Inimba
| Inimba | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Telenovela |
| Created by | Siphosethu Tshapu |
| Written by |
|
| Directed by |
|
| Starring |
|
| Country of origin | South Africa |
| Original language | Xhosa |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 210 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producer | The Milton Empire |
| Camera setup | Multi-camera |
| Running time | 22–24 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | Mzansi Magic |
| Release | 14 April 2025 – present |
Inimba is a South African drama series that airs on Mzansi Magic and produced in Johannesburg. The series follows a compelling story centred on family, motherhood and hidden bonds that shape the lives of its characters. Blending emotional drama as it explores themes of identity, truth and the powerful ties that connect and divide two families.
Premise
Inimba follows the intertwined lives of women Zoleka Bikitsha-Mabandla played by Lunathi Mampofu connected by buried secrets, painful pasts and the powerful force of maternal bonds.[1][2] When long hidden truths begin to surface, families are pushed into conflict as loyalties are tested and identities are questioned.[3] As the characters confront betrayal, loss and unexpected revelations, the series explores how the instinct to protect and survive shapes every decision they make.[4][5] Through emotional storytelling and tension filled twists, it examines the weight of heritage and the lengths one will go to reclaim love and truth.[6]
Cast
| Actor/Actress | Character | Seasons | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | Season 2 | ||
| Lunathi Mampofu | Zoleka Bikitsha-Ngcukana | Main | |
| Loyiso Macdonald | Lazarus Ngcukana | Main | |
| Ayakha Ntunja | Qhawe Mabandla | Main | |
| Siya Raymond | Azande Ngcukana | Main | |
| Zenande Mfenyana | Thumeka Mabandla | Main | |
| Sisa Hewana | Hlathi Mabandla | Main | |
| Siyabonga Shibe | Sydney Zondo | Main | |
| Prince Grootboom | Mawethu Phakade | Main | |
| Zizi Peteni | Thulani | Main | Supporting |
| Andrea Dondolo | Magaba Bikitsh | Main | Supporting |
| Sandile Mahlangu | Ongama | Recurring | Supporting |
| Nkanyiso Makhanya | Lwandle Zondo | Main | Supporting |
| Emmanuel Gweva | Lukhanyo Bikitsha | Recurring | |
| Matshepo Sekgopi | Linda Tau | Recurring | |
| Tshepiso Heme | Likamva Mabandla | Recurring | |
| Samkelo Ndlovu | Lillian Gumede | Recurring | |
| Tina Jaxa | Nomfundiso Ngcukana | Recurring | |
| Luzuko Nkqeto | Mr Ngcukana | Recurring | |
Former cast
| Actor/Actress | Character | Seasons |
|---|---|---|
| Mbali Ngwenya | Detective khanyile | 1 |
| Kay Sibiya | Titus | 1 |
| Thuli Zulu | Tsaki's mother | 1 |
Production
Inimba is a South African drama series produced by The Milton Company for Mzansi Magic.[7][8] The series was created and developed by the production team of The Milton Company, with direction led by experienced South African directors and executive producers includes Thandi Ramathesele and Siphosethu Tshapu.[9] Costume and production design reflect local cultural aesthetics, while the show features an ensemble cast including Lunathi Mampofu, Zenande Mfenyana, Sisa Hewana and Ayakha Ntunja.[10][11][12][13] The series uses a multi-camera setup and combines family drama, suspense, and cultural storytelling.[14]
Release
The series premiered on Mzansi Magic on 14 April 2025, airing Mondays to Fridays at 21:00.[15][16]
References
- ^ Khulu, Ntombi. "How Lunathi Mampofu's starring role in Inimba is a journey of healing". News24. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ "Mzansi Magic presents Inimba – A story about a mother's love that won't be silenced!". The Citizen. 2025-03-26. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ Mdaka, Zintle (2025-04-11). "'Inimba' releases a trailer, mzansi reacts". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ Maako, Keitumetse. "'So exciting': Lunathi Mampofu brings Zoleka Mabandla's relatable story to life in Inimba". News24. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ Sibiya, Sibongumenzi. "Mzansi Magic puts local stories in the spotlight!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ "Behind the seams: Cultural conservation and power suits from 'Inimba'". TimesLIVE. 2025-10-13. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ "Who's who in Mzansi Magic's new telenovela Inimba | Inimba Teasers | TVSA". www.tvsa.co.za. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ Tebele, Mbali (2025-07-10). "Viewers Rave About Mzansi Magic's Telenovela Inimba". briefly.co.za. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ Khulu, Ntombi. "Why so many soapies and telenovelas? Producers on SA's top TV trends". News24. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ Khulu, Ntombi. "How Lunathi Mampofu's starring role in Inimba is a journey of healing". News24. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ Zuma, Mbalenhle (2025-09-20). "Sisa Hewana on playing the manipulative Hlathi on 'Inimba'". Sunday World. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ Tladi, Ofentse. "Zenande Mfenyana on her new role as Thumeka in Inimba". News24. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ Gaanakgomo, Constance. "'Inimba captured my heart': Ayakha Ntunja on playing Qhawe on Mzansi Magic". News24. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ Bester, Junior (2025-05-16). "Lunathi Mampofu and Zenande Mfenyana's Powerful Inimba Scene Has Mzansi Hooked". briefly.co.za. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ "Mzansi Magic Presents Inimba – A Story About a Mother's Love That Won't Be Silenced!". Mzansi Magic Presents Inimba – A Story About a Mother’s Love That Won’t Be Silenced!. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ Mdaka, Zintle (2025-10-08). "Mzansi Magic's 'Inimba' announces a 1-hour wedding special episode". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 2025-12-02.