Five minutes with Ernest Ndlovu on his role on Empini season 2 and the state of the TV industry
I was drawn to role of playing a struggle hero who becomes corrupt, says the veteran actor

Ernest Ndlovu is back in the spotlight in Empini season 2.
The seasoned actor has been in the film and television industry for four decades. His memorable characters include Ngwebedla in Isibaya, Qhamuka in Gomora, and King Jama in Shaka iLembe.
The action-packed drama series set to premier on March 4 showcases Ndlovu playing the role of Deputy President Enoch Mbatha — a stern, no-nonsense leader who is set to make a lasting impact on the series.
Ndlovu chats about portraying his character in the series, and more:
What was it about the Empini script that made you want to be a part of this project?
What stood out to me about Empini is its raw and unfiltered reflection of South Africa’s political landscape since 1994. Back then, people had high hopes for change and a better future after the first democratic elections. We’ve realised that many things have gone terribly wrong. My character Enoch Mbatha is part of both the movement that once fought for change and the corruption that followed.
He represents a tragic reality — freedom fighters who sacrificed everything for a better South Africa but later became part of the system oppressing the very people they once fought for. These are individuals who went into exile, joined liberation movements, and returned with the promise of transformation. But somewhere along the way, power and greed consumed them. That duality — being both a hero and a villain — is what drew me to the role.
What was your favourite scene from Season 1?
Oh wow, there are so many! But if I had to pick, I’d say the scenes where Mbatha discovers the depth of Khaya Bhodoza’s corruption. The fact that Bhodoza is married to Mbatha’s daughter, Winnie (played by Angela Sithole), makes things even more personal.
Those moments of realisation — when Mbatha’s anger and disgust towards Bhodoza reach their peak — were some of the most powerful scenes for me. You can feel his internal battle as a father, a politician, and a man who once had strong moral convictions but now finds himself surrounded by betrayal.
Season 1 laid the foundation, but season 2 is where everything truly takes off. We’re connecting the missing pieces, answering the lingering questions and exposing even deeper levels of corruption. Betrayals will unfold, secrets will be revealed and tensions will explode.
Every episode is packed with twists that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. If you thought season 1 was intense, just wait: season 2 is going to blow people away.
What has changed in the film and TV industry in 2025 compared to when you first started?
So much has changed! When I started out, there were barely any black filmmakers or production houses. Seeing black creatives now leading the industry, producing high-quality content and telling our own stories is truly inspiring.
The industry has evolved in ways we once only dreamed of. We’re no longer just actors — we’re directors, producers, and decision-makers. The fact that audiences are now enjoying stories crafted by black storytellers, reflecting our history and reality, is something that brings me immense joy.
READ MORE:
