New Mzansi Magic reality show about the Makhenes

Mzansi Magic has just announced a brand-new reality series, The Makhenes, that opens an intimate window into one of South Africa’s most recognisable families. Spanning more than five decades and three generations, the series explores legacy, love and the bonds that continue to shape the Makhene family through conflict, healing and growth.

This Mzansi Magic Original premieres on 12 April, with new episodes airing every Sunday at 7PM. At the centre of the series is actress and musician Letoya Makhene, who invites viewers into her world as she navigates life as a mother, a public figure and a spiritual healer. Her journey anchors the series, while the stories of her family, including her father musician Blondie Makhene and her sisters Pauline and Gontse, unfold alongside hers, revealing deeply personal struggles, unresolved tensions and moments of transformation.

“This is not just another celebrity reality show,” says Letoya. “It is raw and deeply honest. We are opening up like never before and showing our family exactly as we are. There is nothing glossy or polished about it; it is real. Real love, real pain and real life. I show up as my true, authentic self at a time when I had lost everything and reached my lowest point. That is where this story begins and that is why so many people will see themselves in it.”

Meet the Makhene family

Letoya Makhene

A multifaceted entertainment personality, Letoya brings emotional depth and spiritual awareness to the series. As an actress, musician and healer, she stands at the intersection of fame, motherhood and self-discovery. In The Makhenes, Letoya opens up about love, a messy breakup and the responsibility of holding her family together while still finding space to heal herself. 

Blondie Makhene

A legendary South African musician and activist, Blondie brings history, legacy and reflection into the family narrative. Loving yet unconventional, he relates to his children more as a friend than a traditional father. As the series unfolds, Blondie confronts questions about the legacy he is leaving behind and faces difficult truths about his parenting, adding honesty, wisdom and vulnerability to the story.

Gogo Lily

The emotional anchor of the Makhene family, Gogo Lily represents stability, tradition and unconditional love. Her presence grounds the family, offering guidance and perspective as tensions rise. She carries the emotional weight of the household and voices the desire for unity, healing and peace.

Pauline Makhene

The eldest daughter and the family’s caregiver, Pauline brings strength, accountability and emotional truth. Outspoken and fiercely protective, she carries the burden of past trauma, loss and responsibility. Her journey focuses on healing, mental health, navigating motherhood and opening up about her failed marriage while caring for her 103-year-old grandmother.

Gontse Makhene

The youngest sibling, Gontse’s story introduces fragility into the family dynamic. Her struggle with addiction creates tension and forces the family to confront boundaries, responsibility and tough love. Gontse’s journey highlights the difficult realities of supporting a loved one through addiction.

Nubia Mangezi

Letoya’s firstborn from her first marriage, Nubia is protective of her siblings and often the voice of reason. She brings honesty and confrontation to the series as she unpacks her unresolved resentment towards her mother and challenges Letoya to acknowledge how the divorce has shaped their relationship and the family dynamic.

Tadiwa Mangezi Jr

Letoya’s second-born from her first marriage, Tadiwa Jr is quiet, loyal and deeply protective of his family. He adds emotional subtlety to the show. As a young athlete chasing success in basketball, he balances ambition with the unspoken pain of his parents’ separation. 

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