Ayakha Ntunja’s breakthrough began in 2023, when she played the role of Thembi in Season 3 of MTV Shuga Down South. Fast-forward to 2024 and the 20-year-old joins the cast of teen drama series Youngins.

The rising star plays the role of Amo Mosweu, a sweet, determined girl from a rural town in KwaZulu-Natal. Amo is smart, beautiful and seems to know exactly what she wants out of life. That is, until she gets to Olifantsfontein High School, where an unexpected experience gains her new friends and a different perspective on life.

Here’s what Ayakha had to say about her role and experience in Youngins S1.

What attracted you to this project? 

What I would say attracted me to the show would be the fact that I wanted to work on a project that is youth based and that all of us wanted to work. We all wanted to put our all into it and we gave our best. I feel like that’s exactly why I got into Youngins and I couldn’t be happier. I fell in love with the different storytelling, something I haven’t seen on screen. I like the fact that we were going to give a whole new perspective to high school life, opening the industry and giving chances to unknown talent. For instance, I’ve never led a story before and I hope people can resonate with that..

What was the most difficult part of filming?  

The most difficult part of filming was the long hours on set and just balancing my life around that. But that helped me stay on top of my game and to be prepared for anything. Working on this project has been a beautiful experience. I’ve been enjoying it so far and there haven’t been any significant difficulties, just continuous learning processes.

Tell us one thing you did for the first time when it comes to filming this project? 

I think this was the first project where I really needed to learn how to de-role from my character. With Amo I had to immerse myself so much into her world, so I then had to understand the dynamics between Amo and Aya. While I’ve always known how to step into other characters and give my all, I never learned how to truly separate myself from them. With Amo I had to learn how to separate myself from her because I found myself constantly thinking about everything else that happened throughout the day, but I could tell that it wasn’t me.

When I was able to de-role properly, I learned to perceive Amo as an individual, inviting her in when getting into character and then disconnecting from her identity, story and experiences when I got home. This process not only helped me understand Amo but also provided a lot of clarity about myself as well. It allowed for balance and to view Amo’s story from various perspectives, questioning her emotions and actions at different moments.

What kept you excited about this season?

The storyline! Everytime I received a new script, I was shocked and intrigued and kept wondering “What are we doing now?” 

Playing this role took me out of my comfort zone, and I believe it does the same for Amo. I am learning alongside her, making this season both exciting and endearing. Trust me when I say we do not know what’s happening next; it continues to shock us. I’m genuinely excited about the unpredictability of the storyline.

Do you think you have anything in common with your character and what are the big differences?

Amo is very different from me right now but very similar to me back when I was in high school. I think I was someone who really had my goals intact and really knew what I wanted in life but just didn’t have the grit and the confidence in myself to achieve those things. So a lot of the times when you see Amo falling into some situations, I was like that too and you only learn afterwards that some things could have been handled differently. But she has a bigger fight on her hands and I think that’s the big thing with Amo. Her story might be different but her little personas and ways of handling situations was a bit similar to me but she’s different to me because now I know where I am in life and have a bit of a confident streak.

Why should audiences watch?  

I believe that this show will entice you from every angle. It gives an exciting storyline, incredible actors, and moments where you’re drawn into the characters which allows you to understand where they’re coming from. 

I feel like we’ve put in a lot of hard work to create a beautiful story, aiming to convey that we’re having fun, we’re young, and there’s excitement in the air. However, I also believe that we are educating our audience along the way. There are some deeply profound storylines that will resonate with certain viewers, storylines we have handled with care. It’s a testament to our commitment to continue fighting for people. I am excited to watch the show and I genuinely hope everyone else is too. I think you should tune in because – why not? It’s been a while since I’ve seen a show like this on our screens, and it’s great to experience how it feels, what it looks like, and the filming experience has been amazing too. It will undoubtedly look incredible.

What makes this project special and unique?

I would say it’s because this is my first lead role, and it has truly been a journey of learning and experience. The pressure is intense, but I’m having fun with it, and I’m thrilled to finally give my all. What’s unique about this project is how we have come together to create magic. We are committed to producing something that people can watch years down the line, something they can watch over and over again because it’s that good. I am excited to see it all come together.

What was your favourite thing about the locations the scenes were filmed at?

I loved the scenes at Amo’s home. It provided valuable insights and background into where she came from, physically showing her home and where she grew up. When I returned from shooting those scenes, it made sense for me to incorporate that understanding into my actions or keep it in the back of my mind. Knowing Amo’s roots helped me comprehend why she does the things she does. The various locations have been amazing and fun. We also love the school setting; it’s an incredible school. Overall, we’ve had a lot of fun at the different locations.

