Mbali's holy mess

The Diales go to church and get a worrying vision.

- NKOSAZANA NGWADLA

When teens feel lonely and out of place, it's tempting to turn to a bad circle of fri friends, substance abuse or even crime to try be accepted into social society. But even though Mbali (Ditebogo Ledwaba) has found refuge in regularly attending a church, her mom Lucy (Manaka Ranaka) can't shake the feeling that something off is happening at the church and its members, sparking concern for Mbali.

"Mbali's friends took her to church to see what it's all about after matriculating last year. The church becomes a place where she feels she belongs," says Ditebogo, adding that while her character's mom loves her, Mbali feels like she has a new family. But this acceptance will come at great personal cost...

HOLY HOUSE

Lucy and the rest of the Diale family notice Mbali frequently visiting the Holy House church and they pay little attention to it. Until Mbali comes home with a brand-new tablet device, which gets Lucy wary of the church. According to Ditebogo, "The very expensive gift from the church is to help Mbali with her studies, and, of course, like any teen with a new toy, she's excited!" She adds that “Mbali is very happy. The gift makes her feel loved and appreciated. But her family - not so much! They are concerned. What kind of a church gives people gifts like this?"

AN UNSETTLED MOTHER