Award-winning actor Thembinkosi Mthembu returns to the small screen in Homecoming, a heartfelt new drama set in the rural town of Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal. Best known for his standout roles in Shaka iLembe and The River, Mthembu takes on one of his most layered characters yet—Sifiso Kubheka, a man walking the line between tradition and law.
Sifiso is a police officer by day and a traditional healer by night—a role that challenges not only the character’s inner world but the beliefs of those around him. At the centre of this is Zethu Hlongwane, played by Mpume “Six” Nyamane, a straight-A medical graduate whose dreams of becoming a surgeon are abruptly halted when she’s forced to return home without a job or placement.
As Zethu confronts her disappointment and the tension between western medicine and traditional healing, her path crosses with Sifiso. Through their evolving relationship, Homecoming explores love, identity, healing, and what it means to truly return home—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
“Sifiso is a character rooted in duality,” says Mthembu. “He lives in two worlds that are often seen as opposites. That internal conflict, and the grace with which he carries it, was incredibly rewarding to portray.”
Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net, Shirley Adonisi, highlights the show’s relevance: “Homecoming speaks to so many South Africans. It’s rich in culture and emotion, grounded in the realities of rural life, and unafraid to confront complex truths.”
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Produced by Lulu Hela, the series boasts a stellar ensemble including Sipho Manzini, Khombi Phetla, Mpilo Mbatha, Khayalethu Xaba, and Amahle Khumalo.
Lulu also shares her excitement about working on the new production: “Homecoming is a deeply meaningful project for us. The title reflects a return to the places, people, and practices that shaped us. At the heart of this story is a powerful conversation between traditional and western medicine, two worlds often seen in opposition. Viewers can expect a rich, character–driven story that challenges, heals, and sparks conversation.”
Catch the premiere of Homecoming on Monday, July 28 at 18:30 on Mzansi Wethu (DStv Channel 163). The series will air Mondays to Wednesdays, taking over the timeslot from Sibongile & The Dlaminis, which concludes on July 23.
