Zabalaza, which means struggle; striving towards success; and hustling towards a content life, is set in the Dube, in Soweto; the home of Joseph 'Jazzman' Cele, the patriarch of the Cele family; and his wife Gasta and their children. This typical family next door seems to have it all, but appearances can be deceiving. As the story unfolds, the Cele family secrets start to unravel, promises are broken and it's only a matter of time before the Celes turn against each other for selfish gain.

The soap boasts a stellar cast of celebrated local talent. Seputla Sebogodi takes the lead as Jazzman Cele, with Baby Cele by his side as Gasta, the first lady of the Cele household. Other well-known actors include Zandile Msuthwana, Manaka Ranaka, Mbali Ntuli, Thami Afrika, Matli Mohapeloa and Khanya Mkhangisa to name a few. A surprise addition to the cast is acclaimed soul artist, Kabomo, who portrays Jazzman’s accountant, Herbert.

“We are looking forward to the launch of Zabalaza – the first soap of its kind to be produced in South Africa. Our mission is to produce local stories for local audience in a new innovative way. From the very successful run of our first telenovela, Inkaba, to the phenomenal viewer response to Isibaya. Zabalaza will also create appointment viewing,” says Yolisa Phahle, M-Net’s director of Local Interest Channels.

The main difference between a Lokshin Soap format and other soaps is the township backdrop, which does not only refer to location, but to a way of life. Zabalaza follows the successful footsteps of the Lokshin bioskop series which demonstrates the expansion of this popular genre in South Africa.

Zabalaza is recorded in studio with innovative set design that is a true reflection of the reality of township life. Though the characters face countless hardships and lows, they are proud to be part of the township community and they see their home as a place to empower. Viewers will especially be captivated by the Cele matriarch, Gasta’s rise from a silent wife living in the shadow of her rich husband, to one of the most powerful businesswomen in her community.

“Zabalaza is a story with depth, which celebrates the use of our country’s vernacular languages in a highly entertaining way. It’s also one of the productions that reflect the growth of the Mzansi Magic family of channels,” says Phahle.

The first episode of Zabalaza will kick-off with a special one hour long episode and will continue its regular 30 minute time-slot from Mondays to Thursdays at 21:00 on Mzansi Magic, channel 161 on DStv, and also on M-Net’s brand new, local, general entertainment offering, Mzansi Wethu, channel 163 on DStv at the same timeslot. This will allow access to a wider audience to enjoy locally-produced content that includes, Lokshin Bioskop movies, game shows, reality fare filmed in the popular Lokshin style.