Television often mirrors the realities of society, and that is what the storyline of “Kuningi,” a gripping new 3-part mini-series airing on Mzansi Magic, does.
“Kuningi” highlights the journeys of single mothers whose children have absent fathers.
Actress Samkelo Ndlovu portrays the character of Mbali, 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” is a three-part mini-series airing on Mzansi Magic (Channel 161) from May 18–20 at 7.00pm.
Ndlovu reflected that “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.”
Ndlovu shared that she admires how well “Kuningi” 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.”
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 and 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.”
Kuningi is a three-part mini-series airing on Mzansi Magic (Channel 161) from May 18–20 at 7.00pm.
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