Coming up on My Brother’s Keeper this December 2023:
Monday 4 December 2023
Episode 31

Cleaning the mess
Nomusa steps up to clean the Thuthuka mess Nqubeko is in. After consummating their relationship, guilt quickly swallows Koketso. Thoba’s plans regarding Phindi take a detour.
Tuesday 5 December 2023
Episode 32
Nowhere to be found
Thuthuka fails to attend an important meeting and leaves the family wondering and speculating about his whereabouts while Nqubeko is riddled with guilt but withholds the truth.
Mam’Sarah is on a mission to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself with Koketso. Thoba brags to Sibusiso about sleeping with Phindi.
Wednesday 6 December 2023
Episode 33
Guilty as charged
There is grief and devastation as a family and community come to terms with an untimely death. Sibusiso makes a heartbreaking discovery. When Nqubeko comes face to face with his dark deed, he makes a devastating decision.
Thursday 7 December 2023
Episode 34
A mother’s pain
MaMchunu is barred from burying her son. Phindi makes a shocking announcement to the bereaved Shabalalas. Koketso and Sibusiso fail to fix things in their relationship.
Friday 8 December 2023
Episode 35
You are not the boss of me
MaMchunu defies Mshengu and shows up at the funeral, Mshengu returns the gesture, but not in kind. Koketso gets conflicting advise on the way forward with Sbu. Nomalanga is over protective of Thoba.
Monday 11 December 2023
Episode 36
Tell the truth
Mshengu tells MaMchunu to come clean to the family about her transgression.
Tuesday 12 December 2023
Episode 37
A Murderer’s nightmare
Mshengu kicks MaMchunu out of the house, but her children come to her rescue, while Donga musters enough courage to stare him down. Fakazile defies Mshengu and refuses to wear clothes of ukuzila. Koketso and Sibusiso decide to give their relationship one more try.
Wednesday 13 December 2023
Episode 38
Guilt is like a bag of bricks
With Thuthuka dead, will Mshengu finally do the right thing or will he cling to power and continue side-lining Nqubeko? Koketso and Sibusiso build castles in the air. Donga insists that he can make it without Mshengu’s money but Khathazile is worried.
Thursday 14 December 2023
Episode 39
She shall not be scorned
Mshengu pushes MaMchunu too far. Nomusa is ready for the next phase of their lives, but Nqubeko’s guilt is holding them back. Donga and Khathazile’s new reality causes them serious humiliation
Friday 15 December 2023
Episode 40
Old flames re-ignite
Mshengu sees his life flashing before his eyes. Nqubeko and Fakazile fail to fight the burning sexual tension between them. Donga is embarrassed when he learns Sibusiso gave the twins money to go shopping.
Monday 18 December 2023
Episode 41
Guilty pleasures
Fakazile freaks out, smelling rotten chicken. Donga is angry at Sibusiso for humiliating him. Hlelo and Lwethu get their exam results.
Tuesday 19 December 2023
Episode 42
Husband of the year
There’s a pregnancy in the family alright but the question is: who is the lucky wife? Mshengu extends an olive branch to MaMchunu. Thoba finds out a secret that could turn Donga’s family upside down
Wednesday 20 December 2023
Episode 43
Fakazile tells Nqubeko she will claim Thuthuka is the father of her unborn baby. MaMchunu and Mshengu visit Thuthuka’s grave. Donga is excited that he’s got the tender but is quickly disappointed that funding won’t come before Christmas.
Thursday 21 December 2023
Episode 44
A mess within a mess
Nqubeko reveals that he has impregnated another woman to his parents, and it gets worse when he reveals the name. Donga’s desperation to get the money needed to kickstart the tender leads him down a slippery slope with Ndumiso. Lwethu forces Hlelo to come clean, and she decides to buy her silence instead.
Friday 22 December 2023
Episode 45
Pride comes even during a fall
Nqubeko and Fakazile face the wrath of the Shabalalas. Donga’s hopes are crushed as his pride does more harm than good. Ndumiso is on a deeply conflicted mission.
Monday 25 December 2023
Episode 12
We wish you a Merry Christmas
Elders advise Fakazile to report her pregnancy to Nomusa. Donga has a lonely, miserable Christmas. An unexpected visitor joins the Mmamaila’s for Christmas lunch.
Tuesday 26 December 2023
Episode 47
Woman to woman, uyangijwayela
Nomusa learns the truth. Fakazile regrets crossing paths with Nqubeko. Mam’Sarah learns Paledi is there to stay.
Wednesday 27 December 2023
Episode 48
When the head speaks…
Mshengu has a solution to the infidelity mess, as always. Nomusa feels betrayed by her confidante. Mam Sarah finds out the truth about a particular “short term” visitor.
Thursday 28 December 2023
Episode 49
This is not parliament
Mshengu’s solution does more damage than good for Nomusa and Fakazile. Sibusiso discovers a secret that may just break hearts in their home. Paledi has a crush on someone out of his league.
Friday 29 December 2023
Episode 50
Putt

