The long-running SABC2 soapie Muvhango is coming to a dramatic close, and one of its most talked-about characters, Imani Nkosi, played by Zonke Mchunu, will face a tragic fate before the series officially ends in August. According to the July teasers, Imani will be sentenced to prison while pregnant, marking one of the show’s most emotional storylines to date.
Imani, a central figure in the Muvhango universe, is facing charges of sexual assault and stalking brought forward by her ex-boyfriend Ndemedzo, portrayed by Wiseman Zitha. Their toxic relationship turned violent and public, drawing in both legal authorities and the court of public opinion. Imani and Ndemedzo were colleagues at Mukhwevho Milling and their romance took a dark turn, leading to the charges and a trial that has left fans stunned.
The drama intensifies as teasers reveal that on Monday, 14 July, Imani will be sentenced to prison. Just days later, she reportedly ends up in the prison hospital after taking abortion pills — suggesting the stress of her incarceration and pregnancy becomes too much to bear. It remains unclear who the father of the baby is, as Imani was romantically involved with both Ndemedzo and her former husband-turned-boyfriend James Motsamai (played by Dingaan Mokebe) in the months leading up to her sentencing.
James Motsamai, a fan-favourite character and longtime love interest of Imani, is reportedly caught off guard by her pregnancy. The teaser for Tuesday, 8 July, hints that James is unwilling to accept the surprise she drops on him. The following day’s teaser indicates that the community is rallying behind Ndemedzo, showing public support for the alleged victim, which paints Imani in an even more isolated and desperate light.
The heartbreak doesn’t end there for Imani. Later in the month, a teaser for Friday, 25 July reveals that she will be involved in a violent confrontation with a fellow inmate who attempts to harm her unborn child. Shortly after, she is informed that she will be transferred to another prison facility.
While fans are reeling from Imani’s downfall, they are also preparing to say goodbye to the entire Muvhango universe. The SABC confirmed that the show will end its 28-year run on Friday, 8 August. Premiering in 1997, Muvhango became a cultural landmark for elevating the Tshivenda language and rural storytelling into mainstream South African media. At its peak, the soapie attracted nearly 900,000 viewers per episode.
SABC has already lined up a replacement telenovela titled Pimville Queens, produced by Bakwena Productions, set to debut in August. CEO Nomsa Chabeli praised Muvhango for its cultural significance and impact, while show creator Duma Ndlovu noted that it gave a platform to a previously underrepresented language and community.
As Muvhango prepares for its final curtain, the downfall of Imani symbolizes the end of an era filled with drama, love, betrayal, and legacy.