Christmas is for family on Inimba and Suidooster

South Africa goes all out for Dezemba. Our telenovela families go even bigger and brighter, whether it’s the Thabethes on Genesis, whose world revolves around the In The Garden gospel music tour, Homecoming’s MaNgcobo throwing the ultimate Christmas party that her village will never forget, or Diepe Waters’ Swarts family and their Christmas carol concert. 

But there are also quieter celebrations of love, family, faith and forgiveness. We asked Inimba’s Hlengiwe – Nontsikelelo Ndzume – what the Zondos will be doing now that they have an empty nest, and Suidooster’s Bridgette – Denise Newman – about what’s on the October-Jacobs family’s table.

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Inimba’s Nontsikelelo Ndzume: Hlengiwe is taking over Christmas!

Sydney Zondo (Siyabonga Shibe) is usually Mr Christmas, but just a week before the big day, he’s in a bitter mood over his feud with his son, Lwandle (Nkanyiso Makhanya). Christmas Eve will bring a change of heart, though, while an unexpected arrival brings joy. Read on as Nontsikelelo unwraps a few early gifts with us. 

Who in the family normally makes the Christmas magic happen?

It has always been Sydney but this year because of what he went through he wanted nothing to do with it, so Hlengiwe organised this year’s Christmas, even the special touches.

What special meaning does Christmas have this year?

For Hlengiwe it means a time to celebrate, to be thankful for the good and the bad, and it means spending time with her family – especially after Zintle (Zinhle Mabena) left for Switzerland and Lwandle moved out of home. So this time means she can have her family together again.

What are the Zondo family doing to celebrate?

First, they feed the homeless and the needy because they believe in the spirit of giving and sharing, especially during this time. Then they go back home to have their own special lunch as a family and spend time together.

What do you think Hlengiwe will get for Christmas, and what does she want? 

I think she will get expensive jewellery. But there’s nothing she wants more than for her family to be happy, and for Sydney and Lwandle to have a healthy, strong bond as father and son.

What’s on the table?

Beautiful Christmas decor, beautiful flowers. Food will be roasted green beans and broccoli, robot peppers and mushroom salad, beetroot salad, grilled chicken, roasted lamb chops, and garden salad with sundried tomatoes. 

What’s off the table?

We don’t talk about the tension between Sydney and Lwandle, especially Khusela (the tech company)!

What special ornaments or objects should the viewers look out for?

The Zondos’ Christmas tree. It is beautiful.

Watch Inimba Season 1 on Mondays-Fridays at 9PM on Mzansi Magic Channel 161. Available on DStv Stream. PS: DStv has placed a special gift under Inimba fans’ Christmas trees! We’re getting a second season, arriving on Mzansi Magic from Wednesday, 9 March 2026.

Suidooster’s Denise Newman on Bridgette’s quiet Christmas

The week before Christmas is chaotic in Ruiterbosch! That church app scam will cause an uproar on Thursday, 18 December, the same day that things get out of hand at Bridgette's Christmas party. And while we normally see the October-Jacobs matriarch being an absolute Christmas showboat, Denise reveals that this year will be a test of what truly matters. 

Who in the family normally makes the Christmas magic happen?

Christmas is Bridgette’s favourite time of year, and she lovingly takes charge of the magic. From the décor to the atmosphere, she ensures every family member feels cherished and part of something truly special.

What are the October family doing to celebrate Christmas?

Traditionally, Bridgette pulls out all the stops for a lavish festive celebration. But this year, she’s keeping things intimate and meaningful – a warm, close-knit gathering reserved only for her nearest and dearest. After her health scare earlier this year, Bridgette has undergone a quiet but powerful transformation. She’s less attached to material things and more focused on what truly matters. 

What special meaning does Christmas have for Bridgette this year?

For Bridgette, Christmas was meant to be a heartfelt celebration of family – especially after the long-awaited reconciliation with her half-brother, Nazeem (Irvine van der Merwe). This year was supposed to symbolise healing, unity, and a fresh start for the Jacobs clan (Bridgette’s birth family). Her real Christmas wish? A united family and the peace that comes with it. Whether fate grants her that gift … viewers will have to wait and see.

What’s on the table for Christmas Day, and what’s off the table?

Christmas lunch will be a comforting, traditional feast: think juicy gammon, golden roast potatoes and a classic trifle to end things sweetly. The family might even draw inspiration from Kokkedoor: Son & See! Off the table? Some topics are better left untouched – especially with simmering tensions beneath the surface.

When were the Christmas episodes filmed?

The heart of the Christmas storyline was filmed at the end of October, on the church set, where the residents of Ruiterbosch gather for a moving service led by Pastor Siya (Gantane Kusch). Keep an eye on the exquisite floral arrangements in the church. They add a beautiful, atmospheric touch and help capture the warmth and hope of the festive episodes.

Watch Suidooster Season 11 on Monday-Fridays at 6PM on kykNET Channel 144, and at 6:30PM on kykNET & kie Channel 145. Available on DStv Stream.