Showing posts sorted by relevance for query akhumzi. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query akhumzi. Sort by date Show all posts

Friday, May 4, 2018

The SABC to start the Akhumzi Jezile internship as the public broadcaster is criticised for memorial broadcast no-show.


The SABC has decided to start the The Akhumzi Jezile director internship at the same time as what the public broadcaster got pummeled by the public over its failure to broadcast the actor's memorial service.

On Thursday the SABC announced the new internship to honour the actor/producer who died last week, at the memorial service - ironically at the same that the struggling South African public broadcaster got casticated by the public for its failure to broadcast his memorial service on any of its public TV channels.

Milly Summergill, editorial editor for prime time entertainment at the SABC, announced at the podium at Akhumzi Jezile's memorial service that the Akhumzi Jezile Director Internship will be started to help producers and director "learn to empower themselves".

"Working with him all those years and watching him grow up in front of our eyes, he was a ball of energy. The SABC believed in Akhumzi. I believed in him," said Milly Summergill.

Adelaide Joshua-Hill, the head of content and platform at Urban Brew Studios said Akhumzi "made everybody feel special".

Clara Nzima, SABC1 channel head, in a somewhat rambling speech, said Akhumzi Jezile and the YO.TV youth slot presenters "were not celebrities, they were my children".

Ironically the SABC and Clara Nzima failed on Thursday to broadcast the memorial service of her child, something that got viewers fuming who started to slate the public broadcaster under "SABC is trash" on social media.

While both eNCA (DStv 403) and Afro Worldview (DStv 405) showed large parts of the memorial service, the SABC News channel and the SABC's three terrestrial TV channels did nothing. The SABC didn't explain why it didn't televise the memorial service of one of its own on-air stars and who was known to millions of viewers for many years.

"SABC representative: We should keep his memory alive. Me: Where? If you can't even air his bloody memorial!" remarked Nomfundo Madonsela.

"I thought Akhumzi's memorial will be aired on SABC1. SABC is so ungrateful. They use people but not showing appreciation. This is disgusting. I'm hurt. Akhumzi worked for SABC for years in many different fields but he is unnoticed by the broadcaster," said Xhanti Qotoyi.

"I'm disgusted that Akhumzi's memorial wasn't broadcast on any of the SABC channels especially after he dedicated so many years of his life to the SABC. Many of us grew up and saw him grow and the SABC couldn't even honour him properly. Wow," said Sheldon Cameron.

"Akhumzi literally grew up on SABC1 and brought millions of viewers to their channel, and they couldn't have the decency to broadcast his memorial? Talk about tasteless and ungrateful," wrote Thapelo Mokhele.

"SABC doesn't understand that we all wanted closure," said Primrose Mimi.

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Saturday, April 28, 2018

BREAKING. Actors Akhumzi Jezile, Thobani Mseleni and Siyasanga Kobese dead along with 2 others after horrific car crash near Queenstown, police investigating a case of culpable homicide.


The former YO.TV presenter and Tempy Pushas actor, Akhumzi Jezile (29) (pictured), actor Thobani Mseleni, the former Joyous Celebration singer and actress Siyasanga Kobese along with Skhumbuzo Mbuthuma from Urban Brew Studios' IT department and one other person are dead following a horrific car accident on Saturday.

The 5 people died after a head-on collision involving two vehicles near Queenstown in the Eastern Cape on Saturday morning.

According to police spokesperson Captain Namhla Mdleleni, 5 people died in the horrific car accident on the N6 near Queenstown early on Saturday morning.

Captain Namhla Mdleneni told TVwithThinus that a case of culpable homicide has been opened.

So far there's been no statement from the SABC.

Akhumzi Jezile who was also a producer, was also a radio presenter for the SABC radio station Umhlobo Wenene.

Besides appearing as Tsietsi Zwane in the SABC1 comedy-drama series Khululeka Siyavota produced by Penguin Films and his role of Ngulube in SABC1's Tempy Pushas in 2013, he was also a producer on YO.TV's The Big Breakfast show.

Akhumzi Jezile replaced Zuluboy (Mxolisi Majozi) in 2016 as the presenter of the SABC1's music variety show Fan Base.

The actor and musician Thobani Mseleni (30) (pictured left) is best-known for his role as Bhutana in the second season of the SABC1 drama series Intersexions in 2013.

Thobani Mseleni made guest-appearances on shows like the SABC1 soap Generations and Moferefere Lenyalong, as well as in 90 Plein Street, Gold Diggers, Heist, iNkaba, Ring of Lies, Swartwater, Single Guyz and The Queen.

In 2015 he appeared in the role of Bhonyongo in the e.tv drama series Matatiele.

Thobani Mseleni also appeared recently in the role of Babalo in the controversial and award-winning film Inxeba.

The singer and actress Siyasanga Kobese was best known for her role as Siphokazi in the Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) soap opera Zabalaza, and had a minor role in the Mzansi Magic telenovela iNkaba.

Siyasanga Kobese was also a member of the gospel group Joyous Celebration that she joined in 2009.

Siyasanga Kobese did guest stints on SABC1's Generations, appeared in Tempy Pushas and Greed & Desire and most recently was on-screen in 1Magic (DStv 103) in the new telenovela The River in the role of a social worker.

