South African soap opera Nikiwe has given the boot to Siphosethu Tshapu who was the leading writer leading a new way for fresh players.
According to sources, a new writing team led by prolific writer Bongi Ndaba has been hired to rescue the show.
About Nikiwe
Nikiwe is a South African soap opera which revolves around the Radebe family, a powerful clan whose wealth and influence are threatened from within their own ranks.
Imagine inheriting all the wealth in the world, having power and influence in the palm of your hands, only to have it all stripped away from you by your own family.
This is a tale of what it means to be “hood rich” as we follow the rise and fall of the Radebe family empire based in the surrounds of Diepkloof Extension, Pimville and Orlando, Soweto.
The clan is headed by Themba “Bhungane” Radebe (played by Muzi Mthabela), a headstrong businessman who is gunning to be the biggest entrepreneur in Soweto.
Themba is married to Mirriam Radebe (Zandi Nhlapo) and they have three children: Nikiwe, Menzi and Mandisa.
Nikiwe Radebe (Lungelo Mpangase) is the firstborn and heir to the family empire; a socialite at heart, with pure intentions.
But Nikiwe loses it all after a tragic incident strikes the Radebe home.
Menzi Radebe (Craig Nobela) is Nikiwe’s brother and Mandisa (Slindokuhle Tshabalala) is the youngest sibling in the family.
MaSibisi (Clementine Mosimane) is Themba’s mother, whose story begins when she gets released from prison with her friend Mimmie Cooper (Lorcia Cooper).
We soon learn that MaSibisi served 15 years to take the rap for a crime that her son committed.
Other characters include Uncle Skeitla (Kenneth Nkosi), Mirriam’s brother and Nikiwe’s uncle. Based in Orlando, he’s a hustler at heart.
Dimakatso Sikhosana (Liopelo Maphathe) is Uncle Skeitla’s wife – always loving, caring and supportive.
Warona Sikhosana (Lehlohonolo Moloi) is Skeitla and Dimakatso’s only daughter and their pride and joy.
Mazibuko (Israel Matseke Zulu) is a ruthless tenderpreneur and Bhungane’s biggest competition.
Lulu Ngebulana (Soso Rungqu) is Bhungane’s ex-wife and mother to his first-born son, whom no one knew about.
Ntsika Ngebulana (Akhona Ndlovu) is Lulu and Bhungane’s son, and he wants his stake in the family riches.
Rounding out the cast is MaDlamini (Neo Iman Mothae), Bhungane’s sangoma and secret lover.
Nikiwe is based on a story concept by Thomas Gumede and is produced by Parental Advisory Productions.
The series is executive produced by Thomas Gumede and Lungile Radu; the series producer is Analine Pringle.
The head writer was Siphosethu Tshapu, with a writing team including Nontuthuzwelo Magoxo, Ntando Mhlongo, Busisiwe Zwane, Kirsten Adams, Tsale Makam, Julian Koboekae, Nombulelo Mcwerah, Zintle Bobi, Awelani Makhuvha, Donald Ndlovu, Sibusiso Kumalo, Sibusiso Malaza and Londiwe Kubeka.
The director is Thomas Gumede.
