Mzansi Magic is back with another gripping mini-series, and this time the stakes cut even deeper. In its third week of fresh releases, the channel drops Amanzi Endlini, a bold new drama from Ngomoya Films that sees Makgotso M return to the screen in a powerful and emotionally charged role. She plays Nothile, a close friend to a traditionally married couple whose decision to explore surrogacy sets off a chain reaction that no one is prepared for.
What begins as an act of love and trust slowly unravels into a storm of emotional conflict, suspicion, and rising tension within the relationship, forcing every character to confront boundaries, loyalty, and the true cost of their choices.
The three-part series also stars Keke Mphuthi as Seipati, Nkanyiso Makhanya as Nkanyiso, Deli Malinga as MaMntungwa, and Monnye Kunupi as Gadifele.
Ahead of the premiere, Makgotso M reflects on stepping into complex roles, the layered realities of surrogacy in South Africa, and why Amanzi Endlini is set to ignite conversations far beyond the screen.
What were your thoughts when you first read the script for Amanzi Endlini?
My first thought was, “Aaah! Another controversial character!” But as an actor, you can’t judge your character. The challenge for me was making Nothile both controversial and likeable at the same time.
I enjoy playing layered and complex characters because people are naturally complex in real life. We all become villains in someone else’s story at some point. So, for me, the exciting challenge was bringing humanity and relatability to a character viewers may initially struggle with.
Nothile becomes another woman’s “worst nightmare” in this story. Did you ever find yourself judging her?
There were definitely moments where I questioned her decisions. Initially, her intentions came from a good place, she genuinely wanted to help her friend and her husband. But as the story progresses, things become emotionally complicated and spiral out of control.
Whenever I caught myself judging her, I had to remind myself that my job as an actor is not to judge the character, but to understand why she made certain choices and bring that truthfully to life.
If you were friends with both Seipati and Nothile, what advice would you have given them?
I would encourage anyone considering surrogacy to think deeply about the emotional impact involved. Nothile did extensive research into the legal side of surrogacy, but she underestimated the emotional and physical realities that come with carrying a child.
There’s also the hormonal journey and the inevitable bond that can develop between the surrogate and the baby. I would strongly advise all parties involved to seek therapy before, during and after the process because it can be emotionally overwhelming for everyone.
Would you ever consider becoming a surrogate mother yourself?
No, I personally wouldn’t. But what I find interesting is how controversial surrogacy and IVF still are in society.
Recently, someone told me surrogacy is “not of God” because they believe you cannot pay for a child. But my view is that people are not paying for a child – they are paying for the process and the physical responsibility of carrying a baby. It’s similar to adoption, where there are also legal and administrative costs involved.
Although I wouldn’t choose surrogacy for myself, I don’t have a problem with it, and I think society still needs more open-minded conversations around these topics.
Some viewers still struggle to separate actors from the characters they play. Were you worried about how audiences would react to Nothile?
Not at all, I actually take it as a compliment when audiences feel strongly about my characters because that means I’ve done my job well. Thankfully, we no longer live in the era where people completely confuse actors with their characters. Social media and behind-the-scenes content help audiences see who we really are outside the storylines.
Even today, people still talk about my character Onika from Muvhango 11 years later, and that reminds me how impactful storytelling can be.
You share the screen with the legendary Deli Malinga in this production. What was that experience like?
It was phenomenal. Mam’ Deli truly embraced me both on and off screen, which made working together incredibly special. What humbled me most was her willingness to continue learning despite her success and experience. She reminded me that growth never stops, no matter how established you become in this industry.
What’s next for Makgotso M?
Right now, I’m focused on building multiple streams of income and expanding beyond acting. I went back to school last year and have been exploring different business ventures and opportunities. People will soon see what I’ve been working on.
Why should audiences watch Amanzi Endlini?
I believe the show opens up important conversations about fertility, infertility and the societal pressure often placed on women when couples struggle to conceive.
In many cases, infertility issues can also involve men, but that’s a conversation society often avoids. I hope the series encourages compassion and understanding while opening people’s minds to different paths to parenthood, whether through surrogacy, IVF or other options.
Amanzi Endlini airs on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) from 25–27 May at 19:00 and will also be available on Catch Up.
