Following the buzz surrounding its upcoming telenovela Black Gold, BET Africa has officially revealed the full cast of the high-stakes daily drama set to shake up prime time. Premiering 18 August 2025 on DStv Channel 129 at 18:30, with repeats at 21:30.
Black Gold dives deep into a world of betrayal, legacy, and power struggles rooted in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal. At the centre of the story is Nomalanga Shozi, who takes on the role of Amandla Zungu — a principled daughter of the soil whose life is shattered by betrayal. She is joined by two of South Africa’s most revered performers: SAFTA-winning actress Dawn Thandeka King as the calculating Florence Zungu, and the legendary Sello Maake KaNcube as Tom Motsepe, a mining magnate with a dangerous past.
“Florence is like a tornado. No one and nothing that stands in her way is safe. She wants it all, and she’s going to get it by all means possible,” says King. “Playing her has been a thrilling challenge—she’s fierce, flawed, and unforgettable.” Maake KaNcube adds, “Tom is a man haunted by legacy and driven by power. He’s not just a villain—he’s a man at war with his own past.”
The series also features a formidable supporting cast of acclaimed talent. Zamani Mbatha brings emotional complexity to Zakhele Motsepe, a conflicted heir torn between love and legacy. Nomsa Buthelezi delivers both heart and humour as MaBrrr, a brothel queen with a sharp tongue and a haunted past. Multi-award-winning actor Warren Masemola stars as Kotsi, a rebel leader whose intellect is as dangerous as his rage. Veteran actor Ernest Ndlovu portrays Bhekumbuso Zungu, the visionary patriarch whose murder ignites the central conflict.
Alongside these industry heavyweights, Black Gold introduces a vibrant mix of rising stars and fresh faces. Ashleigh Herman plays Starlight, a glamorous hostess with a mysterious past. Zinhle Sithole portrays Abongwe Zungu, a sharp-witted teen navigating grief and rebellion. Siphesihle Vazi appears as Ma-a Motsepe, a flashy party boy with a hidden yearning for purpose, while Thulani Mtsweni brings warmth and grit to Majika, the loyal supervisor of The Ch!las Lounge.
The cast also includes Lwazi Dlamini as Siyabonga Zungu, Mbaliyesizwe Ngiba as Faith Motsepe, Warren Van Rooyen as Detective Scheepers, Sikhulile Mgaga as Bancane, Fraincois Jacobs as Twakkie, Robert Wood as Kobie, and Michelle Ayden as Susana. Each brings a unique energy to the world of Black Gold, enriching the story’s emotional and cultural landscape.
Black Gold is an explosive telenovela that centres around Amandla Zungu, a principled and passionate daughter of the soil, whose life is shattered when her beloved father is murdered, and she is falsely accused of the crime by her stepmother. The story follows her journey to reclaim her power, legacy, and land.
At its heart, the series asks: what if a woman, betrayed and stripped of everything, had to become as ruthless as her enemy to reclaim her rightful place—only to discover that power, once seized, is a force as corrupting as it is intoxicating? Can Amandla outmanoeuvre the woman who stole everything from her, or will Florence tighten her grip and crush Amandla beneath the very land she once vowed to protect?
Check out the First Look images below to meet more characters from the show before the drama unfolds on 18 August.
Black Gold premieres 18 August 2025 on BET Africa (DStv Channel 129), airing Monday to Thursday at 18:30, with repeats at 21:30.
