What’s the first idea you get after “Gold Diggers” has been echoed into your ears? I am convinced that I was not foolish for expecting a story rich of women (or anyone for that matter) who strategically digs pockets by having relationships with the elite. Ah, what do philosophers propose in relation with expectations?
My imagination was only freed last Thursday during my attendance of the Gold Diggers Launch in Braamfontein at a really cool (and slightly hidden) spot called Bullion.
At my arrival I was presented with white overalls and red mining helmets. I decided to put only the helmet on and upstairs I was welcomed by a number of people who decided to discard the theme of the night and I suddenly felt average in jeans and a t-shirt. I shortly explored the venue which was quite big, I scanned through the different groups of people and I spotted so many actors. David Genaro (Jamie Bartlett) was all over the place and I refrained myself from asking if he had a little too much of the free booze because he might generally be a friendly person and who am I to mistaken friendliness for drunkenness?!
In the midst of my curiosity, we were graced with pole dancers and I was instantly like “Uhm okay!!! Gold Diggers and the ambiguity, I’m already in suspense. Which gold digging are they really dishing to us?!” Then after the hot pant digging (My young eyes had to escape to my phone to share the fascination on twitter) the spectators were already warmed up and….
Zuluboy jumped on stage and had the crowd clapping and twirling. He plays the role of a Miner in Gold Diggers.
Poet, Napo Masheane was our host.
I totally glimmered with joy when Monde Twala, Managing Director at Etv, was called on stage. I admired him a bit more after seeing how the Etv actors who came out to support in abundance cheered him on, it said a lot about his character. Sadly, some characters were not present as they had 5am call time. He quickly mentored my mental debate regarding Season 1(It’s safe to take the hint the same way I took it) of the upcoming telenovela which premiers on 10 August at 8pm.
So, Gold Diggers will be showcasing South Africa’s diversity as it was inspired by the evolution of the mining sector. “It will leave people thinking about the dynamics of South Africa“, he assured.
Portia Gumede, creator of Gold Diggers also jumped on stage thanking the people who made it possible.
Mam’ Nambitha introduced the cast which includes….
Tina Jaxa, who plays a Small Town girl in the city.
Thandy Matlaila plays the Miner’s prostitute, and Sibusiso Black Madonda plays William.
Bonginkosi Twala is the Mine Union Representative.
Thabo Malema (Ronald), Zimkhitha Nyoka (Olwethu) and Mpho Sibeko (Lucky).
Peter Mashigo (Gideon) and Keneilwe Matidze (Nandipha)
Tata Mbongeni Ngema! I am looking forward to seeing how they portray their characters as they have been presented with content that has not fully been explored before.
More pics….
Also spotted Dumisani Mbebe and his first lady, Mbali.
I bumped into lovebirds Atandwa Kani and fiancé, Fikile Mthwalo more than I intended to.
And every single time it was in their space of throwing kisses on each other. I must say it was a little too cute for a sucker of romance like me.
Mmmmmmh!
Craze’s Ntando Duma.
Nomvelo Makhanya and Samkelo Ndlovu
Nambitha and Tina. Not sure who the other lady is.
Bekumnandi!
So, one last question, have you ever heard of a melting pot of gold? Because I feel like this telenovela will spread over to the local trends spotters. I mean, they already have sponsors for the show and they have not even aired yet. It’s a pretty good look! Generations? So 1994.
Atandwa & Fikile pictures by Emmanuel Tjiya. Thank you to e.tv publicity team for inviting us and for sending us the rest of the pictures. 
By Amy Sibiya
@Amy_Sibiya