
30 August 2017
Pippa Tshabalala’s #ShowmaxAddiction
She’s the only mom in South Africa who can destroy her kids at all the video games. Pippa Tshabalala is a veteran of South African gaming and online culture who has been getting Mzansi nerds amped up since her days hosting The Verge in 2008.
We caught up with the legend to ask her inappropriate questions about Game of Thrones characters and to find out what awesome things she’s up to.
What’s your favourite show of all time?
Is it too cliche to say Game of Thrones? [Seasons 1-6 are on Showmax with the latest season coming on 2 October. Watch now »]
Speaking of Game of Thrones, who would you marry, who would you murder, and who would you, ahem, court?
Marry… none of them really, but I guess at a push Jamie Lannister. Murder Ramsey Bolton (I hate that guy, luckily it seems I had to get in line to bump him off!), and, uh, court as you put it, Jon Snow. He’s very emo so I think he would annoy me long term! He’s very pretty though!
What are you currently binge-watching and what do you like about it?
Mr Robot. I saw the first season, but managed to miss the second so I’m catching up! [Seasons 1-2 are on Showmax. Watch now »]
This one’s important. Batman or Spider Man? Or do you prefer the villains?
Of those two? Batman. But in general, the Joker!
As a parent, which kids’ show do you find the least annoying to watch on repeat with your kids?
Animated movies. I studied as an animator, so I can watch animated movies over and over again!
AKA or Cassper Nyovest?
AKA.
Any cool new projects that you’re working on at the moment?
A couple. Some of which you’ll probably hear about in the next few months. The major one is rAge right now – I’m working with them on some cool content in the lead up to the event in October.
And this is a personal question from our geeks around the office. What kind of games are you jamming these days, and can you add us on Steam?
Haha, I’m primarily a console gamer these days, so I do have a Steam account, but I’m mainly playing on PS4 right now. I’m busy playing Matterfall, finishing up Mass Effect: Andromeda, going a bit old school with Full Throttle Remastered and playing endless LEGO co-op with my eldest son!
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.

What if we believed the best can come from here?
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.
SA celebs open up about divorce on Untied
The action heats up on Empini
More Mzansi gold

Jojo dishes on her Real Housewives of Durban journey
Now that Season 5 of The Real Housewives of Durban has come to an end, Jojo opens up about her relationship with Nonku, and which cosmetic procedure is most like RHOD.

10 South African true-crime series, ranked
From The ABC Killer to Tracking Thabo Bester, these true-crime documentary series explore some of South Africa’s darkest crime stories – all available to stream on Showmax.

Must-watch trailer: upcoming Showmax reality show Vaal Riviera
Watch the explosive trailer for Vaal Riviera, a reality series following four families from the Vaal Triangle. Premiering 22 August on Showmax.

Christopher Reeve documentary on Showmax get four Emmy nods
South African producer Robert Ford discusses his Emmy-nominated documentary, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, which premieres on Showmax on Friday, 25 July 2025.