Keke Mphuthi returns to SABC with a powerful role in 'Pimville'
Actress tars in SABC 2's highly anticipated telenovela 'Pimville', portraying Naledi Tumagole.
Image: Supplied
Actress Keke Mphuthi is part of the cast of SABC 2’s upcoming telenovela “Pimville”.The actress portrays Naledi Tumagole, a devoted wife fighting to preserve her family and legacy.
Produced by Bakwena Productions, “Pimville” shines a light on the pulse of township life where dreams collide with reality, secrets unravel, and family bonds are tested.
Mphuti has been on Netflix on “The Brave Ones” and Showmax’s “One Week's Notice” and was on Mzansi Magic telenovela “Champions”. She shared that this return to public broadcaster feels like a full-circle moment.
“It’s good to be back on SABC. I’m no stranger to telenovelas, but this one is different,” she says. “Gail and I are both from Kimberley, so leading this show as two women from the same town? That’s big for us.”
SABC 2 has replaced “Muvhango” with new telenovela “Pimville” featuring beloved actors and powerful storylines.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
Her new role in “Pimville” stretches her in ways she hasn’t experienced before. “She’s so different from the characters I’ve played before,” she admits.
“I’ve played the broken girl, the cheated-on wife, the ratchet one, this girl is not that. She challenges me daily. Decaracterizing from her when I go home is tough, but I love that she’s pushing my range.”
Mphuti recalls the moment the producers knew she was the one. “I couldn’t attend the physical audition and sent a self-tape instead. The executive said, ‘I have a feeling this role is yours.’
“Then the channel watched and said, ‘We don’t see anyone else but you.’ That was such a blessing.”
For the actress “Pimville” marks an important shift in local TV not just for storytelling, but for representation.
“The last time we had a show led in our native language (Setswana) was ‘The Throne’, and I was blessed to be part of that. Now we have ‘Pimville’, a women-led show where we are literally number one on the call sheet. That’s a game changer.”
The new series captures the experiences of characters who leave their rural hometowns in search of opportunity. This mirrors the real-life journeys of many cast members.
“Most of us are not from Gauteng. This story reflects the challenges of leaving home, starting over, and making life work. It reminded me so much of the girl from Kimberley who came to Joburg in 2013 with a dream.”
Mphuti had nothing but praise for the production team, especially the women in leadership, for creating a safe, collaborative environment.
“One thing is for sure, I realised the team leading us is phenomenal. We have women who want other women to win. Communication is clear, respectful, and sensitive. And having someone like Sis Brenda, who is both an executive producer and a cast member, means we always have a woman we can go to.”
As a businesswoman herself, she values the way the production handles communication and respect.
“When you respect time and your colleagues, everything runs smoothly. We can be vulnerable, open, and work things out. Leadership is communication and respect.”
2025 has been quite a year for the actress, admitting it was a bit difficult, but there was a shift after July, and things have turned around. “God has shown off with my life. My ancestors are cooking. I’m in such a healed space after being very broken.”
Mphuti also expressed her advocacy for women, throwing her support behind the Women for Change movement. “I’m a survivor. Women in this country go through so much.I stand with every woman who needs a shoulder, a sister, a voice.”
The cast of “Pimville” also includes Matli Mohapeloa, Thapelo Mokoena, Mondli Makhoba, Michelle Mosalakae, Fulu Modibedi, Clementine Mosimane, Jesse Suntele, Eve Rasimeni, Sipho Ndlovu, Mandla Gaduka, Thabo Malema, Charmaine Mtinta and Lillian Dube.
“Pimville” premieres on February 9, 2026, at 21:00, on SABC2.
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