In a statement sent to TshisaLIVE, Connie said due to the influx of new characters joining the show, some of the current characters would not be returning.

Unfortunately for Kea’s fans, the axe got to her.

“All The Queen season four contracts are ending on May 31. We have a new crop of actors carrying the story for season 5, so not everyone will be returning, including Kea and Jerry.”

Kea formed part of the original cast of the popular show and played Connie’s on-screen daughter. Connie said the manner in which Kea would exit would surprise many. but it was an important element of the plot.

Mzansi’s fave RoboCop, as his fans call him, is also permanently exiting the show.

“We can’t speak about how we exit the characters because that element of surprise is important. What we can say is that the exit of the character Kea is what ignites the series of events that follow, and propels the main story arc for season 5.

“Jerry will also be exiting the show. New life will be injected in the Tembisa world, with a lot of plot twists and surprises,” says executive producer Connie.

Co-producer and actor Shona expressed his sadness about bidding farewell to Jerry Maake. He has previously shared that the character was inspired by his late father.

“I loved playing Jerry Maake. He stands out as one of my favourite characters.

“The character was inspired by my late father, pastor PH Ferguson, so he will always be dear to my heart. I’m sad to say goodbye to him, but I’m looking forward to focusing my energy behind the scenes and developing more content for our beloved viewers and supporters,” he said.

Sowetan

Actress Sindi Dlathu has much to celebrate after her recent win at the virtually held South African Film & Television Award (Safta), where she walked away with Best Actress – Telenovela award for her role as Lindiwe in The River.

Now, being complimented on your work is always a great feeling but there is definitely an extra special feeling when it comes from an industry great.

Renowned actor John Kani following Sindi’s win at the Saftas took to Twitter to share just how proud he was of the actress.

“I am so proud of you. From Committed Artists at the Market Theatre to Broadway in New York with Sarafina and to Best Actress SAFTA,” wrote The Lion King actor.

Hi everyone. I've been informed of a fake Twitter account misleading people into believing they are communicating with me. Please note that I only have one Twitter account and @s__dlathu (note the double underscore) is an imposter. @TwitterSupport pic.twitter.com/OkEKYdqN3m

— Sindi Dlathu (@S_Dlathu) May 2, 2020

Sindi was beyond touched by the legendary actor’s words, who wouldn’t be, she thanked him for playing a part in honing her craft.

“The knowledge and the wisdom you imparted in your classes were of great help in my career. You left a footprint in many a performer’s life, ” the actress responded.

This means a lot to me @JohnKani2 ?? thank you for playing a part in honing my craft. The knowledge and the wisdom you imparted in your classes were of great help in my career. You left a footprint in many a performer's life. Enkosi Tata?? https://t.co/wJs0MvWjDd

— Sindi Dlathu (@S_Dlathu) May 4, 2020

Chris Brown is also a fan of SA comedian and TikTok sensation William Last. Comedian and TikTok sensation William Last has been giving us life during the lockdown and it turns out that even US music superstar Chris Brown is a fan.

William has become known for his hilarious videos about life in Mzansi and his home country of Botswana, but even had Chris in stitches when he posted a video of him singing the muso’s Don’t Wake Me Up.

Let’s just say that William’s version was, uh, unique and a bit of a flop. Still, Chris shared the video on his Instagram, telling his fans not to sing along to his songs unless they are doing it like William.

“If you don’t sing my sh*t like this we are not homies,” Chris told his 64.3 million followers around the world. The video was watched more than 1.2 million times in 10 hours and got more than 18,000 comments.

Even American singer BJ the Chicago Kid thought it was great, saying it left him dead. William was humbled by the shout-out and said it left him in tears. “Never in a million years would I have imagined this. I’m literally in tears right now. Chris Brown, thank you sir!”

CHRIS BROWN GIVES A SHOUT OUT TO MOTSETSEREPA

International songwritter and R'nB star @chrisbrown has tagged Motswana comedian #Motsetserepa @williamlast_krm singing "Don't wake me up" on his Instagram account. pic.twitter.com/vk1pszPJ17

— Botswana Government (@BWGovernment) April 29, 2020

Source – HarareLive

A month after announcing her exit from Isibaya, actress Jessica Nkosi has joined The Queen, while SK Khoza is set to make a dramatic return.

The soapie’s producers, Ferguson Films, announced the details on Saturday, including that MultiChoice had commissioned season 5.

The Fergusons said in a media statement that they were introducing a new family to the soapie, which will see the entry of at least four new characters.

