Actress Jo-Anne Reyneke is making her much-anticipated return to Generations: The Legacy as Refilwe, three years after her character left South Africa.
Also see: Jo-Anne Reyneke: Turning Trauma into Triumph on the Konvo Show
Jo-Anne is set to return to the SABC1 soapie on Friday, 28 August 2026, with the actress teasing a very different version of Refilwe when she arrives back in the country.
The actress first joined Generations: The Legacy in 2020, playing Refilwe Zungu, the daughter of Daniel Zungu and stepdaughter of politician Walter Nkaba, played by Nimrod Nkosi.
Refilwe returns with a different mindset
Speaking about her character’s comeback, Jo-Anne said viewers will see a Refilwe who has changed significantly during her time away.
When audiences last saw her, Refilwe was closely connected to her father and was often used in his political dealings. However, after three years in New York, she returns as an independent and successful woman with her own agenda.
Daily Sun reported that according to Jo-Anne, Refilwe has developed a deep sense of anger over what she experienced in the past and wants to make sure other women do not go through similar experiences.
“She’s very much a sheep in wolf’s clothing,” Jo-Anne said of the character’s return.
A wealthy and independent Refilwe
Refilwe has also built a successful life for herself while living in New York.
Jo-Anne revealed that her character returns with money, having allegedly stolen funds before leaving the city and using her wealth to establish businesses and create a life away from her father.
Her success has also reinforced Refilwe’s belief that she does not need her father’s influence. Instead, she returns determined to confront the past and change circumstances she believes need to be addressed.
Also see: Jo-Anne Reyneke returns to Isidingo
Refilwe enters Jack Mabaso’s dangerous world
Her return is expected to shake things up as she crosses paths with some of the show’s most powerful characters.
Jo-Anne said Refilwe will enter the dangerous world of Jack Mabaso and his associates, but she will approach her plans differently from the villains viewers are accustomed to seeing.
Rather than immediately resorting to violence, Refilwe believes there are other ways of getting what she wants. The actress said this is part of what makes the character particularly interesting.
Despite Refilwe’s plans and darker side, there is one relationship that could expose her vulnerability. During her time away, she discovers that she has a sister, Vuyelwa, played by Nozuko Ntshangase.
Jo-Anne said Refilwe is largely indifferent towards her father but is prepared to protect her sister, making their relationship an important part of her storyline, reported Daily Sun.
Jo-Anne Reyneke embraces playing the villain
For Jo-Anne, returning to the soapie also allows her to explore a darker side of her acting. The actress said playing a villain is particularly enjoyable because it allows her to explore behaviour that would not be acceptable in everyday life.
Her return comes as Generations: The Legacy continues to introduce new twists and familiar faces to its long-running storyline.
When does Jo-Anne Reyneke return to Generations: The Legacy?
Fans can catch Jo-Anne as Refilwe on Friday, 28 August 2026, when she officially returns to Generations: The Legacy.
With Refilwe returning wealthier, more independent and determined to settle old scores, her comeback could bring a new layer of drama to the SABC1 soapie.
Also see: Nelisiwe Sibiya opens up about her role in ‘Land of Mills and Money’
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!
