Season 1
Thuli noThulani is a South African sitcom created by Rethabile and Katleho Ramaphakela about twin siblings who have to share their life together again, after single mom Thuli runs into a bout of bad luck. Now playboy bachelor Thulani has to adjust to being one half of a pair again, as well as a reluctant father to Thuli's ten-year-old daughter.
It's just a random Friday night with a girl that Thulani Zondi (28) has been trying to get with for weeks - and now it looks like he might be able to seal the deal. Everything is going as planned until there is a knock on the door.
In bursts Thuli Zondi (28), in tears; her marriage is over and she doesn't know what to do. She left her husband and took her daughter, Mbali Zondi (10), with her. The only person she can turn to is her twin brother Thulani. This obviously ruins Thulani's night but he can't exactly say no, right?
So he agrees to let her stay... but only for a couple of days.... or so he thinks.
For PR maven - and the 'three minutes younger' brother, Thulani - the fact that his sister and his niece have suddenly moved in with him is a catch-22. On the one hand, Thuli cramps his style, is a chick-repellent and now he has to hide his playboy lifestyle and deal with being a father-figure to a 10-year-old girl.
But on the other hand, he now has someone (or so he thinks) to do the washing, cleaning and cooking for him.
For 'three minutes older' sister Thuli, moving in with her brother is a little more tragic, especially because she has become accustomed to living that hashtag-blessed-life, where she never had to hold a job for more than five seconds.
Her "blesser" (sugar daddy) husband, Martin Khumalo, literally paid for everything when he took her and her daughter in. See, Thuli had Mbali when she was in matric when she thought she loved her then-high school sweetheart, but that obviously didn't work.
Fortunately, Thuli was able to find love again at 24 with a man she initially intended to only be a part-time sugar-daddy. But two years later they got married and he treated Mbali like his own. That didn't stop him from having a roving eye and wanting to "bless" other women, so to speak.
Fast-forward a couple of years later and now Thuli has to start from scratch - and her brother is the only one that she can turn to. She can't go running to her parents because she could never bear to tell them that she is about to become a single parent... again. Especially as her mom has become obsessed with planning her white wedding, since Thuli only got married traditionally.
Luckily, Thulani has done well for himself and she can live off him for a while until she finds her feet again... which could be indefinite, as Thuli's not known for finding her feet...
The series stars Wright Ngubeni as Thulani Zondi, Tango Ncetezo as Thuli Zondi, Slindokuhle Tshabalala as Mbali Zondi and Mthunzi Ntoyi as Zuko. recurring roles include Mpho Molepo as Tshumo, Ebenhaezer Dibakwane as Kaygee, Kitty Moepang as Amanda and Mpho Ranwedzi as Kitso.
Thuli noThulani was created by Rethabile and Katleho Ramaphakela and is produced by Burnt Onion Productions by executive producers Rethabile Ramaphakela, Katleho Ramaphakela and Tshepo Ramaphakela. Victoria Maake is a producer.
The first episode was directed by Bonga Mkhize. Rethabile Ramaphakela and Katleho Ramaphakela are the head writers with a writing team that includes Meren Reddy, Brad Katzen, Tshego Monaisa, Karabo Lediga, Mpho Osei-Tutu, Julian Koboekae, Zola Hlungwani and Anne Davis. Music is by Promise Land Entertainment, with vocals by Reason.
Season 1 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Tango Ncetezo ... Thuli Zondi
Wright Ngubeni ... Thulani Zondi
Slindokuhle Tshabalala ... Mbali Zondi
Kitty Moepang ... Amanda
Mthunzi Ntoyi ... Zuko
Ebenhaezer Dibakwane ... Kaygee
Mpho Molepo ... Tshumo
Mpho Ranwedzi ... Kitso
Recurring / Guests
Shalima Mkongi ... Funeka
Siyabonga Mtshali ... Young Thulani
Luyanda Duma ... Young Thuli
Thandile Dlamini ... Thandi
Gugu Atyosi ... Domestic Worker
Mohau Cele ... Vince Principle (as Mohau Mokoatle)
Kagiso Lediga ... Kagiso
Peter Sephuma ... Mr Zondi
Thembsie Matu ... Mrs Zondi
Tumi Morake ... Guest Appearance - Herself
Lindo Ntombela ... Sbuda
Khanya Mkangisa ... Guest Appearance - Herself
Saba Hassan ... Miss Azizi
Kay Sibiya ... Themba
Londeka Mlaba ... Thembi
Motlatsi Mafatshe ... Masego
Kgomotso Matsunyane ... Mpumi
Raymond Mabaya ... Martin