Meet the all-star cast of SABC2’s upcoming telenovela ‘Pimville’

Bakwena Productions and SABC 2 revealed the star-studded cast for the new telenovela series “Pimville”, on one of their set locations, entertainment venue Pianohub in Pimville.

The telenovela is slated for an early release in 2026 and replaces the now-canceled “Muvhango”.

“Pimville” brings together an all-star cast of celebrated South African talent, making one wonder what the budget was when it came to the cast.

Gail Mabalane, Matli Mohapeloa, Thapelo Mokoena, Keke Mphuthi, Mondli Makhoba, Michelle Mosalakae, Fulu Modibedi, Clementine Mosimane, Jesse Suntele, Eve Rasimeni, Sipho Ndlovu, Mandla Gaduka, Thabo Malema, Charmaine Mtinta and Lillian Dube.

Mabalane portrays the character of Phello Mohapi, a strong-willed woman navigating love, betrayal, and survival in the heart of Soweto.

“I play the character of detective Phello Mohapi on SABC2's Pimville, an exciting character. I get to dive into the world of the men and women in uniform. It's an extremely, I'd say not only humbling but also empowering journey because you get to see the challenges, the roller coaster ride that cops go on. 

“We put them under a lot of pressure, but the truth is they're human and I think that's what I'm excited to show is showing the human element of being a cop because there's the reality of what happens with them as human beings outside of the job that they do,” shared Mabalane.

The highly acclaimed actress shared that another exciting aspect of her character is that she is a strong cop, not just physically but also emotionally, with the ability to assert herself in any room.

Mosalakae portrays the character of Zinzi Sithole, a woman of faith whose quiet strength hides years of pain. The actress revealed that it takes her time to get into the character, but love how she loves the finer things in life and has a fabulous wardrobe.

“I think some of the decisions that she makes are quite questionable, but you start to see how, when you kind of run away from being vulnerable or trying to hide your vulnerability by performing and things like that, it starts to sort of bleed through all the cracks.

“It's actually become a lot easier not to judge her because you do begin to understand sometimes that it's hard for people to be vulnerable.”

Mosalakae made her film debut in the Netflix action-thriller “Silverton Siege”, and she has appeared on the small screen on “The Queen” and “Isibaya” and worked in theatre. On the set of “Pimville”, Mosalakae gets to work with some legendary names.

“It's really about learning and sponging and really seeing how people move, everyone is humble, but such great confidence,” of her experience working with the cast so far.

“They've worked hard on their craft and they have value to offer. I think that's something I'm learning and just being open to learning and workshopping together. The cast is amazing and it just feels like we've all worked together for years and years and years.”

Veteran actress Dube, portrays Rakgadi wa Friestata, a beloved elder whose wit, heart, and humor define the soul of Pimville. “All the rakgadi’s (aunts) are the same in real life. They are bullies; they think they know it all. It's their way or the highway and I'm no different.”

Dube turned 80 this year and is an on-call actor for the telenovela and spends her time doing motivational talks on cancer awareness, diabetes and high blood pressure. 

“Pimville” premieres on February 9, 2026, at 21:00, on SABC2

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