“We will be introducing a new family in season 5, a father and two daughters, who are going to be a thorn in someone’s flesh,” Connie Ferguson, who co-owns the production house with her husband, Shona Ferguson, said in the statement.

In the same statement, Shona confirmed the return of Khoza, who plays Shaka Khoza. The character’s death in the soapie triggered an online petition against the Fergusons.

Menzi Ngubane, who was also killed off in Isibaya a month ago, is also joining The Queen.

“There’ll also be another surprising addition in Tembisa. We can confirm that we have five new leads coming on board, and one return that we like to call the comeback kid that’s SK Khoza,” said Shona.

The veteran actor also confirmed that Nkosi had also agreed to join soapie following her exit from Isibaya.

“There has been much speculation about who is joining the show. We can confirm that the beautiful and talented Jessica Nkosi will be coming on board, and for the other additions, keep your eyes peeled and your ears open,” he said.

The Fergusons also shed some light on the latest worrying developments at the soapie, which saw several big-name actors jumping ship and others red from the production.

Shona said that there had been a negative narrative around some of the actors who had left the show, stating that the stories were testament to how invested viewers were to the storyline.

“The reality is that in the nature of story-telling, especially in long-form, characters come and go. Some are designed to stay for the foreseeable future, and some to serve a specific story arc, exit, and maybe return at a later stage, depending on how the story develops. This is the case with all shows, and is not exclusive to The Queen,” he said.

Sunday World reported last week that Dineo Langa (nee Moeketsi), who plays Kea, and Cindy Mahlangu, who plays Siyanda, were leaving the soapie.

Zenande Mfenyana, who plays Goodness Mabuza, is also leaving due to pregnancy.

The three actresses’ departure from The Queen follows that of veteran actress Rami Chuene and Setumo Motsoaledi, who played Mmabatho.

A heated debate ensued after Phemelo Motene asked a firing question as to whether illegal immigrants residing in the country should be given food parcels during the coronavirus pandemic. She received some heavy backlash for relaying her thoughts and opinions on whether children should be fed regardless of their nationality and whether they are in the country illegally.

The actress and radio presenter was not going to allow bullies to censor her, be it on radio and social media. Her thoughts are that each and every child should be given food, but that did not sit well with her listeners and followers.

Having a difference in opinion is healthy however, SAfm listeners did not appreciate the manner in which she relayed her thoughts as some were adamant that she was enforcing her beliefs on others. Accused of letting her emotions get the best of her, she found herself having to defend her actions on the timeline as listeners were not prepared to let it go.

Phemelo expressed her disappointment towards people who are ‘okay’ with letting Zimbabwean kids starve and not receive food because they are in the country illegally. She then engaged in a heated exchange with her followers. It’s common for social media to expect one to just allow the bullying. Not today, let them say what they want … it will never sit well with me to deny a child food because they are Zimbabwean, the same way a South African child too shouldn’t be denied food.

“Guys, I am not going to apologise for being emotional, please. Everyone had a chance… we didn’t agree but he had a change. What do you want, for me not to have an opinion? Am really confused by your judgement.

I pay tax… where do you think government money comes from…from all of us…I have a right to have a voice in how it's spent. It's called democracy https://t.co/PFDTUX76td

— Phemelo Motene (@PhemeloMotene) April 28, 2020

Phemelo was not prepared to lose the argument even after numerous threats to report her to ombudsman, she told people to go ahead and lodge a formal complaint.

SABC spokesperson, Mmoni Seapolelo, spoke to Isolezwe and said they will be investigating the matter formally to see whether the presenter broke any broadcasting rules. Even though presenters have the right to opinions, all employees are governed by rules set by the SABC. Which is why the SABC will investigate this matter, and will take the necessary precautions,” said Mmoni.

Guys am not going to apologize for being emotional, please. Everyone had a chance..we didn't agree but he had a change. What do you want for me not to have an opinion. Am really confused by your judgement https://t.co/QBSCjkr6Wc

— Phemelo Motene (@PhemeloMotene) April 28, 2020

Radio star Hulisani Ravele has added her voice to the wave of outrage over comments made by radio host and businessman Gareth Cliff in an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa about lockdown level four regulations.

In the letter Gareth claimed South Africans’ “patience and emotional state of affairs are on a knife-edge” and they are “losing hope”.

He claimed regulations had to both make sense and gain the confidence of the public, warning that not doing so could end in disaster.

“Many of us aren’t afraid of the virus anymore. It’s our health and we’ll take our chances, thank you. We are afraid of the havoc your lockdown is wreaking on the economy, on people’s lives and livelihoods.

“I see fewer and fewer explanations from ministers and more and more capricious, some would say spiteful, regulation,” he said.

