MultiChoice South Africa has confirmed that production is underway for the third and final season of the epic drama Shaka iLembe, premiering on Mzansi Magic in 2026. Global star Nomzamo Mbatha returns as both executive producer and in her iconic role as Queen Nandi, leading a stellar cast in the concluding chapter of Africa’s first epic drama.
Shaka iLembe is MultiChoice’s biggest production yet, which created over 8 000 jobs on Season 1 and more than 16 000 jobs on Season 2, while showcasing South Africa’s beautiful terrain to local and international audiences. It has become the most-awarded drama in the history of the South African Film & Television Awards and has received recognition abroad, including awards in the Netherlands. Produced by BOMB! Productions, known for Isibaya, Jacob’s Cross, and Yizo Yizo, the series remains MultiChoice’s largest investment in local content.
Season 1 charted Shaka’s (Lemogang Tsipa) path into manhood, shaped by trials that defined his destiny. Dingiswayo (Thembinkosi Mthembu), in exile and devoted to Baleka (Hope Mbhele), fought against death and slavery to reclaim his place in history. Queen Nandi (Nomzamo Mbatha), refusing to be silenced, stood resolute in her love for her son. More than spectacle, the season became a cultural phenomenon that sparked conversations and broke new ground in African television.
Season 2 saw Shaka and Nandi arrive at KwaNobamba, where he began his reign as Zulu king. The season explored him as a ruler, strategist, and visionary, while the addition of the Swati storyline reminded audiences of the intertwined nature of regional histories.
The final season chronicles the thunderous conclusion of Shaka’s reign, a saga of vision, glory, and betrayal. As he hosts the grandest Ijadu in Zulu history, drawing rival kings to his kraal with power, song, and dance, an assassin’s spear pierces royal blood. From that moment, suspicion unravels trust within his court, as betrayal is punished with ruthless force. A campaign against the Mpondo tribe intensifies pressures, while Queen Nandi conceals a devastating secret. Meanwhile, Francis Fynn and the British arrive at Port Natal, as colonial expansion begins to cast its shadow.
“When we announced the first season, we were confident that Shaka iLembe would set a new standard for African storytelling and travel well into international territories,” says MultiChoice General Entertainment CEO, Nomsa Philiso.
“More than speaking to the heritage of the Zulu Nation, it took the story of a dynasty created from scratch by one man to the world, endorsed by the king’s descendants and told from an African perspective. Now, as we enter the third season, we expand that universe of kings and queens, warriors, healers, and leaders with a vision to reinvent an entire culture and establish a legacy that endures more than three centuries later. Having the freedom to explore the rise of a dynasty and do it justice has been key to Shaka iLembe’s success. With Season 3, we hope to bring this story to a powerful close, a legacy for all Africans to honour and celebrate.” says executive producer Desiree Markgraaff from BOMB! Productions.
Executive producer and star Nomzamo Mbatha reflects:
“The pressure is high. Shaka iLembe has been a beloved show for the past two seasons and the project of my career. This third season is the culmination of a world that African viewers have found deep love and admiration for. It builds on the legacy of African television while taking audiences on a journey from an all-conquering reign, to sweeping love stories, to the founding of another nation and the arrival of colonists. This is a triumphant telling of Nguni history on an epic scale.”
The series stars Nomzamo Mbatha; Lemogang Tsipa; Wiseman Mncube; Dawn Thandeka King; Sthandiwe Kgoroge; Mondli Makhoba; Mpilo Mbatha, Anele Nene, Vuyo Biyela, and introduced the world to Ntando Zondi who played the young Shaka. New cast members for Season 3 will be announced in due course. Having witnessed the epic conclusion of season two, audiences now look ahead to the closing chapter, as the series pays homage to the king:
Wena we Ndlovu Wena we Ndlovu Bayede
Ngonyama, Nodumehlezi ka Menzi, ka Mjokwana ka Ndaba
Wena ka Jama kangakanani nsenhlokweli yomkhonto uyahlala. Wena ka Ndaba kasonani bathi wonani lokhu abantu bahlezi nemihlambi yabo.
Wena wo Khozi lwakithi e Makheni olunzipho zinde zingumjingolo.
Wena ka Phunga wase Bulawini Imfundama ephume ezizibeni ze Mpembeni yasibekela izintaba.
Wena ka Zulu ka Malandela ngokulandelana izinkomo za Madoda.
Wena ka Zulu omnyama ondlela zimhlophe. Wena okhule silibele wakhula waba ngange Zintaba eZondi nezo Khahlamba.
Langa eliphandle elinye ngemisebe ngoba liphandle elase Mthandeni. Ayingasakhali Inkomo kwa Ntombazi Inkomo Isikhala kithi kwa Bulawayo.
Ugasane luka Ndaba Ugasane lwakithi kwa Bulawayo Okade kwasa lugasela imizi ya Madoda
Undaba ocaba ngo Mkhonto Amanye Amakhosi ecaba ngamazembe.
Uhlanya Olusemehlweni Amadoda.
Inyoni ka Ndaba Edlezinye izinyoni Ithe isadlezinye yaphinda yadlezinye yathi isadle ezinye yaphinda yadlezinye.
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Hail You of the Elephant, You of the Elephant, Bayede!
Lion, Nodumehlezi ka Menz, son of Menzi, son Mjokwana, descendant of Ndaba
You, descendant of Jama, even at the tip of the spear you remain steadfast.
Son of Ndaba of Sonani, what did you do wrong as people remain with their herds.
You of the Eagle of Makheni, whose talons are long and sharp.
You, son of Phunga of Bulawini, the strong one who came from the Mpembeni river and engulf the mountains.
You, son of Zulu, son of Malandela, for the pursuance of the cattle of the men.
You, son black Zulu whose paths are clear. You who grew wiser while we remain innocent, and grew as big as the mountains of Ondini and the Drakensberg.
The sun rays, that outshines the eMthandeni sun.
The cattle no longer bellows at Ntombazi’s house; for it only bellows at Bulawayo.
The conqueror son of Ndaba, the conqueror King of Bulawayo, who invades other kingdoms.
Son of Ndaba who pave his way with a spear while other kings pave with axes.
The spirited warrior on the watchlist of kings.
The bird of Ndaba that devoured other birds, while devouring more birds, and still more.
If you missed Shaka iLembe Season 2, episodes 1–12 are available exclusively on Catch Up. Start bingeing here.
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