Wiseman Zitha joins the cast of Queen Modjadji

• The River actor Wiseman Zitha stars as King Mugodo's estranged son, Mamaila.
• He joins castmates Helen Lebepe, Ngele Ramulondi and Thabo Bopape.
• The cast rave about the attention to detail of the costumes of the Lobedu people, played in the show.

It’s a star-studded cast in the world of Queen Modjdaji.

With a cast like Miss South Africas Shudufhadzo Musida and Ndavi Nokeri plus seasoned actors including Helen Lebepe and Thabo Bopape, it comes as no surprise to see the talented Wiseman Zitha join the much-anticipated series.

Set to premiere on Mzansi Magic in July 2024, Wiseman takes on the role of Mamaila, King Mugodo’s estranged son who is raised by King Thulare.

An award-winning actor, Wiseman gears up for this esteemed role after his stellar performances in works like Musangwe, The River, Rockville and Entangled.

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Speaking on joining this epic project that is Queen Modjadji, Wiseman says, “This is such a big deal to me because I wanted to be part of it so badly — from the time I got the audition brief, I manifested it. I’m elated to have landed this role and cannot believe that I’m part of such groundbreaking show.”

“This is history in the making. This is the first of its kind — we are the first people to tell a Khelobedu story in the history of South African television. We are giving it our all on set every day and I’m working with amazing people. I am so grateful.”

Reactions to Wiseman joining the cast of Queen Modjadji show the continued air of excitement that is around the telling of this story.

Representation through attire

With the careful casting for the cast members will play the characters in a story that is yet to be told, it comes as no surprise that the costume and attire are awarded the same courtesy.

READ MORE | Inside the world of Queen Modjadji and Limpopo's Khelobedu language

Ngele Ramulondi, who plays the young Queen Modjadji, has a connection to the story, sets and clothing since it reflects a part of her childhood and upbrigning.

Speaking on the attire during an exclusive set visit, Ngele says,”My favourite thing about the costumes that I’ve noticed is a theme of red and I really love that because growing up, we come from a place where there’s red soil everywhere and the idea of red soil always seemed like it’s a no brainer, soil is red.

“And then I realised, oh no, there’s places where people have white soil or brown soil but now falling in love with the nature of that red soil.So you see it in the hairstyles, you see it in this skirt that I’m wearing.”