South African actress Manaka Ranaka is set to host Eyamadoda, a groundbreaking new reality show premiering this June on Mzansi Wethu (DStv Channel 163) that confronts the pervasive issue of absent fathers in the country. Eyamadoda will premiere on Wednesday, 30 July 2025 at 7 PM on Mzansi Wethu (DStv Channel 163)
As Eyamadoda prepares to air, audiences can expect Manaka Ranaka to bring her trademark authenticity and emotional depth to this vital conversation on fatherhood, healing, and responsibility in South Africa.
With only 35.5% of South African children living with their biological fathers as of 2023, according to the State of South African Fathers 2024 report, Eyamadoda arrives as both a wake-up call and a platform for healing. The show uniquely brings biological fathers and stepfathers together in raw, honest conversations about the challenges, responsibilities, and emotional complexities of fatherhood in blended families.
Manaka Ranaka, a single mother of three, approaches the series with profound empathy and authenticity. She openly shares that her own experience with father absence is deeply personal, having lost her daughter Katlego earlier this year and having dealt with a biological father who only appeared after his daughter’s passing. This personal grief fuels her commitment to creating a space where accountability and healing can take place without judgment or shame.
The show highlights men who have stepped up as fathers—not just financially, but emotionally, culturally, and spiritually—offering a nuanced look at fatherhood beyond biology. Ranaka stresses that Eyamadoda is not about demanding financial support but about putting children’s well-being first and encouraging fathers to engage in difficult dialogues among themselves, often in the absence of maternal interference.
Produced by Devandile Media, the 13-episode series promises emotionally intense confrontations, heartfelt moments, and opportunities for families to reconcile and heal. It aims to challenge societal norms around fatherhood, spotlighting the struggles and triumphs of men who embrace the role of fatherhood in all its complexity.
Manaka Ranaka’s Esteemed Acting Career
Manaka Ranaka is no stranger to South African television audiences, having built a prolific and respected career over more than two decades. She first gained recognition in 2000 with her role as Nandipha Sithole on the popular soap opera Isidingo (SABC3). Over the years, she has starred in a variety of notable productions, including:
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Gaz’lam (2002–2005) as Portia, a role that tackled social issues like HIV/AIDS
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Stokvel (2003–2012), the beloved sitcom where she played Lerato Khumalo, earning her the 2007 South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Actress in a Television Comedy
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One Way (2006) as Nozuko
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Tshisa (2006), portraying Vinolia Ntuli
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Society (2007) as Ayanda
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Rhythm City (2012) as Zanele Kgaditse
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Zabalaza (2013–present), where she stars as Buhle “Beauty” Cele
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Most notably, she has played Lucy Diale on Generations: The Legacy since 2014, becoming a household name and one of South Africa’s most recognizable actresses.
Ranaka’s versatility and commitment to her craft have made her a beloved figure in South African entertainment. Her transition into hosting Eyamadoda marks a new chapter where she uses her platform to address pressing social issues with the same passion she brings to her acting roles