Gareth’s comments sparked outrage and debate on social media, with many claiming his letter came from a place of privilege.

Like many, Hulisani was fuming over Gareth’s letter and said that the lockdown is necessary.

“I don’t know why listening to Gareth Cliff’s clip made me cry. It’s a pity privilege is a disease you cannot die from. Lockdown was never going to be easy or comfortable, it was a necessity. It was never going to be perfect either (not the brutality because that’s just wrong).

Don’t know why listening to that Garett Cliff clip made me cry. It’s a pity privilege is a disease you cannot die from. Lockdown was never going to be easy or comfortable, it was a necessity. It was never going to be perfect either (not the brutality cos that’s just wrong).

— Hulisani Ravele (@HulisaniRavele) May 2, 2020

Weh, even spelt his name wrong. ? Hay’ ska, ke Garett! ? pic.twitter.com/SaRpuDS5Di

— Hulisani Ravele (@HulisaniRavele) May 2, 2020

Radio and TV personality Sizwe Dhlomo also challenged Gareth’s letter.

“Yo, Gareth Cliff. Two corrections here quickly. 1.) it’s not just about your own health, it’s about everyone else’s as well. 2.) It’s not ‘us against the government’, it’s you against the government & if I feel like you’re a hazard to those I love, then it’s you against me,” he wrote.

Yo @GarethCliff, 2 corrections here quickly. 1.) it’s not just about your own health, it’s about everyone else’s as well. 2.) It’s not “us against the government”, it’s you against the government & if I feel like you’re a hazard to those I love, then it’s you against me. https://t.co/8xC0J1p3HB

— Sizwe Dhlomo (@SizweDhlomo) May 2, 2020

TV personality Bridget Masinga said she was “a bit disheartened by Gareth’s views”.

“I always found him to be a rational thinker, albeit one who at most times agitates the status quo. But this opinion sparked from a position of privilege is something I can’t fathom,” she wrote on Twitter.

The EFF have in the past supported the government’s efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19, and leader Julius Malema added his voice to the debate.

He said Gareth should “speed up the process so they can learn a lifetime lesson very fast”.

The investors are not happy with their deployee @CyrilRamaphosa, and they are willing to disobey lockdown regulations. Let them try, Gareth Cliff must speed up the process so that they can learn a lifetime lesson very fast.

— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) May 3, 2020

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are living up to their word by giving their celebrity day ones the financial boost they deserve during these hectic Covid-19 times.

In his Freedom Day message last week, EFF leader Julius Malema said the party had taken a decision to financially support all artists who have been with the political party from its inception.

One such a celeb is Ntando Duma, who is smiling all the way to the bank after the party blessed her with some racks because of her loyalty.

Taking to Twitter, Ntando said she had received a payment notification referenced as “EFF Relief Fund” .

Woke up to a bank notification with a reference “EFF Relief Fund” Yerr man! Juju????

— Ntando Duma Mthomben (@dumantando20) May 1, 2020

Ntando was not the only one who was smiling about her bank account.

Rapper Fifi Cooper suggested that she, too, may have received money from the political party.

Retweeting Ntando’s tweet, Fifi wrote: “The best notification FNB has ever sent ka 2020.”

Thank notification ??? the best notification FNB has ever sent ka 2020 ? https://t.co/qi13wfVsf0

— #NewSkulEP ? (@FifiCooperFans) May 2, 2020

During his address last Monday, Julius said the party was aware of the financial difficulty SA musicians were facing, and had plans to help those who had supported the party or performed at its events.

“We are aware the crisis brought by Covid-19 will affect artists and entertainers the most as the majority of these people depend on festivals and events to make a living. Because of the necessity for social distancing, it is clear we will not see concerts, parties, weddings, festivals and other gatherings through which they make a living.”

“All musicians and entertainers who have ever been on our stage or event will get financial support to help ease the economic burden caused by Covid-19.”

“For the first time since my husband passed I felt oxygen fill my lungs”

Lerato Sengadi has dedicated her Supreme Court victory to the millions of black women “who couldn’t fight back”.

The well-known publicist has been locked in a two-year legal dispute with the family of her late husband Jabulani “HHP” Tsambo over her status as the rapper’s customary wife.

The Supreme Court of Appeal last week dismissed an appeal by HHP’s father Robert Tsambo against the 2018 South Gauteng High Court ruling that Lerato and Jabulani were married by customary law.

Speaking about the ruling, Lerato told TshisaLIVE she was relieved and grateful to finally be able to breathe.

“When I got the news I exhaled. That made me realise that for nearly two years I wasn’t breathing. For the first time since my husband passed, I felt oxygen fill my lungs.

