Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo Returns to TV With Heartfelt New Show on SABC1
Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo returns to TV with Icebo Labantu, a heartfelt show on SABC1 premiering 6 July 2025 at 5:30 pm. The series supports families struggling to bury loved ones with dignity, highlighting empathy and hope.
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A Show With a Purpose: Helping Families in Need
Icebo Labantu, which translates loosely to “the people’s plan,” partners with the Icebolethu Group, a leading funeral services provider, to assist underprivileged families who cannot afford funeral costs. The show highlights the emotional and financial challenges faced by these families, offering them a lifeline during their most vulnerable moments. By providing funeral assistance, the series restores hope and dignity to grieving households across South Africa.
Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo: A Host on a Mission
Mdoda-Nxumalo describes her role on Icebo Labantu as a deeply transformative experience. She explains that the show has evolved beyond simply arranging funerals; it has become a platform for healing, family unity, and renewed hope. “This is a real-life mission. We are creating a space where dignity, empathy, and humanity come first,” she says. Her compassionate hosting style brings these stories to life, connecting viewers with the raw realities of loss and resilience.
Powerful Stories That Touch the Heart
The debut episode tells the tragic story of Xoli Mpanza, a young mother found dead in a sugarcane field after being reported missing. Her toddler’s cries led to the heartbreaking discovery. The show follows her family as they receive support to bury her with dignity. Future episodes will highlight other moving stories. One features Khanyisile, a mother coping with the loss of her partner and unborn child. Another tells of Gogo Kibi, a woman who died alone and nearly missed a proper burial until her community stepped in.
Bringing Healing and Hope to South African Families
Icebo Labantu aims to shed light on an often overlooked issue: many South African families still struggle to bury their loved ones, some waiting years due to financial hardship. The show not only offers practical assistance but also raises awareness about the importance of community support during times of grief. Through Mdoda-Nxumalo’s empathetic storytelling, viewers witness the power of compassion and collective healing.
When and Where to Watch
Viewers can tune in to Icebo Labantu every Sunday at 5:30 pm on SABC1 starting 6 July 2025. The series promises to be a moving, eye-opening journey into the lives of ordinary South Africans facing extraordinary challenges. For updates and more information, follow the official SABC1 channels and Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo’s social media platforms.
Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo’s return to television with Icebo Labantu marks a significant moment in South African broadcasting, combining heartfelt storytelling with a mission to uplift communities. This show is set to inspire, educate, and bring hope to many across the nation.