When did you know you wanted to become an actor/actress?

I actually fell into acting, theatre to be specific, by mistake. A friend of mine dragged me into an audition and said listen, we just need to fill a role. From there I fell in love with the space, the environment and by the time I knew, I was convincing my dad I want to go to NSA and I was like, this is what I want to do, I want to create art, I want to create movies and want people to watch me, even if it’s just one person. It might sound cliche but I feel like it was a moment when I started knowing that this can change people’s perspectives on a lot of things.

Catch Ayakha Ntunja in her lead role as Amo in YounginsS1, now streaming on Showmax with three new episodes streaming every Thursday.

Watch launch trailer:

Join the conversation:

#YounginsShowmax

• Widows Unveiled premieres on Showmax from 12 February 2024 
• Cast includes HHP’s widow Lerato Sengadi, Mandoza’s widow Mpho Tshabalala and Menzi Ngubane’s widow Sikelelwa Ngubane, among others
• New episodes every Monday

Widows Unveiled is a 10-part Showmax Original that follows the lives of five women who were married to public figures who passed away. The reality series documents the journey of each woman from pain to triumph as they navigate the drama and scandal that followed the death of their husbands.

Widows Unveiled is produced by Passionlane Productions, the brains behind Mzansi Magic’s SAFTA-nominated hit show Uthando Nes’thembu.

The cast includes PR specialist and marketing professional Lerato Sengadi, the widow of Motswako legend HHP; entrepreneur, award-winning philanthropist, executive producer of Nkalakatha: The Life of Mandoza and stroke survivor Mpho Tshabalala, the widow of musician Mandoza; broadcaster and philanthropist Sikelelwa Ngubane, the widow of actor Menzi Ngubane; businesswoman Fundiswa Molefe, the widow of businessman John Molefe; and businesswoman Lerato Maphatsoe, the widow of former Defence Minister Kebby Maphatsoe. 

Asked why they decided to be part of the show, the cast revealed that they wanted to share their stories as an encouragement to other women in similar positions.

While we patiently wait for the season to start, Maphatsoe has assured viewers that they can expect a lot of discomfort and honesty from each lady’s storyline. “Viewers can expect things that are not comfortable to speak about, especially as a Black society. Viewers can expect that we are authentic, we are telling our truth, and nothing is scripted, but everything is from our realities.” But Lerato wants to also make it clear that she can’t control how viewers receive the show. “I’m telling my story. It is your responsibility how you receive it.” 

“So much happened in my marriage, even before my husband passed away,” says Molefe. “My marriage was an uphill battle and it still is, so the decision to embark on this journey stems from all that I bottled inside. If I talk about my life, there is probably another woman out there who is dying inside because of a similar experience and I hope my story will show them that they’re not alone in this.” 

“I decided to do this because I realised that widowhood is treated like a colossal taboo,” says Sengadi. “No one wants to talk about it, but it’s a day-to-day reality for millions of people. Throughout my journey as a young widow, I realised that Black widows, specifically, have it harder. It’s a generational curse and pattern. Women can’t speak openly about these experiences; they can’t speak about the pain and the journey to rediscovering yourself after loss. The fact that you have to wear all black when your husband dies is just a ‘scarlet letter’ to let people know that you’re now a widow, so everyone must feel pity for you and avoid you like the plague. Society has made it very difficult to be a widow…when you show up for each other you are ridiculed and it’s called ‘trauma bonding’, instead of seeing it as a support system! In that moment of loss you want someone who understands what you’re going through and who will help validate your emotions and feelings. I want to show my reality and let people know that it’s not easy, it is nothing to be ashamed of, and you’re not alone,” says Sengadi.

“As widows, we go through various journeys and one of the most difficult ones is the journey of loss – not only the loss of your husband but also the loss of everything you have built,” says Tshabalala. “So my decision to be a part of this show is not only to tell my story and how I dealt with my losses but to also show how I handled things differently because my peace comes first and if anything costs me my peace, I move away. Rebuilding is difficult but through faith and hope it can be done.”

“Honestly, at first it took time for me to agree to do this show,“ says Ngubane. “But I had some time to sit and think of all that I went through since my husband’s passing and the things that I have endured since his passing. I know that I am not the only woman who is dealing with the trials and tribulations that come with being a widow. My husband was a public figure, so why can’t I tell my story publicly? I also want to show other people that it is not only your average Joe that goes through this – we are many. Let me share and tell my story as best as I can.”

