Themba Ndaba Makes His Return to TV With a New Lead Role

Last Updated: September 11, 2026By Viwe Ntlebi

South African acting legend Themba Ndaba is making his return to the small screen with a brand-new role in e.tv’s highly anticipated telenovela, Land of Mills and Money.

The drama takes viewers to the fictional town of Shonalanga in the heart of Mpumalanga, where the land is farmed for the wealth of a powerful few. Ndaba joins the star-studded cast as Melusi, bringing decades of experience to a series filled with ambition, betrayal, secrets and complicated relationships.

With a career spanning some of South Africa’s most memorable television productions, Ndaba is no stranger to commanding the screen. His latest role adds another major character to an already impressive body of work.

At the centre of Land of Mills and Money is Phiwe, played by Nelisiwe Sibiya, a determined young police officer whose life changes dramatically following a fateful encounter during a heist. Left with a secret that could have serious consequences, Phiwe finds herself caught between protecting the truth and navigating the demands of her career and family.

But keeping her secret hidden becomes increasingly difficult when township matriarch Mazwi Mhlongo, played by Winnie Ntshaba, discovers an opportunity to use it to her advantage.

The drama also explores a complicated love story. Phiwe’s actions during the heist come at a personal cost, leaving her unable to be with the man she truly loves, Muzi Mhlongo, played by Zamani Mbatha.

Joining Ndaba, Sibiya, Ntshaba and Mbatha is an impressive ensemble cast that includes Jo-Anne Reyneke as Thembi, Sphelele Luthuli as Khwezi, Mbali Ngiba as Gog’Sindi, Kenneth Nkosi as Pastor Caiphus and Gcinile Nkosi as Mam’Dee.

With its mix of family secrets, romance, power struggles and the pursuit of wealth, Land of Mills and Money is set to bring a new dose of drama to e.tv’s evening line-up.