Coming up on Smoke & Mirrors this December 2023:
Friday 1 December 2023
Episode 165
Caesar ignores Virginia’s call. Thandiswa doesn’t want to wreck his marriage. Tiny learns her nephew is in bed with his boss. She asks him to put in a good word for her with Sindi.
Monday 4 December 2023
Episode 166

 
Teaser unavailable – we’ll update when it is.
Tuesday 5 December 2023
Episode 167
Teaser unavailable – we’ll update when it is.
Wednesday 6 December 2023
Episode 168
Bhele has a sinister plan for Caesar and his brother. Khanyo, hellbent on getting Mandla’s money, devises a plan to manipulate Lulu. Sindi gives Tiny a job at the hotel and regrets it almost immediately.
Thursday 7 December 2023
Episode 169
Thandiswa has an immediate connection with Dabawo. Bhele does not pitch to apologise to the Ngonyamas, and when Caesar wants to lay charges the police chief shuts him down.
Friday 8 December 2023
Episode 170
Homecomings aren’t always a welcoming event for the prodigal son, Caesar is taken aback by the unexpected events triggered by his arrival back home.
Monday 1 December 2023
Episode 171
Dabawo steps in so that Virginia doesn’t discover Thandiswa’s presence. Tiny busts Sindi and Mpendulo at Sakhile’s house.
Tuesday 12 December 2023
Episode 172
Dabawo comes to Thandiswa’s aid when Virginia pays Caesar’s ancestral home an unexpected visit. Tiny and Mpendulo team up on a secret money-making scheme.
Wednesday 13 December 2023
Episode 173
An arsonist tries to burn down the Ngonyama homestead but gets stopped in time. When Caesar beats the man ruthlessly, Thandiswa finally sees the brutal side to him.
Thursday 14 December 2023
Episode 174
Caesar contacts Mthetho and discusses the need for reinforcements, hinting at a dangerous situation. Tim’s resurrection creates tension among his colleagues, leading to a rift and isolation.
Friday 15 December 2023
Episode 175
Caesar and Bhele face off. Bhele reveals that he killed Caesar’s father. Caesar wants to kill him, but Ngcuka reminds him that Bhele is supposed to be sacrificed to the keepers of the land.
Monday 18 December 2023
Episode 176
Unseen walls rise between Virginia and Caesar when the latter returns without merely touching his lady. Tim’s demand for justice comes with a hefty price tag. Sindi’s discovery of Tiny’s scam ignites a powder keg.
Tuesday 19 December 2023
Episode 177
Leroy quizzes Thandiswa about Caesar and warns her that Virginia suspects that something’s going on. Mthetho urges Caesar to keep his arrangement with Thandiswa casual and low-key.
Wednesday 20 December 2023
Episode 178
Anathi cuts up the melon on the past we never knew about Leroy. Sindi facilitates the lovers’ getaway. Virginia reaches out to Thandiswa for one more attempt at friendship.
Thursday 21 December 2023
Episode 179
Sindi and Mpendulo have a quickie in a hotel room. Caesar agrees that Tiny and Mamiki can use the canteen for the staff Christmas party. Mandla feels overshadowed by Pastor Joseph.
Friday 22 December 2023
Episode 180
Virginia is pursuing Thandiswa’s friendship. Caesar advises Thandiswa to hold back. Lulu and Mandla are frantic when they lose congregants to a rival pastor.
Monday 25 December 2023
Episode 181
Mpendulo and Sindi have to secure the morning after pill when one of his condoms breaks. A depressed Mandla gets drunk when no one shows for his service.
Tuesday 26 December 2023
Episode 182
Jaxon is the puppet master as he supplies drinks to Candace’s bridal shower to fuel his plans of it becoming a battleground of emotions when she unexpectedly admits her uncertainty about getting married.
Wednesday 27 December 2023
Episode 183
Candace is horrified that she slept with Jaxon. She’s regretful but comes to the realisation that she doesn’t want to get married. She ends things with her fiancé.
Thursday 28 December 2023
Episode 184
Anathi rolls the dice in his pursuit of Mthetho, but the icy reception he encounters is far from what he anticipated. Fanyana catapults Mandla into the digital world to rebuild his church.
Friday 29 December 2023
Episode 185
Anathi comes on strong to Mthetho, who kicks him out, but promises not to tell Leroy. He hacks Leroy’s phone, skips town, and posts pics on Twitter of Leroy and Mthetho in bed together.

