Meet the female-lead cast of Mzansi Magic drama ‘Stokvel’
Mzansi Magic has released the first-look teaser for its brand-new Monday night drama, Stokvel, premiering on 3 August 2026 at 20:00. The series stars Harriet Manamela as Mary, Motsoaledi Setumo as Puleng, Nobuhle Mahlasela as Cynthia, and Leera Mthethwa as Bathabile. Joining the cast is Lerato Mahlasela as Palesa, the troublesome niece whose actions ignite the drama that unfolds among the four lifelong friends.
Stokvel tells the story of four women- Mary, Cynthia, Bathabile and Puleng who have belonged to the same stokvel group for almost a decade. Over the years, they have become more than just fellow members; they have become sisters, standing by one another through life’s highs and lows, even when they can’t stand each other.
Their unbreakable bond is put to the ultimate test when a scammer enters their lives. Palesa, the niece of one of the women, infiltrates their trusted circle, leaving devastation, betrayal and growing distrust in her wake. As secrets unravel, the friendships that have defined these women for years are pushed to breaking point.
Stokvel Cast
The cast shared their thoughts on the significance of stokvels and what the series reflects about these treasured community institutions, particularly for women.
“You know, when I was growing up, my own mother was part of a stokvel. What I came to realise is that stokvels were, and still are, about so much more than money. They’re about lending a helping hand, building a community and making a meaningful contribution. That contribution extends beyond the members themselves it’s about supporting others too, like helping a bereaved family during a funeral,” says Harriet.
For Motsoaledi Setumo, stokvels are a powerful symbol of women’s strength and leadership.
“Stokvel, for me, reveals just how incredible women are when they come together to support one another. More importantly, it reminds us that women have always been capable leaders, whether leading a household or even the world. Stokvels also show how resourceful women are; they know how to make every rand stretch and provide for their families,” she says.
Leera Mthethwa echoes Harriet’s sentiments, saying stokvels represent far more than financial support.
“I feel that a stokvel is about much more than money. It’s about community, having a place to run to, the camaraderie of coming together. While people often think the money is the most important part, there’s a deeper layer. A stokvel represents friendship and companionship within female relationships. Yes, we gather for the financial benefits, but we also go hoping our sisters will notice when something is wrong in our relationships or our homes. Sometimes you go hoping another woman will tell you that you look beautiful because you don’t hear that enough at home. Stokvels are so much deeper than just the money.”
Nobuhle Mahlasela believes one of the most beautiful aspects of stokvels is the joy and pride they bring to women.
“I’ll always go back to my childhood. I remember my mother and her friends dressing in their very best outfits, bringing out their finest china and preparing incredible meals. It was a celebration of womanhood a chance to let go for a while. They spent their days being wives, mothers and colleagues, and the stokvel became their outlet to simply enjoy themselves, celebrate each other, look beautiful and share amazing food. As the ladies have said, stokvels are a support system not only financially, but emotionally as well.”
