Thomas Gumede Bags Lead Role In A New Comedy Series

Thomas Gumede Bags Lead Role In A New Comedy Series. It has been a minute since we saw Thomas Gumede do his thing on TV as an actor. Most of the time he works behind the scenes as a producer to some of the biggest TV shows.

The multi award winning producer, director, actor and TV personality is back onscreen with a new show. Thomas will star in an SABC1 seven-part comedy series, called Msebenzi. Set in Soweto, the series delivers suspense as we follow Msebenzi, played by Thomas. Msebenzi, a 30-year-old smooth-talker with no real interest in a career, uses any means to stay afloat and escape his biggest problem: money. His schemes upend the lives of friends, family, and neighbours, causing chaos, occasional wins, and unintended consequences.

The phenomenal Duduzile Ngcobo plays Msebenzi’s mother, MaGumede. She is persistent and overbearing, and her primary concern is her son’s unemployment. She constantly nags him to find a job, and when he fails to take the initiative, she takes matters into her own hands. 

The role of MaMthimkhulu, the next-door neighbor, the official MmaMghobozi who just can’t resist the temptation of prying into other people’s business, is played by Nthabiseng Gwinya. Mondli Nkomo plays the role of BabMthimkhulu, a devoted husband and a respected man about town. 

Comedian Kedibone Mulaudzi joins the cast as Mulaudzi, Msebenzi’s loyal friend who makes a living working as a chicken mascot. Mulaudzi motivates Msebenzi to improve his situation and find a job.

Bongani Dube plays Dion, a no-nonsense Chartered Accountant. Dion is passionately preoccupied with work, unlike his friends. He is fully aware and takes full advantage of it. He has not lost sight of his potential, which is packed tight with ambition and is fast climbing the corporate ladder.

Msebenzi premieres on the 26th April 2026, and will air every Sunday at 19:30 on SABC1, also simulcast on SABC Plus.