Gold Diggers is a South African telenovela created by Portia Gumede which aims to bring key issues affecting the working class to the fore by exploring the dynamics of love, money, family feuds, corruption and economically motivated relationships, against the backdrop of the mining industry.
Set against the backdrop of the mining industry, Season 1 followed ageing miner Patrick Gumede (Mbongeni Ngema), as he took his first steps into the dangerous world of illegal mining. In order to provide for his family, he got increasingly drawn into the dark world of the 'Zama Zama's'.
The Gumede family faced a series of conflicts, with family ties being tested, secrets exposed and the unfolding of a series of shocking events that led to the death of the family's patriarch.
Season 2 picks up from the dramatic season-ending cliffhanger with Ronald and Lucky escaping from jail, with the help of Big Boy. As the new patriarch of the Gumede family, Big Boy forcefully uproots the entire family from the homestead and onto the dusty streets of Soweto, with the prospect of a new life.
Season 2 brings more drama that threatens the family's survival and the challenges of adjusting to the new world - without crime.
Gold Diggers was created by Portia Gumede and produced by Urban Brew Studios. The head writer is Loyiso Mqoma, with writers Ameera Patel, Martin le Maitre, Gillian Breslin and Amanda Lane. Directors on the series include Johnny Barbuzano, David Golden, Sisanda Henna and Zolani Phakade. Barbuzano is the showrunner and the executive producer for e.tv is Luxury Msiza.
The series was filmed on two locations near Muldersdrift in Johannesburg. The theme music is by Tebogo Motlhabi and Alan Lazar, with music by Lalela Music.
Main Cast
Season 1
Patrick Gumede
played by Mbongeni Ngema
From an early age, Patrick knew that he'd be a miner. His father wasn't rich, but had a patch of land and a couple of cows some which helped him to lobola Ruth.
Patrick and Ruth was more like an arranged marriage, although not a forced one. But after marrying Patrick, Ruth couldn't leave or sell the land that belonged to her father in Mashekesheni. Patrick only joined her later.
By then Patrick had a child, Credo, with his mistress May and Ruth only found out about the child after Patrick took May as his second wife and Ruth couldn't stand the betrayal she kicked both May and her child out of her land.
Ronald, who was very young, became Ruth's comfort, the only man who dearly loved her, who didn't keep things from her and who would never leave her - and that's how she would love to see him forever.
Credo passed away from a rock fall incident and the family was forced to sell the cows and let go of their land to cover the hospital bills, hoping that they'll be compensated by the mine.
But after an internal investigation it was revealed that Credo's accident was due to his negligence. That's how Big Boy went to the mines to help with the family's bills.
Ruth Gumede
played by Clementine Mosimane
Ruth grew up in Mpumalanga. Her father had two wives one in Lesotho and Ruth's mother in Mpumalanga and Ruth is their only child.
Marrying Patrick was her dream come true, yet the dream easily turned into a nightmare when Patrick asked to take a second wife. Ruth was reluctant at first, but finally gave in only to find out later that Patrick already had a child with May before she officially became a second wife.
Ruth's son, Ronald, was not Patrick's first born, but the illegitimate Credo was. Out of anger Ruth chased the second wife away with his son. Ruth felt betrayed by Patrick, a wound that never healed properly. As the years passed she would forgive, but not forget and since then has seen May as a spiteful, vicious snake that could strike her anytime.
Ruth constantly acquires muthi to protect herself from May's evil intentions. She can't just fold her arms and relax around this woman from the streets – as she refers to her. However, with Ruth, caring comes naturally and her compassion becomes her weakness sometimes.
May Gumede
played by Tina Jaxa
May grew up in a humble home in the Eastern Cape. She was never content with modesty, hated being poor and couldn't understand why a pretty girl like her could not have all she desired.
In her teens she had an affair with a priest that brought shame to her family. She was sent away to relatives until the stigma wore off, but while away she met the wrong crowd and became a saleslady, trying modelling on the side.
She has done almost everything there is to do, from modelling, waiting tables to modeling on top of the tables as a stripper. May is street-smart, a hustler, will cross the line if it benefits her and has little respect for rules - or for anyone for that matter.
