MEET THE CELES: SOUTH AFRICA’S MOST CHAOTIC FAMILY IN
A SCAM CALLED LOVE
The star-studded cast of A Scam Called Love brings the chaotic,
hilarious, and heartwarming Cele family to life.
A Scam Called Love introduces a family that doesn’t just stir the pot — they throw in everything
but the kitchen sink for some added spice, deception, and unexpected hilarity. When Zola brings
her American “husband” Julian home, the Cele family is quick to raise their eyebrows. Is this love
real, or just another elaborate scam?
And as if pretending to be in love isn’t complicated enough, the weight of Zola’s family's opinions
and personalities adds an extra layer of drama. With sharp-tongued relatives, deep-seated
rivalries, and unfiltered opinions, the Cele family becomes the ultimate jury — interrogating every
detail of the latest update to Zola’s love life, making the ruse even more challenging to maintain.
MEET THE PARENTS: THE ICE QUEEN & THE MONK
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MOM / Naledi Cele (played by Brenda Ngxoli)
“You cannot be tired. Postpone that jetlag of yours ‘til tomorrow!”
Personality:
Brutally honest
Perfectionist
Commanding and intimidating
Naledi, affectionately called the “Ice Queen,” commands attention with her striking
features and confident demeanor. As a successful attorney, she holds high standards,
expecting excellence from herself and others. While she's assertive in both her
professional and personal life, Naledi’s relationship with her daughter Zola is
complicated. She often compares Zola to her successful cousin Palesa, creating undue
pressure. Additionally, Naledi's romantic involvement with a much younger man
causes tension with Zola, who is uncomfortable with the age difference.
Despite her tough exterior and the high standards she sets, Naledi's love for her
children is clear, though her way of showing it can be misunderstood. Underneath her
poised facade, she harbors vulnerabilities and a deep desire to give her children the
best life possible.
3
DAD / Mandle Cele (played by Fezile Mphela)
“Lies and deceit only breed pain” or “sometimes the best things come from
uncertainty.”
Personality:
Values his family name, success, and cultural traditions.
Rarely shows emotion, making him hard to read.
Values his family name, success, and Zulu traditions.
Mandla Cele, a wealthy Zulu patriarch and Zola’s father, has embraced a spiritual
transformation following a Vipassana retreat. He has taken a vow of silence, opting for
introspection and using an AI device to communicate, adding both humor and depth
to his interactions. This choice challenges him to express himself through gestures
and expressions, deepening his connections without words.
His internal journey reflects the tension in his marriage with Naledi. Once a
partnership of love and ambition, it now suffers from Mandla's past errors and
misplaced trust. His silence underscores the emotional distance growing between
them, serving as both a barrier and a metaphor for their strained relationship.
4
THE JEALOUS COUSIN AND THE EX: DUMB AND DUMBER
PALESA & NEO / Palesa Cele (played by Thando Thabethe) and Neo
(played by Rendani Mufamadi)
Whether they’re manipulating, seducing, or outright scheming, Palesa and Neo don’t
just witness the drama — they create it. With egos that are too big for the room,
they’re about to turn Zola and Julian’s lie into a battlefield. And who will come out on
top in the game of love and deception?
One thing’s for sure — nobody is safe when Palesa and Neo are in the mix.
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PALESA / Palesa Cele (played by Thando Thabethe)
“Your claim to Neo expired in high school, together with your hairline.”
Personality:
Conniving
Sharp-tongued
Unapologetically competitive
At the centre of the drama is Zola’s cousin Palesa, a successful lawyer who brings
interrogations to the dinner table. It is no wonder she is the lead investigator hell-bent
on investigating the virality of Zola and Julian’s “perfect love story.”
A relentless sense of competition defines her complex relationship with Zola. From
personal accomplishments to social status, Palesa is always vying to outshine her, and
their rivalry becomes even more explosive when Zola discovers that Palesa is now
dating her ex-boyfriend. But Palesa isn’t satisfied with just stirring the pot — she takes
things further by setting her sights on Julian, Zola’s new American “husband,” adding
seduction to her arsenal of mind games.
Palesa’s character is equal parts seductive, biting, and unapologetically competitive,
which is how she eventually catches Tobi red-handed. Her charm lies in her ability to
keep everyone on their toes with her razor-sharp wit, perfectly timed comebacks, and
an air of effortless confidence. She’s the kind of woman who can cut through
someone’s defences with a single glance or a well-placed word, but her humour and
charisma make her a fascinating antagonist.
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NEO (played by Rendani Mufamadi)
“My name’s Neo… like in The Matrix!”
Personality:
Handsome but clueless
Overconfident
A coconut (African, but thinks he's "white on the inside")
Neo is Zola’s charismatic ex, now Palesa’s boyfriend. Neo is a paradox wrapped in
charm, the yin to Palesa’s yang. Where she is calculated, he is reckless. Where she
plays chess, he barely knows the rules. He’s an ambitious lawyer who exudes
confidence but completely lacks the intellect to match it. Handsome and charismatic,
he relies on his good looks and charm to get by, blissfully unaware of his own air-
headed tendencies.
His relationship with Palesa is a whirlwind of ego and affection — she’s the brains, he’s
the good-looking accessory. But when Zola returns with Julian, Neo’s jealousy kicks
into overdrive as he continues to swoon over his ex. Despite his relationship with
Palesa, he convinces himself that Zola must still be in love with him, and he makes it
his mission to win her back. His ridiculous confidence and inability to read the room
provide some of the show’s best comedic moments, especially when he squares off
against Julian in an unspoken battle of egos. Neo is the dumbest guy who believes he’s
the smartest person in the room, and you might too — until he opens his mouth. His
misplaced bravado and Palesa’s cunning nature make them a dangerously
entertaining duo.
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THE BROTHER AND SISTER IN LOVE: TRUE LOVE LIVES HERE
SANELE & LINDA / Sanele Cele (played by Motlatsi Mafatshe) and Linda
(played by Kazi Khuboni)
In a family often caught up in complexity, Sanele and Linda's relationship is a
reminder of the beauty of love in its most genuine form—endearing, uplifting, and
unconditionally bright. Their love does not just endure; it triumphs, casting a gentle
glow that warms everyone it touches.
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SANELE / Sanele Cele (played by Motlatsi Mafatshe)
Personality:
Deeply devoted to his loved ones, especially his sister
A natural charm that makes him effortlessly likable
Protective yet open-minded
Sanele, Zola’s older brother, is the personification of warmth and charisma. With an
infectious smile that instantly puts everyone at ease, he has a magnetic personality
that draws people in. A successful lawyer, Sanele balances his professional
accomplishments with a deep devotion to his family. He is especially proud of his
marriage to Linda, his air-headed yet endearing trophy wife, whom he loves
unconditionally despite her quirky nature.
Sanele shares a close, supportive bond with Zola, acting as her rock in moments of
uncertainty. Their sibling relationship is built on mutual respect and love, and he is
unwavering in his encouragement of her dreams. When Julian, Zola’s unconventional
love interest, enters the picture, Sanele initially greets him with healthy scepticism.
However, Julian’s charm eventually wins him over, and Sanele fully embraces