Every day, an estimated 1,300 people pass away in South Africa — that’s according to the latest data from Statistics South Africa. A significant portion of these families, especially in under-resourced communities, face the heartbreaking reality of not being able to afford a proper burial. For many, the pain of losing a loved one is compounded by financial hardships and a lack of support.
In response to this national crisis, actress and television presenter Thembisa Mdoda is stepping forward as a voice of compassion and dignity. With the support of Icebolethu Group, one of the country’s leading funeral services provider, Mdoda will help South Africans who are unable to afford to bury their loved ones with dignity.
Icebo Labantu is a powerful, human-interest show that follows selected families as they navigate the emotional journey of loss, offering them support, dignity, and hope during their most vulnerable moments. The series is set to provide direct funeral assistance to qualifying families, not as a giveaway, but as part of Thembisa Mdoda’s heartfelt call to action, supported through Icebolethu’s long-standing social impact initiative, Icebolethu Cares.
Thembisa Mdoda states – “This isn’t just a show. This is a real-life mission, we are creating a space where dignity, empathy, and humanity come first.”
Nomfundo Mcoyi, CEO of Icebolethu Group adds – “When the team brought this idea forward, there was no hesitation — it had to be done. This is the first campaign of its kind in our space. We’ve supported families through their most difficult moments for over 15 years — but this platform goes even further. It’s about honour, love, and showing up for people when they need it most.”
“Every single person in South Africa has experienced the death or the effects of a passing. It is never easy, and, in some instances, you can never be fully prepared for it. Icebo Labantu heeds the call to help South African citizens who have no means to bury a loved one.” – remarks Ofentse Thinane, Channel Head SABC1.
Some of the episodes that the series will cover are:
Episode 1 – 6 July 2025
Xoli Mpanza was reported missing by her family and later discovered in the Dokodweni area, having suffered multiple stab wounds and suspected sexual assault. Her body was discovered near sugarcanes after a week-long search that left the community deeply shaken. She had a 2 year old daughter that was heard crying, when a neighbour noticed that the mother was missing.
Episode 2 – 13 July 2025
Khanyisile, a grieving mother from Izingolweni, in Kwa Zulu-Natal navigates the trauma of losing her unborn baby after the tragic death of her partner. Her teenage son may have also been affected by the mother’s situation and the father’s death as he is currently staying with the father’s side of the family, after struggling with ill-health and being unable to go to school for a year.
Episode 3 – 20 July 2025
Gogo Kibi was a mysterious and reclusive elderly woman whose quiet life in the Vaal ended under suspicious circumstances. With no known origins and only one estranged relative, she lived alone following the death of her partner, Mkhulu Mkhwanazi. When her decomposing body was discovered after days of silence, a local funeral service allegedly collecting monthly premiums from her claimed her burial policy had lapsed, demanding an unaffordable fee. Missing documents, unclear payment records, and conflicting accounts from the service provider raised community suspicions of fraud and possible collusion. Through interviews with those who knew her, this story explores the neglect of the elderly, the vulnerability of the isolated, and the unresolved mystery of who Gogo Kibi truly was.
Episode 4 – 27 July 2025
This episode follows the life and legacy of Cynthia Mkhonta, a mother of five children, aged between 14 and 6. Cynthia’s journey is one of resilience, hardship, family tension, and moments of hope – culminating in the sudden and unexpected loss that left her children motherless and her family in shock.
Episode 5 – 3 August 2025
Khulisile Williams was a young mother, sister, and daughter whose life was tragically cut short on Mother’s Day, 11 May 2025, after a sudden and brief illness. Her untimely passing has left a profound void in the lives of her young family and loved ones.
Episode 6 – 10 August 2025
Lucky Mtshali’s life was marked by quiet hardship, emotional isolation, and unresolved family conflict. Born in KwaHlabisa and raised by a single mother, he moved to KwaMashu after high school and briefly worked in Johannesburg before a work injury and the COVID-19 pandemic left him unemployed. In his final years, he battled undiagnosed terminal cancer in silence, estranged from his sister and relying on limited community and church support. Despite strained relationships, Lucky found solace in his faith and hoped for healing and family restoration. His story highlights the dangers of emotional suppression, the importance of men’s health awareness, and the urgent need for early cancer detection and community care.
Do not miss Icebo Labantu on Sudays at 17:30, only on SABC1 Mzansi FoSho!
Cece Smith 