The Grootbooms are a divided family in new local drama series Grootboom & Sons. With matriarch Vuyo’s health rapidly deteriorating after she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease years ago – which she’s hiding from her family – Vuyo not only comes clean about her condition, she’s ready to hand over the family’s funeral parlour to her two self-entitled sons Mbulelo and Zola.
But just as the siblings are excited to take over, they’re met with a nasty surprise: Vuyo’s estranged sister Funeka returns home after 15 years to claim her stake of their late father’s inheritance. Without doubt there’s friction between Funeka and her nephews as she refuses to share the business. Funeka wants the funeral parlour all to herself. In that instant, the battle lines are drawn and Funeka and her nephews begin plotting against each other.
Granted, Grootboom & Sons isn’t a regular funeral parlour, it’s a business to die for! Throughout the series, secrets and scandals are revealed that threaten to destroy the family for good. Who will rise to the top: Aunty Funeka or the boys who’re inheriting “her” business?
Sibulele Gcilitshana as Vuyo
As the funeral parlour’s current owner, Vuyo takes pride in running an upstanding operation. The widow is hardworking and unapologetically ambitious. Vuyo is also a self-proclaimed perfectionist, and she expects nothing but the best send-offs for her customers. While her plans to grow the family business are destroyed by her diagnosis, she vows to leave Grootboom & Sons in capable hands before she dies.
Zandile Msuthwana as Funeka
After a nasty feud with her sister 15 years ago, Funeka left home and refused to return… Well, that’s until now. The firecracker, who looks half her age – and also acts it – launched a spa in Cape Town but she was never fulfilled. She’s back home to try her luck at running the funeral business but her family members fear that she’ll run Grootboom & Sons down the drain. Despite the backlash, Funeka is out to prove to everyone that she’s capable while pitting her nephews against each other.
Bongile Mantsai as Mbulelo
Vuyo’s oldest son Mbulelo is a business manager at the funeral parlour. Because he is socially awkward, he prefers to work behind the scenes, filing paperwork and ensuring that Grootboom & Sons runs smoothly. Little does the family know that Mbulelo is running an illegal business of his own backstage.
Mbasa Msongelo as Zola
Zola is Vuyo’s youngest son. Unlike his brother, Zola isn’t admired for his good looks and intellect, but he certainly is a charmer. He’s a joker and enjoys going out to nightclubs to pick up random women, only to drop them like hot potatoes the morning after. His main reason to run the funeral parlour is to earn respect from the community.
Luzuko Nkqetho as Mkhokeli aka MK
He might not be family by blood, but he is defiantly family by association. MK is Vuyo’s supportive brother-in-law. He moved in with the Grootbooms after Vuyo’s husband died and he has no intentions of leaving. MK enjoys helping out at the funeral parlour, he’s loyal to a fault, and he may just be the key that unites the Grootbooms.
Watch Grootboom & Sons every Monday at 20:00 on Mzansi Magic and express to Showmax and DStv online.
