Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]
AWARD-WINNING producer and director John Mabuyane kaLunga has produced a new television series titled Imbokodo, a star-studded production set to première soon on local television.
Imbokodo is a drama centred on three sisters as they navigate love, survival and identity in modern-day Zimbabwe. The title reflects the core of the story, drawing from a proverb that likens a woman’s strength to a rock.
According to Mabuyane, the production follows the women as they confront abandonment, domestic violence and financial hardship, all while carrying secrets that threaten to tear them apart. While each sister takes a markedly different path to survival, it is their bond that ultimately becomes their greatest source of resilience.
The cast features a blend of seasoned Zimbabwean actors and exciting new faces. Charlene Mangweni Furusa takes on the role of the eldest sister, Thalitha, alongside Antoinette Melinda Sango and Donna N, who portray her sisters, Bongiwe and Ntombizodwa.
Also featured are established thespians such as Eunice Tava, Zenzo Nyathi, Novuyo Seagirl, Cedrick Msongelwa and Gift Chakuvinga, among others.
Mabuyane said that during casting, the team was not simply looking for recognisable names, but for emotional depth. He explained that the production required actors who could bring authenticity and relatability to the characters.
“The inspiration for this production comes from the everyday experiences of Zimbabwean women. We see so many stories of sacrifice and survival that never make it to the screen. I wanted to reflect how women often hold entire families together while carrying immense personal weight.
“In terms of thematic concerns, we didn’t shy away from difficult subjects. The series explores sisterhood, the cycle of domestic abuse, and the realities of economic hardship. It also examines the ‘double lives’ people often lead to survive, and the betrayals that can occur within families.
“But at its heart, the show is about resilience, how people endure, adapt and ultimately rise above their circumstances. We wanted to explore love, forgiveness and redemption through a very honest lens,” he said.
Mabuyane revealed that bringing the production to life required collaboration with several creative minds across disciplines.
“This was a massive collaborative effort. I worked alongside a team of talented writers, including Leroy Mthulisi Ndlovu and Ntombikamama Moyo, who crafted the script. Our directors were Calvin Madula and Charlene Mangweni Furusa. Ras Keaitse served as cinematographer, while Matesu Dube handled sound.
“The entire team is deeply passionate about telling authentic Zimbabwean stories. We made it a point to pair seasoned industry professionals with fresh, emerging talent. That mix was essential in keeping the narrative grounded and relatable while maintaining a high production standard,” he said.
Like many productions operating under limited funding, Imbokodo faced its share of challenges, from budgetary constraints to the logistics of filming in busy environments.
However, Mabuyane noted that the greatest challenge lay in handling sensitive subject matter responsibly. With the series tackling issues such as abuse and sex work, the team was determined to portray these realities honestly without being exploitative.
He urged audiences to stay tuned for a compelling, character-driven story that does not hold back.
“Imbokodo is unapologetically African in both style and voice. Audiences will see strong, female-led narratives and struggles that feel very real, alongside moments of hope and healing. It’s a story that will stay with people and hopefully spark important conversations,” he said.