Coming up on Umkhokha: The Curse this December 2023:
Friday 1 December 2023
Episode 195
Saved By A Tragedy
MaMzobe is about to confess all her sins when a tragedy saves her. Nothing can stop Zodwa’s lobolo negotiations now – or is there?

Monday 4 December 2023
Episode 196
Umkhokha strikes again
Difa tries to calm down his family before he has to do the worst he has ever had to do – lash his child’s lifeless body.
Tuesday 5 December 2023
Episode 197
There’s Umkhokha In The Family
After studying what has been happening in the family, Difa has an epiphany and breaks the shocking news to the family. The Mthembus put their differences aside and go to offer the Gumedes their condolences. The Gumede siblings fear that there’s a pattern – they worry they might be next.
Wednesday 6 December 2023
Episode 198
Umkhokha
MaMzobe struggles with the guilt of having not lashed Xolile’s body while Difa makes plans to exhume Mlungisi’s body and lash it.
Thursday 7 December 2023
Episode 199
It’s Not Mlu, It’s Xolile
MaMzobe reveals the truth about what she didn’t do.
Friday 8 December 2023
Episode 200
It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye
Difa confronts MaMzobe about not lashing Xolile, which has led to the Gumede and Mzobe kids being killed by Umkhokha. He must dig up Xolile and lash her to stop the curse.
Monday 11 December 2023
Episode 201
New Dawn
Some council members are happy that Nokubonga lost her baby because it means MaMzobe has no claim to the throne, and Mabusi tries to comfort an unresponsive Nokubonga.
Tuesday 12 December 2023
Episode 202
The Second Lashing
Xolile’s body is dug up – will Difa man up and lash her remains? Nokubonga braves up and finally sticks it to MaMzobe.
Wednesday 13 December 2023
Episode 203
Quarrel’s Threshold
Tension explodes between Difa and MaMzobe leading to a shocking collapse that leaves the family reeling.
Thursday 14 December 2023
Episode 204
Time To Say Final Goodbye
The Gumede’s are horrified when they find Difa lying on the floor, unresponsive. Siphamandla wants to backtrack serving MaMzobe but it’s too late – she gets served anyway. Pastor Mdluli unintentionally reveals his plans for Khulekani to Nomkhosi.
Friday 15 December 2023
Episode 205
MaMzobe’s Nemesis Returns
The Gumedes learn that Difa has taken a turn for the worst. Nompendulo wants redemption. Nomkhosi accuses his father of endangering Khulekani’s life.
Monday 18 December 2023
Episode 206
Snakes And Ladders
MaMzobe might have a huge problem on her hands as it turns out an old enemy with a grudge is out on the loose, spilling.
Tuesday 19 December 2023
Episode 207
Robbing The Robber
The Mthembus learn the real truth about the will. MaMzobe’s evil intentions do not pay off.
Wednesday 20 December 2023
Episode 208
Every Knee Shall Bow, And Every Tongue Confess Zamcolo
MaMzobe has no choice but to do the thing she vowed she’ll never do in her life. Khulekani is convinced that they’re in a good space with his wife, only to find out that she won’t be attending his ordination.
Thursday 21 December 2023
Episode 209
A Fresh Start
The walls are closing in on MaMzobe.
Friday 22 December 2023
Episode 210
A Sinner of Sinners
MaMzobe’s day of reckoning comes. Khulekani elevates even more and Maphalala drags MaZungu to church to face the music.
Monday 25 December 2023
Episode 211
Bring Back The Money
The Council threatens MaMzobe but Ndlovu buys her time.
Tuesday 26 December 2023
Episode 212
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
Khulekani asks MaNzimande to bless him, but she refuses and blesses Siphamandla instead. MaMzobe plays her last card.
Wednesday 27 December 2023
Episode 213
Victory is sweet
While the Mthembus prepare for the pilgrimage, MaMzobe seeks to mend her relationships with her family, but might be failing.
Thursday 28 December 2023
Episode 214
Going On A Pilgrimage
Siphamandla leads Amajudiya as they go to the mountain for their annual pilgrimage. Nomkhosi still refuses to accompany Khulekani to church on his big day. MaMzobe feels left out when Difa, Gabisile and Nobuntu leave for the pilgrimage without her.
Friday 29 December 2023
Episode 215
Mountain Top
When Amajudiya reaches the mountain top, Siphamandla is met by a surprise.