“I am relieved and happy. It’s bittersweet because all of this was very unnecessary, but it is a result of systematic patriarchy. This victory wasn’t just for me, it was for the millions of women who were emotionally maimed, the millions of black women who have gone through this but couldn’t fight back.”

She said HHP would have been proud of her.

“I know exactly what he would say, because he had said this to me on many other occasions, ‘Well done Motho waka. I know I didn’t marry a punk. Thank you for fighting for me like you always have … like I knew you would. And doing it all with such grace like the Queen you are! I am with you every step of the way. Ke go rata blind!’”

View this post on Instagram

Today, 30 April 2020, the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa has RULED IN MY FAVOUR in the appeal of Tsambo v Sengadi! • • • I will not forget this day for as long as I live! It is over! Justice has been served! To God be the Glory. Thokoza bo Gogo le Bo Mkhulu! Motho waka, remember that promise we make that day a gazzilion years ago? We both kept it! Ke go rata until until! To everybody that has been on this journey with me, praying for me, giving me positive vibes – THANK YOU. When I said #IWillNotCower, I meant it! • • • Love & Light, Mma Tsambo ?

A post shared by Lerato Kedibone Sengadi (@leratolicious1) on Apr 30, 2020 at 8:41am PDT

Lerato said tears ran down her cheeks when she heard the judgment and said the last two years had been emotionally taxing.

“2018 was the first time I had ever set foot in a courtroom. It was scary, painful and heartbreaking,” she added.

Lerato’s status as HHP’s wife was challenged by the Tsambo family after the rapper’s death in 2018. She was excluded from all funeral arrangements and was not allowed to see his body.

She brought the matter before the South Gauteng High Court in October of that year, which ruled in her favour. Robert Tsambo was later granted leave to appeal the ruling and brought an application against Lerato in the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Commenting on the case at the time, Tsambo family spokesperson Nkululeko Ncana told TshisaLIVE that the family trusted that the judges would deliver a just and fair decision.

Just like many of us, local celebs may be cooped up at home but they’re still dressing up and looking all kinds of fashionable. We put together a few looks you can use as inspo to also play in your closet.

Here are 6 of our fave celeb lockdown looks:

1. Ayanda Thabethe.

View this post on Instagram

“To make living itself an art, that is the goal”

A post shared by AYANDA THABETHE (@ayandathabethe_) on Apr 21, 2020 at 1:29am PDT

2. Moozlie.

View this post on Instagram

#ImStar Day / Workers Day. Different but the same??❤️ Link in Bio

A post shared by Moozlie (@moozlie) on May 1, 2020 at 5:41am PDT

3. Bonang Matheba.

View this post on Instagram

❤️

A post shared by Bonang Matheba (@bonang_m) on Apr 25, 2020 at 7:05am PDT

4. Rosette Ncwana.

View this post on Instagram

When bae says he’s coming over, whip out the wig, shower and put on a face?? #lockdownlife happy Sunday! #homeshoot #lockdown

A post shared by Rosette Ncwana (@rosette_ncwana) on May 3, 2020 at 3:08am PDT

5. Thembi Seete.

View this post on Instagram

Have a Blessed week ahead guys ???

A post shared by Thembi Seete ?? (@thembiseete_) on May 3, 2020 at 11:53am PDT

6. Florence Segal.

View this post on Instagram

?This feeeeeeeeellllllllliiiiiiinnnnggggg…..!!!! ? Outfit: @sa_glam_store_

A post shared by Florence ?? (@florencesegal) on May 2, 2020 at 5:36am PDT

At times you wonder why our dearest TV actors and actresses do not tease us with some of their flashy real-life lifestyles when they appear on our screens, even if they do it not much, but just a bit. We would really love seeing some of these amazing Instagram posts they share, appearing on the screens during their shows.

Did you know actress Samkelo Ndlovu had this incredible taste in fashion? She is mostly known for her acting role on eTV’s drama series, Rhythm City as Reneilwe. She knows how to dress and together with her exciting acting skills, she is a killer.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen nations being put under lockdown, the actress shared her plans do to once all this is over. ‘Me as soon as they open outside ????✈️?☀️’, she wrote after sharing a snap rocking her beautiful bikini, expressing how deep she misses the beach vibes.

Samkelo has been to a lot of functions and had been leaving many tongues wagging over her mind-blowing looks. She once stole the spotlight during the night of the launch of Queen Sono.

‘Last night witnessing history as @netflixsa globally premiered their first African original series. Prestigious night indeed‘, she captioned on the post.