Big Boy Gumede
played by Zuluboy (as Mxolisi Brian Majozi)
Big Boy is the first-born son of Patrick and Ruth. He is a proud, protective, impetuous, determined and hard-working miner. He is loyal to his family and lover and will protect them to the bitter end.
He does not shy away from a physical fight and is confrontational when he needs to protect himself or the ones he loves. Although he is butch, he is also an attentive romantic lover at heart.
He can be a gentle listener when he is with his lover or brute and stubborn when he is with his fellow miners. He is head over heels in love with Nandipha whom he will go to the end of the world to protect.
His goal is to secure Nandipha's freedom from her pimp, Gideon, so that they can be together.
Ronald Gumede
played by Thabo Malema
Ronald is Patrick Gumede's second child to his first wife Ruth. Ronald has problems with his knee, which is why he couldn't go and join his father in the mines, staying behind to work on the farm and look after the family.
Ronald is an optimist, seeking nothing more than to live happily with his wife, foraging off the land. He's left in Big Boy's chair to be the man of the house, but he doesn't have the courage to stand up to anyone let alone his siblings.
From time to time, he finds himself snapping, especially at his younger brother, Lucky, who has formed a special relationship with Ronald's wife, Hlengiwe.
He and Hlengiwe can't have children and they have been trying to use muthi to conceive. His marriage to Hlengiwe was arranged but he has grown to love her a lot.
Lucky Gumede
played by Mpho Sibeko
Lucky is intelligent, charming and he has brains – he could easily be an A-student, yet all he wants is freedom. He refuses to bow to parents' imposition that he goes to college after finishing school.
Lucky is forever challenging authority at the homestead, thereby becoming a headache for everyone, except Hlengiwe – Ronald's wife. Hlengiwe listens to Lucky and is always amused by his free spirit, creating a special bond between them.
Lucky never instigates trouble with intention to hurt; he's actually very kind and caring, which is often revealed when Olwethu is in trouble. He deeply cares for her.
Olwethu Gumede
played by Zimkhitha Nyoka
Olwethu is a wise old soul. She speaks the truth and calls the grown-ups on their waywardness in a nice way. She has an ability to see through people and always tries to find a solution to the problem.
Her beautiful heart makes her to be everyone's favourite and hence she is the bearer of secrets, as everyone confides in her. Olwethu also takes a lot of hurt as her caring is often taken for being nosey.
She's creative – she draws and does beadwork.
Hlengiwe Gumede
played by Fikile Mthwalo
Hlengiwe is a traditional, respectful woman with little to say, but so much to give if she could only find her voice. She appears timid but she's an observer with a lot to say - but never given a chance.
She's an incredibly quiet woman who is barely noticeable when she enters a room. Little is known about her past, her aspirations and needs. She is comedic, traditionalist and kind-hearted, which is why Ronald fell in love with her.
She feels pressured by Ronald's mom Ruth, who wants a grandchild. She would also love to give Ronald a son but she wants it to come out of love and not obligation.
Nandipha
played by Keneilwe Matidze
Nandipha is a tough, smart young woman who works as a prostitute. Her upbringing taught her that life is about survival of the fittest. She learnt that she could use her sexuality and her smarts to survive.
Her survival skill is to think fast and outsmart others. Although she is a prostitute she still has her pride and maintains boundaries she will not allow anyone to overstep.
She has survived the hardships of working for her ruthless pimp, Gideon. Gideon was like a father to her, but kept the receipts whenever he spent money on her and now she owes him a large debt. She fears running from Gideon, because he will kill her.
She is in love with Big Boy as she knows he will protect her - but she suspects that he is naïve.
Gideon
played by Peter Mashigo
Gideon is a feared criminal who uses intimidation to control and instil fear amongst those around him. However, Gideon has not always been this hardened - his childhood informed the person he turned out to be.
He had a rough childhood and was neglected by his mother, which forced him to fend for himself. He developed a hatred for women and sought ways to exploit them.
He is a charming smooth talker but behind that charm lies a dangerous man who wouldn't think twice about killing someone who threatens him or his operations.
He is Nandipha's pimp.
