Meet Redemption’s cast

The Zikode family turned their ministry into Johannesburg North’s grandest megachurch. People come from near and far to attend their huge events, and every service could pack out a concert stadium. No wonder people feel inspired when they look at Redemption’s charismatic Pastor Simon Zikode and his elegant wife Evelyn. Aside from running the church, the Zikodes are blessed with a host of celebrity friends and flourishing businesses under the Zikode Investments banner. However, all that is about to come crashing down on the day of the church’s 20th anniversary.

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Who’s Who

Pastor Simon Zikode (Themba Ndaba)

Simon’s parents were both teachers and faithful members of Redemption church, and he married Evelyn years ago. The patriarch was also fascinated by Basetsana (Sthandiwe Kgoroge), and his entanglement with her led to his darkest secret…which is about to return to haunt him. Simon’s looks, charm and powerful presence hide a desperate man, who’s riddled with guilt, greed, and the knowledge that he is a liar, an unfaithful husband, and a flawed father.

Watch Themba Ndaba as Pastor Simon Zikode in Redemption Season 1 Mondays-Thursdays at 18:00 on BET (DStv Channel 129)

Evelyn Zikode (Tina Jaxa)

Evelyn Zikode is sophisticated and intelligent. She is also aware that something at Redemption is fishy, but she looks the other way. Evelyn has scripture at her fingertips and a quote to justify her every deed. Image is everything to her, from her polished Sunday outfits to her “perfect” husband. Evelyn’s parents’ early deaths have led to her controlling everyone around her to protect Redemption, her beloved father’s legacy.

Watch Tina Jaxa as Evelyn Zikode in Redemption Season 1 Mondays-Thursdays at 18:00 on BET (DStv Channel 129)

Faith Zikode (Kwanele Mthethwa)

When we first meet Faith, she seems to have strayed far from her family. This diva is about to break through to the big time, with a slot to perform at the BET Awards. When she rocks up for Redemption’s 20th anniversary, she brings her lover and manager Enzo (BU Luthando Mthembu) into her parents’ house, which causes tension. Faith is the apple of Simon’s eye and there’s more to her than being the “it” girl.

Watch Kwanele Mthethwa name as Faith Zikode in Redemption Season 1 Mondays-Thursdays at 18:00 on BET (DStv Channel 129)

Zwelakhe “Zee” Zikode (Sparky Xulu)

Faith’s arrogant and narcissistic older brother, Zwelakhe, was meant to step into Simon’s shoes as his heir. Instead, he always gets into trouble. Zwelakhe’s parents have spent a lifetime telling him what a disappointment he is, and the only person who believes in him is his wife Yvonne (Pearl Modiade). She is trying to steer him through life like a bus on the road to riches.

Watch Sparky Xulu as Zwelakhe Zikode in Redemption Season 1 Mondays-Thursdays at 18:00 on BET (DStv Channel 129)

Yvonne Zikode (Pearl Modiade)

Yvonne is a preacher’s daughter, with humble beginnings. Over time, she has shaken the dust off her feet and become a Lady Macbeth in the making. She sees her marriage as a business – and the goal of that business is getting her status, control and power. She married young, sacrificing her career and education to become Zwelakhe’s wife. Yvonne hopes that she’ll step into Evelyn’s shoes and become the power behind the throne at Zikode Investments.

Watch Pearl Modiade as Yvonne Zikode in Redemption Season 1 Mondays-Thursdays at 18:00 on BET (DStv Channel 129)

Nimrod (Zenzo Ngqobe)

Nimrod is a sharp-dressed gangster, although he has a veneer of respectability. He has earned a place on the boards of many businesses, where he is as feared as he is on the street. In Redemption, he spotted a perfect forum for money laundering. The coldly ruthless Nimrod never forgets a grudge or an insult, and he never misses a day of church.

Watch Zenzo Ngqobe as Nimrod in Redemption Season 1 Mondays-Thursdays at 18:00 on BET (DStv Channel 129)

Kabelo Kabe (Yonda Thomas)

Kabelo is level-headed, driven, and a true believer in law and order – by the book. He doesn’t believe in tricks to trap the likes of Simon and Nimrod, although his gut tells him they’re corrupt. Kabelo and Faith were teen sweethearts in the choir together, but she left to be a star. He moved on and married Doctor Karabo (Mmarona Motshegoa). As the telenovela unfolds, Faith’s return will challenge Kabelo’s black-and-white thinking and his vows.

Watch Yonda Thomas as Kabelo Kabe in Redemption Season 1 Mondays-Thursdays at 18:00 on BET (DStv Channel 129)

Basetsana (Sthandiwe Kgoroge)

As a young woman, Basetsana left her two-year-old son in the hands of relatives and she chose to go to prison to save Simon after a robbery went wrong. She spent 20 years behind bars, building a criminal empire and a network of favours owed – but Simon might be the one who’s most in her debt…and she’s coming to collect. Basetsana keeps her distance from her son to protect him, as it’s the only gesture of love that she can offer.

Watch Sthandiwe Kgoroge as Basetsana in Redemption Season 1 Mondays-Thursdays at 18:00 on BET (DStv Channel 129)

Watch Redemption Season 1 Mondays-Thursdays from Monday, 26 September at 18:00 on BET (DStv Channel 129). Repeats air at 21:00.

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