Jacob's Cross

This epic South African story takes the form of a riveting drama series about one man’s quest to build the next great African empire. A gripping exploration of African identity, legacy and belonging – the story centres around Jacob Makhubu, the son of a South African mother and Nigerian father. Jacob is a high powered executive in a Nigerian-owned oil company based in Johannesburg, who longs for New York’s more worldly pleasures. Unexpectedly, Jacob inherits the family business empire and an African dream when his boss and benefactor reveals himself to be his father.

Folake discovers her brother in Chief Abayomi’s room and suspects the worst. Jacob avoids all contact with his South African family and breaks up with Lerato, while Prospero tries his best to bring Jacob’s mind back to their issues at work. Thembi tells Jacob the truth about her time in Nigeria. Jacob and Thembi fetch Andile from prison and take him back home to his wife. Lerato insists on speaking to Jacob, but Jacob won’t talk to her. Folake shares her concerns about Bola with Jacob.

Lerato tells Jacob that she wants to keep the baby. Jacob feels pressure from all sides as Thembi asks him to attend a memorial unveiling for his father (Luyanda). Chief Abayomi questions Jacob’s loyalty to Prospero and Prospero finds himself on the receiving end of another energy bid offer. Jacob decides to give Lerato a chance. Jacob makes an announcement that hurts his mother. Thembi pays a visit to Chief Abayomi. Prospero offers Andile a job on one of his plants.

Lerato and Jacob are distraught about the kidnapping of baby Joe. Bola has gone into hiding with baby Joe. Jacob turns to Prospero who leads them to Bola's hotel, but they don't find him. Bola gets Bigelow to hide him, and Bigelow "sells" Bola to Jacob however, Bola leaves the hideout before Jacob gets there. Bola takes Jacob's family hostage, but Andile has the antidote.

Jacob and Bola have a showdown. Bola hands over the baby and runs from the police. Thembi confronts Jacob on Andile's safety. Bigelow takes Bola to Prospero. Jacob tries to reconcile with Lerato. Lerato is offered her own TV show. Bola wakes up to find Jacob at by his bedside.

Jacob tries to broker peace via Olufemi, she rejects him. Lerato does her first TV show. Jacob meets with the family to seek support but is rejected. Lerato finally breaks down about baby Joe's Kidnapping. Jacob dons the robes of chief and shocks the family with a decision.

A recap into the Abayomi's family, Jacob trying by all means to keep the family business afloat whilst also protecting his family and friends from power hungry enemies. Meanwhile Bola's need for power is still causing havoc amongst his family.

Femi emerges from the chaos and smoke with a badly wounded child in his arms. Lerato is devastated by the violence and is once again forced to weigh the safety of her family against Jacob's dream. Chichi and Femi continue to see each other romantically despite her father's disapproval.