New South African drama 'Homecoming' to premiere this month
Zethu is a straight-A medical graduate who faces shattered surgical dreams and returns to her rural home in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal.
Zethu's return to her roots is anything but easy, as after chasing big-city ambitions, she must now navigate the realities of her small town.
The series explores themes close to the heart of many South Africans: dreams, disappointment, and the unbreakable ties of community, according to DSTV .
Amahle Khumalo, known for her role in Empini , plays a fascinating character in Homecoming : Mthandeni Madlala, a young 'shebeen queen'.
This role is quite different from typical portrayals. Amahle shares, 'I was quite shocked when I found out that Mthandeni runs her own shebeen. It pushed me and a friend out of our comfort zones.
We spent time in shebeens in Alexandra and Soweto. We wanted to experience the culture deeply, not just the parties but the lives behind the scenes.
I'm grateful to those who let me behind the curtain to see how a shebeen really works.'
Mthandeni's life is complicated, as she is married to Shwabi, a powerful ward councillor in Bergville. He is charming, calculating, and not very faithful.
'He promised Mthandeni luxury, a car, a ring, a lifestyle. Now, she is envied by many girls in town,' Amahle explains.
'But as South Africans, we understand the dynamic of 'sugar daddies' and 'sugar babies'. Mthandeni may look glamorous, but she's trapped.
She's yet to admit this isn't the life she truly wants.' She adds, 'When married to someone like Shwabi, you become his property. Your own wishes come last.'
Amahle herself relates deeply to Zethu's journey. 'I went back home in 2023 to start over, reset my goals. Zethu's story isn't one of failure, it's a 'full circle' moment.
She's a product of a loving community that has always supported her.' Though Zethu aimed to study in Johannesburg and build a career in Cuba, life brought her back to Bergville.
'She now has the chance to use her skills to help the very people who shaped her. Going back home is not failing, it's an opportunity.'
The cast combines fresh and familiar faces. Alongside Amahle and Mpume are Sipho Manzini ( The Queen ), Khombi Phetla ( The River ), Mpilo Mbatha ( Shaka iLembe ) and Khayalethu Xaba ( Shaka iLembe ).
Amahle expresses her fondness for the show: 'It's real and relatable. Every South African will see themselves in these characters. The writing is beautiful and unlike anything we've seen before.'
Don't miss Homecoming starting Monday, 28 July at 18:30. The series will air Mondays to Wednesdays on Mzansi Wethu (DStv Channel 163).
This new drama promises to be a heartfelt reflection of South Africa's hopes, struggles, and the power of community. HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED A 'FULL CIRCLE' MOMENT SIMILAR TO ZETHU'S STORY?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
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