The first seasonalso features Chumisa Cosa as Miss Sibuku, Bheki Mahlawe as Post-Man, Christopher Kubheka as Scar, Bonginkosi Twala as Mandla, Gabriel Mini as Stander, David Johnson as Juan, Sibusiso Black Madondo as Williams, Thandy Matlaila as Happiness and Elliot Makhubo as Bab'Buthelezi.
Added in Season 2
Titus
played by Daniel Hadebe
Titus is a man of presence and stature - nothing fazes or rattles him. To the community, he is their saviour and known for his charitable works. But in reality, he's a cold and heartless man who doesn't care much for relationships - nor any family bonds.
Reverend Moloi
played by Owen Sejake
Rev Moloi is a born-again Methodist priest who found God after his stint in prison. He has a daughter, Emily, and a son, Zakes. He's a gentle soul, but always rides the line between fair and tough – he's no pushover.
Dikeledi
played by Tinah Mnumzana
Neighbour to the Gumede family, Dikeledi is a loud-mouthed and confrontational person. She's an outcast in her community due to her confrontational nature and is Dimpho's mother.
Pastor David
played by Lehlohonolo Makoko
A charismatic priest whose charm and wit can easily detract from the fact that he is a dubious man who is all too eager to have all 10 fingers and 10 toes in every dirty little pie that comes his way. He aids Titus in his smuggling ring, all the while maintaining the façade of a man of God.
Cat
played by Matshepo Maleme
Cat is a mining engineer who is romantically involved with Titus. She is a sexy, ambitious and confident woman who is not constrained by social conventions. She finds a suitable partner in Titus as they're both cold and ruthless.
Emily
played by Dineo Nchabeleng
Emily is Rev Moloi's only daughter. She's in her second year in University and always stands for what is good and right in the world. She has an honest relationship with her dad and is considered 'different' in her community.
Jill
played by Schelaine Bennett
Feisty and tough, with good investigative instincts – that about sums up detective Jill. She's passionate about law enforcement and determined to bring Titus down for his illegal business.
Mpho
played by Andrea Dondolo
Mpho is an amiable and alluring woman in the prime of her life. Her newfound sexuality has afforded her the freedom to express herself. She is recently divorced and who will do anything for her FET students.
Gavin
played by Tom Fairfoot
Gavin is a detective in the SAPS and has been in the police service for many years. He is a man with no moral scruples - he lies and takes kick-backs when he has to. He's never advanced beyond being a detective, and feels he should have a much higher rank than he currently has.
Steel
played by Craig Palm
Steel is Credo's bodyguard. He's of slender build but dangerous, and he's loyal to Credo.
Hashim
played by Luversan Gerard
Hashim is a criminal intelligence agent with the SAPS. He operates mainly undercover. He works closely with the detectives, Jill & Gavin. He's good at his job but is also compassionate and caring. He's also a bit nerdy.
Commander Butler
played by Ron Smerczak
Steven Butler is the station commander at the police station. Integrity and loyalty are important to him - and he's serious about fighting crime.
Humphrey
played by Thobani Mseleni
Humphrey is both opportunistic and dim-witted. He is an impressionable 'eager beaver' who is all too keen to cut corners and bend the rules in order to get ahead. When boxed into a corner, he will do whatever it takes to wiggle his way out. Self-preservation is the name of the game for him.
Dimpho
played by Phindile Zwane
Dimpho unashamedly trades on her looks and sexuality. She has numerous boyfriends and regards herself highly. She is Dikeledi's daughter and has a strained relationship with her mother.
Ben Davis
played by Phillip Molepo
Ben is a local prosecutor. He works closely with Jill and Gavin.
Edmund
played by Loyiso MacDonald
Edmund is a sophisticated, polished and well-groomed lawyer. At face value, he doesn't give the impression that he represents criminals. He's calm, self-assured and doesn't rattle easily.
Dr Parrish
played by Toni Caprari
Dr Parrish is Gold Diggers' arch villain. He buys Credo's gold supply, but he never seems to get his hands dirty. He can affect other people's lives merely by picking up the phone.
Stinna
played by Tiisetso Thoka
Stinna is the class bully who sells weed on the side. He is not the sharpest tool in the box nor the brightest of students. He uses intimidation to get ahead.