The Shabalala Empire is under threat of closing down. Nqubeko, has a plan to save the family company, and earn his place at the top. His father has other plans and turns to one of his other sons for help and partnership.
Tragedy befalls the Shabalala Empire leaving someone fighting for his life. Mshengu resorts to drastic measures to save his son. Nqubeko offers Fakazile a shoulder to cry on. Ndumiso returns but Mshengu ignores him.
In the midst of tragedy, Fakazile makes a move that shocks the Shabalalas to the core. Nqubeko finds himself caught in between two warring camps. An unexpected guest is heading to the Shabalala home after years of being estranged.
Fakazile gives in to the burial demands of the Shabalala family. Thoba prepares to break the grip of his mother in order to claim a place at the Mshengu table. Khwezi's final journey breaks his mother MaMchunu.
Fakazile makes plans to cut the cord tying her to the Shabalalas. Mshengu uses a cultural tradition to keep her part of the family. Nqubeko prepares for his moment of glory. Koketso sets the record straight with Sibusiso.
Fakazile is left shocked when the Shabalalas tell her she must marry one of Khwezi's brothers. Thoba orders the canteen manager to reinstate Sombi. Mam'Sarah is defeated when Sombi refuses to beg for her job back.
Mshengu dangles the CEO carrot in his sons' faces promising it to whoever will 'ngena' Fakazile. A grief-stricken widow feels the walls closing in on her as her world crumbles around her. Sombi snubs Sbu's advances.
Mshengu throws Donga an emotional curve ball. Nomusa clears obstacles for Nqubeko, paving the way for him to be CEO. Sombi tries to break Musa's spirit, but instead, is emboldened in the process.
Nqubeko is on a quest that puts him on a collision course with the family patriarch. Sombi does everything in her power to ward off the advances of a determined suitor. Thuthuka faces a harsh reality that never happens to rich people.
Mshengu reveals how Fakazile's new husband will be chosen. Sibusiso goes all out for Sombi, will she be receptive or will he strike out? Maskhosana, MamSarah's neighbour, makes a scandalous discovery.
Everyone is infuriated by Mshengu's idea of Isigqoko.. Sombi's parents find out that she's entertaining Mshengu's grandson at work. Thoba tries to convince Sibusiso to forget about Sombi but Sibusiso is already in too deep.
Nomshado tells her sister to watch her back. Sombi tells Sibusiso it'll never work out between them. MaSkhosana, MamSarah's neighbour witnesses an innocent interaction and assumes the worst.
Nqubeko scores a win with Nomshado. Fakazile sees Nqubeko in action and is attracted to him. A crisis forces Sombi to bond with Sibusiso and she begins to see him in a different light. Nomusa emerges as a king-maker.
MaMchunu is shocked when Fakazile asks her to rig the Isigqoko contest in Nqubeko's favour. Sombi finds herself in trouble with MamSarah for not sleeping at home. Nkululeko's attempt to extend an olive branch to Nomalanga goes south.
The divine cultural practice of Isigqoko takes place. A mother-in-law, bastard son and her 'makoti' collude in the crooked place by messing with fate. Sombi feels like a curse to her parents.
The outcome of Isigqoko leaves the whole Shabalala family reeling with shock; especially the chosen one. Donga is at the tail end of a lashing he does not deserve. Fakazile makes a dangerous decision.
Mshengu announces the wedding date. Sombi and Sibusiso bond over her assignment results. Thoba is upset that his father wasn't chosen to marry Fakazile.
Fakazile concedes to her doomed marriage but will do things on her terms. Donga finds a blessing in not being chosen to 'ngena' Fakazile. Sibusiso and Sombi take a big step in their budding relationship.
Mshengu finds a way to spin his web so that Nqubeko ends up grooming his "nemesis" Thuthuka. Fakazile fools Thuthuka into signing a prenuptial agreement. Sbu shoots his cupid arrow, landing straight in Sombi's heart.
On the first night of her wedding, Fakazile gets a taste of what life will be like with Thuthuka. MamSarah finally accepts that Sombi is dating and gives her a pep talk. Lerato convinces Donga to attend the wedding.
A sjambok is unleashed in Khwezi's house with devastating consequences. Sombi and Sibusiso cause a stir and ruffle some feathers. Fakazile has a bombshell in store for the Shabalalas.
Sarah is not pleased that Sombi came home in the wee hours. Fakazile uses culture to keep Mshengu at bay. Mshengu puts all his trust in Nqubeko to bring the merger home.
Mshengu works his magic on Nqubeko, in turn; he works his magic on Fakazile. Sarah walks in on Sombi and Sbu and makes a meal of it. Thoba is disappointed by Nkululeko.
Nqubeko pulls out all the stops to bring the merger home. Sombi's parental responsibilities interfere with Sibusiso's date night plans. MaMchunu goes straight to the pit of hell for her son's sake.
Mshengu is pleased when Nqubeko presents him with the signed merger documents. Sombi still fails to tell Sibusiso that she has a child. Donga asks Nkululeko and Lerato to represent him to Nomalanga's family about Imbeleko for Thoba.
