New Mzansi Magic drama ‘Strings Attached’ premieres in May 2026

Mzansi Magic just announced a brand-new drama that dives deep into the dark side of love ‘Strings Attached’, set to premiere on Monday, 4 May at 8PM, exclusively on DStv Channel 161.

Strings Attached tells a story about love and psychological mind games – exploring how even the most unlikely person can be trapped in a cycle of manipulation and control.  Starring Rosemary Zimu as Lethabo, the bread winner of her family who falls for what she thinks is her chance at love.

The mysterious businessman, Xolani, played by Melusi Mbele, who offers her desires on a silver platter makes her believe that all he wants is just to love her. However, he uses his charm and power to captivate her, and soon, what begins as a fairytale quickly spirals into something far more ominous. 

“This is a bold story that reflects the realities being navigated by many South Africans. As a channel, this is one of those shows that illustrates our commitment to telling stories that not only entertain but shine a light on the often-overlooked dynamics of psychological and emotional manipulation. It is also a reminder to the Mzansi audience that you are the driver of your own journey and that happiness lies within you.,” says Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Entertainment Channels.

Strings Attached is a Ray Content Hub production directed by Nthabi Tau who unpacked some layers behind the making of this gripping story.

What was the inspiration behind Strings Attached?

The series was born out of an interest in how love and control can sometimes exist in the same space. I was drawn to the idea that not all relationships that look romantic on the surface are safe underneath. In many ways, the show explores the quiet, often unspoken dynamics of emotional dependency. We wanted to tell a story that feels intimate and recognisable but also unsettling in how it unfolds.

How did you balance romance and tension without glamorising the toxic parts in the central relationship?

A: That balance was very intentional from the beginning. The goal was never to present toxicity as desirable, but to show how it can feel desirable in the moment. We leaned into perspective, allowing the audience to experience the emotional pull of the relationship, while gradually revealing the cracks. We wanted viewers to question their own reactions like – Why does this feel good? Why does it also feel wrong? So instead of glamorising the toxic dynamic, we invite the audience to sit inside it and recognise its complexity.

How important was the cast chemistry to the success of the series?

It was essential. This story lives and dies on the connection between the characters. The actors needed to create something that felt believable enough to draw you in but layered enough to carry the tension underneath. What made it work is that the chemistry wasn’t just about attraction. It was about energy. There’s a push and pull, a sense of curiosity, power, vulnerability. The cast really understood the emotional language of the show, and that allowed even small moments to carry weight.

What conversations do you hope Strings Attached will spark among viewers, particularly in the South African context?

A: I hope it opens conversations about emotional boundaries, self-worth and how we define love. In a South African context, there’s often a lot we inherit… like culturally, socially even generationally – about what relationships should look like and sometimes that makes it harder to recognise when something isn’t healthy. I think many viewers will see parts of themselves in these characters and hopefully it encourages honest conversations about the kinds of relationships we enter.

Without giving too much away, what makes this series stand out in terms of character and storytelling?

What sets Strings Attached apart is that the tension doesn’t just come from the plot of the story, but it also comes from perception. The story is deeply psychological and subjective. You’re not always watching events unfold in a straightforward way. You’re experiencing them through the emotional lens of the characters. We also leaned into a more fragmented, intimate style of storytelling. Moments don’t always resolve cleanly and that’s intentional. It mirrors how obsession works.  How it distorts time, memory, and your reality.

During the shooting of the series, what moments stand out for you or left an impression?

What stayed with me most was realising we were giving a voice to the woman who’s story was never told – we became the conduit to the truths of victims and understood the massive responsibility privilege we were given. As a crew, the lessons and conversation surrounding this topic will stay with me for a very long time. This was more than just a shoot, it was a lesson in humanity and how the human spirit can overcome. Some of the most powerful moments came from stillness which reinforced for me that this story doesn’t need to be loud to be intense.

Watch it all unfold on your home of local, Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) from Monday 04 May at 20:00.