Season 1
Thandeka's Diary is South African teen sitcom created by Mandla N which revolves around the growing pains and (mis)adventures of 16-year-old Thandeka Zulu (Busi Mtshali) from Kagiso in the West Rand, and her colourful collection of family, friends and frenemies.
Her boastful father Bheki (Skhumba Hlophe) is a mechanic and her protective mother Neo (Tumi Maretele) is a self-employed seamstress who will do anything to turn back the clock, going to great lengths to keep her looks. Her parents don't bring in much but their belief is that family is more important than money.
Thandeka's 7-year-old sister Ayanda (Katlego Dinga) is like all annoying 7-year-olds: nosey and mischievous.
The family lives in a big house which her father inherited from his parents, who in turn were given the house by the old mine manager. The house came with her father's eldest brother Malume (Babsy Selela), who never moved out when they moved in, never lifts a finger, and is patiently waiting to inherit the house while reminding Thandeka's dad at every opportunity.
Thandeka is an intelligent high schooler and is often led by her curiosity into sticky situations, which require her to be rescued by her sassy BFF Sihle (Lwazi Mthembu), whose 'can do' attitude always saves the day.
Thandeka's world is rounded off by her sworn frenemy December (Dee) - or Cruella December as she's called behind her back. The mean know-it-all is played by Kgaogelo Monama.
Thandeka's Diary stars Busi Mtshali as Thandeka, Skhumba Hlophe as Bheki Zulu, Tumi Maretele as Neo Zulu, Katlego Dinga as Ayanda Zulu, Babsy Selela as Malume Mbube, Lwazi Mthembu as Sihle, Nomboniso Paile as Joyce, Jay Boogie as Sgo, Kgaogelo Monama as Dee and Lindo Ntombela as JJ.
The series was created by Mandla N, who is also executive producer with Tumi Masemola, TT Mbha and Lucy Witts for Black Brain Pictures. Mandla N is also the writer and director. Nicci Fourie is a producer.
The theme tune is by Black Soul Inc, with vocals by Rethabile Roberta Khumalo.
Season 1 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Busi Mtshali ... Thandeka Zulu (as Busisiwe Mtshali)
Skhumba Hlophe ... Bheki Zulu
Tumi Maretele ... Neo Zulu
Katlego Dinga ... Ayanda Zulu
Babsy Selela ... Malume Mbube
Lwazi Mthembu ... Sihle (as Lwazilubanzi Mthembu)
Nomboniso Paile ... Joyce
Jay Boogie ... Sgo
Kgaogelo Monama ... Dee
Lindo Ntombela ... JJ
Recurring / Guests
Jai Prakash ... Mr Govender
Michelle Ayden ... Mrs van Niekerk
Nomsa Buthelezi ... Candidate
Lerato Kganyago ... Widow
Thembsie Matu ... Ntombi (as Thembisile Matu)
Pearl Thusi ... Katlego
Russel Savadier ... Principal
Pascaline Phale ... Dee's Mom
Siphiwe Nkosi ... Pastor
Baby Reginah Makgoga ... Gogo
Thobile Zuma ... Ayanda's Teacher
Mpho Molefe ... Photographer
Vuyo Mokwena ... Gay Guy
Mbuyiselo Dyuboni ... Detective
Busi Ntuli ... Priscilla
Thabang Mphahlele ... Drug Dealer
Sabelo Ndlovu ... Kid
Tshepo Motshegoa ... Counsellor
Annette van Rooyen ... Sexy Nurse
Gugulethu Sithole ... Ayanda's Friend
Rorisang Mthembu ... Ayanda's Friend
Nomonde Gwala ... Pastor's Wife
Kwena Mokoena ... Pastor's Son
Dusty Rich ... Cowboy
Maureen Tshabalala ... Gogo
Caroline Nthabeleng Yonke.. Mama