Season 1
Is'thunzi is a South African teen drama television series created by Amanda Lane and set in the fast-paced world of South Africa's born-frees and in an age of wireless headphones, "dabbin" and memes, which follows the exploits of four girls who call themselves Ninjas.
The series unpacks the complexities that teenagers are faced with from all walks of life and the choices they are forced to make on their journey to adulthood.
Leading a group of girls who refer to themselves as "Ninjas", the drama unfolds when we meet the go-getter and sassy Winnie (Thuso Mbedu) who dreams of marrying a rich and famous rugby player. But her dreams are dashed when she's exiled to go live with her strict aunt in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal.
In Bergville we meet the rest of the Ninjas: the young wife Londi (Zikhona Bali) who defies her in-laws by returning to school to get her matric; the misunderstood creative spirit Thishiwe (Makgotso M) who terrifies the community because of the darkness that befell her family; and completing the squad is Noxolo (Yolanda Msimanga), a shy and smart girl with a shameful secret.
Together, the girls help Winnie to snag her prince while also searching for their own happily-ever-after.
Joining the ensemble cast are Nandi Nyembe, Sdumo Mtshali, Bohang Moeko, Mbali Maphumulo, Pallance Dladla and newcomer Thulane Shange.
Follow Winnie, Londi, Noxolo and Thishiwe as they pursue their dreams and form a bond that will not only push them over the edge, but also grow them in ways they never could have imagined.
Can Cinderella find her prince and create her own happiness without the help of her fairy godmother?
Is'thunzi is produced by Rapid Blue with executive producers Duncan Irvine, Kee-Leen Irvine and Ed Worster. Janine Wessels is a producer. The series was created and directed by Amanda Lane, who is also the head writer and storyliner. Thishiwe Ziqubu is a scriptwriter and translator.
Season 1 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Thuso Mbedu ... Winnie
Zikhona Bali ... Londiwe
Makgotso M ... Thishiwe
Yolanda Kgaka ... Noxolo
Nandi Nyembe ... Nolwazi
Recurring / Guests
Bohang Moeko ... Lebone
Kuthula Buna ... Malibongwe
Sibusiso Gaca ... Thomas
Geelbooi Motaung ... Sugar Daddy
Mbali Cele ... Gash
Jing Chen ... China Store Owner
Thami Xhosa ... Club DJ (as Thami Xhoza)
Arthur Zita ... Truck Driver
Buhle Nhlapo ... Sporo
Sbuhle Mncunu ... Sizani
Sukoluhle Bill ... Buhle
Mbali Maphumulo ... Nomonde
Vicky Kente ... Mamntungwa
Kgosi Mongake ... Panda
Israel Makoe ... Zakes
Pallance Dladla ... Duke
Siyabonga Shibe ... Matthews
Yolanda Hlakula ... Radio DJ
Boipelo Moeti ... Mrs Simelane
Tkay Kaula ... Anele
Kholofelo Dlabane ... Farm Labourer
Madolphy Mehaga ... Ntombi
Thando Mhlontlo ... Zithu
Siphindile Dlamini ... Angel
Muzi Vilakazi ... Tavern Owner
Phaphama Sinxi ... Priest
Ntokozo Buthelezi ... Radio Producer
Malebo Rakgogo ... Mangobese
Jabulani Phambana ... Mr Mabaso
Thulane Shange ... Lwazi
Sdumo Mtshali ... Mandla (as S'dumo Mtshali)
Zodwa Nkosi ... Zamo
Ndaba ka Ngwane ... Sifiso
Yi Chun ... Chow
Sbuhle Mchunu ... Sizani (as Sbuhle Mncunu)
Mbasa Msongelo ... Casper
Phindile Nkatswayo ... Customer
Edgar Moloko ... Mandla's Friend
Isaac Mokoena ... Khuzwayo
Francois Coetzee ... Garage Manager
Zwelakhe Mtsaka ... Fashion Show