Stoic and strong, meet Queen Mabamba kaDonga, mother to Dingiswayo (Godongwane), and wife to King Jobe. When her sons are slain, and Godongwane flees, we witness a devastated and grieving mother.
Mabamba endures great indignity and loneliness, and things only start looking up for her when Dingiswayo makes his return from exile, banishes his traitorous brother, Mawewe, and seizes the Mthethwa throne.
You'll be glad to know that currently, Mabamba is living the soft life as queen mother alongside her brave heart and strategic son Dingiswayo.
Queen Mabamba is brought to life by veteran actress Baby Cele. Cele has kept enchanting audiences with her exceptional performances on stage and television for over three decades. She has appeared in numerous productions, which include Backstage, Isidingo, Home Affairs, Shreds & Dreams, Sokhulu and Partners, Ring of Lies, and Jozi Street. Apart from Shaka iLembe, she is currently famous for playing the role of Gabisile Mdletshe in the drama series Uzalo and has scooped the Best Actress Award at the Simon Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards for this role.
Nina abeSilo samabandla. Nina abeNgoyama. Bayede. We love hearing from you. Are you enjoying Cele's portrayal of Mabamba? Hit us up on social media right now.
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Watch it on Sundays at 20:00 on Mzansi Magic DStv channel 161 and the repeat on Fridays at 21:30.
Shaka iLembe’s headline sponsor is Telkom. Associate sponsors are Grant’s Whisky and LottoStar, while tactical sponsors are Santam and Toyota SA.