The ever-popular Uthando Nes’thembu makes its highly anticipated return for a ninth season, once again inviting viewers into the Mseleku household at a time when the family is more exposed—and more vulnerable—than ever before.
Season 9 premieres at 8PM on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161), with brand-new episodes airing twice weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Although the premiere originally aired on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, the new season continues to unfold this week, keeping audiences glued to one of South Africa’s most-watched reality shows.
A Family at a Crossroads
Now in its ninth installment, the series continues to follow Musa Mseleku and his wives—MaCele, MaYeni, MaNgwabe, and MaKhumalo—while the presence of MaKhwela (Number 5) remains a powerful force reshaping the family dynamic.
The new season resumes after the explosive December special, #Uncut: Uthando neS’thembu, which left the family facing uncertainty. Some wives openly questioned their future in the marriage, while Musa confronted serious health challenges. The once lively household was forced to reckon with painful truths, difficult choices, and the urgent need to repair strained relationships.
“After eight seasons, we are now experiencing something completely different, brought on by the introduction of MaKhwela,”.
says Musa, who was nominated for Best Male TV Personality at last year’s National Film and Television Awards South Africa
Both Uthando Nes’thembu and its spinoff Izingane Zes’thembu were also nominated for Best Non-Scripted TV Series.
“The core idea of the family’s legacy is being put to the test, and viewers will have a front-row seat to everything,”.
he adds
Bigger Than Ever Before
Over the years, Uthando Nes’thembu and its spinoffs have transformed the Mselekus into what many call the Kardashians of South Africa. The show remains a ratings powerhouse, with Season 8 attracting 2.8 million viewers per episode and generating more than one billion social media impressions.
“Watching my family on television is a great and rare opportunity. It also makes me realise just how well-known our family is across South Africa and the rest of the continent.”
Musa shares
What to Expect This Season
As Season 9 unfolds, emotional honesty takes centre stage. The wives continue to confront personal struggles, relationships are tested, and the lingering question remains: can the Mselekus find unity again?
Musa believes viewers are in for something different this time around.
“It is important to keep telling the story because as we grow, the story grows and becomes more dynamic. People should watch this season because it brings something new. For the first time, we see the reactions of all the people involved in the show. Nothing will be hidden.”
he says
With deeper revelations, shifting loyalties, and raw emotion, Season 9 promises to be one of the most compelling chapters yet.
Join the conversation online using #UthandoNesthembu and tune in to Mzansi Magic to follow every moment as the story continues.
