Award-winning actor Thembinkosi Mthembu is back for Season 3 of Adulting on Showmax, reprising his role as Bonga Tembe. The SAFTA Best Actor and Hunk of the Year Feather Award winner plays a married man eager to start a family with his wife, Nkanyezi (Londeka Sishi). However, things take a turn when they realise their goals aren’t aligned—Bonga wants children immediately, while Nkanyezi prioritises her career for the next five years.
This raises the question: Was Bonga ever truly ready for marriage?
According to Showmax Stories, Thembinkosi delves into Bonga’s complex marriage, friendships, and personal battles. He explains that Bonga’s rush to start a family stems from his unresolved issues with his absent father.
“Bonga desperately wants to prove that he’s a great man and will be a great father. But he and Nkanyezi never had a clear conversation about when to start a family. If they had, they might have avoided this mess. Now, they’re two bitter adults heading toward disaster.”
Bonga also hoped marriage would change his infidelity tendencies, but his frustrations with Nkanyezi only push him back into old habits
“It influenced me in many ways, especially regarding communication and balance. My wife helped me prepare for this role by running lines with me. I’d ask how she would feel if I said something a certain way—it was fun to see if I could provoke a reaction like Bonga does with Nkanyezi.”
Thembinkosi shares valuable lessons from his personal and on-screen experiences:
• To men: “Take things one step at a time. Many men feel pressured by society to prove their success. But we need to go back to basics—work hard, provide, and build without external pressure. Also, if a woman no longer loves you, let her go. There’s no need for abuse. Walk away.”
• To women: “Be kind and don’t generalize men based on past experiences. If your partner is making an effort, acknowledge it. And never stay in a relationship just for material benefits.
If the show were to continue, Thembinkosi believes Bonga’s battle with infidelity would determine his future. “He wants to be a better man, but he’s failing. His actions mirror his father’s mistakes, even though he’s trying to be different.”
He also discusses Bonga’s tough love towards Vuyani: “Bonga sees potential in Vuyani but believes he’s not serious about his future. He wants him to be independent and stop relying on Beth. He’s always pushing Vuyani to grow up and take control of his life
When the cast was told this was the final season, emotions ran high. “It was bittersweet, but we’re ending on a high note. ‘Ingoma siyi vala kusasemnandi’—we’re leaving while the story is still hot. I believe I’ll work with this cast again because we had amazing chemistry and work ethic.”
Catch Thembinkosi Mthembu in Adulting Season 3, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Saturday until 19 April 2025.
