IN PICS | Premiere marks talented writer-director Karabo Lediga’s first full-length film

A rising filmmaker debuting a Mother’s Day-ready take on maternal bonds, the return of a radio golden girl, a hot new couple and a young actor promising “fire and chills” in an upcoming small-screen epic.

Those were just a few of the fascinating personalities who warmed up the social scene this week.

Start rolling the tape on Tuesday night in the pseudo-Tuscan world of Montecasino in Fourways, where a nuanced look at coming back home after things fall apart lit up the silver screen.

Sabbatical marks the full-length directorial debut of Karabo Lediga, an award-winning scriptwriter who has cut her teeth on a host of shows, including Queen Sono, Emoyeni and the long-running weekly satire, Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola.

While funnyman Loyiso does play an integral role in the flick, this is no laugh-a-minute frolic. It stars Muvhango’s Mona Monyane as Lesego — whose meteoric corporate climb is stalled by a scandal — and Clementine Mosimane as Doris, her well-meaning but obsessed with “what the neighbours will think” mom.

“It’s a textual, subtle portrayal of mother-daughter relationships in black South African life, and, universally, mother-daughter relationships,” explains Karabo about the film, produced by brother Kagiso Lediga and Tamsin Andersson through their vehicle Diprente, which has been responsible for offerings including Catching Feelings, Matwetwe and Andy Kasrils’ Big Nunu’s Little Heist.

Joining the siblings on the red carpet was Karabo and Kagiso’s Mom, a beaming Kgomotso Lediga.

Also stepping out were actors Rami Chuene (in a sparkly Thula Sindi lounge set), Renata Stuurman and many of the Sabbatical cast, led by Mona and Clementine, as well as Dineo Ranaka, who is relishing being back on the Metro FM airwaves.

“It felt like a new season, a do-over, a cancellation of everything in the past and an energy of newness, looking forward to the re-do,” said Dineo — wearing a fiery blazer-style mini-dress from Lindani Styling — about her return last month after a two-year absence.

Still on the subject of the silver screen — if you knew which former 7de Laan actor played the role of Koro in the Hollywood hit Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, then you wouldn’t have minded trekking a few kilometres down the road, from Monte to the Prison Break Market.

On Thursday evening, one of the sheds at the popular weekend fair played host to a quiz night hosted by an American-owned media streaming service.

Among the many influencers — who get paid to share their experiences at these do’s — I spotted TikToker Chad Jones, media personality Lasizwe and actor Zamani Mbatha, who will be starring in series two of what is said to be the country’s most expensive show, Shaka iLembe. 

And, like Karabo and Kagiso, there’s a sibling link to his foray — the actor joins a cast featuring his older sis Nomzamo Mbatha, in the fictionalised retelling of the rise of Shaka and the Zulu kingdom.

“Season one was the introduction. This is like the party where everyone’s story is told. Expect tales and twists, more fire, more chills — and more love dynamics,” says the actor.

Someone hoping to flex his trivia knowledge on the night was comedian Prev Reddy.

“I am quiz competitive,” said the 2025 A-lister.

Prev would have been relieved I wasn’t on his team, as I let my side down when it came to the current crop of film and TV releases. Besides, my attention was drawn to the good-looking couple seated behind me.

Hello to Tebogo Lerole, the Kwela Tebza musician — best known as Khanyi Mbau’s former beau — who has found love again in the arms of pretty marketing whizz Sachi Okada.

The couple cutely showed up in matching cream and brown outfits, complete with satin bow ties.

The Kwela Tebza musician, though, was coy about their blossoming romance, offering only: “We’ve known each other for close to eight years.”