15 Jun 2025

MultiChoice Botswana in partnership with National Arts Council Botswana on Thursday treated Botswana’s creatives to a night of Shaka iLembe Season 2 premier with an exclusive showing of the series’ episode one ahead of the start of Season 2, aired on DStv Mzanzi Magic, channel 161 on June 15. 

The much awaited series is a South African series retelling the story of King Shaka Zulu of the Zulus and his quest to fight for his throne, while also honouring Shaka Zulu, the legend. Premiered in 2023, the series became an instant hit across the continent for its rich historical cultural heritage, recording 3.6 million views in its first week, making it the highest and best ratings ever for a MultiChoice-produced drama series.

Season 1 showcased the origins of the legendary great Zulu kingdom, displaying a collection of love stories with a plot line of love, ambition, betrayal, vengeance, pride and honour with warfare and territorial expansions. Season 1 is at its very best a love story of Shaka’s parents, Senzangakhona, played by Senzo Radebe and Nandi played by Nomzamo Mbatha a prince and a princess, who conceived Shaka out of wedlock. Senzangakhona denied the paternity, bringing shame to Nandi’s family.

Apart from other love stories in this series, which are a shift away minor plots from Shaka, there is a different kind of love story, a profound one, that of Shaka’s unwavering devotion to his mother. With paternal rejection and stigmatisation, young Shaka fights and kills those ‘close’ to him following his father’s death, to take his place as the Zulu successor.

Season 1 ended with the youthful warrior and king triumphantly returning to the Zulu palace accompanied by the Mthethwa army, marking a new era. Season 2 starts with Shaka and Nandi arriving at KwaNobamba, where he begins his reign as the new Zulu king. Season 2 promises continuous pleasurable entertainment characterised by conspiracies, and for the Southern Africa History students, they have a better idea of how it will all pan out from their History lessons.

In her remarks during the premiere, acting chief executive officer of NACB, Otsetswe Koboyankwe said film and television had the power to transport viewers to different perspectives.

“We cannot deny that film serves as cultural preservation by capturing traditions, livelihoods and customs while safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations,” said Koboyankwe.

She said indigenous film makers used film to reclaim their narratives and revitalise their languages as well as share unique perspective with the world, therefore making film a powerful instrument of cultural empowerment and self-representation.

Shaka iLembe had a successful reign after its first season garnering 17 nominations of the 2024 South Africa Film and Television Awards (SAFTA), winning 12 SAFTAs at the 18th ceremony including the Best TV drama, as well as securing MultiChoice a total of 46 awards then. ENDS