Keeping up with the Kubekas

There’s a new power family in Newtown and they’re not afraid to play dirty.

- LEZANNE JANSE VAN RENSBURG

We could barely believe our eyes when relatively new fat-cat Mr. Mamba (Simo Magwaza) and his trusty henchman Gorbachev (Khulu Skenjana) were shot and killed at the beginning of August. Mr. Mamba only made his appearance in October 2020, so when we were told that the character was getting the bullet less than a year after his dramatic arrival, we were gobsmacked. And while his now-ex-wife Boniswa (Lusanda Mbane) is scurrying around in a desperate attempt to get her hands on Mamba’s money, a new family is lurking in the shadows… ready to claim their piece of the lucrative pie.

This fortnight viewers will meet the members of the Kubeka family. As with all individuals that make their way through the Newtonian streets, this family of six carries with them a dark past and even darker intentions. “The Kubeka family is one that South Africa will not easily forget,” warns Scandal! publicist Thapelo Ramatsui. “The family is sure to inject more scandals.”

DADDY DEAREST

Heading the powerful family is the charming but threatening Vukile (Fana Mokoena, member of parliament Augustin Bizimungu in the biographical drama film Hotel Rwanda, 2004). Described as a “doting family man” who would do whatever it takes to protect his family, Vukile will win many Newtownians over with his sense of humour. But don’t be fooled – he’s a businessman, after all, owning Uthuli Waste, a respected waste management company. Maintaining his position within the waste industry is crucial to his family’s well-being. But Vukile carries with him a dark secret that is sure to come spilling out as things progress.

MOTHER MONSTER