MEET THE CELES: SOUTH AFRICA’S MOST CHAOTIC FAMILY
The star-studded cast of A Scam Called Love brings the chaotic, hilarious, and heartwarming Cele family to life.
A Scam Called Love introduces a family that doesn’t just stir the pot — they throw in everything but the kitchen sink for some added spice, deception, and unexpected hilarity. When Zola brings her American “husband” Julian home, the Cele family is quick to raise their eyebrows. Is this love real, or just another elaborate scam?
And as if pretending to be in love isn’t complicated enough, the weight of Zola’s family’s opinions and personalities adds an extra layer of drama. With sharp-tongued relatives, deep-seated rivalries, and unfiltered opinions, the Cele family becomes the ultimate jury — interrogating every detail of the latest update to Zola’s love life, making the ruse even more challenging to maintain.
MEET THE PARENTS: THE ICE QUEEN & THE MONK
“You cannot be tired. Postpone that jetlag of yours ‘til tomorrow!”
Personality:
Brutally honest
Perfectionist
Commanding and intimidating
Naledi, affectionately called the “Ice Queen,” commands attention with her striking features and confident demeanor. As a successful attorney, she holds high standards, expecting excellence from herself and others. While she’s assertive in both her professional and personal life, Naledi’s relationship with her daughter Zola is complicated. She often compares Zola to her successful cousin Palesa, creating undue pressure. Additionally, Naledi’s romantic involvement with a much younger man causes tension with Zola, who is uncomfortable with the age difference.
Despite her tough exterior and the high standards she sets, Naledi’s love for her children is clear, though her way of showing it can be misunderstood. Underneath her poised facade, she harbors vulnerabilities and a deep desire to give her children the best life possible.
DAD / Mandle Cele (played by Fezile Mphela)
“Lies and deceit only breed pain” or “sometimes the best things come from uncertainty.”
Personality:
Values his family name, success, and cultural traditions.
Rarely shows emotion, making him hard to read.
Values his family name, success, and Zulu traditions.
Mandla Cele, a wealthy Zulu patriarch and Zola’s father, has embraced a spiritual transformation following a Vipassana retreat. He has taken a vow of silence, opting for introspection and using an AI device to communicate, adding both humor and depth to his interactions. This choice challenges him to express himself through gestures and expressions, deepening his connections without words.
His internal journey reflects the tension in his marriage with Naledi. Once a partnership of love and ambition, it now suffers from Mandla’s past errors and misplaced trust. His silence underscores the emotional distance growing between them, serving as both a barrier and a metaphor for their strained relationship.
THE JEALOUS COUSIN AND THE EX: DUMB AND DUMBER
PALESA / Palesa Cele (played by Thando Thabethe)
“Your claim to Neo expired in high school, together with your hairline.”
Personality:
Conniving
Sharp-tongued
Unapologetically competitive
At the centre of the drama is Zola’s cousin Palesa, a successful lawyer who brings interrogations to the dinner table. It is no wonder she is the lead investigator hell-bent on investigating the virality of Zola and Julian’s “perfect love story.”
A relentless sense of competition defines her complex relationship with Zola. From personal accomplishments to social status, Palesa is always vying to outshine her, and their rivalry becomes even more explosive when Zola discovers that Palesa is now dating her ex-boyfriend. But Palesa isn’t satisfied with just stirring the pot — she takes things further by setting her sights on Julian, Zola’s new American “husband,” adding seduction to her arsenal of mind games.
Palesa’s character is equal parts seductive, biting, and unapologetically competitive, which is how she eventually catches Tobi red-handed. Her charm lies in her ability to keep everyone on their toes with her razor-sharp wit, perfectly timed comebacks, and an air of effortless confidence. She’s the kind of woman who can cut through someone’s defences with a single glance or a well-placed word, but her humour and charisma make her a fascinating antagonist.
NEO (played by Rendani Mufamadi)
“My name’s Neo… like in The Matrix!”
