Isithembiso

This series explores the journeys of two young individuals who arrive in the City of Gold, driven not only by the pursuit of wealth but also by their desire to connect with family, seize opportunities, and gain an education.

TV Series: 2017–2020

IMDb RATING: 8.3/10

Genre: Drama

Direction

The series was brought to life by a talented group of directors:

• John Barker – Directed 710 episodes in 2017
• Emile Smith – Directed 710 episodes in 2017
• Itumeleng Mohlabane – Directed 18 episodes in 2018
• Zeno Petersen – Directed 15 episodes between 2018 and 2019

Writing Credits

The writing team was instrumental in crafting the series’ engaging storyline, including:

• Alex Burger – Story contributor for 724 episodes (2017-2018)
• David Gordon – Head writer for 718 episodes (2017-2018)
• Justine Loots – Storyliner for 724 episodes (2017-2019)
• Sayitsheni Mdakhi – Storyliner for 724 episodes (2017-2019)
• Catherine Muller – Contributed to 1 episode in 2019
• Charleen Ntsane – Storyline contributor for 724 episodes (2017-2019)
• Daniel Zimbler – Storyliner for 724 episodes (2017-2019)

Main Cast

The series featured a diverse and talented ensemble cast, including:

• Hamilton Dlamini as Banzi (717 episodes)
• Nandi Mbatha as Simi (716 episodes)
• Zamani Mbatha as Zamani (716 episodes)
• Chichi Letswalo as Claudia (716 episodes)
• Meshack Mavuso as Kero (710 episodes)
• Lillian Dube as Ethel (20 episodes)
• Llewellyn Cordier as John (9 episodes)
• Mxolisi Masango as Leo (7 episodes)
• Sandile Mahlangu as Cheezboi (5 episodes)
• Paballo Koza as Junior’s Friend (3 episodes)
• Malibongwe Mdwaba as Lungi (2 episodes)
• Notable guest appearances included:
  • Mpho Osei Tutu as Mayor Shivambu (1 episode)
  • Luversan Gerard as Pastor Donovan (1 episode)
• Farieda Metsileng
• Kwezi Ndlovu

Production Team

The show was produced by a dedicated team:

• Kutlwano Ditsele – Co-producer for 728 episodes (2017-2018)
• Emile Smith – Associate producer for 723 episodes (2017-2018)
• Angus Gibson – Executive producer for 711 episodes (2017-2019)

Technical Team

The visuals of Isithembiso were captured by skilled cinematographers and editors:

• Zeno Petersen – Cinematography for 724 episodes (2017-2019)
• Jeremy Briers – Editing for 730 episodes (2017-2019)
• Jack Esterhuizen – Editing for 728 episodes (2017-2018)

Awards and Nominations for Isithembiso

Isithembiso, the acclaimed South African telenovela, has garnered significant recognition throughout its run, boasting an impressive array of wins and nominations at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs). Below is a detailed overview of its accolades:

2020 SAFTA Highlights

• 5 Wins & 13 Nominations in total.
• Nominee: Best Actor – Telenovela
  • Hamilton Dlamini
• Nominees: Best Achievement in Directing – Telenovela
  • Zeno Petersen
  • Itumeleng Mohlabane
  • Lufuno Nekhabambe
  • Jeremy Briers
• Nominee: Best Achievement in Editing – Telenovela
  • Llewellyn James Rice
  • Kirsten De Magalhaes
  • Jeremy Briers
  • Mothlatsi Molefe
• Nominee: Best Achievement in Sound Design – TV Soap
  • Mark Phillips
  • Vaughan Phillips
  • Charles Sijaji
• Nominee: Best Achievement in Cinematography – Telenovela
  • Isithembiso (2017)
• Nominee: Audience Award for Most Popular TV Soap
  • Jeremy Briers

2019 SAFTA Achievements

• Winner: Best Achievement in Editing – TV Soap
  • Kirsten De Magalhaes
  • Rian van der Walt
  • Jeremy Briers
  • Matodzi Nemungadi
• Nominee: Best Achievement in Directing – TV Soap
  • Itumeleng Mohlabane
  • Darryl Fuchs
• Winner: Best Achievement in Scriptwriting – TV Soap
  • Charleen Ntsane
  • Matthew Jankes
  • Daniel Zimbler
  • Sayitsheni Mdakhi
  • Iain Paton
  • Catherine Muller
  • Libby Dougherty
  • Andrew Petersen
  • Mbasa Tsetsana
• Winner: Best Achievement in Sound Design – TV Soap
  • Charles Sijaji
  • Mark Phillips
• Winner: Best Achievement in Cinematography – TV Soap
  • Isithembiso (2017)

2018 SAFTA Recognition

• Winner: Best Actor – TV Soap
  • Hamilton Dlamini
  • Isithembiso (2017)
• Nominee: Best Achievement in Original Score – TV Soap
• Nominee: Best Achievement in Cinematography – TV Soap
  • Zeno Petersen
• Nominee: Best Achievement in Make-up and Hairstyling – TV Soap
  • Nothando Pamela Majoni
  • Trudi Mantzios
• Nominee: Best Achievement in Art/Design – TV Soap
  • Dylan Lloyd
• Nominee: Best Telenovela
  • Isithembiso (2017)
• Nominee: Audience Award for Most Popular TV Soap

Show Details

• Release Date: April 3, 2017 (South Africa)
• Country of Origin: South Africa
• Official Site: DSTV
• Language: Zulu
• Production Company: The Bomb Shelter

This remarkable recognition reflects Isithembiso‘s impact on South African television, demonstrating its engaging storytelling, skilled performances, and outstanding production quality.