Mpondoland (TV series)
| Mpondoland | |
|---|---|
| Genre | |
| Created by | Chumisa Cosa |
| Written by |
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| Directed by |
|
| Starring |
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| Country of origin | South Africa |
| Original language | Xhosa |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 13 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
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| Producer | Origins Pictures |
| Camera setup | Multi-camera |
| Running time | 50–54 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | Mzansi Magic |
| Release | 7 December 2025 – present |
Mpondoland is a South African television drama created by Chumisa Cosa and produced by Origins Pictures that premiered on Mzansi Magic on 7 December 2025. The series explores the conflict between ancestral tradition and corporate greed in the Eastern Cape. It stars Thembekile Komani and Tina Jaxa, and is celebrated for its authentic use of the isiMpondo language.
Premise
Mpondoland is set in the fictional village of KwaKhonjwayo in the Eastern Cape, it follows Mkhondwana played by Thembekile Komani, a man torn between his modern life and his destiny as the reluctant heir to his village's leadership.[1] The story intensifies when a ruthless pharmaceutical syndicate, led by the cold blooded Pele Pele played by Tina Jaxa.[2] As Mkhondwana rises to protect his heritage, the series explores the high stakes battle between ancestral tradition and corporate greed by highlighting the resilience of the Mpondo people.[3][4]
Cast
Lead cast
- Thembekile Komani as Mkhondwana
- Tina Jaxa as Pele Pele
- Siziphiwe Maqubela as Noma
- Luzuko Nkqeto as Mzwakali
- Anele Matoti as Mahamba
- Khojane Morai as Dalindyebo
- Ayanda Makayi as Scelo
Supporting cast
- Robert Mpisi as Sithembiso
- Mlamli Mangcala as Mthethutsho
- Mbasa Msongelo as Onombhola
- Momelezi Ntshiba as Wushe
Recurring cast
- Nkosinathi Emmanuel Gweva
- Esihle Ndleleni
- Dobs Madotyeni
- Ntando Peter
Production
Mpondoland was created by Chumisa Cosa, and was a executive producer alongside Mmamitse Thibedi.[5] The series was produced in South Africa, with principal photography taking place in Mpondoland. The production incorporated the use of Xhosa language and involved consultation with local communities to support cultural representation. The series features a predominantly South African cast and crew include Tina Jaxa and Thembekile Komani contributing to the development and promotion of local television content.[6][7]
Release
The series premiered on Mzansi Magic from 7 December 2025, airing only on Sundays at 20:00 for one hour.[8]
References
- ^ Moganedi, Kgomotso (5 December 2025). "Mzansi Magic brings first isiXhosa Mpondo drama 'Mpondoland' to Sunday nights". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ Zuma, Mbalenhle (5 December 2025). "Tina Jaxa returns to TV in bold new fantasy series 'Mpondoland'". Sunday World. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ Mjangaze, Lebo (10 December 2025). "Language use in 'Mpondoland' drama series causes a stir". Daily Dispatch. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ Mbatha, Mbali (21 December 2025). "Will Mpondoland successfully spark a conversation on cultural awareness?". News24. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ Motaung, Rolland Simpi (4 December 2025). "A love letter to AmaMpondo". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ Gaanakgomo, Constance (6 December 2025). "'It's a first': Thembekile Komani set to captivate in groundbreaking drama Mpondoland". News24. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ Zuma, Mbalenhle (5 December 2025). "Tina Jaxa returns to TV in bold new fantasy series 'Mpondoland'". Sunday World. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ "Mpondoland from Origins Productions as new Sunday night dagga drama from 7 December for Mzansi Magic with Thembekile Komani and Tina Jaxa". TV with Thinus. 22 October 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
External links
- Mpondoland at IMDb