Uthando Nes’thembu Season 9 premieres tonight: Here’s all you should know

The wait is finally over for fans of one of South Africa’s most talked-about reality TV shows. Uthando Nes’thembu makes its highly anticipated return tonight, launching Season 9 and bringing viewers back into the heart of the Mseleku household—this time at a moment when the family is more open, more divided, and more vulnerable than ever before.

The new season premieres at 8PM on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) and will air twice weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays, promising an emotionally charged continuation of a story that has captivated millions across the country and beyond.

A Family at a Turning Point

Now in its ninth season, Uthando Nes’thembu continues to chronicle the life of Musa Mseleku and his polygamous family, including wives MaCele, MaYeni, MaNgwabe, and MaKhumalo. However, Season 9 ushers in a new era—one marked by tension, reflection, and deep emotional reckoning.

A major focal point this season is the continued presence of MaKhwela, also known as Number 5, whose introduction has significantly altered the family dynamic. What once functioned as a carefully balanced household now finds itself navigating uncertainty, jealousy, shifting loyalties, and unresolved pain.

Picking Up After the December Explosion

Season 9 follows directly after the explosive December special, #Uncut: Uthando neS’thembu, which left viewers stunned. During the special, cracks within the family became impossible to ignore. Some of the wives openly questioned whether they still wanted to remain in the marriage, while Musa faced serious health challenges that forced him—and the entire household—to confront uncomfortable truths.

Gone was the familiar jovial energy that once defined the Mseleku home. In its place emerged raw conversations, emotional breakdowns, and hard decisions that could reshape the family’s future forever.

Musa Mseleku: A Legacy Under Pressure

Reflecting on the new season, Musa admits that the family is in uncharted territory.

“After eight seasons, we are now experiencing something completely different, brought on by the introduction of MaKhwela,” he explains. “The core idea of the family’s legacy is being put to the test, and viewers will have a front-row seat to everything.”

Musa’s influence extends beyond reality TV. Last year, he was nominated for Best Male TV Personality at the National Film and Television Awards South Africa, while Uthando Nes’thembu and its spinoff Izingane Zes’thembu both received nominations for Best Non-Scripted TV Series—a testament to the show’s cultural impact.

Wives at Crossroads, Relationships on the Line

As Season 9 unfolds, each wife faces personal and emotional challenges that threaten long-standing bonds. While some dynamics remain familiar, others begin to shift in unexpected ways. Long-simmering tensions resurface, communication is tested, and the question hanging over the season is unavoidable: can the Mselekus ever truly get back on the same page?

This season promises fewer filters and more honesty than ever before. For the first time, everyone involved—wives, children, and extended family—gets the opportunity to speak openly, react freely, and challenge decisions that have shaped their lives.

South Africa’s Reality TV Royal Family

Over the years, Uthando Nes’thembu has transformed the Mseleku family into what many call “South Africa’s Kardashians.” The numbers speak for themselves. Season 8 averaged 2.8 million viewers per episode, while the show generated over one billion social media impressions, cementing its place as one of DStv’s most-watched and most-discussed programs.

“Watching my family on television is a great and rare opportunity,” Musa says. “It makes me realise just how well-known our family is across South Africa and the rest of the continent.”

Why Season 9 Is a Must-Watch

Despite nearly a decade on air, Musa believes the story is far from exhausted.

“As we grow, the story grows,” he says. “This season brings something new. For the first time, people involved in the show get to react openly. Nothing is hidden anymore.”

Season 9 of Uthando Nes’thembu promises emotional honesty, unresolved conflict, and powerful conversations that may redefine the family’s future—and reality TV in South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When does Uthando Nes’thembu Season 9 start?
Season 9 premieres tonight at 8PM on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161).

How often does the show air?
New episodes air twice weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Who are Musa Mseleku’s wives in Season 9?
MaCele, MaYeni, MaNgwabe, MaKhumalo, and MaKhwela (Number 5).

What is the main focus of Season 9?
Family tension, emotional vulnerability, health challenges, and the impact of MaKhwela’s presence.

Why is Season 9 different from previous seasons?
It features more openness, raw conversations, and honest reactions from everyone involved.