Zamani Mbatha teases complicated new character in ‘Land of Mills & Money’

by Zintle Mdaka

Actor Zamani Mbatha is stepping into a new chapter on television with a role that promises love, complicated choices and plenty of drama in e.tv’s upcoming series Land of Mills & Money.

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Zamani plays Muzi Mhlongo, a man caught in a complicated love story with Phiwe, portrayed by Nelisiwe Sibiya. The new drama premieres on Monday, 31 August at 7pm on e.tv.

Zamani Mbatha takes on Muzi Mhlongo

Muzi is the man Phiwe truly loves, but their relationship is put under pressure after a life-changing incident during a heist.

Phiwe is a determined young police officer whose world is turned upside down after a fateful encounter during the heist leaves her with a secret she must protect from her family and colleagues.

Her decision during the incident has consequences for her relationship with Muzi, creating a complicated situation for the couple.

The storyline places Zamani’s character at the centre of one of the show’s key emotional storylines, as love, loyalty and difficult choices collide.

A different kind of love story

While Land of Mills & Money explores wealth, power and family dynamics, the relationship between Muzi and Phiwe adds a strong romantic element to the drama.

Their relationship is complicated by Phiwe’s secret, which threatens to come between the couple and potentially change their lives.

The show’s official synopsis describes the story as one involving love, lies, justice and redemption, with loyalty tested and the consequences of decisions playing out across the fictional town of Shonalanga in Mpumalanga.

For Zamani, the role gives audiences an opportunity to see him in another character-driven storyline following his previous television roles.

Also see: Zamani Mbatha and Sni Mhlongo spark reunion rumours again

Star-studded cast

Zamani joins an ensemble cast featuring some of South Africa’s established acting talent.

The cast includes Nelisiwe Sibiya as Phiwe, Winnie Ntshaba as Mazwi, Themba Ndaba as Melusi, Jo-Anne Reyneke as Thembi, Sphelele Luthuli as Khwezi, Mbali Ngiba as Gog’Sindi, Kenneth Nkosi as Pastor Caiphus and Gcinile Nkosi as Mam’Dee.

The series is produced by Grounded Productions, with Khanyi Nxumalo and Thomas Gumede serving as executive producers and Ayanda Halimana as head writer.

When does Land of Mills & Money start?

Land of Mills & Money premieres on Monday, 31 August 2026 at 7pm on e.tv.

Set in the fictional town of Shonalanga, the series explores the intersection of family, power, money and secrets, promising viewers a new dose of local drama during e.tv’s primetime schedule.

With Zamani’s Muzi caught in a complicated relationship and Phiwe carrying a secret that could change everything, viewers will have to wait until the series premieres to see whether their love can survive the fallout.

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