16 years have passed since SABC 1 and Moja Movie Factory produced one of South Africa’s most enduring drama programs, Tshisa. The first season’s first episode debuted on SABC1 on September 21, 2006, at 21:00. The show’s third and final season ended in 2012.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’ve never seen the show, I’d say the first season centers on Bafana (played by Bongani Masondo) and Ayanda (played by Zukisa Matola), who compete in a presenter search competition and wind up co-hosting it.

Ayanda works frantically to find assistance for her mother, whose eyesight has gotten worse, while Bafana is trying to launch his Kwaito career.

As the two characters grow, Bafana’s career eventually takes off and Ayanda starts modeling.

Bafana, who is from the suburbs, runs into Thabo “Baksteen” Lerole, who was raised in a shanty in the township. They record music as a duo together.

They are introduced to substances including cocaine, heroin, and crack in their search for glamor and glam. They end up hanging out with the wrong crowd, and soon Bafana is shot in a passing car and left crippled.

Tshisa is a narrative about how our decisions affect the people we love, particularly the impact that drugs have on those decisions.

Tshisa is a story about making decisions in life, the cost of fame, the attraction of bling, the drug epidemic’s downward spiral, overcoming disabilities, love, relationships, and HIV, as well as families and the traditional connections that unite.

So here is how the cast appears 15 years later:

1. Bongani Masondo as Bafana Shabalala

Born: 26 January 1984 (38 years old)

Masondo has appeared in a number of movies, including Skin (2008), Society (2007), and Skeem Saam, though Tshisa was his first TV appearance.

2. Innocent Masuku as Thabo “Baksteen” Lerole

(37 years of age)

Masuku has been in South African TV programs like Yizo Yizo, where he played the part of “Bobo,” and Zone 14, where he portrayed “Maradona,” despite the fact that he has been absent from the spotlight for a while.

3. Zukisa Matola as Ayanda Ncebe

Born: 14 January 1978 (44 years old)

Her most famous performance was as Bridget, Dumisani Shabane’s crazy wife, in the television series Generations.

She has also appeared on The Queen, Isithembiso, Z’bondiwe, and Tsha-Tsha.

4. Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa as Precious

Born: 3 March 1988 (age 34 years)

Black Coffee, a South African DJ, divorced Enhle. She is an entrepreneur, model, and fashion designer.

Moferefere Lenyalong, Soul City, Sokhulu and Partners, Rhythm City, Rockville, and 7de Laan are just a few of the roles she has played as an actor.

5. Thandy Matlaila as Lindiwe Ngema

Born: 23 August 1987 (35 years old)

Thandy Matlaila is the CEO of Aptitude Consulting and a yoga enthusiast in addition to being an actress.