyagae

Relive Presley Chweneyagae’s breakout role in the Oscar-winning Tsotsi on Showmax or DStv Stream from 9pm on 6 June, on M-Net at the same time, or in the following days on Mzansi Magic and M-Net Movies Channel 4. Plus the finale of Cobrizi, with Presley in a fan-favourite role, lands on Sunday, 8 June on Mzansi Magic. 

/images/za.svgSouth African
Binnelanders S14 is now on Showmax

Binnelanders S8-14

Binnelanders, an Afrikaans soapie set in and around a fictional private hospital, follows the trials and trauma of the staff and patients.

/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad on Showmax

Showmax announces The Mommy Club: Van die Hoofstad reunion

Leandie du Randt is set to host The Mommy Club: Van die Hoofstad reunion, premiering on Showmax in two parts on 27 June and 4 July 2025.

Original
/images/za.svgSouth African

More Showmax Originals

Youngins S2 on Showmax

Showmax Gen Z stars speak out for Youth Day 2025

The young stars of Youngins, Soft Life, and Adulting share what Youth Day means to them and how their roles are influencing their generation. See them all on Showmax.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Untied on Showmax

Untied S1

Untied explores the deeply personal and often complex experience of divorce, told through the voices of women who have lived it. Stream from 24 June on Showmax.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Relebogile from Untied on Showmax

Must-watch trailer for upcoming Showmax talk show, Untied

Watch the explosive trailer for Untied, featuring eight South African celebrities who have gone through public divorces. Hosted by Relebogile Mabotja, the talk show premieres on Showmax on 24 June 2025.

Original
/images/za.svgSouth African
The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad on Showmax

Showmax announces The Mommy Club: Van die Hoofstad reunion

Leandie du Randt is set to host The Mommy Club: Van die Hoofstad reunion, premiering on Showmax in two parts on 27 June and 4 July 2025.

Original
/images/za.svgSouth African
The Real Housewives of Durban S5 on Showmax

Londie London on RHODurban S5, her return and more

Londie London talks about returning to The Real Housewives of Durban Season 5 as a friend of the main cast. Catch new episodes every Friday on Showmax.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Empini S2 on Showmax

5 explosive moments from Empini Season 2 so far

Empini Season 2 hits hard with betrayals, secrets, and twists that keep viewers hooked. Stream it now on Showmax, with new episodes every Tuesday.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
The Mommy Club S3 on Showmax

Noksie on The Mommy Club S3 and the explosive reunion

Noksie talks about joining The Mommy Club S3, how she feels about the ladies and what went down at the explosive reunion, now streaming on Showmax.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Bet I Love You on Showmax

Bet I Love You (2024)

Financial gain and social status are necessary for Rex, a compulsive gambler, who strives to overcome his addiction and recover squandered funds in a series of humorous situations.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa