''Durban Gen'' was a South African
medical drama
A medical drama is a Television film, television movie or film in which events center upon a hospital, clinic, doctor's office, a paramedic, or any other medical topic or environment. Most recent medical drama (film and television), dramatic progra ...
telenovela
A telenovela is a type of a television serial drama or soap opera produced primarily in Latin America. The word combines ''tele'' (for "television") and ''novela'' (meaning "novel"). Similar Drama (film and television), drama genres around the w ...
. It was an
e.tv original production that was commissioned and distributed by
e.tv
e.tv (commonly referred to on-air as e) is the first and only privately owned free-to-air television station in South Africa. Founded in 1998, the company is headquartered in Cape Town.
It is the fifth terrestrial television channel in the ...
. The show was based in
Durban
Durban ( ; , from meaning "bay, lagoon") is the third-most populous city in South Africa, after Johannesburg and Cape Town, and the largest city in the Provinces of South Africa, province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Situated on the east coast of South ...
and reflected on the struggles of the doctors and nurses in their daily lives at Durban General Hospital. The show was produced by Stained Glass TV Productions.
As of 5 August 2021, the show moved to
eVOD
e.tv (commonly referred to on-air as e) is the first and only privately owned free-to-air television station in South Africa. Founded in 1998, the company is headquartered in Cape Town.
It is the fifth terrestrial television channel in the ...
with the show being broadcast there.
Plot
The series centers around a newly qualified doctor, Mbalenhle "Mbali" Mthethwa (
Nelisiwe Sibiya), who moves to the big city to complete her final year of
community service
Community service is unpaid work performed by a person or group of people for the benefit and betterment of their community contributing to a noble cause. In many cases, people doing community service are compensated in other ways, such as gettin ...
at Durban General Hospital. She is torn between her fiancé, Sibusiso Dlamini (
Ntando Mncube), and her boss, Dr. Lindelani Zulu (
Mike Ndlangamandla). Arriving at the hospital, she assists in a surgery that results in the death of an MEC. This threatens the reputations of the hospital, Dr. Zulu, and Mbalenhle. Mbalenhle is thrown into an investigation which threatens to end her career.
Five years later, after the death of Sbusiso, Mbalenhle becomes a
sangoma and a senior doctor.
Cast
Main and recurring cast
colspan ¼00
Former cast
Character descriptions
Main cast
*
Nelisiwe Sibiya as Dr. Mbali Mthethwa, a surgical intern. Mbali was engaged to Sibusiso Dlamini, who is Dr. Thabo Dlamini's brother. Five years later, she becomes a sangoma and is a senior doctor. She goes unconscious for a few minutes and comes back with an agreement with her ancestors to become a Sangoma. She was almost killed by Dr.Khumalo because she found out what happened to Sibiya.She is in a relationship with Lindani at the end of the series Main season 1-3
*
Mavuso Magabane
Meshack Mavuso Magabane (born 8 March 1977), is a South African actor and Film director, director. He is best known for his roles in the popular serials ''Heist'', ''Isidingo'', ''Yizo Yizo'' ,Isithembiso and Durban gen as Dr Thabo Dlamini .
Pe ...
as Dr. Thabo Dlamini, Chief of Surgery. He was married to Dr. Precious Dlamini Thabo and a recovered alcoholic. He is married to Dr Zondo and they adopted a child Main role: season 1–3
*
Duduzile Ngcobo as Dr. Nomalanga Qwabe, Superintendent. Superintendent Qwabe is the boss of Durban General Hospital. She appointed Dr. Zulu as acting superintendent in her absence. She later retires for her sickness and appoints Dr. Thabo Dlamini to be Superintendent permanently. Main role: seasons 1–2
*
Mike Ndlangamandla as Dr. Lindelani Zulu, acting Superintendent and surgeon. Dr. Zulu is Mbali's love interest. Lindelani was in charge of the interns, but when he became Superintendent, he handed over the intern duties to Dr. Zandile Mkhize. He is in a relationship with Mbali and has a daughter Lwandle present season 1-3
*
Lihle Dhlomo
Lihle Dhlomo (born 1990) is a South African actress. She is best known for her roles in the films and television series: '' Seriously Single'', ''The Harvesters'', ''Between Friends: Ithala'' and ''HG's Shadow''. Apart from acting, she is also ...
as Dr. Precious Dlamini, Head of OB and Gynaecology. Precious is Thabo's wife. She gave birth to Mvelo Dlamini. Main role: (season 1); recurring role: season 2
*
Ntando Mncube as Sibusiso Dlamini. Sibusiso is an ambitious businessman, who is Mbali's fiance. He was shot dead at the hospital when Thabo told the truth about Mvelo being Sibusiso's child. Main role: season 1
*
Zimiphi Biyela as Matron Nobuhle Nkabinde, head nurse. She constantly checks the nurses’ uniforms. Some of the employees avoid her at times. She retires five years later, with Phumeza as the new matron since season 3. She came back for a brief time to bring nurse trainees that they know how to be a nurse. Main role: season 1–2; recurring role: season 3
*
Nombulelo Mhlongo
Nombulelo Mhlongo (born 9 May 1992) is a South African actress, classical singer, teacher, and writer. She is best known for the roles in the television serials such as ''Durban Gen'' and ''Uzalo''. Apart from that, she is also a choreographer a ...
as Nurse Sne Mtshali. Sne always knows the latest trends on social media and always knows what is happening in everyone's lives. Sne is the love interest of MacGyver . She was in a abused by her husband Dr.Dlomo . She got a miscarriage because she was beaten.she kill him . And want 5years in jail
Main role: season 1–present
*
Bheki Mahlawe as Nurse Calvin Gumede. Calvin is the son of MaCele and Baba Gumede. Calvin is friends with Sne, MacGyver, and Phumeza. He had a one night stand with Precious, which resulted in her falling pregnant. Main role: season 1–present
*
Fanele Ntuli as Dr. Thandekile Zondo Dlamini, surgical intern. Thandekile is an intern who is friends with Mbali and Ndabezinhle. She aims to be a surgeon after her internship, is married to Dr. Dlamini, and is a senior doctor. Main role: season 1–present
*
Zuluboy as MacGyver, paramedic. He works closely with Baba Gumede as a paramedic. His love interest is Sne, who constantly rejects him. Main role: season 1–2
*
Tshidi Makitle as Matron Phumeza Sibiya. Phumeza is a caring, soft-spoken, and well-mannered character. Her ability to tend to patients, as well as her overall diligence makes her the matron's favourite nurse. She is married to Detective Sibiya. Five years later, in season 3, she is the Matron of Durban General Hospital. Main role: season 1–present
*
Sifiso Sibiya as Baba Milton Gumede. Baba Gumede is MaCele's husband and Calvin's father. Baba is revealed to be Msizi's father, and later retires from Durban Gen, moving in with his former mistress. He comes back in season 3 for Calvin and Dr. Jack's wedding. Main role: season 1; recurring role: season 2–present
*
Sthandwa Nzuza - Dr. Zandile Mkhize, surgical doctor. She is Precious's friend and was married and divorced with Dr. Siyabonga Mkhize. She was in a romantic relationship with Dr. Khumalo. Recurring role: season 1; main role: seasons 2–3
Cast members
Season 1
*
Nelisiwe Sibiya as Dr. Mbali Mthethwa
*
Mike Ndlangamandla as Dr. Lindelani Zulu
*
Mavuso Magabane
Meshack Mavuso Magabane (born 8 March 1977), is a South African actor and Film director, director. He is best known for his roles in the popular serials ''Heist'', ''Isidingo'', ''Yizo Yizo'' ,Isithembiso and Durban gen as Dr Thabo Dlamini .
Pe ...
as Dr. Thabo Dlamini
*
Duduzile Ngcobo as Dr. Nomalanga Qwabe
*
Ntando Mncube as Sibusiso Dlamini
*
Lihle Dhlomo
Lihle Dhlomo (born 1990) is a South African actress. She is best known for her roles in the films and television series: '' Seriously Single'', ''The Harvesters'', ''Between Friends: Ithala'' and ''HG's Shadow''. Apart from acting, she is also ...
as Dr. Precious Dlamini
*
Fanele Ntuli as Dr. Thandekile Zondo
*
Fanele Zulu as Dr. Mnqobi Mchunu
*
Lerato Nxumalo as Dr. Ndabezinhle Luthuli
*
Zimiphi Biyela as Matron Nobuhle Nkabinde
*
Bheki Mahlawe as Nurse Calvin Gumede
*
Nombulelo Mhlongo
Nombulelo Mhlongo (born 9 May 1992) is a South African actress, classical singer, teacher, and writer. She is best known for the roles in the television serials such as ''Durban Gen'' and ''Uzalo''. Apart from that, she is also a choreographer a ...
