Ithonga
| Ithonga | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Crime |
| Created by | Tshedza Pictures |
| Written by |
|
| Directed by |
|
| Starring |
|
| Country of origin | South Africa |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 152 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producer | Tshedza Pictures |
| Camera setup | Multi-camera |
| Running time | 22–24 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | Mzansi Magic |
| Release | 3 March 2025 – present |
Ithonga is a South African drama series that premiered on Mzansi Magic in March 2025 and produced by Tshedza Pictures. It stars Bonko Khoza as twin brothers whose fates are mysteriously connected. Set in KwaZulu-Natal as it explores themes of family, destiny and the spiritual bond between twins.
Premise
[edit]Ithonga tells the story of twin brothers Banele and Sanele, whose lives are bound by destiny but divided by circumstance.[1][2] One brother lives a life of honesty and hope, while the other is drawn into a dark world of crime and betrayal.[3] Set against the backdrop of KwaZulu-Natal’s construction underworld, the series explores questions of identity, fate and the mystical bond shared between twins.[4][5] Blending elements of family drama, suspense and spirituality.[6]
Cast
[edit]| Actor/Actress | Character | Seasons |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | ||
| Bonko Khoza | Banele & Sanele Magwaza | Main |
| Siphosethu Mabaso | Nqobizitha Pablo Ntanzi | Main |
| Ayanda Borotho | Thandeka MaKhumalo Magwaza | Main |
| Nelisiwe Sibiya | Zama Ntanzi | Main |
| Noluthando Ngena | Mbali Dladla | Main |
| Menzi Biyela | Bongani Magwaza | Main |
| Nkanyiso Mchunu | Phinda Ndlovu | Main |
| Unathi Mkhize | Lethokuhle Dladla | Main |
| Nqobile Mdladla | Ayanda Dladla | Main |
| Bonga Dlamini | Themba Dladla | Main |
| Malibongwe Yawu | Mduduzi Ntanzi | Recurring |
| Simphiwe Ndlela | Nokwanda Magwaza | Recurring |
| Wanda Mdladla | Lungelo Dladla | Recurring |
| Precious Ndlovu | Nonkululeko MaMbhele Dladla | Recurring |
| Zodwa Nkosi | Mam Faith | Recurring |
Former cast
[edit]| Actor/Actress | Character | Seasons |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | ||
| Ntokozo Dlamini | Gadla | Recurring |
| Anele Nene | Nkosinathi Dladla | Recurring |
| Zama Ngcobo | Thulisile | Recurring |
| Simthema Biko | Young Banele | Recurring |
| Simthemile Biko | Young Sanele | Recurring |
Production
[edit]Ithonga is a South African drama series produced by Tshedza Pictures for Mzansi Magic.[7] It was created and written by Gwydion Beynon, Phathutshedzo Makwarela and Mandisa Mkhize and directed by Nozipho Nkelemba with support from Tebogo Mkhabela and Zolani Phakade.[8][9] It is filmed in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa giving the show a strong cultural and regional identity.[10] The series stars Bonko Khoza in a dual role as twin brothers, supported by a large ensemble cast.[11][12] Executive producers include Phathutshedzo Makwarela, Gwydion Beynon and Khanyi Nxumalo and uses a Multi-camera.[13][14]
Release
[edit]The series premiered on Mzansi Magic on 3 March 2025, airing Mondays to Fridays at 20:30.[15][16]
References
[edit]- ^ Content, Sponsored. "Mzansi Magic presents iThonga: The story of a twin connection that defies fate". News24. Retrieved 2025-11-14.
- ^ yomzansi (2025-08-01). "iThonga Teasers August 2025". YOMZANSI. Documenting THE CULTURE. Retrieved 2025-11-14.
- ^ Ngenyane, Andiswa. "Ithonga's runaway bride drama!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2025-11-14.
- ^ "'iThonga' is one of freshest narratives to hit our screens: star Bonko Khoza". TimesLIVE. 2025-02-13. Retrieved 2025-11-14.
- ^ Mphoshomane, Unarine. "Bonko Khoza acting as twin on iThonga". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2025-11-14.
- ^ Mdaka, Zintle (2025-02-10). "Bonko Khoza to star in a new TV drama series 'iThonga'". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 2025-11-14.
- ^ Nkosi, Simphiwe. "iThonga, Genesis and Inimba redefine South African storytelling". EWN. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ^ Zuma, Mbalenhle (2025-02-24). "Khoza takes on tough role in construction mafia drama series". Sunday World. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ^ Seleme, Rae (2025-02-08). "Mzansi Magic's New Telenovela 'iThonga' to Replace 'Umkhokha: The Curse' - Briefly.co.za". briefly.co.za. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ^ "iThonga: a twin connection that defies fate". iThonga: a twin connection that defies fate. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ^ Mdaka, Zintle (2025-02-10). "Bonko Khoza to star in a new TV drama series 'iThonga'". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ^ "Actor Bonko Khoza to star in new TV drama series about unbreakable bond between twins". TimesLIVE. 2025-02-08. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ^ Sibiya, Sibongumenzi. "Mzansi Magic puts local stories in the spotlight!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ^ Khulu, Ntombi. "Why so many soapies and telenovelas? Producers on SA's top TV trends". News24. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ^ Hlalane, Reabetswe (2025-02-10). "Mzansi Magic Announces New Drama Series "iThonga" Premiering in March". OkMzansi. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
- ^ "iThonga: a twin connection that defies fate". iThonga: a twin connection that defies fate. Retrieved 2025-11-17.