It’s been almost a year since the departure of the Mabuza’s and we still haven’t gotten over them. And replacing the Mabuza’s with the Sebata’s has made us realise how absolutely brilliant the trio was; TGOM played by Rami Chuene, Goodness played by Zenande Mfenyane and Mabatho played by Setumo Motsoaledi. The trio had unmatched chemistry, a hilarious storyline and was relatable to the audience.

We’ve gotten used to actors coming and going on The Queen and have not made peace with most of the characters being killed off because they were genuinely talented actors that delivered. Nevertheless, the introduction of the Sebata’s has made us believe that sometimes talented actors can be really awkward and have an awful connection. They might just be an odd bunch together, have language issues, or be given a terrible script that can’t be saved.

Here are 3 reasons why the Mabuza’s were better than the Sebata’s :

The Language

Okay, so I know South Africa has eleven official languages and I’ve seen how a Sepedi actress could have a Xhosa daughter and a Tswana niece; like Gracious TGOM Mabuza was Pedi speaking, Goodness was Xhosa and Mabatho was Tswana. They made it work because Gracious married a Xhosa man and Goodness took Sesotho/Sepedi lessons and improved throughout the show. Even before Goodness took those lessons, the mother and daughter had an incredible connection, laughed at each other and never messed up their lines.

It never felt awkward or forced like the Sebata’s. Hector Sebata played by Rapulana Seiphemo is Tswana, his daughter; Thando Sebata played by Jessica Nkosi is Zulu and his youngest daughter; Mpho Sebata played by Ntando Duma is also Zulu. As talented as the trio is, they just don’t vibe together, they are arduous and so rigid you could cut the tension with a knife. Seldom when their father speaks, you could tell by the daughter’s odd facial expression that they have no idea what he’s talking about. They’re supposed to make us believe they’ve known each other for years but it’s like they just met on set and have a gun to their heads to make it work.