e.TV confirmed that its long-time-running isiZulu soapie Imbewu was set to end on Friday, 14 April 2023. This meant that there was an opening for a new show to take over the coveted time slot on the channel. As such, in March 2023, it was confirmed that The Final Chapter Production company would helm the upcoming soapie that was to replace Imbewu.

 
As reported at the time:

Smoke & Mirrors is set in the landscape of a small mining town called Emnyameni. Here, we come to learn that the story lives up to its name- nothing and no one is true as they seem. Introducing the character of Thandiswa, a hairdresser by day, an escort by night, and a girl on a mission to rid the town of “The Unholy Trinity”, the group of morally corrupt men who run Emnyameni.
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In light of the nearing end of Imbewu, eTV has shared more details on Smoke & Mirror’s main cast and the supporting trailer ahead of the premiere.

Zolisa Xaluva returns to our screens via Smoke & Mirrors
e.TV has shared an official statement confirming the main cast members for the upcoming soapie Smoke and Mirrors. The series is a female-led series as the official statement has confirmed that upcoming actress Ayanda Bandla has been selected to play the title role of Thandiswa Mseleku.

However, it is probably the lead male actor who will excite viewers to watch. This is as leading man Zolisa Xaluva has been confirmed as the title lead antagonist in the story as he is set to portray the leader of The Unholy Trinity Caesar, who is described as “the alpha and a cut-throat businessman who doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty.”

Additionally, the official statement went on to share the remaining main cast: