By Lehlohonolo Lehana.

Photo Credit:  Steve Tanchel.

Three weeks after its premiere episode set records for Mzansi Magic viewership, Shaka ILembe has posted a big new win. DStv has now confirmed that Catch Up viewing for its debut episode is now the highest the brand has ever recorded for a single episode of scripted content, boosting total audience across platforms from 3.6 million to 4.3 million.

With the series about to broadcast its fourth episode, it's clear that the story inspired by King Shaka has captured the imagination of South Africans with the show's cast continuing to win accolades. 

Nomzamo Mbatha, Dawn Thandeka King, Khabonina Qubeka, Senzo Radebe and Wiseman Mncube delighted audience at launch, with Thembinkosi Mthembu, Mondli Makhoba, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, and Hope Mbhele stepping more firmly into the story and the spotlight from last Sunday. 

Other actors delivering standout performances on the must-watch series include Abdul Khoza, Ayanda Borotho, Baby Cele, Calvin Ratladi, Hamilton Dhlamini, Wanda Zuma, and Ziya Xulu. 

With the cliffhanger ending of episode 3 last weekend, tonight fans will find out how the disloyalty of his brother Mawewe and the devastating actions of his father King Jobe will change the fate of heroic Mthethwa Prince, Dingiswayo. 

Meanwhile, the star-crossed romance between Elangeni Princess Nandi and Zulu Prince Senzangakhona takes an unexpected turn, as affairs of the heart war with affairs of state delivering betrayal and heartbreak.

For mysterious Queen Ntombazi and her son Zwide, battling for power and survival, every day brings them closer to peril as a merciless drought continues to ravage their lands.  But all families have their secrets and for the Ndwandwe royalty, it is no different …

Then the arrival of a child, prophesied to become a great leader, the dynastic saga of Kings and Queens enters an intriguing new chapter! 

With 9 episodes to go, the epic journey of Shaka Ilembe continues - make sure you tune in every Sunday night at 8pm on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) or stream live from the DStv App via web or mobile. Viewers who have missed episodes of Shaka iLembe on Mzansi Magic can watch episodes 1-3 on Catch Up.