11 May 2017

A truly South African drama

Isithembiso, now available to international Showmax subscribers, is a truly South African story about a young, innocent girl named Simi who comes to the big city in pursuit of her dreams. Simi, originally from KwaZulu-Natal, arrives in iGoli hoping to find her mother and to pursue job opportunities.

She meets Zamani, a guy from a small village in Limpopo with plenty of swag and street smarts. Simi and Zamani’s lives intertwine with that of Banzi, a wolf in sheep’s clothing who easily tricks the wide-eyed and gullible Simi into trusting him.

Bad decisions, bad luck and fate combine and the tale culminates in an explosive climax with long-lasting and life-changing consequences. Industry newcomers Nandi Mbatha (Simi) and Zamani Mbatha (Zamani) are the two young actors central to this telenovela, joining veterans Hamilton Dlamini (Banzi) and Meshack Mavuso (Kero Kunene), among others.

Watch as promises are broken, mistakes made and friendships forged – all in the search for fortune, familial ties, opportunity and education. Will sheer determination and tenacity borne out of youth and hope triumph over obstacles and the hard knocks of life?

Stream Isithembiso now on Showmax.

Please note: Isithembiso is only available to international Showmax subscribers in Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States. Showmax brings you the best South African series and movies, from the classics to the latest releases, from complete box sets to kids’ favourites.

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.

Original

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.

Original

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.

Original

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.

Original

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.

Original

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.

Original

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.

Original

Made in South Africa

Black & Blue S1

Black & Blue, a Showmax Original police-based mockumentary series, now streaming, with new episode every Wednesday.

Original

Made in Kenya

Youngins S2, now on Showmax

Soft Life, now streaming on Showmax

More Mzansi gold

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 on Showmax

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