Mzansi Magic is keeping up with viewer demand when it brings back the acclaimed and award-nominated limited series Umkhokha – but this time, as a telenovela. That’s right: from Monday 6 March at 20:30, viewers can get their fix of drama and deceit every weeknight (Monday to Friday) on DStv Channel 161. 

After ending season 1 on a cliffhanger of note, the series about two families at war promises a new era that is riveting, emotive and filled with more twists and turns, under the title Umkhokha – The Curse. 

Returning cast members include Deli Malinga (as MaMzobe), Sibonile Ngubane (as Difa), Nay Maps (as Sphamandla), and Hope Mbhele (as Mabusi). New cast members on Umkhokha – The Curse are Gcinile Nkosi as MaNzimande and Daniel Hadebe as Reggie.

“It’s always a positive conundrum when viewers express that a show was on air for too short a time, and that was the overwhelming reaction we were met with when Umkhokha came to an end after 13 weeks. Audiences were glued to the show and constantly engaged with the story and spoke about it on social media and on the radio – so its return is long awaited. We’re pleased that it will now be a telenovela,” says Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net. 

“Remaining adaptable and listening to viewers’ requests is an important part of what we do at Mzansi Magic. It’s key to remaining relevant and in tune with our subscribers,” she concludes.

Rather than picking up where the limited series left off, Umkhokha – The Curse takes us to the beginning of the story: how – and when – did it all begin? How did we get to a place where the fictionalised mega-church, Ithempeli Lenkosi, became a deadly battleground? 

At the start of the new season, we’re introduced to the key players of the series as we unpack and get to know them and to witness the chain of events that results in the battle of leadership, and the dangerous rivalry between the Mthembu and Gumede/ Mzobe families, a life and death battle ... all in the name of God and power. 

“It has been amazing to watch this story grow from a 13-episode drama to a telenovela format. The drama has intensified, and the drama has heightened. There are so many twists in this long form. We believe and know that the viewers will relate and love it even more,” says Duma Ndlovu, executive producer of Umkhokha – The Curse. 

Umkhokha is produced by Rhythm World Production and head written by Siphosethu Tshapu and Kagiso Mogale, with Mandla KaNozulu as the originator of the concept 

With its shift from limited series to telenovela and being set and filmed entirely in KwaZulu-Natal, it joins a growing number of telenovelas based and filmed outside of Gauteng. 

Premised on the idea that the love of power and greed are the root of evil, even in the holiest of places, Umkhokha – The Curse takes things to another level, and it’s not to be missed. 

Be sure to tune in when the brand-new telenovela premieres on Monday 6 March 2023 at 20:30 on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161). There will be plenty to talk about!