26 May 2020
The 4 most heartbreaking funerals on SA TV
Have you ever watched a funeral on TV and felt every single emotion that the characters were feeling? Yeah, we’ve all been there.
Watching some of our favourite TV shows has been such an emotional roller-coaster ride. One minute we’re laughing and celebrating, the next minute we’re mourning. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most heart-wrenching and tragic TV funerals we’ve seen.
Mbali – The River
This death took everyone by surprise. After Mbali died, all the Dikana family members were in utter shock and their sadness could be felt through the screen. Lindiwe blamed herself for her daughter’s untimely passing because of the argument they had before her tragic accident.
Her funeral was absolutely heartbreaking. Andile and Zolani shared touching tributes to their sister. They had nothing but wonderful things to say about Mbali, adding that her life was cut short.
When the family and the rest of the mourners got to the cemetery, things got extremely tough. Lindiwe couldn’t bear the fact that her final moments with Mbali were spent in a huge fight. She broke down and was inconsolable.
Shaka – The Queen
We can all agree that Shaka gave us many unforgettable moments on The Queen. Whether it was his famous quotes, his shenanigans with his uncle Brutus or the many women he was involved with, Shaka was truly a colourful character.
The day of his funeral was very dramatic as his widow, Mmabatho, told mourners exactly what he thought of her late husband. She revealed just how much Shaka broke her heart, adding that he didn’t deserve to rest in peace. There was also drama with Shaka’s side chicks, who not only had the nerve to attend the funeral, but also claimed that he belonged to all of them.
Besides the drama, the funeral was quite emotional and uncle Brutus had a difficult time dealing with the loss. Shaka was not only his nephew, but he was also his confidant and partner in crime.
Thandeka – Isibaya
This one felt too real. Thandeka’s death not only broke the Zungus and the Ndlovus but it also brought sadness to every single fan of the show. The loved character, played Nomzamo Mbatha, had been on the show since the first season. Her exist came as a result of Nomzamo’s move to the United States of America.
Everyone who loved her was distraught after discovering that she had died after being shot.
Her husband, Sbu, couldn’t hold back the tears. He struggled to understand how he would tell their children about her death.
Things became very emotional at her funeral as Sbu remembered the love of his life. “Our love was forbidden. A lot of them tried by all means to stop it but we overcame it,” he said. Theirs was a real love story.
Her father, Mpiyakhe couldn’t help but cry for his beloved daughter.
Mbongeni – Gomora
The new telenovela started with a bang! Viewers were introduced to a rich couple from a lush suburb. It was a picture-perfect story that turned into tragedy when Mbongeni was killed in a hijacking. He left his entire family broken and wondering how they would move forward from the unexpected situation.
The bank CEO unfortunately left his wife and children with no money and to make things worse, before he died, he came clean about embezzling funds from the bank. He could have faced a minimum of ten years in jail.
The River, Gomora, Isibaya and The Queen are all available to stream on Showmax. New episodes of Gomora will be available from 1 June 2020.
Original African stories by local talent
Unfollowed S1-2
Unfollowed examines cancel culture in social media through real-life stories of South African celebs. Stream S2 now, with new episodes weekly.
Made in South Africa
The Hot Seat S1
The Hot Seat promises bold banter as some of Kenya’s biggest celebrities face the heat. Stream now, with new episodes weekly.
Made in Kenya
Nairobi Bachelor S1
Nairobi Bachelor follows the journey of young bachelors and singletons on a quest to find their perfect match. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
Made in Kenya
Spooksoeker S1
When Warno Alberts turns 15, he suddenly becomes aware of ghosts in his dorpie – and it’s now his job to banish them. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Made in South Africa
4Play
4Play follows four men who, despite their chaotic personal lives, find friendship, love and perseverance in Nairobi’s concrete jungle. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Made in Kenya
Die Tollie & Manila Show
A bold talk show where SA celebs join drag queens Tollie Parton and Manila von Teez for an evening of conversation and games… in drag. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday.
Made in South Africa
The Station Strangler
The Station Strangler is a true-crime documentary investigating the serial killer who is believed to have killed 21 young boys and one adult from the late 80s to the mid-90s on the Cape Flats. Now available to stream.
Made in South Africa
Black & Blue S1
Black & Blue, a Showmax Original police-based mockumentary series, now streaming, with new episode every Wednesday.
Made in KenyaYoungins S2, now on Showmax
Soft Life, now streaming on Showmax
More Mzansi gold
Huisgenoot Ware Lewensdramas: Vlees en Bloed S2
A gripping new true-crime series that focusses on the most shocking cases of familicide in South Africa.
Outopsie S1-3
Senior forensic pathologist Dr Hestelle van Staden reveals what really happens behind closed doors in captivating cases where forensic pathology played a central role.
Made in South Africa
Great African Crimes with Mandy Wiener (2024)
This one-off special explores three dramatic cases that left South Africa stunned: Daisy de Melker, the so-called Sea Cottage incident, and the Krugersdorp bank robbery.
Made in South Africa
Zarelda de Bruin on her breakout debut role in Spooksoeker
The 17-year-old Zarelda de Bruin plays Melissa in the Showmax Original Spooksoeker, now available to stream. Catch new episodes every Thursday.
Made in South Africa