The hit reality series "Uthando Nes’thembu" returns tonight for its ninth season, taking viewers back into the Mseleku household at a time when the family is more exposed and vulnerable than ever.
The series continues to follow Musa Mseleku and his wives, MaCele, MaYeni, MaNgwabe and MaKhumalo, while MaKhwela, also known as Number 5, remains firmly part of the household, continuing to test the family dynamic.
The new season follows the dramatic December special, "#Uncut: Uthando neS’thembu", which left the family at a crossroads.
Viewers watched as some of the wives openly considered leaving the marriage, while Musa faced serious health challenges. The once lively household was forced to confront difficult truths, make tough decisions and begin repairing strained relationships.
“After eight seasons, we are now experiencing something completely different, brought on by the introduction of MaKhwela,” says Musa, who was nominated for Best Male TV Personality at last year’s National Film and Television Awards South Africa. “The core idea of the family’s legacy is being put to the test, and viewers will have a front-row seat to everything.”
As the family opens up more than ever before, some dynamics begin to shift while others remain unchanged. The wives continue to face personal challenges, raising questions about whether the family will find common ground again.
"Uthando Nes’thembu" and its spinoffs, including "Izingane Zes’thembu", have made the Mselekus one of South Africa’s most recognisable families. The show is among the most-watched programmes on DStv, with Season 8 attracting 2.8 million viewers per episode and generating more than one billion social media impressions.
“Watching my family on television is a great and rare opportunity,” says Musa. “Even more so, it makes me realise just how well-known our family is across South Africa and the rest of the continent.”
Despite the show’s long run, Musa believes the new season will continue to surprise audiences. “It is important to keep telling the story because as we grow, the story grows, and it becomes more dynamic,” he says.
“People should watch this season because it brings something new. For the first time, we see the reactions of all the people involved in the show. Nothing will be hidden from them as they get the opportunity to be part of the family and have the right to openly share their opinions.”
Season 9 premieres at 8pm on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161), with new episodes airing twice a week on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Saturday Star