Thinus Ferreira
After the disastrous Queendom Paramount's BET Africa division in South Africa is again trying to find and launch a successful, scripted, South African weekday drama and will start Black Gold, co-produced by Black Brain Pictures, on 18 August on BET (DStv 129) as a story set in the world of illegal mining.
Black Gold is set in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, similar to Uzalo and Amalanga Awafani on SABC1.
Black Gold is BET Africa's fourth big local telenovela-styled series, following Isono, Redemption and Queendom which all had mixed success with viewers and in the ratings and with Isono and Queendom - both from Clive Morris Productions - that ran into financial problems and shuttered.
Black Gold will start on BET Africa on 18 August with four episodes weekly from Mondays to Thursdays at 18:30.
The Black Gold cast includes Nomalanga Shozi in her first lead role, as well as Dawn Thandeka King and Sello Maake kKaNcube.
Black Gold revolves around Amandla Zungu, portrayed by Nomalanga Shozi, who is cast out of her ancestral home after she's falsely accused of her father's murder.
Amandla Zungu is then forced into the dangerous world of illegal mining, where she "rises through the ranks to reclaim her legacy and confront the woman who stole everything from her" according to a logline from the production.
Florence, portrayed by Dawn Thandeka King, is responsible for orchestrating the betrayal, while Sello Maake KaNcube plays the role of Tom Motsepe - Florence's secret lover and co-conspirator.
Mandla N, Black Brain Pictures executive director, says "Creating Black Gold was a game-changing experience - it shook us as much as it will shake the audience".
"Partnering with BET on this co-production is more than just making a show - it's about reinvesting in our industry, breaking barriers, and taking a bold step forward for local storytelling and long-term growth. Black Gold is raw, emotional, and unapologetically authentic storytelling."
Monde Twala, senior vice president and general manager of Paramount Africa and lead for BET International, in a prepared quote, says "Black Gold is a celebration of African storytelling at its finest - rich in culture, layered in emotion, and driven by a stellar cast that brings these powerful characters to life".
"At BET Africa, we are committed to showcasing narratives that reflect the beauty, strength, and complexity of black lives."
"This series is a tribute to black resilience, black love, and the unbreakable spirit of our communities."
