Season 1
Mpondoland is a South African television drama series set in the the mystical and richly fertile land of KwaKhonjwayo, a lush, marijuana-cultivating village where the ground is holy, spirits communicate in water and leadership is a sacred gift from the ancestors.
Here we meet Mkhondwana (played by Thembekile Komani), the reluctant heir set to take over as the 'Green thumb' of the village.
However, despite his doubts due to his future plans to eventually leave the village for the city to pursue his artistic interests, he accepts this powerful role.
No sooner has he agreed than a greedy, power-hungry outsider and big pharmaceutical villain, Pele-Pele (Tina Jaxa) arrives, demanding that the villagers sell her their marijuana plantations, throwing the once-harmonious world of KwaKhonjwayo into utter chaos.
Mkhondwana must be resolute as a leader and continue the resistance against the takeover by an adversary who will do anything to get what she wants and at any cost.
This is not an easy feat for Mkhondwana, who is at heart a peacemaker and not a fighter.
This is a tale of identity, greed, self-discovery and responsibility, in a world where legacy still reigns supreme.
Other cast members include Luzuko Nkqeto, Siziphiwe Maqubela, Nkosinathi Emmanuel Gweva, Anele Matoti, Ayanda Makayi, Esihle Ndleleni and many more.
Created by Chumisa Cosa and directed by Nthabiseng Tau, Mpondoland is Mzansi Magic's first isiMpondo language series.
The show is produced by Origins Pictures and executive produced by Mmamitse Thibedi and Chumisa Cosa. The series producer is Allison Forget-Deyes.
The head writers are Mmamitse Thibedi and Chumisa Cosa, with a writing team including Thembakuye Madlala, Thulani Sundu, Thulani Cekiso and Shitshembiso Mabasa.
The score is by The Audio Guys, Hobacity Productions and Bongani Seoli Mashaba.
Season 1 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Thembekile Komani ... Mkhondwana
Tina Jaxa ... Pelepele
Luzuko Nkqeto ... Mzwakali
Siziphiwe Maqubela ... Nomagxivingana
Esihle Ndleleni ... Ivanathi
Khojane Morai ... Dalindyebo
Ayanda Makayi ... Scelo
Recurring / Guests
Macebo Twalo ... Old Man
Anele Matoti ... Mahamba
Zwai Mgijima ... Dizu
Yamkela Mbele ... Younger Man
Siyambonga Mdubeki ... Mbovane
Robert Mpisi ... Businessman Sithembiso
Nondumiso Zweni ... Masukude
Dobs Madotyeni ... Nkanunu
Mlamli Mangcala ... Mthethutsho (as Mlami Mangcala)
Mthura Reshane ... Mbuso
Buntu Ceza ... Tumelo
Onesimo Sibanda ... Pelepele's Goon
Thulani Khunene ... Pelepele's Goon (as Thulani Khunenene)
Mandilakhe Lufundo ... Detective Mbili
Loyola Xundu ... MaMqibe
Yolokazi Noruwana ... Mabhala
Sive Matiwane ... Villager 1
Momelezi Ntshiba ... Villager 2 / Wushe
Khanyisile Ngwabe ... Villager 3
Bonani Ngamlane ... Sipho
Loyola Xundu ... MamQibe
Mthandeni Ntombeli ... Security Guard
Mlamli Mangcala ... Mthethutsho (as Mlami Mangcala)
Chumisa Cosa ... Commissioner
Ayanda Makayi ... Scelo
Ntandazo Peter ... Officer Mabena
Bongeka Khanyile ... Matsolo Bead Lady
Ongeziwa Sofana ... Iva's Friend
Wezo Mpongwana ... Mad Scientist
Sizanobuhle Mlambo ... SRC Leader Mahamba
Mazithi Nduka ... SRC Learner
Mbasa Msongelo ... Onombhola 1
Nontsikelelo Ndzume ... Education Department Official
Sinazo Vinjwa ... Mpondo Girl
Sigqibo Kutase ... Police Informant
Nosabatha Nyombeka ... Old Lady Machunuwa
Siseko Guza ... Drunk Thug
Khanyisile Ngwabe ... Mpondo Singer
Ntandazo Peter ... Officer Mabena
Emmanuel Gweva ... Businessman (as Nkosinathi Gweva)