South African actors are increasingly appearing in global productions. The latest example is the casting of Danica De La Rey Jones and Masasa Mbangeni in the action thriller Sniper: No Nation, a new instalment in the long-running franchise.
The film, released on 17 April 2026, follows elite sniper Brandon Beckett, played by Chad Michael Collins. After being disavowed by his government, Beckett goes underground as a mission unravels. A rescue operation becomes central to the plot, with his father, portrayed by Tom Berenger, returning to assist in confronting a mercenary threat.

Danica De La Rey Jones – Instagram

Jones plays Skylar, while Mbangeni takes on the role of Angel, both appearing as part of the supporting cast within the film’s network of operatives.
Both actresses have established careers, with earlier visibility on the South African soap Scandal!. Mbangeni’s role as Thembeka Shezi became widely recognised during her time on the show, while Jones appeared in a later era of the production.
The end of Scandal! in 2025 marked a shift in the local television landscape. Since then, more actors have moved into shorter, internationally distributed projects. Roles in films such as Sniper: No Nation reflect that transition.

Masasa Mbangeni – Instagram

For Jones, the role aligns with her recent work in action-focused productions, including Unseen. Mbangeni, known for character-driven performances, has also appeared in film projects such as Heart of the Hunter, and this role adds to her work in the action genre.
The wider cast includes Ryan Robbins, Josh Brener and Jason K. Ralph, alongside South African actor Sizo Mahlangu.
The casting reflects a broader trend of South African actors appearing more frequently in international productions, particularly across streaming platforms.

Sniper: No Nation follows the established format of military action films, while its casting highlights ongoing changes in how international projects source talent.

Buntu Petse steps into Inimba at a stage where its storyline is widening beyond its initial focus. Season 2 builds on an established audience and shifts from family-driven conflict to themes of power, control and ambition.
Petse’s role is not minor. She takes on the character of Portia Khiswa, a senior engineer placed at the centre of Khusela Tech, a key battleground within the series. The character holds influence over major company decisions, placing her in a position where her actions carry immediate weight.

Buntu Petse – Instagram

Portia arrives in an environment already marked by internal conflict. The ongoing tension between Khusela Tech and Zondo Tech drives much of the story, and her presence complicates that balance rather than stabilising it. She is not positioned as a mediator or observer. Instead, she operates as someone who plans to change how the system works from within.
This casting aligns with the direction Inimba is taking in its second season. While the series began with a strong focus on family ties and identity, it is now placing more emphasis on corporate power and institutional influence. The shift allows new characters to enter with clear authority and defined stakes.

Buntu Petse – Instagram

Petse has previously played complex characters, and here that experience is applied within a corporate setting. Authority is contested through strategy instead of personal conflict, with Portia positioned as a character who operates with confidence in her role and decision-making.

Her introduction changes existing storylines rather than simply extending them. It creates uncertainty in areas where control seemed settled, particularly within the structures that previously appeared stable.

Season 2 of Inimba is still developing, but Petse’s addition points to a change in how the series plans to progress. The focus is not only on what is revealed, but also on who is in a position to act on it.
Portia Khiswa enters already in a position of influence.

South African TV audiences can watch Inimba return for Season 2 on Mzansi Magic weekdays. After its  premiering, the series continues with new episodes and returning cast members.

Premiered on Mzansi Magic in April 2025 and became a weekday fixture on the channel . The show talks about hidden truths and complicated relationships and how they shape the lives of two families.

Inimba Cast: Instagram

A Strong Return For the Series

The series was renewed for a second season following its initial run. Viewers talked about major plot twists in past episodes. Season 2 premiered in early March 2026, continuing the storyline from unresolved moments. The new episodes maintain the weekday broadcast format on Mzansi Magic.

Read Also: Mzansi Magic Introduces New Comedy Series, Bhelas

What To Expect in Season 2

Returning cast members continue their storylines from Season 1; new characters are expected to influence existing plotlines. Thumeka is trying to heal and regain her dignity, Hlathi faces the emotional weight of past mistakes, while Sydney searches for redemption by finding new opportunities.

Inimba Characters: Instagram

Returning Cast and Expanding Storylies

Key actors maintain their roles, which makes it easy for viewers to continue following characters from Season 1. Season 2 introduces new characters to change existing storylines. New cast members, including Siya Raymond, are joining the series for Season 2. These additions will make the series more interesting.

Building Momentum Before the Premiere

Ahead of the new season, the broadcaster released a special 3-day televised event that highlights important moments from earlier seasons. These included extended episodes and behind the scenes content.

A Growing Force in South African Television

Inimba is part of the growing slate of locally produced South African telenovelas. The series explores family problems and drama between people. Season 2 continues the story with returning and new characters facing conflicts. You can check the preview of the series on this link.