In August, the handcuffed lovebirds, Magudumana and Bester, met in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court for the first time since their arrest four months ago.

Media cameras captured the shackled Magudumana looking rather smitten as they smiled at each other and chatted in the court dock.

 

The couple were seated next to each other and were in their own world as they exchanged smiles and lingering looks and were even seen holding hands.

Now to an outsider looking in, the couple looked like reunited lovers but body language expert and human behavioural analyst Tania Steyn begs to differ.Speaking on Newzroom Afrika, Steyn in her analysis said that Magudumana did not resemble a person in love with Bester when they appeared in court.

“That day was particularly interesting for me because I saw extreme anxiety in her. There’s a lot of stress she was exhibiting and she was fearful.

“It looked fearful to me and from what I could see with what she was doing with her body language before Thabo Bester arrived, she was extremely anxious.

“A lot of people say there is a lot of love between them, I’m sure there is some form of infatuation there but I don’t think love. I didn’t see love, I didn’t see love in their body language.”

Steyn further explained that when a person is in love, they would want to be as close as they can to their person, but Magudumana was moving away from Bester and getting closer to the other person seated next to her.

She also indicated that Magudumana’s smile during their first greeting was fake and she could see a lot of stress, as though something was coming, which subsequently was seen during her bail application where she turned on Bester and claimed he kidnapped her.

Magudumana claimed in her affidavit that her lover Bester kidnapped and threatened her, forcing her to flee with him before their capture in Tanzania.

While Steyn may be an expert in her field, ordinary social media users were not entirely convinced of her analysis of Magudumana’s body language.

@Qhu_di said “This expert is a scammer, she must explain to us what this is…👇🏾” referring to a picture of the couple looked smitten.

@TheGeopol said: “This only means Nandipha Magudumana is even far more dangerous than we thought & extremely dishonest.

“If anything one can argue that Thabo Bester himself was a victim of Nandipha’s manipulative lure.”

Not only do they cast big names, they also give a platform to those entering the industry.

The soapie’s ninth season is promised to end with a monumental bang; an electrifying cocktail of drama, suspense, and unbridled action with the arrival of four actors who are ready to make their mark.

 

 

 
No stranger to soap operas, Vuyo Dabula joins the show as Bentley Majozi, a character who will keep you on the edge of your seat and promises nothing short of drama and suspense.

Mzansi viewers are about to get a glimpse of Nonhle Jali’s acting skills as she takes on the role of Thandiwe, a businesswoman with ambitious goals and a penchant for danger.

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Jail, a businesswoman, fitness bunny and reality television star, was previously married to professional soccer player Andile Jali.

Her character Thandiwe will captivate ‘Uzalo’ viewers with her unapologetic determination and promises riveting twists and turns.

Mzansi viewers are about to get a glimpse at Nonhle Jali’s acting skills as she takes on the role of Thandiwe, a businesswoman with ambitious goals and a penchant for danger. Picture: Supplied
Her character finds a perfect business soulmate in Xoliswa, portrayed by Slee Ndlovu who is a ruthless businesswoman who stops at nothing to maintain her dominance in the cut throat world of business.

Ndlovu became popular in Mzansi last year, during season three of the reality TV show ‘The Real Housewives of Durban’.

Xoliswa’s character will challenge and surprise audiences in unexpected ways.

Ntokozo Vilakazi steps into the shoes of Mabillion, adding another layer of intrigue as he grapples with grief, vengeance, and a puzzled mind.Ntokozo Vilakazi steps into the shoes of Mabillion on ‘Uzalo’. Picture: Supplied
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the exceptional talents we have welcomed to our Uzalo/ SABC 1 family. We are excited about the incredible journeys their characters will embark upon,” remarked SABC1 channel head Ofentse Thinane.

“The introduction of these new characters is a testament to our commitment to storytelling excellence.

“They have breathed life into their roles, adding layers of intrigue and excitement to our beloved show,” added Thinane.

King Misuzulu KaZwelithini will not be attending the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi‘s funeral on Saturday.

The king’s spokesperson Prince Africa Zulu said Misuzulu was not allowed to attend the funeral due to “cultural policies”.

 
“Unfortunately, His Majesty is unable to attend his prime minister’s funeral as the king is forbidden by cultural policies that dictate his reign,” Zulu told media.

This is not the first time the king has missed a funeral for the same reasons.

Misuzulu and Buthelezi’s estrange relationship
Recounting the last moments of the veteran politician’s life, daughter Princess Phumzile Buthelezi told senior members of the monarch her father died of a “heartbreak”.

Buthelezi, according to the daughter had been kept awake late into the night in attempts to resolve issues between the Amazulu Royal Family and Misuzulu.

