DStv wrapped: The top 5 TV moments of 2025

1. Musa Mseleku introduced wife #5 on Uthando Nes’thembu

To kick off the year, Uthando Nes’thembu returned in January and saw polygamist Musa Mseleku introducing his fifth wife, MaKhwela, which brought unprecedented levels of drama to his household. Fans went wild, with Season 8 generating 1 billion+ impressions on social media.

Watch Uthando Nes'thembu Uncut on Mzansi Magic Channel 161 every Friday at 8PM until 9 January 2026. Episodes 1-2 are also available on Catch Up.

2. Niggies premieres on kykNET to rave reviews

kykNET's new show Niggies launched in March to rave 10/10 reviews. This gripping true‑crime drama, based on the 1966 murder of two young cousins, delivered record-breaking audience numbers, boosting Tuesday night viewership by 40% and driving a 200%+ surge in Catch Up and streaming figures. Viewers were so interested in the real-life case that searches related to the case and the series skyrocketed by 1 340%.

The series was widely praised for its exceptional production value and powerful ensemble cast and was directed by award‑winning filmmaker Jaco Bouwer (Spinners).

Binge-watch Niggies on Showmax.

3. Shaka iLembe returns

Season 2 of Shaka iLembe premiered in June and instantly asserted itself as the cultural moment of the winter, with the premiere also taking the cake for the red-carpet event of the year. Shaka iLembe also won four National Film & Television Awards, including Best Scripted TV Series, and broke into Google’s Year in Search 2025 Top 10 Trends.

Episode 7 delivered the season’s defining moment, with Thembinkosi Mthembu’s brutal and emotionally charged death as King Dingiswayo leaving viewers devastated. 

Shaka iLembe Season 3, the last and final season to premiere in 2026.

Binge-watch Seasons 1-2 of Shaka iLembe on Showmax.

4. Onscreen wedding of the year: Inimba

If there's one thing South African audiences love, it's an elaborate wedding on their favourite telenovela. In 2025, Inimba took the crown for the wedding of the year, as Thumeka and Hlathi finally walked down the aisle in a vibrant, drama-filled traditional celebration that had viewers buzzing.

After all the ups, downs and cousin-related chaos with Zoleka, October's one-hour special delivered pure entertainment: colour, emotion and the kind of signature Inimba tension fans absolutely live for. 

Season 2 has been confirmed to air in 2026.

Inimba Season 1 airs Mondays to Friday at 9PM on Mzansi Magic Channel 161. 

5. Suidooster celebrates 10 years

Marking a decade on air since its debut on 16 November, the beloved Ruiterbosch soapie has become a household staple, winning fans with its authentic characters and proudly Cape Town flavour.

From pioneering moments like the first Muslim wedding on South African TV to becoming a nightly ritual for families across the country, Suidooster has cemented itself as a cultural favourite, and its 2 453rd episode celebration featured a special appearance by rapper Early B.

Watch Suidooster weekdays on kykNET&kie DStv Channel 145 at 6PM and on kykNET DStv Channel 144 at 6:30PM.