What do you do when you think you’ve finally moved on from your past – only for it to confront you in the coldest way possible? That’s the reality Mbali faces in Kuningi, a gripping new 3-part mini-series airing on Mzansi Magic. Played by Samkelo Ndlovu, Mbali is a single mother and township events planner whose world is turned upside down when she lands a life-changing wedding contract, only to discover that the groom is the absent father of her child.
Determined to finally hold him accountable, Mbali uses the wedding planning process to push Mandla, played by Kay Sibiya, to do the culturally right thing and become a present father to their son.
The series also stars Simphiwe Ngema as Sophie, Mandla’s fiancée.
Kuningi storyline
Speaking about the storyline, Samkelo Ndlovu says Kuningi confronts the deeply rooted issue of absent fathers and the realities faced by single mothers across South Africa.
“This story interrogates the cycle of absent fathers in our society. It’s easy for society to celebrate single mothers as ‘strong’, but many of these women are simply forced to carry the consequences of somebody else’s abandonment and cowardice.”
She adds that the series reflects a reality many South Africans know all too well.
“A lot of people come from matriarchal homes not by choice, but because the father left. Society has become so used to fatherless homes that people even joke about it – and that’s heart-breaking.”
Mbali’s voice matters
Ndlovu says one of the most powerful aspects of Kuningi is how it centres the voice of a single mother.
“What I love about this series is that Mbali is not portrayed as just another ‘imbokodo’. Her voice matters. She uses her voice to demand accountability from the father of her child.”
She says the show also explores the emotional burden placed on women who are abandoned and then blamed by society.
“Even though communities constantly witness these situations, society still shames the parent who stayed.”
Mbali is fighting for her son – not revenge
For Ndlovu, Mbali is one of the most personal characters she has portrayed.
“I know many women like Mbali. She fights for her son and his well-being, that’s at the core of everything she does.”
The actress explains that Mbali’s pain is layered, having grown up with an absent father herself (Mbali) before facing the same cycle with her own child.
Most importantly, she says, Mbali is not motivated by revenge.
“She’s not trying to get Mandla back or hurt Sophie. She’s operating from an honest place – from the heart of a mother who simply wants her child to have a present father.”
A story about women supporting women
The relationship between Mbali and Sophie (played by Simphiwe Ngema) also becomes an unexpected emotional anchor in the series. According to Ndlovu, Mbali is drawn to Sophie’s carefree and confident nature, while Sophie gradually comes to understand Mbali’s pain and intentions.
“There’s mutual respect between the two women. Mbali reassures Sophie that she doesn’t want her man – she just wants Mandla to be a responsible father.”
“Stop calling black women strong”
Ndlovu also candidly addresses her frustrations with society constantly labeling women, especially Black women as “strong.”
“Black women are tired. We’re expected to be strong for ourselves and for everyone else. Don’t call me strong – call me ambitious, resilient, driven or visionary. Softness and care are things Black women deserve too.”
A message to absent fathers
Ndlovu hopes Kuningi sparks conversations about the long-term impact of fatherlessness.
“Absent fathers are causing damage not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally too. These cycles affect society in deeply harmful ways.”
She adds that issues such as gender-based violence are often linked to the trauma and instability created by fatherless homes.
“We have to stop this cycle.”
Kuningi is a 3-part mini-series airing on Mzansi Magic (Channel 161) from 18–20 May at 7PM.