Executive producer Tsholofelo Semenya echoes the cast’s sentiments and strongly believes that it is time their story be told.

“The cast of Widows Unveiled have spent many decades alongside some of the most successful and high-profile men, who have been celebrated and even revered,” says Semenya. “Now it is their time to have their story told, stories that often mirror those of women we all know. The experience of widowhood transcends class, it transcends race, it transcends social status – yet it’s something we so rarely see on our screens. Every day a new widow joins the club and it’s about time we anchored these women and their families on their journey towards rebuilding their lives.”

Stream Widows Unveiled on Showmax from 12 February 2024, with new episodes every week.

Watch the trailer:

Join the conversation:

#WidowsUnveiled

• Partnership between MTN and Showmax to help customers manage data costs for streaming 

• Get MTN’s Showmax Premier League LivePass to stream every live match #LiveDataFree for only R79 p/m*  

• Showmax introduces first ever weekly subscription plan with MTN for R19 a week 

With the relaunch of Showmax, an array of new content plans have been made available for customers to choose from, providing a world of entertainment that includes Showmax Originals and international blockbusters. 

In an exciting development, Showmax and MTN are collaborating to bring three new bundled offerings to South African customers, available from 12 February 2024. 

First up is the Showmax Premier League LivePass, which will offer MTN customers live-streaming access to all 380 matches via Showmax’s brand-new Showmax Premier League plan for mobile. For just R79 per month the offer includes sufficientstreaming data to watch all live matches*. Subscribers will also have access to additional Premier League content like talk shows, documentaries and match highlights. 

Speaking to the news, Showmax CEO Marc Jury says that the brand’s priority is to make entertainment and sport accessible. “Across sub-Saharan Africa, the Premier League is both deeply loved and passionately supported. Working with MTN South Africa, we aim to bring relevant product plans to customers, bundling low data prices with the excitement of football and the appeal of great entertainment.”   

For Jason Probert, General Manager for Digital Services at MTN South Africa, the partnership aligns with MTN’s streaming vision. “At MTN, we are committed to providing all our customers with the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a modern connected life. Our partnership with Showmax marks a significant leap forward in this journey, giving our customers the ability to access the world’s most popular sports league at an incredibly affordable price while enjoying access to the best network in South Africa.” 

MTN and Showmax are also introducing the first ever Weekly Entertainment Mobile bundle, which will retail for an unbelievable R19 a week. Subscribers will have access to the Showmax Entertainment Mobile plan, which features Showmax Originals, top international and local series, movies, and kids’ shows. The Weekly Entertainment Mobile bundle is inclusive of 1GB MTN streaming data, so customers can binge up to 25 hours of content each week for less than the price of a cup of coffee when using Showmax’s data-saving setting that caps data usage at 40MB an hour. This offers one of the most flexible and budget-friendly options for consumers. 

For binge-watchers, a Showmax Monthly Entertainment Mobile bundle will retail for R59 per month including 5GB of streaming data, enough to watch 125 hours on Showmax’s lowest data setting. 

Probert concludes, “MTN, renowned for pioneering innovative solutions, views the partnership with Showmax as integral to ongoing efforts to open the streaming experience to a much wider audience and in so doing, delivering unparalleled value to customers. This game-changing collaboration sees a greater focus on affordable offerings that will bring diverse and entertaining content to new South African audiences. Customers will be able to sign up from 12 February via MTN Play (https://play.mtn.co.za) and at www.mtn.co.za.” 

• Adapted from Angela Makholwa-Moabelo’s bestselling novel

• Starring SAFTA nominee Nqobile Nunu Khumalo and SAFTA winner Bonko Khoza in the lead roles

• Produced by Makholwa’s Britespark Films in partnership with Bomb (Shaka Ilembe, Yizo Yizo)

• Stream from 12 February with new episodes on Tuesdays



Showmax has just released the trailer for Red Ink, based on Angela Makholwa-Moabelo’s bestselling debut novel. 

The eight-part thriller tells the story of journalist turned publicist Lucy Khambule, who is approached by an imprisoned serial killer to tell his story. 

SAFTA nominee Nqobile Nunu Khumalo (Nqobile, The Herd) plays Lucy, with SAFTA winner Bonko Khoza (Mqhele in The Wife) as Napoleon Dingiswayo, nicknamed the Butcher by the media.

