The River 5 is a South African soap opera that follows the lives of the wealthy Dikana family and the impoverished Mokoena family, whose fates are intertwined by the discovery of a diamond mine on their land. The show explores themes of power, greed, love, betrayal, and family dynamics in a captivating and dramatic way. The show stars Sindi Dlathu as Lindiwe Dikana, the ruthless and manipulative matriarch of the Dikana clan, and Hlomla Dandala as Zweli Dikana, her loyal and supportive husband. The show also features Presley Chweneyagae as Cobra Mokoena, the rebellious and charismatic leader of the Mokoenas, and Larona Moagi as Tumi Mokoena, his naive and idealistic daughter.
The River 5 is the fifth season of the popular show, which premiered on Mzansi Magic on 1 February 2024. The season consists of 114 episodes, each lasting about 30 minutes. The season follows the aftermath of the explosive events of the previous season, where Lindiwe was exposed as the mastermind behind the murder of Tumi, her own daughter. The season also introduces new characters and conflicts, such as Nomafu, Lindiwe’s long-lost sister who seeks revenge, Zolani, Lindiwe’s adopted son who struggles with his identity and sexuality, and Morena, a young activist who challenges the Dikana empire.
The River 5 February 2024 Teasers
Thursday 1 February 2024
Episode 94
Natural Childbirth
Lindiwe confronts Nomafu with the unvarnished truth, creating a fissure in the family as Cobra grapples with his pursuit of self-improvement.
Friday 2 February 2024
Episode 95
Abdominal Pains
A specter from Cobra’s past reemerges, causing upheaval at the Mokoena residence. A conflict unfolds within Zolani as he navigates the battleground of emotions.
Monday 5 February 2024
Episode 96
Counting the Minutes
Nomafu unveils her intentions concerning Lindiwe, prompting surprise from Zweli upon learning the other side of the story. Paulina issues Cobra an ultimatum.
Tuesday 6 February 2024
Episode 97
Public Relations Crisis
A less-than-frigid conflict erupts in the Mokoena household, with Nomafu determined to stir the pot.
Wednesday 7 February 2024
Episode 98
Illuminate My Path
Cobra grapples with maintaining harmony while Nomafu strives to prove her substance beyond mere appearances.
Thursday 8 February 2024
Episode 99
Dual Monarchy
Paulina mounts a counteroffensive as Nomafu races ahead of herself.
Friday 9 February 2024
Episode 100
An Enthronement
Angelina and Paulina’s clash reaches a surprising conclusion, and Zolani’s hidden troubles come to light.
Monday 12 February 2024
Episode 101
Double Trouble
Nomafu makes her move, prompting Kedibone to enlist significant support amid escalating tensions in the Mokoena household. Lindiwe uncovers unsettling information.
Tuesday 13 February 2024
Episode 102
Adversaries and Allies
Lindiwe confronts a relentless adversary, while Zolani grapples with a crucial decision.
Wednesday 14 February 2024
Episode 103
Revolutionizing the Field
The two queens plot each other’s downfall, intensifying the competition for Cobra, and Khwezi opts to avoid disappointing her father.
Thursday 15 February 2024
Episode 104
New Beginnings
Lindiwe prepares to address the thorn in her side, while the silent war between Angelina and Paulina rages on.
Friday 16 February 2024
Episode 105
Serpentine Intrigues
Nomafu encounters an unpleasant surprise, and Paulina unveils a revelation threatening to rupture the Mokoenas.
Monday 19 February 2024
Episode 106
A Captive Audience
Nomafu lives through her worst nightmare, while Cobra discovers a means to escape his marital challenges.
Tuesday 20 February 2024
Episode 107
Not What It Seems
Cobra resorts to old destructive habits to evade home stress. Khwezi finds herself drawn into an unfavorable situation.
Wednesday 21 February 2024
Episode 108
Questionable Conduct
Cobra faces unexpected challenges when attempting to reconcile the women in his life. Nomafu endeavors to showcase her ruthless side.
Thursday 22 February 2024
Episode 109
The Untamed Maiden
Zolani faces conflicting demands, while Nomafu sends Lindiwe a perilous gift. Paulina and Angelina realize they are on their own.
Friday 23 February 2024
Episode 110
The Crown’s Challenge
Nomafu and Lindiwe’s conflict intensifies, leading to unexpected complications at a supposed celebratory event.
Monday 26 February 2024
Episode 111
Blooming Late
Emma refuses to let bygones be bygones. Morena tastes freedom, and the Hlophe-Dikana partnership teeters on the brink.
Tuesday 27 February 2024
Episode 112
Love and Hostility
Lindiwe and Zweli finally coax a decision from Zolani. Beauty encounters a formidable adversary, and Morena’s idyllic life proves different from expectations.
Wednesday 28 February 2024
Episode 113
Not a Helpless Victim
Zolani shares his painful truth, and Beauty loses her footing.
Thursday 29 February 2024
Episode 114
Terminate It
Tensions escalate among the Dlaminis, Morena takes a chance, and Beauty feels the burn of Mlilo’s fire.
The River 5 airs on Mzansi Magic from Mondays to Fridays at 19h00 until 2 February, changing time to 18h30 from Monday 5 February.
Previous Teaser: The River 5 on Mzansi Magic January 2024 Teasers
Conclusion
The River 5 is a thrilling and entertaining show that keeps the viewers hooked with its twists and turns, its complex and relatable characters, and its realistic and relevant portrayal of social issues. The show has received critical acclaim and numerous awards, such as the South African Film and Television Awards, the Royalty Soapie Awards, and the Golden Horn Awards. The show has also attracted a loyal and passionate fan base, who engage with the show on social media and online forums. The show is widely regarded as one of the best soap operas in South Africa and beyond.