Zolisa Xaluva, renowned for his recent portrayal of Caesar in e.tv’s acclaimed telenovela Smoke and Mirrors, grabs headlines for an unforeseen reason. Entertainment expert Phil Mphela announces Xaluva’s abrupt removal from the show, shocking fans.

Mphela breaks the news on social media, declaring, “Zolisa Xaluva fired from #etvSmokeAndMirrors. The prolific award-winning actor departs from the 7th most-watched South African show. The role of the ruthless businessman, Caesar, will likely undergo recasting.” This unexpected development prompts questions, as the reasons for Xaluva’s sudden exit remain a mystery.

The South African attempts to contact Zolisa Xaluva for comments, but he remains unavailable at the time of publishing, adding intrigue to the unfolding drama.

As Xaluva’s departure resonates across the entertainment world, ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ fans express their reactions on social media.

Meanwhile, @indlovukazi_3 acknowledges Xaluva’s undeniable talent but notes a recurring theme in his career, commenting, “This guy always gets fired from every show he is in. The unfortunate part is he kills every role, and he is very talented.”

@NmabokelaNonoza defends the actor’s character, expressing, “They are wrong. Xolisa is well-behaved, I don’t care what he did. But the guy is a legend and doesn’t have bad manners. So, in this case, etvsmokers are wrong.”

Adding a touch of disbelief, @thoriiso_m questions the decision, stating, “Yes. The production team is the one that is wrong, Zolisa could never.”

As fans grapple with the surprising turn of events, the fate of Caesar in ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ hangs in the balance. The looming question remains: why did Zolisa Xaluva. A celebrated and seasoned actor, exit a show that captured the hearts of many South African viewers? Only time will reveal the untold story behind this unexpected departure from the enthralling world of ‘Smoke and Mirrors.’

Coming up on Gqeberha: The Empire this December 2023:
Friday 1 December 2023
Fate has no rear-view mirror
Luzuko is on a war path. Msimelelo wants to win his family back or die trying. Nontle’s broken heart feels like it will never mend.