“My father was someone who always spoke the truth and said if I can just take off my shirt, you would see how thin I am because of Isilo (Misuzulu). I can’t sleep, I can’t eat,” she recalled her father saying.

Misizulu cut short the Umhlanga ceremony to honour Buthelezi’s death.

“To respect the prince, we decided with the premier [Nomusa Dube-Ncube] to cancel tomorrow’s edition of the dance. Tomorrow will be the day we go home to respect the situation we are faced with, so we are closing today. We will come back next year if the Lord so wishes.”

Special official funeral category 1
President Cyril Ramaphosa declared Buthelezi would be honoured with the Special Official Funeral Category 1 when he is buried.

According to the presidency, a Special Official Funeral Category 1 is granted to serving ministers, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the chief justice, the chairperson of the national council of provinces (NCOP), premiers, and distinguished persons specifically designated by the president.

Ramaphosa requested flags be flown at half-mast at flag stations around the country until the evening of the day on which the funeral takes place.

Actress Lerato Mvelase topped trending topics on X yesterday, 14 September, following the Icala announcement.

The seasoned actress’ acting debut was in a cameo role on e.tv’s Backstage in 2003. She has since starred in many TV shows, including Isibaya, Home Affairs, Shreds & Dreams, Home Sweet Home, Woman to Watch, and The Station just to mention a few.

 

 

Lerato is nominated for Best Actress-TV Drama at this year’s edition of the South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas). In 2010, she scored her first Emmy Awards nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in the film, Home Affairs.Icala is a new heart-pounding drama series set to premiere on Monday, 9 October, on Mzansi Magic channel 161 at 8pm.

In the series, Lerato stars alongside the charismatic Bheki Sibiya, popularly known for his role as Mncinza on eHostela. Viewers will also see familiar faces like Gomora star Sannah Mchunu, Shaka iLembe actor Kennedy Stab, Velile Makhoba, who played Gugulethu on Gomora, and new talent Athie Cwele.

Written by Chris Q Radebe and produced by Match Point, the series tells the story of a reckless and self-centered man who thinks his death is near.

“So, he spills the beans, confessing to his loving, revenge-driven wife about the child he fathered with her BFF. Plot twist? He does not die. His wife, instead of ending their marriage, decides to craft her own spine-chilling revenge on both the offenders,” shares a press release.

Director of local entertainment channels at M-Net Shirley Adonisi said viewers should expect an overload of emotions.

“Our Mzansi Magic Mondays are already bursting with local gems. But with Icala, expect an overload of emotions. A soul-stirring story blended with some laughs, it’s real, it’s raw, and trust us, you don’t want to miss this rollercoaster.”

If you’ve been living under a rock lately, it’s time to catch up on the extraordinary journey of South Africa’s very own Mzansi Youth Choir as they conquer the global stage of America’s Got Talent. The AGT finale featuring Mzansi Youth Choir is just around the corner, and it promises to be a spectacle you won’t want to miss.

 

Let’s rewind and relive the awe-inspiring story thus far. This proudly South African choir group has not only captured the hearts of their homeland but also garnered international acclaim by securing a coveted spot in the AGT finale. Their remarkable journey has not only entertained but also united our diverse nation during these fragile times.

In their initial audition, they left even the typically hard-edged judge, Simon Cowell, in tears with their rendition of Nightbirde’s poignant song, “It’s OK.” This emotionally charged performance struck a chord with everyone in the auditorium, leading to a collective outpouring of support that earned them the prestigious Golden Buzzer award. This moment became even more touching as the artist Nightbirde had recently passed away from cancer. Hence, addingdding a layer of depth and resonance to their rendition.Following this unforgettable performance, the South African choir continued to shine by delivering a beautiful rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s classic “Everywhere” in the subsequent rounds. With their exceptional vocal talent, stunning costumes, and electrifying on-stage presence. They ensured that the AGT finale featuring Mzansi Youth Choir would become a reality.

Now, the burning question on everyone’s mind is whether Mzansi Youth Choir can clinch the ultimate victory. The grand prize of $1 million and a lucrative Las Vegas residency are within reach. All of South Africa is holding its breath in anticipation. The AGT finale featuring Mzansi Youth Choir is scheduled to air on Tuesday, September 26, and Wednesday, September 27. Exclusively on M-Net DStv channel 101. It’s crucial to remember that you, the dedicated fans, hold the power to decide the winner.

So, mark your calendars for September 26 and 27, and prepare to cast your votes. You can participate by downloading the “AGT” app on your mobile device or by visiting NBC.com/AGTVote. Each act and voting method have a 10-vote limit. But here’s the exciting part: if every South African delivers their full 10 votes. We could see a staggering 60 million multiplied by 10 votes in support of Mzansi Youth Choir. Let’s unite as a nation and make this dream a reality, Mzansi! Your votes can change lives and create history.