Picture Credit: Netflix
Starting July 31, the new South African thriller Marked will premiere on Netflix, a six-part series that puts systemic injustice and a mother’s unconditional love at its center. Lerato Mvelase shines in the lead role as Babalwa Godongwana, a cash-in-transit security guard who’s willing to go to extreme lengths to save her terminally ill daughter. We spoke with the actress about the series, international ambitions, and the global significance of South African talent.
Marked follows Babalwa, a devout woman from Johannesburg who works as a cash-in-transit guard and is mother to a gravely ill daughter. When her daughter Palesa (Ama Qamata) is diagnosed with a life-threatening condition, it becomes painfully clear that Babalwa has no medical insurance, no savings, and no access to adequate healthcare. Desperate to save her child, she teams up with her colleague Tebza (S’Dumo Mtshali) and a young criminal named Zweli (Sphamandla Dhludhu) to rob an armored truck. But the plan spirals out of control, with betrayal and violence lurking around every corner.
For Lerato Mvelase, playing Babalwa was more than just another acting job. The role hit close to home: “I had to imagine myself, Lerato Mvelase, in this desperate and life-threatening situation with my kids. This allowed me to give Babalwa a real sense of existence.” The series also gave her another chance to push herself as an actress: “Marked was yet another opportunity for me to stretch my performance muscle. Thank you to the amazing directors I got to work with.” For this production, Mvelase worked with directors Akin Omotoso (Rise), Matshepo Maja, and Jono Hall.
What sets Marked apart is its international Netflix release, an opportunity that Mvelase doesn’t take lightly. It’s a moment for South African talent to shine on the global stage: “Being on a platform like Netflix definitely gives one an opportunity to showcase their talent to new markets, with the hope that the global exposure will foster creative collaboration and create more international interest on South African talent, which has proven itself to have world standards in script writing, directing, as we see with our lead director Akin Omotoso who is now internationally acclaimed.”
Mvelase is outspokenly proud of her peers: “South African actors are the best we have in the world, and our crews are the hardest-working men and women. I have no doubt that Marked will represent South Africa well.” And she’s likely right. The series features a strong ensemble cast, including Jerry Mofokeng, Desmond Dube, Linda Sokhulu, Natasha Thahane, and Mduduzi Mabaso.
From Justice Served to Marked
For those unfamiliar with Mvelase, she previously played a prominent role in the Netflix series Justice Served. Still, Marked stands apart in her eyes: “No role compares to Marked, as all the roles I’ve portrayed on the screen are different. I hold each character I’ve portrayed dear to me, because they’ve all contributed to my growth as an actress.”
To expand the impact of the story worldwide, Marked is available in several languages, including English. Mvelase herself voiced her character for the English version: “I had the pleasure of recording the English version of the series and had fun doing it.” A smart move, she explains: “When people hear their language, their interest is piqued, and when they connect to a character, they are drawn in, because their soul is awakened. That’s what makes good storytelling, allowing audiences to connect with characters that make an international impact.”
That philosophy is reflected in Marked’s approach, emotional depth, poignant silences, and a raw portrayal of reality. This isn’t just another crime series, it’s a deeply affecting portrait of a woman risking everything for her family.
Picture: Netflix
While Mvelase is now reaching a global audience through Netflix, her ambitions go even further: “Shuu, where do I even begin? I know you said director, but I’ll start with actors I wish to share scenes with: Glenn Close, Denzel Washington and a few more.” She also has her sights set on the stage: “Broadway is still my dream, because I was made in theatre.”
And there’s another dream: appearing in a franchise like Black Panther. But not for the glamour or budget, it’s about something deeper: “Black Panther interests me, as it is about Us, for Us, our heroes that encapsulate the essence of who we are as black people: resilient, strong, strategic, powerful and most importantly, we have Ubuntu (a South African term that is about community). Black people are healers, leaders, and those are roles I would love to take on, to show the world how great we are.”
What makes Marked different from most thrillers is its depth and heart. At its core, this is the story of a woman who bends the law, not for personal gain, but out of pure love. It shines a light on a world where broken systems push people to their limits, where morality becomes murky, loyalty is constantly challenged, and every choice feels heavy with consequence.
With its gripping script, confident direction, and unforgettable performances, Marked rises above being just another crime drama. It’s both a sharp critique of systemic failures and a moving tribute to a mother’s love, while also proving just how powerful and rich African storytelling can be on the global stage.
All six episodes of Marked will be available to stream globally on Netflix starting Thursday, July 31, 2025.