Monday 4 December 2023
The wages of sin
Zimkhitha’s actions cause a ripple effect that shatters her entire world. Msimelelo takes a bold step to try and win Funeka again.
Tuesday 5 December 2023
A nightmare unfolds
Zimkhitha unravels at the hands of her evil deeds. The Mxenge children bond over their grief. A tragedy reunites the Makwetus.
Wednesday 6 December 2023
Haunted House
Msimelelo moves back home but is still not sure what that means for their relationship. Hurt by the loss of family, Ntando blames his mother, not knowing just how right he is. Zimkhitha is haunted by her mistake.
Thursday 7 December 2023
One flew over the cuckoo’s nest
Zimkhitha is losing her mind. Nontle tries to drown her sorrows with alcohol. Msimelelo misses his departed dear friend.
Friday 8 December 2023
The uninvited mourner
Zimkhitha’s guilt continues to haunt her. Nontle is not handling the end of her marriage well. An unexpected mourner interrupts proceedings at the wake.
Monday 11 December 2023
A different cry
Hlumelo decides to let Zimkhitha bury her kids. Thulani finds it hard to accept his father’s death. Nontle finally seeks help from Pastor.
Tuesday 12 December 2023
Changing of the guard
Hlumelo lays down the law with his brother’s family. Nontle throws herself into something else to avoid dealing with her real issues, but Sivuyile can see through her. Nozuko offers her allegiance to the kids when she falls in with the new alpha.
Wednesday 13 December 2023
Bullet to the rescue
Zimkhitha ignores Vathiswa’s advice to get ahead of things by telling Ntando the truth. Thulani’s decision to sign the divorce papers after the funeral might push Nontle over the edge. Bulelwa slows Hlumelo’s roll with a court order.
Thursday 14 December 2023
Rest in Eternal Peace
Luzuko, Mpilo and Fundiswa are laid to rest. Hlumelo makes it known, at the funeral service, that he will avenge his brother’s death. Msimelelo finds it hard to reconcile with his friend’s death.
Friday 15 December 2023
Till Death
Luzuko’s will leave the family divided and Hlumelo nonplussed. Nontle decides to deal with her heartbreak in the most shocking way.
Monday 18 December 2023
The sword in the king maker’s hands
Zimkhitha kicks Hlumelo out of the house and makes veiled threats. Nozuko is doing her best not to end up back where she started. Nontle continues to cry about Thulani breaking his vows.
Tuesday 19 December 2023
A new dawn
Hlumelo vows to get justice for his brother. Ntando extends an olive branch to his siblings, much to Zimkhitha’s chagrin. Funeka has a heart to heart with her daughter.
Wednesday 20 December 2023
Secrets, secrets, hard to keep
An unexpected find sends Ntando into a tailspin. Nontle finds out about Funeka and Msimelelo’s secret. Nozuko considers an alliance with Hlumelo.
Thursday 21 December 2023
Love is a willingness to sacrifice
Zimkhitha tells Ntando the truth about his paternity. Msimelelo is not sure how he will finance the extravagant wedding that Funeka wants. Nozuko learns something that makes Hlumelo’s theory make sense.
Friday 22 December 2023
Tested Trust
Zimkhitha does not want to live anymore. Msimelelo’s romantic picnic for Funeka turns sour. Hlumelo spills all the beans to Thulani.
Monday 25 December 2023
Daddy Issues
Nozuko plans to use Hlumelo to advance her plans. Thulani plucks up the courage to ask Ntando a personal question, but things go left very fast. Msimelelo parties in celebration for his bachelor’s.
Tuesday 26 December 2023
The gloves are off
It’s Thulani and Hlumelo vs Zimkhitha and Ntando in the ring. The bets are in. Will Msimelelo make it to the alter, the second time around? Nozuko finds purpose in the arms of another Mxenge.
Wednesday 27 December 2023
You are all fired
Thulani and Hlumelo close in on Zimkhitha but she strikes back. Msimelelo is not ready to give up on Funeka.
Thursday 28 December 2023
Queen of spaces
The reading of Luzuko’s pathology report brings Ntando’s paternity to the spotlight. Funeka finally sees Zimkhitha’s true colours.
Friday 29 December 2023
When the wrong one loves you right
Hlumelo is still intent on getting rid of Zimkhitha even after failing to implicate her in Luzuko’s death. Nontle makes an impassioned plea to Ntando about them getting back together, but is she prepared to hear the truth?