as Nurse Sne Mtshali
*
Tshidi Makitle as Nurse Phumeza Sibiya
*
Thulani Shange as Dr. Mandla Ngcobo
*
Monica Zulu as MaCele Gumede
*
Mxolisi Majozi as MacGyver
*
Sifiso Sibiya as Bab'Milton Gumede
*
Bheki Sibiya as Dr. Muzi Ndlovu
Season 2
*
Nelisiwe Sibiya as Dr. Mbali Mthethwa
*
Mike Ndlangamandla as Dr. Lindelani Zulu
*
Mavuso Magabane
Meshack Mavuso Magabane (born 8 March 1977), is a South African actor and Film director, director. He is best known for his roles in the popular serials ''Heist'', ''Isidingo'', ''Yizo Yizo'' ,Isithembiso and Durban gen as Dr Thabo Dlamini .
Pe ...
as Dr. Thabo Dlamini
*
Duduzile Ngcobo as Dr. Nomalanga Qwabe
*
Sthandwa Nzuza as Dr. Zandile Mkhize
*
Fanele Ntuli as Dr. Thandekile Zondo
*
Zimiphi Biyela as Matron Nobuhle Nkabinde
*
Bheki Mahlawe as Nurse Calvin Gumede
*
Nombulelo Mhlongo
Nombulelo Mhlongo (born 9 May 1992) is a South African actress, classical singer, teacher, and writer. She is best known for the roles in the television serials such as ''Durban Gen'' and ''Uzalo''. Apart from that, she is also a choreographer a ...
as Nurse Sne Mtshali
*
Tshidi Makitle as Nurse Phumeza Sibiya
*
Mxolisi Majozi as MacGyver
*
Thokozisa Ziqubu as Dr. Lethuxolo Bhengu
*
Yola Plaatjie as Dr. Nangamso Jack
*
Mthandeni Mbambo as Thulani Sibiya
*
Sibongokuhle Nkosi as Thembinator
*
Mpume Mthombeni as Agatha Dlamini
*
Zakhele Mabasa as Paramedic Sihle Ntuli
*
Nyaniso Dzedze as Dr. Sphesihle Dlomo
Season 3
*
Nelisiwe Sibiya as Dr. Mbali Mthethwa
*
Tumelo Matlatla as Dr.Skhumbuzo Khumalo
*
Mavuso Magabane
Meshack Mavuso Magabane (born 8 March 1977), is a South African actor and Film director, director. He is best known for his roles in the popular serials ''Heist'', ''Isidingo'', ''Yizo Yizo'' ,Isithembiso and Durban gen as Dr Thabo Dlamini .
Pe ...
as Dr. Thabo Dlamini
*
Fanele Ntuli as Dr. Thandekile Zondo
*
Sthandwa Nzuza as Dr. Zandile Mkhize
*
Bheki Mahlawe as Nurse Calvin Gumede
*
Nombulelo Mhlongo
Nombulelo Mhlongo (born 9 May 1992) is a South African actress, classical singer, teacher, and writer. She is best known for the roles in the television serials such as ''Durban Gen'' and ''Uzalo''. Apart from that, she is also a choreographer a ...
as Nurse Sne Mtshali
*
Tshidi Makitle as Matron Phumeza Sibiya
*
Thokozani Ziqubu as Dr. Lethuxolo Bhengu
*
Yola Plaatjie as Dr. Nangamso Jack
*
Mthandeni Mbambo as Thulani Sibiya
*
Sibongokuhle Nkosi as Thembinator
*
Asanda Dubazane as Bafana Cele
*
Joe Kazadi as Xola Lekabe
*
Asavela Mqokiyana as Amahle Dladla
Production
On 21 August 2020,
e.tv
e.tv (commonly referred to on-air as e) is the first and only privately owned free-to-air television station in South Africa. Founded in 1998, the company is headquartered in Cape Town.
It is the fifth terrestrial television channel in the ...
announced that the series would premiere on 5 October.
According to e.tv's head of local productions Helga Palmar, the series was premiered to honor frontline workers.
[{{Cite web, url=https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/66/207445.html, title=Durban Gen – new e.tv local drama coming this October – eMedia, website=www.bizcommunity.com]
References
E.tv original programming
2020 South African television series debuts
2023 South African television series endings
South African drama television series