Thembinkosi Mthembu's exit on Homecoming

After months of captivating viewers as Sifiso Kubheka on the Mzansi Wethu DStv channel 163 telenovela Homecoming, Thembinkosi Mthembu has officially said goodbye.

The SAFTA (South African Film & Television Awards) winning actor played his last scene on the show after a successful run of season 1, bringing to a close a chapter for one of the most beloved characters. Since joining Homecoming, Mthembu has delivered a special performance as Sifiso – a man caught between his family expectations, civic duty,and his calling as a traditional healer.

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Viewers witnessed one of the most shocking moments on Homecoming when Sifiso met a tragic end at the hands of Shobane (Mpilo Mbatha). Consumed by rage and determined to confront the man he believes had destroyed his marriage, Sifiso stormed into Khathazile’s (Khombi Phetla) home brutally attacking Shobane.

As the struggle intensified, the two men grappled and a knife was driven into Sifiso, fatally wounding him. Sifiso’s death marks a devastating turning point in the story, sending shockwaves through the community, leaving lasting consequences for everyone connected to this tragedy.

“Working with Thembinkosi on the first season of Homecoming was a true privilege. His professionalism and dedication to his craft plus the depth he brought to the role of Sifiso elevated every scene he was a part of.” says Series Producer, Lulu Hela.

While viewers bid an emotional farewell to Mthembu, he leaves the show having cemented his place as one of Mzansi’s busiest and one of the most celebrated small screen talents. Over the past few years, Mthembu has become an impressively notable presence on local screens, moving seamlessly between some of the country's biggest productions.

Audiences have watched him bring his ultimate best on the multi-award winning epic series Shaka iLembe as Dingiswayo; had Mzansi liking and disliking his conversation-sparking character of Bonga in Adulting, not forgetting the family-focused and protective Bandile on Outlaws, plus his ‘charming jailbird’ character on The River, to name a few. Speaking about his time on the show, Mthembu said this has been one incredible journey that he is grateful for.

“Thank you to the viewers for embracing the character and investing in his story, and to the cast, crew, writers, and producers for making this experience so memorable. While Sifiso’s chapter comes to an end, I leave with nothing but gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. Thank you for the love and support and I look forward to sharing many more stories with you in the future,” he said.

Though he bows out only after the first season of Homecoming, Mzansi will still be able to watch his charismatic display of the art when he takes his talent to more locally-produced works. “He is undoubtedly one of the finest talents of his generation. We wish him every success on his journey ahead and cannot wait for the opportunity to collaborate with him again.” Hela concludes.

The Homecoming story continues. Season 2 begins Monday, 22 June, with new twists unfolding weekdays at 18:30.