"Bathong Thati, Motho Waka," and the hard chuckle at the end of the title sequence will always be phrases synonymous with some of SA’s favourite stars on the hit show, Gomora.
M’Zodwana’s English was cemented into the hearts and minds of many viewers, and she provided unlimited entertainment on weeknights.
Premised on the life of the Molefe family in Gomora, the show followed Onthatile Ndaba (Katlego Danke) after her husband died in a botched carjacking. What Onthatile did not know at the time was that her mother (Connie Chuime) was wolf in sheep’s clothing. She was an undercover criminal and had commissioned the hijacking of a car, and didn’t know that her son-in-law would be the victim of the crime.
All of that happened in the first episode of season 1 and since then, Seriti Films made sure that viewers were always captivated every night.
But now, after four seasons, Gomora has come to an end and 20 October was the last episode. The cast and the crew have taken to social media to reminisce on their time on the set.
The former executive producer Lulu Hela was one of the people who paid homage to Gomora. She describes the three years at Gomora as a "life altering experience".
"Gomora is and was the ultimate dream. It was more than just a show. I’m grateful to have been part of this magic that kept viewers captivated for 4 seasons! So privileged to have had the honour of working with the best in business."
The incomparable Mazet (Siphesihle Ndaba) stole the hearts of many South Africans for day one. She too, shared her thoughts, adding that it was an honour playing Mazet.
"Thank you Gomora Family. Thank you for opening your hearts to this very complex character. I’m forever humbled by the love.The end of one era is the birth of another. See you on the next one."
This boy's life was flipped around in so many ways throughout the show, and for many storylines, Ntokozo Dlamini (Ntobeko Sishi) showed his range as a performer. He thanks his character for helping him grow in real life.
"Thanks for carrying me on your shoulders for the past 3 years and helping me grow as a person and artist through your own development."
From telling the story of an alcoholic mom who changes her ways to finally finally finding love, Zodwa (Sannah Mchunu) portrayed the realities of many South Africans. She thanks viewers for their love.
"Mzozozo sthandwa sami waze wangenza umuntu ebantwini. Angikaze ngalibona uthando olungaka (Mzozozo my love, you have made me a person among others. I've never seen a love like this."
Gladys Dlamini was the backbone of the Gomora community as a social worker and Thembi Seete brought the character to life. From the loss of a child, learning that her beloved son had killed someone to finding out that her husband was secretly in love with his ex throughout their marriage. In her post, she shares her experience shooting the show during Covid 19 lockdowns.
"Gomora carried us from 10 February 2020. Covid hit us. But we carried on. We managed to support our familiesWhen it was hard, the streets were quiet. All we had was each other. We bonded: Crew, makeup, wardrobe, office caterers, drivers, actors, and Paradise. We became a family."
Sicelo Buthelezo's character, Teddy, practically grew up in front of viewers eyes. He took viewers on a journey with each storyline, from accepting learning disabilities and even being raped by a teacher. Unlike Teddy who always had something to say, Sicelo posted a simple thank you to his character. "Thank you for everything TEDDY BEAR," he posts.