Personality:
Handsome but clueless
Overconfident
A coconut (African, but thinks he’s “white on the inside”)
Neo is Zola’s charismatic ex, now Palesa’s boyfriend. Neo is a paradox wrapped in charm, the yin to Palesa’s yang. Where she is calculated, he is reckless. Where she plays chess, he barely knows the rules. He’s an ambitious lawyer who exudes confidence but completely lacks the intellect to match it. Handsome and charismatic, he relies on his good looks and charm to get by, blissfully unaware of his own air-headed tendencies.
His relationship with Palesa is a whirlwind of ego and affection — she’s the brains, he’s the good-looking accessory. But when Zola returns with Julian, Neo’s jealousy kicks into overdrive as he continues to swoon over his ex. Despite his relationship with Palesa, he convinces himself that Zola must still be in love with him, and he makes it his mission to win her back. His ridiculous confidence and inability to read the room provide some of the show’s best comedic moments, especially when he squares off against Julian in an unspoken battle of egos. Neo is the dumbest guy who believes he’s the smartest person in the room, and you might too — until he opens his mouth. His misplaced bravado and Palesa’s cunning nature make them a dangerously entertaining duo.
THE BROTHER AND SISTER IN LOVE: TRUE LOVE LIVES HERE
SANELE / Sanele Cele (played by Motlatsi Mafatshe)
Personality:
Deeply devoted to his loved ones, especially his sister
A natural charm that makes him effortlessly likable
Protective yet open-minded
Sanele, Zola’s older brother, is the personification of warmth and charisma. With an infectious smile that instantly puts everyone at ease, he has a magnetic personality that draws people in. A successful lawyer, Sanele balances his professional accomplishments with a deep devotion to his family. He is especially proud of his marriage to Linda, his air-headed yet endearing trophy wife, whom he loves unconditionally despite her quirky nature.
Sanele shares a close, supportive bond with Zola, acting as her rock in moments of uncertainty. Their sibling relationship is built on mutual respect and love, and he is unwavering in his encouragement of her dreams. When Julian, Zola’s unconventional love interest, enters the picture, Sanele initially greets him with healthy scepticism. However, Julian’s charm eventually wins him over, and Sanele fully embraces him as part of the family.
LINDA /Linda Cele (played by Siphokazi ‘Kazi’ Kuboni)
“Alcohol just doesn’t align with my spirit anymore, idlozi lami said no”
Personality:
Thinks she’s dropping wisdom, but it’s often…questionable.
Even when she’s making no sense, you can’t help but love
Healer by calling, bona fide influencer by aesthetic.
Linda Cele, Zola’s sister-in-law, is a modern-day Sangoma with a twist. While her spiritual gift is deeply rooted in tradition, her approach is anything but conventional. She’s a full-blown social media sensation, effortlessly blending her calling as a healer with the world of aesthetics. Picture sage burning in a designer candle holder, a Gucci bag casually resting next to her divination bones, and an Instagram Live session where she’s dolled up but still giving life-changing spiritual advice. While she aspires to share deep and profound thoughts, her musings often hilariously miss the mark, adding a layer of comedy to her character. Her high-pitched voice, private-school twang, and knack for missing punchlines make her endlessly endearing, leaving those around her amused yet utterly charmed.
Married to the charismatic Sanele, Linda shares an unshakable bond with her husband, who adores her quirks and proudly coordinates matching outfits with her — a testament to their playful and loving relationship. Beneath her airheaded exterior lies an ambitious spirit.
THE STREETWISE HUSTLER
UNCLE BABY /Baby Nkosi (played by Trevor Gumbi)
“Ngizokutolerater as long as ong’thola later.”
Personality:
A self-proclaimed “OG,”
A walking throwback to 90s Hip-Hop culture.
Quirky, lovable and eccentric
Uncle Baby is the uncle who may not have achieved much independence in life, often considered an “underachiever,” but his sweet nature and infectious charm make it impossible for anyone to stay mad at him for long. As the uncle who turned into the family gardener, Uncle Baby relies on odd jobs and a small allowance from Mandla and Naledi. Though he doesn’t contribute much financially, he’s emotionally rich, offering a sense of comfort and joy to his family, even if unintentionally.
