Image: Instagram
Renowned award-winning actress Winnie Ntshaba is set to return to Generations: The Legacy years after getting fired as a result of an ‘illegal strike.’ The star portrayed Khethiwe Buthelezi, a bold and dramatic character known for her iconic alter-ego, La Chocolata.
Also see: Winnie Ntshaba goes down ‘Generations’ memory lane
Winnie Ntshaba makes Generations comeback
Entertainment commentator Phil Mphela shared the news on his X account on 28 May 2026.
“Actress Winnie Ntshaba will reprise the role on the SABC1 soapie, Generations: The Legacy. Ntshaba was one of the ‘Generations 16’ — dubbed such after sixteen actors on the soapie were fired by the production company for going on strike.”
CASTING NEWS:
Khethiwe Returns To Generations
The beloved character of Khethiwe Buthelezi is returning to the Generations universe.
Actress Winnie Ntshaba will reprise the role on the SABC1 soapie, Generations The Legacy.
Ntshaba was one of the ‘Generations 16’ — dubbed… pic.twitter.com/KGQDlMedTS
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) May 28, 2026
Also see: Winnie Ntshaba reflects on her healing journey
Why did Winnie Ntshaba go on strike?
According to IOL, Winnie and other prominent cast members claimed that the South African Broadcasting Commission (SABC) and the production company MMSV Productions failed to deliver past promises. Her colleagues included Menzi Ngubane (Sibusiso Dlomo), Sophie Ndaba (Queen Ndaba), Seputla Sebogodi (Kenneth Mashaba), and Katlego Danke (Dineo Dlomo).
The cast reportedly wanted a salary adjustment and were promised a three-year contract, which they had not received.
Winnie Ntshaba’s return stuns South Africans
Social media users gathered under the comment section to share their thoughts about seeing Khethiwe back on their screens.
“Hebana… I guess there’s an opportunity for the others to return as well, should they wish to,” wrote _Kaymo_SA.
@latest_whats wondered,” Isn’t this a betrayal of the Gen16?”
@thulani_kate shared with the public, “SA soapies are built on iconic villains and chaos, and Khethiwe delivered both perfectly. The streets will never forget Khethiwe. After everything that happened with the ‘Generations 16,’ seeing Winnie Ntshaba back on Generations: The Legacy feels like full-circle redemption.”
Also see: Winnie Ntshaba shows appreciation for her Women in Arts win
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!