Fortune Thobejane lands his first starring TV role as lead character “Duke” in Mzansi Magic‘s new Sunday night drama, Critical But Stable. Based on novelist Angela Makholwa‘s bestselling novel, Critical But Stable, set to captivate audiences when it premieres on Sundays from 26 July 2026 on DStv Channel 161 at 20:00.
Critical But Stable is a 13-episode drama series that follows the life of a struggling businessman, Duke, who ropes his friends into an insurance scam to save both his ailing wife and his failing business. Duke and his childhood friends are members of a jazz-themed stokvel called Khula. It’s a social club and a way to promote brotherhood and support one another in protecting their marriages and families.
The actor walks us through his new role, his on-screen chemistry with his co-stars, the power of prayer and what landing his first lead role means to him.
As a man yourself, what is the one thing you respect most about your character, Duke?
Duke is the kind of man who loves his family and will go to the ends of the earth to make sure they’re cared for and provided for. That’s what I respect most about him. He’s made mistakes in the past, but he now knows that his true north is his family. He’s determined to be the provider and protector they need, especially when it comes to his ailing wife. He’s not perfect, but he’s working hard to become a better, more honest man.
What made you fall in love with this story?
It’s quite simple – I relate to this story as a man, and I especially relate to Duke’s journey. Although I don’t live the same life as my character, we do share similarities when it comes to some of the mistakes we’ve made in the past. There were moments when it didn’t even feel like I was acting; it felt like I was telling parts of my own story through Duke. What I love most is that, through everything, Duke leads with love. That’s something we have in common because I’m also very much a family man.
You share the screen with Batsile Ramasodi, Thabo Malema and Lawrence Maleka. What was a typical day on set like with the three of them?
I kid you not – from the very first chemistry test, we got along like a house on fire. We walked into the room together and immediately burst into laughter. Those are my guys! I genuinely believe God brought us together for this project because filming the show felt effortless and enjoyable. When it came to the script, of course we honoured what was on the page, but there were also moments where we had the freedom to play, improvise and make scenes feel even more authentic. That chemistry translated naturally onto the screen.
Is it true that you almost didn’t audition for this role?
Yes. My agent initially sent me the audition brief, but at first I wasn’t convinced I was the right fit. Then my agent called and told me production was really interested in seeing me, so I decided to go for it.
When I got to the audition, I recognised some incredibly talented actors who were also auditioning. It reminded me just how competitive this industry is. But instead of focusing on who else was in the room, I reminded myself why I was there. I trusted my preparation, believed in my own ability and gave the role everything I had. When they handed me the script, I told myself I wasn’t going to “act” Duke. I understood him because I’d experienced parts of his journey in my own life. In that moment, Duke and I became one, and thankfully everything worked out.
Duke and Noma share an emotional journey throughout the series. What was it like building that relationship with Mmarona Motshegoa on and off screen?
For our on-screen relationship to feel believable, Mmarona and I knew we had to build a genuine connection beyond the set as well. We made an effort to get to know each other and build trust, because it’s difficult to create authentic chemistry with someone you don’t genuinely connect with. By the time the cameras started rolling, that relationship already existed, and I think audiences will feel that. We also have a great deal of mutual respect for one another, which made working together even more enjoyable.
What’s one thing you came to admire most about Mmarona while working on Critical But Stable?
Mmarona is a true prayer warrior, and that’s something I deeply admire about her. Her faith is unwavering because she knows exactly where her strength comes from. There were moments when we’d be going through our lines and she’d ask if I was okay, even when I hadn’t said anything. If I wasn’t, she’d simply say, “Let’s pray about it.” Those moments reminded me that I wasn’t just working with a talented actress, but with someone whose faith and compassion genuinely impact the people around her.
What are you most proud of about being part of this project?
The biggest thing is that Duke is my very first lead role. That’s incredibly special to me, and leading such a phenomenal cast is something I’ll always be grateful for. Beyond that, I’m proud of what Duke represents. He reminds men that when life gets difficult – whether your family is struggling or your wife is ill – you don’t go looking for temporary happiness somewhere else. You stay, you fight for your family and you weather the storm together until you reach calmer waters.
The ensemble cast is led by Fortune Thobejane, Lawrence Maleka, Batsile Ramasodi, Thabo Malema, Mmarona Motshegoa, Motsoaledi Setumo, Seipati Mahamu, Mapaseka Koetle and Eve Rasimeni. Critical But Stable is also co-executive produced by Angela Makholwa and produced by Barkers Media.
Catch Fortune Thobejane in his first lead role in Mzansi Magic’s new 13-part drama series, Critical But Stable, premiering on Channel 161 on Sunday, 26 July 2026, at 20:00.
