Inimba

Inimba
GenreTelenovela
Created bySiphosethu Tshapu
Written by
  • Siphosethu Tshapu
  • Sacha Stokes
  • Nombulelo Mcwerah
  • Sibusiso Khumalo
  • Ranga Chikwene
  • Nonzi Bogatsu
  • Kirsten M. Adams
Directed by
  • Mamohato Askew
  • Siyabonga Mkhize
  • Thandokazi Msumza
  • Lufuno Nekhabambe
Starring
Country of originSouth Africa
Original languageXhosa
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes210
Production
Executive producers
  • Thandi Ramathesele
  • Siphosethu Tshapu
ProducerThe Milton Empire
Camera setupMulti-camera
Running time22–24 minutes
Original release
NetworkMzansi Magic
Release14 April 2025 (2025-04-14) –
present

Inimba is a South African drama series that airs on Mzansi Magic. Set in Johannesburg, Inimba is a compelling story centred on family, motherhood and hidden bonds that shape the lives of its characters. It explores themes of identity, truth and the powerful ties that connect and divide two families.

Premise

Inimba follows Zoleka Bikitsha-Mabandla played by Lunathi Mampofu who returns to South Africa after twenty years away seeking to face her painful past with has buried secrets. When long hidden truths begin to surface, families are pushed into conflict as loyalties are tested and identities are questioned. As the characters confront betrayal, loss and unexpected revelations, the series explores how the instinct to protect and survive shapes every decision they make. Through emotional storytelling and tension filled twists, it examines the weight of heritage and the lengths one will go to reclaim love and truth.

Cast

Actor/Actress Character Seasons
Season 1 Season 2
Lunathi Mampofu Zoleka Bikitsha–Ngcukana Main
Sisa Hewana Hlathi Mabandla Main
Zenande Mfenyana Thumeka Mabandla Main
Loyiso Macdonald Lazarus Ngcukana Main
Ayakha Ntunja Qhawe Mabandla Main
Siya Raymond Azande Ngcukana Does not appear Main
Siyabonga Shibe Sydney Zondo Main
Prince Grootboom Mawethu Sonjica Main
Nasiphi Ntabeni Nontsikelelo Mabandla Recurring Main
Zizi Peteni Thulani Mabandla Recurring Main
Pumeza Rashe Matoti Thandeka Mabandla Recurring Main
Andrea Dondolo Magaba Bikitsha Recurring
Sandile Mahlangu Ongama Mhlongo Recurring
Nkanyiso Makhanya Lwandle Zondo Main Recurring
Emmanuel Gweva Lukhanyo Bikitsha Recurring
Tshepiso Heme Likamva Mabandla Recurring Guest
Samkelo Ndlovu Lillian Gumede Recurring
Tina Jaxa Nomfundiso Ngcukana Recurring
Luzuko Nkqeto Zwelinzima Ngcukana Recurring

Former cast

Actor/Actress Character Seasons
Mbali Ngwenya Detective khanyile 1
Kay Sibiya Titus 1
Thuli Zulu Tsaki's mother 1
Tshepiso Jeme Likamva Mabandla 1


Production

Inimba is produced by The Milton Company for Mzansi Magic. The series was created by Siphosethu Tshapu, who is also the head writer, and the executive producer alongside Thandi Ramathesele. 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. The series uses a multi-camera setup and combines family drama, suspense, and cultural storytelling.

Release

The series premiered on Mzansi Magic on 14 April 2025, airing Mondays to Fridays at 21:00.

References

  1. ↑ Khulu, Ntombi. "How Lunathi Mampofu's starring role in Inimba is a journey of healing". News24. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  2. ↑ "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.
  3. ↑ Mdaka, Zintle (2025-04-11). "'Inimba' releases a trailer, mzansi reacts". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  4. ↑ Maako, Keitumetse. "'So exciting': Lunathi Mampofu brings Zoleka Mabandla's relatable story to life in Inimba". News24. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  5. ↑ Sibiya, Sibongumenzi. "Mzansi Magic puts local stories in the spotlight!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  6. ↑ "Behind the seams: Cultural conservation and power suits from 'Inimba'". TimesLIVE. 2025-10-13. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  7. ↑ "Who's who in Mzansi Magic's new telenovela Inimba | Inimba Teasers | TVSA". www.tvsa.co.za. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  8. ↑ Tebele, Mbali (2025-07-10). "Viewers Rave About Mzansi Magic's Telenovela Inimba". briefly.co.za. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  9. ↑ Khulu, Ntombi. "Why so many soapies and telenovelas? Producers on SA's top TV trends". News24. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  10. ↑ Khulu, Ntombi. "How Lunathi Mampofu's starring role in Inimba is a journey of healing". News24. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  11. ↑ Zuma, Mbalenhle (2025-09-20). "Sisa Hewana on playing the manipulative Hlathi on 'Inimba'". Sunday World. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  12. ↑ Tladi, Ofentse. "Zenande Mfenyana on her new role as Thumeka in Inimba". News24. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  13. ↑ Gaanakgomo, Constance. "'Inimba captured my heart': Ayakha Ntunja on playing Qhawe on Mzansi Magic". News24. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  14. ↑ Bester, Junior (2025-05-16). "Lunathi Mampofu and Zenande Mfenyana's Powerful Inimba Scene Has Mzansi Hooked". briefly.co.za. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  15. ↑ "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.
  16. ↑ Mdaka, Zintle (2025-10-08). "Mzansi Magic's 'Inimba' announces a 1-hour wedding special episode". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 2025-12-02.