His obsession with 90s Hip-Hop culture and deep love for Tupac are central to his character. Uncle Baby loves to show off, especially to his new American nephew-in-law, Julian. Going out of his way to appear extra American, he adopts a crazy American accent, quotes Tupac endlessly, and uses outdated slang in an attempt to impress. This often results in hilarious moments of him desperately trying to appear “cool” and “in the know.”
MOM’S SNEAKY LINK
EMEKA (played by Martial Batchamen)
Emeka, a charismatic and exotic African francophone entrepreneur, brings an air of sophistication to the culinary scene with his successful restaurant. His allure extends beyond the kitchen, ensnaring the heart of Naledi and weaving him into the fabric of the Cele household. This secret romance, filled with stolen glances and whispered promises, inevitably brews tension within the family, straining the already delicate dynamics.
The trouble begins when Zola, sharp and discerning, challenges Emeka’s culinary prowess, publicly critiquing a dish at his restaurant. Driven by a bruised ego, Emeka embarks on a revenge mission designed not just to prove Zola wrong but to dismantle the persona she has so carefully curated for herself. As Emeka plots his response, the repercussions promise to alter the family’s dynamics forever, testing the bonds of love and loyalty in the face of culinary war.
ZOLA’S BESTIE
OLUHLE /Zola’s Best Friend (played by Lwazi Mthembu)
Personality:
– Always says what’s on her mind, no filter.
– The ultimate best friend and wing woman.
– Brings energy and excitement to every situation.
Oluhle is the epitome of a carefree and outspoken best friend, with a magnetic personality that lights up every room she enters. Her daring fashion sense reflects her vibrant and playful nature, making her impossible to ignore. Beneath her fun-loving exterior, Oluhle is fiercely loyal and dependable, always offering Zola valuable advice and support.
Oluhle works as Naledi’s personal assistant, a role that naturally draws her into Zola’s family dynamics. She quickly becomes a confidante to Zola’s mother, forging a close bond by sharing intimate secrets. When she meets Julian, Oluhle is captivated by his wit and charm, stepping into the role of ultimate wingwoman, cheering him on as he tries to win Zola’s heart. Though Oluhle often adopts a cynical and guarded approach to her own love life, witnessing Julian and Zola’s connection begins to soften her views, sparking a flicker of hope within her.
SUPPORTING CAST
MA CHRISTINA /Cele Family Housekeeper (played by Warona Seane)
The Cele family’s beloved housekeeper and Zola’s lifelong protector, Ma Christina embodies warmth, wisdom, and fierce loyalty. With her gentle yet perceptive nature, she sees everything happening behind the scenes and offers the kind of guidance only a woman of her stature can provide
GUGU /Uncle Baby’s Girlfriend (played by Caely-Jo Levy)
Uncle Baby’s glamorous girlfriend and savvy business partner, Kugel is the queen of suburban indulgence. She helps Uncle Baby distribute his special cookies to the wealthy housewives who crave a little extra kick in their lives. Fabulous, fun, and the ultimate kugel, she thrives on luxury, gossip, and just the right amount of chaos. Her love for Uncle Baby knows no bounds—she’ll defend him fiercely, even if it means standing her ground in front of the police.
FLAVA / (played by TJ Ngoma)
The flamboyant and fearless non-binary restaurant manager who runs Emeka’s kitchen with a mix of style, attitude, and undeniable talent. Their eclectic fashion, sharp wit, and love for bold statements make them a scene-stealer whenever they step into the spotlight.
The Cele family is messy, unpredictable, and brutally honest — but that’s what makes them impossible to resist. As Zola and Julian’s relationship is put to the ultimate test, the Cele jury delivers laughter, chaos, and love like you’ve never seen before.
A Scam Called Love premieres in cinemas on 7 March 2025.