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Lobola Man introduces us to Ace Ngubeni, a sought-after negotiator in the traditional South African cultural practice of lobola payments. Directed by Thabang Moleya and written by Katleho Ramaphakela, the film stars Lawrence Maleka as Ace alongside Kwanele Mthethwa, Vincent Mahlangu, and Sthandile Nkosi.

Ace makes his living arranging lobola negotiations between brides’ families and grooms’ families. In this role, he’s cunning and successful. Yet underneath, he keeps people at a distance.

This changes when fellow negotiator Duke hires Ace to handle the lobola discussions for his upcoming marriage to Zandile. Unbeknownst to Duke, Ace and Zandile already crossed paths and felt an attraction.

As the situation grows more complicated, the film balances lighthearted romantic comedy with meaningful glimpses into the cultural significance of Lobola traditions. With charming performances and enjoyable, if predictable, storytelling, Lobola Man offers an entertaining look at how ancient customs remain relevant to modern relationships in South Africa.

Netflix’s director of content for Africa Dorothy Ghettuba laid out the streamer’s strategy for the continent this week at the Durban FilmMart, telling a standing-room-only session that the key to launching the next global sensation is to first capture the hearts of local audiences.

“We want to entertain the world. We want to tell them African stories,” said Ghettuba. “But our focus first has got to be local, and then it goes global. We don’t aim for global hits. Shows like ‘Casa de Papel,’ ‘Burning Body,’ ‘Squid Game’ — those are local shows.”

The Netflix exec appeared in conversation in Durban with South African producers Jayan Moodley (“Keeping Up With the Kandasamys”) and Katleho Ramaphakela (“How to Ruin Christmas”), who used their personal experience as case studies for how to launch a hit on the global streaming giant.

Ghettuba pointed to titles like “Kandasamys,” a comedy franchise set...

Miseducation is a comedy-drama series created by Katleho Ramaphakela and Rethabile Ramaphakela. The Netflix series follows the story of Mbali Hadebe, who gets canceled online after the police raid her house and seize all of her family assets because of her mother’s illegal political dealings. In order to reinvent herself and escape the toxicity she runs away to study at Grahamstown University where some new challenges and hilarious mishaps are awaiting her. So, if you loved Miseducation here are some similar shows you could watch next.

2 Broke Girls (Rent on Prime Video & The Roku Channel) Credit – CBS

Synopsis: 2 Broke Girls is a comedy about the unlikely friendship that develops between two very different young women who meet waitressing at a diner and want to one day own their own cupcake business. Sarcastic, street-smart, Max Black met the sophisticated, school-smart, Caroline Channing when the uptown trust fund princess became a...

Miseducation, Netflix’s latest rom-com drama, is a story of transformation and self-discovery. Created by Katleho Ramaphakela and Rethabile Ramaphakela, the six-part romantic dramedy takes us deep into the heart of South Africa and introduces us to Mbali Hadebe, the daughter of a corrupt politician who decides to leave her family behind to start a new life in Makhanda. Leaving her old self behind, she embraces the unknown and steps into a different environment as she enrolls at Grahamstown University and finds herself among the strangers. However, Sivu Levin, the senior Olympian at the university, catches her attention at first sight. Not only does she make an effort to win Sivu’s heart, but the unfamiliar environment at the new university helps her evolve and understand herself better. Let’s take a deep dive into the story of miseducation to learn about Mbali Hadebe’s journey.

Spoilers Ahead

Recap Summary:...

Netflix, the streaming giant, is known for its diverse collection of high school romantic dramedies from around the world. Notable series include the most popular British drama, Sex Education, which delves into the lives of students exploring the difficulties of relationships and diversities in sexual orientation. Never Have I Ever follows the humorous yet heartfelt journey of a first-generation Indian American teenager as she deals with family, friends, and high school romance. The entertaining Mexican drama The Most Beautiful Flower takes viewers on a high school girl’s journey to explore her sexuality and find love for herself. Meanwhile, the Australian rom-com Heartbreak High is all about self-acceptance, dealing with trauma, and the enduring bonds of friendship. Now, Netflix ventures into South Africa with Rethabile Ramaphakela and Katleho Ramaphakela’s Miseducation. This six-part series centers around the journey of Mbali Hadebe, the daughter of a prominent politician. Through Mbali’s life journey,...