Red Ink is a partnership between Makholwa-Moabelo’s Britespark Films and Bomb Productions. This marks the first Showmax Original from Bomb, who made DStv’s most-watched drama ever, Shaka ILembe, as well as classics like Venice winner Yizo Yizo, Oscar nominee Mandela: Son of Africa, Father of a Nation, Sundance winner Amandla: A Revolution In Four-Part Harmony and multi-award winner Isibaya. SAFTA winners Zeno Petersen and Adze Ugah direct Red Ink, having been part of the directing team onShaka Ilembe. 

Red Ink reunites Khoza on screen with two of the other Zulu brothers from The Wife: DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice winners Kwenzo Ngcobo (Qhawe) and Abdul Khoza (Nqoba). The all-star cast also includes Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku, the breakout star of Showmax’s latest hit, Outlaws, as well as SAFTA winners Bongile Mantsai (Inxeba: The Wound), Jo-Anne Reyneke (Black Tax) and Lorcia Cooper Kumalo (Lockdown), not to mention Tsholofelo Maseko (Intersexions) and Yonda Thomas (Mrs Right Guy, Mina Nawe).

Adapting your book to another medium can be daunting for any author. “The fear from an author normally stems from having to let go of something that you have birthed and nurtured. Any book is a labour of love for a writer, so handing it over to somebody else to translate into a different medium will always be nerve-wracking,” says Makholwa-Moabelo, who executive produces and co-writes the Showmax Original. “But I’m excited; there’s less trepidation on my side than you’d expect. It’s been a great pleasure because I’ve been in the writer’s room. I’m an executive producer on the show so I’m involved in the decision-making, anything from casting to wardrobe. It’s not always done this way but it’s an extremely empowering feeling; I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”

The Reed Dance Stalker, Makholwa-Moabelo’s long-awaited sequel to Red Ink, is now available in all good bookstores. 

Watch Red Ink trailer:

Join the conversation: #RedInkShowmax

Immediate Use 

• The Real Housewives of Durban S4 premieres 9 February 2024 on Showmax

• Featuring Africa’s two longest-serving housewives 

• Introducing three new housewives

The Real Housewives of Durban is back for its highly anticipated fourth season, premiering on 9 February 2024. The newest season makes the Showmax Original the longest-running The Real Housewives franchise in Africa. 

Returning for Season 4 are original housewives Nonku Williams and Sorisha Naidoo. Jojo Robinson returns for her third season, while Maria Valaskatzis and Slindile Wendy Ndlovu return for their second. Ameigh Sibahle Thompson, Nqobile “Angel” Ndlela and Zamaswazi Ngcobo join The Real Housewives of Durban for the first time.

Sam Kelly, executive producer at Let It Rain Films, says, “The new season of The Real Housewives of Durban is going to be bigger and better. We have the OGs you have come to know and love and we have three new women who are going to bring something different to the franchise. Over the past seasons, we have been aiming to tell stories that audiences relate to. The essence of the show is real and that is why viewers fall in love with these women, because they can see themselves in their personal stories, journeys, triumphs and struggles.”

Find out more about the new cast members below:

Ameigh Sibahle Thompson

Ameigh Thompson, aka Amanda Sosibo, is a mother of two and a maritime graduate who works in the pharmaceutical industry but is currently on a much-needed break. Ameigh is also the founder of the Fundisiwe Foundation, named after her late mother. 

As a new cast member, Ameigh believes that she has a lot to bring to the show. “I decided to join The Real Housewives of Durban because I absolutely love trying new things. I also wanted to experience this and to challenge myself. I believe being a part of the franchise will not only present many opportunities but will also take me out of my comfort zone.”

Nqobile “Angel” Ndlela

Born and bred in Howick, Angel Ndlela now lives in Umhlanga. She holds an honours degree in Industrial Organisational Psychology. She is a serial entrepreneur with business interests in construction, taxis, manufacturing and fashion design. An aspiring musician, host and social influencer, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and is also pursuing a career in the same field. 

“I joined the show because I feel like this is the right time for me,” says Angel. “I am in a good space and I want to introduce myself to the world. I know that The Real Housewives of Durban has a big fanbase and when the opportunity came, I just had to grab it with both hands.” 

At 29 years old, Angel is the youngest member of the cast. “I would like to share my journey into marriage and motherhood with the fans of the show.”

Zamaswazi Ngcobo

Radio and TV personality Zama Ngcobo grew up in Eshowe in Zululand. Having worked on some of the biggest platforms the industry can offer, she joined The Real Housewives because she loves a challenge: “I have had an illustrious career and I have done almost everything except reality TV. So when the call came, I knew that it was something that I am supposed to do, to tap into a new industry and diversify my portfolio, even though so many people warned me against reality TV.”