Gomora (TV series)

The series tells the story of two families, one of a man who has made his riches and success by illegal means from a bank he owns, the other of a well respected man in the community that struggles to make ends meet. Their two worlds collide in a botched hijacking attempt which sets their worlds into a complete downward spiral.[4][5]

The series explores the themes of social economic issues, the disparity between the low and upper-class members of South African societies, of which their contrast between them being brought to life through one of the most innovative filming styles.

The cast consists of a number of veterans in the South African acting industry, with a few new additions.[6]

• Onthatile "Thathi" Molefe-Ndaba (Katlego Danke)

Mbongeni's trophy wife and Melusi's high school sweetheart. She has managed to escape her lowly, humble township roots and was living the highlife as a socialite in Sandton. She was married to CEO and major shareholder of CBS Bank, Mbongeni Ndaba (Themba Ndaba), who is found guilty of fraud. His death in a botched hijacking attempt brings her back into the kasi lifestyle. Thathi is now the head of Mam'Sonto's illegal business.[7]

• Mam'Sonto Molefe (Connie Chiume)

Thathi's mother. She is the puppet master in the township who orchestrated the hijacking which ultimately led to her son-in-law 's death. She is the matriarch of the Molefe family.

• Gladys Dlamini (Thembi Seete)

A street-smart and tough social worker who believes in uplifting the community. She mediates the conflict between father and son in their home. Gladys feels insecure about Melusi and Thati's relationship because Thathi is Melusi's high school sweetheart.[8]

• Melusi Dlamini (Zolisa Xaluva)

An uptight, strict father. He previously had a relationship with Thathi and is now married to Gladys. He is a principal in the local high school. He expects his son to be an overachiever. He is looked upon by the community as a respected man, though his household can barely make ends meet. He is the patriarch of the Dlamini family.

• Ntokozo Dlamini (Ntobeko Sishi)

The son of Gladys who seeks affection from his father Melusi, to no avail. Thus he joins a band of criminals and is involved in the botched hijacking, being responsible for pulling the trigger. His mood and habit changes, which becomes noticeable to his parents. He is in an unstable relationship with Buhle.

• Buhle Ndaba (Ama Qamata)

Buhle is Thathi's spoilt daughter. She finds herself in the township on account of his father's missing payments on school fees and life insurance. She is in an unstable relationship with Ntokozo.

• Langa Ndaba (Siya Xaba)

Langa is Thathi's son, the first born of the family who also turns out to be Principal Dlamini's son. Langa is the more level-headed child between he and Buhle. He is friends with Teddy and Ntokozo.

• Teddy (Sicelo Buthelezi)

Teddy is a teenager who has been adopted by Gladys and Melusi due to the fact that his mother (Zodwa) drinks a lot. Teddy was born with fetal alcohol syndrome, which causes him to be a slow learner. Teddy is friends with Ntokozo and Langa.As the show goes on,it shows that male rape exists as Teddy is raped by Gladys' friend Ms Manzi (a young and attractive teacher) and he undergoes severe psychological and social problems while dealing with it.

• Pretty Molefe (Siyasanga Papu)

Thathi's younger sister. She carries resentment towards her as she has been in her sister's shadow all her life. As the show progresses, Thati and Pretty are shown to have a better sibling relationship. Pretty is mother to Tshiamo and is Sbonga’s girlfriend.

• MaZet (Siphesihle Ndaba)

A female expert on hijacking cars trained by Mam'Sonto. She has lured Ntokozo into a life of crime and has a history with Ntokozo's dad.

• Tshiamo Molefe

She is the daughter of Pretty Molefe and Sbonga who is also the son in-law of Mam' Sonto. Tshiamo had a difficult relationship with Langa and Buhle in the beginning, but they have all grown closer with Tshiamo being very close to Langa.

• Zodwa Zondo (Sanah Mchunu)

Zodwa is a recovering alcoholic and is Teddy’s mother. She was best friends with Gladys in High School. Due to her addiction to alcohol, Zodwa was taken to rehab and came back to work for Melusi and Gladys. She can be fierce at times, especially when she feels provoked by Gladys. She and Teddy have a very close relationship.

• Sbonga

Sbonga is Pretty’s boyfriend and Tshiamo’s father. He works at Sonto’s tavern and he is cohabiting with Pretty in Sonto’s house. This makes him subject to ridicule by community members. He dreams of taking Pretty and Tshiamo out of Gomora.

• Jackie Hlungwani

A no-nonsense teacher at Gomora High School that has a close working relationship with Melusi Dlamini. Jackie has been seen to be very intuitive when something seems to be wrong with her students.

Just months after the show aired, Gomora was one of the first South African TV shows to be pulled from broadcasting after a production break due to COVID-19 lockdown regulations in South Africa.