Deli Malinga as MaMntungwa and Makgotso M as Nothile star in the three-part drama series "Amanzi Endlini ".
Image: Instagram/jaytshabalala_
Makgotso M returns to television screens in a new role as Nothile, on the drama “Amanzi Endlini” on Mzansi Magic.
Produced by Ngomoya Films, the three-part drama also sees the screen return of viewer favourite Deli Malinga as MaMntungwa.
“Amanzi Endlini” looks at how Nothile’s decision to become a traditionally married couple's surrogate brings emotional complications, distrust, and tension into the couple’s relationship.
The cast includes Keke Mphuti as Seipati, Nkanyiso Makhanya as Nkanyiso, and Monnye Kunupi as Gadifele.
Speaking about the upcoming drama series, Makgotso M admitted her first reaction to the script was " 'Aaah! Another controversial character!"
But instead of judging Nothile, the actress said she focused on understanding the emotional layers behind the character’s decisions.
“The challenge for me was making Nothile both controversial and likeable at the same time,” she explained.
“I enjoy playing layered and complex characters because people are naturally complex in real life. We all become villains in someone else’s story at some point.”
In the series, Nothile finds herself at the centre of an emotionally charged surrogacy storyline that threatens friendships, relationships and family dynamics.
While the actress admitted there were moments where she questioned Nothile’s choices, she said the role required empathy rather than criticism.
“Initially, her intentions came from a good place; she genuinely wanted to help her friend and her husband. But as the story progresses, things become emotionally complicated and spiral out of control,” she said.
The show dives into conversations around fertility, IVF and surrogacy, topics Makgotso M believes society still struggles to openly discuss.
Although she personally would not consider becoming a surrogate mother herself, the actress said she supports women having different paths to parenthood.
“People are not paying for a child - they are paying for the process and the physical responsibility of carrying a baby,” she explained.
“It’s similar to adoption, where there are also legal and administrative costs involved.”
Makgotso M also reflected on how audiences often react strongly to morally grey TV characters, saying she no longer worries about viewers confusing actors with the roles they portray.
“Not at all, I actually take it as a compliment when audiences feel strongly about my characters because that means I’ve done my job well,” she said.
The actress, who is still remembered by viewers for her role as Onika on "Muvhango" more than a decade later, said storytelling leaves a lasting impact on audiences.
Another major highlight for Makgotso was working alongside veteran actress Deli Malinga.
“It was phenomenal. Mam’ Deli truly embraced me both on and off screen,” she shared.
“What humbled me most was her willingness to continue learning despite her success and experience. She reminded me that growth never stops.”
Away from acting, Makgotso M revealed she has been focusing on expanding her career beyond television by exploring business ventures and returning to school.
“I’m focused on building multiple streams of income and expanding beyond acting,” she said.
As anticipation builds for "Amanzi Endlini", the actress hopes the series sparks honest conversations around infertility and the pressure often placed on women when couples struggle to conceive.
“In many cases, infertility issues can also involve men, but that’s a conversation society often avoids,” she said.
“I hope the series encourages compassion and understanding while opening people’s minds to different paths to parenthood.”
"Amanzi Endlini" airs on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) from May 25–27 at 7.00pm
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