MultiChoice’s “Shaka iLembe” series created over 16,000 jobs, promoting South African culture and heritage, and achieved significant viewership success.
MultiChoice’s acclaimed series, Shaka iLembe, has significantly contributed to job creation and community support throughout its production process.
The show narrates the life of the iconic King Shaka, exploring his origins, his rise to power, and the remarkable events that defined his reign.
In celebration of Heritage Month, MultiChoice elaborated on the sheer scale and meticulous craftsmanship involved in producing this proudly South African series, created in collaboration with Bomb Productions.
“During the production, over 16,000 jobs were generated, encompassing a diverse range of roles, including cast members, crew, set builders, costume designers, language experts, historians, and artisans,” the company stated. “This not only provided life-changing opportunities for many but also uplifted the communities where the filming occurred.”
Furthermore, the project was a significant opportunity for South Africans to gain experience in large-scale television production.
“Extensive efforts went into constructing authentic and historically precise sets, some of which required months of dedicated craftsmanship,” MultiChoice noted. “Entire homesteads and villages were built to accurately depict the era of King Shaka, ensuring that the production remained faithful to its historical roots.”
The set was constructed on location at various sites, including the Greater Cradle Nature Reserve, Eshowe, Nkandla Forest, Port Edward, Drakensberg, Mooi River, and Zulu Falls, involving a team of approximately 120 builders and thatchers over a period of roughly nine months.
Led by renowned film stylist and costume designer Sheli Masondo, a group of designers meticulously sourced traditional materials to create garments that reflect the cultural practices of the time.
“This commitment not only honoured Zulu heritage but also showcased the creativity and talent of South African artisans globally,” MultiChoice stated.
isiZulu was chosen as the primary language of the series, adding to its authenticity and cultural pride.
“This choice ensured that the voice of its people conveyed the narrative, preserving linguistic heritage and integrating the richness of indigenous languages into mainstream television,” the broadcaster explained. “It highlighted the vital role of language in connecting communities to their history and reinforcing cultural identity.”
The General Entertainment team at MultiChoice, in collaboration with Bomb Productions, dedicated six years to researching the narrative, aiming to enlighten audiences about the historical evolution of Zulu cultural significance.
The production team consulted historians, academics, and family descendants, including King Goodwill Zwelithini and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
MultiChoice characterised the series as a significant cultural milestone that has sparked discussions on heritage, identity, and the importance of African storytelling.
“The show not only entertains but also educates, offering viewers a vivid portrayal of history, traditions, and the resilience of African leadership,” the broadcaster emphasised. “Its cultural impact has transcended television, igniting renewed pride in African heritage across diverse communities.”
The inaugural season of Shaka Ilembe premiered on June 18, 2023, attracting 3.6 million viewers in its first week, marking the highest viewership for any MultiChoice-produced series to date.
In 2024, it became the most nominated and awarded drama in the South African Film and Television History Awards history, triumphing in 12 out of 17 categories, including Best Series.
The series boasts an impressive IMDb rating of 8.9 out of 10, based on 787 reviews, and a 96% approval score on Google Reviews.
The second season premiered on Mzansi Magic in July 2025, concluding in early September 2025, with a third and final season anticipated for release in 2026.
The accompanying video illustrates the significant impact of the first season’s production of Shaka Ilembe in South Africa.