Skhumbuzo Mbuthuma worked at Urban Brew Studios' IT department.

M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel on Saturday night said the channel is saddened by the deaths.

"We at Mzansi Magic are saddened by the news of a tragic accident that took the lives of five people. We express our deepest condolences to their family and friends. We will fondly remember the contribution that Thobani Mseleni and Siyasanga Kobese made to a number of our programmes," Nondumiso Mabece, M-Net's head of publicity for local entertainment channels told TVwithThinus.

Verona Duwarkah, CEO of Urban Brew Studios said "our hearts are broken and the sadness is completely unbearable. On behalf of all of us at Urban Brew Studios I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families".

Adelaide Joshua-Hill, head of content and platforms at Urban Brew Studios, says "Akhumzi touched the lives of all around him. I had the priviledge of meeting him nine years ago and watched him grow from strength to strength. I watched him take his fame in his stride, taking time to stop and speak to his fans and friends alike. His attention to detail, passion for his craft and dedication to upskilling himself inspired me and those around him."

"He was not just a loyal part of the Urban Brew team but also of building our industry. I cannot express the state this news has left us in. No amount of tears can wash away the pain. Akhumzi will be missed by millions. It’s time for us to strive for brilliance as he would have wanted."

Gugulethu Gregory, head of facilities at Urban Brew Studios says "Skhumbuzo started at Urban Brew Studios as an intern in March 2015. A year later he was appointed as an IT technician. He was passionate, lively, energetic and willing to go beyond the call of duty to ensure success on every production or project he was involved in."

"He was the epitome of someone who lived with joy and laughter.  His presence will be missed by all who had the honour of knowing him."

Itumeleng Nakedi, producer at Urban Brew Studios says "Siya started at YO.TV in July 2016 as NamGcina, an aunt from a faraway Xhosa village. Her role on the show was to make yummy healthy food for growing minds as well as sing and dance."

"She also had a short stint on Zabalaza as well as a number of local dramas, small screen movies and was a Joyous Celebration Alumni. Siya was full of life, she had a good vibe about her and an unforgettable soul. She loved capturing every moment with a snap or selfie. She was passionate about her craft both in front of the camera and behind the camera. A lover of God who will be impossible to forget.  Fly with the angels Siya."


 UPDATE: Sunday 29 April 2018 11:00:
SABC1 issued a press statement on Sunday morning with Clara Nzima, SABC1 channel head saying:

"It is with immense shock and deepest sorrow to learn of the untimely passing of Akhumzi. A colleague, an exceptional talent ahead of his time, a friend to many. On behalf of SABC1 and the SABC, we wish to send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and fans. We have truly lost a gem. May his precious soul rest in peace."
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Thursday, May 3, 2018

First episode of e.tv's new showbiz magazine show, The Spotlight, will see Tanya Nefdt go yachting with Irish band The Script; as well as reporting on Kanye West, Akhumzi Jezile's death, and Black Coffee's controversial Israel tour.


The first episode of e.tv's new weekly showbiz magazine show, The Spotlight, will report on Kanye West's latest slavery remarks, the death of TV presenter Akhumzi Jezile and feature an interview with the Irish band The Script.

e.tv this week announced that it has given the eNews and eNCA reporter Tanya Nefdt her own weekly show, The Spotlight, that will be broadcast on eNCA, e.tv as well as the eBella channel on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform and Platco Digital's OpenView HD free-to-air satellite TV service.

The Spotlight's first episode will talk about Kanye West’s Twitter storm over his comments on slavery, Black Coffee bounces back from his controversial Israel tour and look at how South Africa is mourning the death of actor and TV presenter Akhumzi Jezile, the former Joyous Celebration singer Siyasanga Kobese and actor Thobani Mseleni. 

 The show will also speak to fans about the recent Chance The Rapper concert in South Africa

In an exclusive TV interview, Tanya Nefdt also speaks to the award-winning Irish band The Script. She went yachting with the rockers in Cape Town, and in light of South Africa's recent Freedom Day celebrations, asked them what lies behind the title of their latest album, Freedom Child.

The Spotlight will also include a look at the latest movie releases including Walt Disney's A Wrinkle In Time with Oprah Winfrey, the romantic teen fantasy drama Every Day and the comedy I Feel Pretty with Naomi Campbell and Amy Schumer.
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Monday, October 25, 2021

Rhodes University to bestow honourary doctorate on isiXhosa news anchor Noxolo Grootboom.


by Thinus Ferreira

At its second virtual graduation ceremony for Masters and PhD students on 29 October the Rhodes University will bestow an honourary doctorate's degree on the isiXhosa news anchor Noxolo Grootboom who had to retire from the South African public broadcaster earlier this year.

Rhodes University in the Eastern Cape says that Noxolo Grootboom is recognised nationally for her significant promotion of national pride and culture through her journalistic career that spans over 37 years.

"Noxolo Grootboom's legendary status is derived from her contributions in the broadcasting industry and to South Africa as a whole, through performing her career responsibilities in ways that inspired many citizens, even during the most difficult times."

"Her uncanny ability to connect with her audience through the powerful medium of her language and drawing from her culture distinguished Mam' Noxolo as the face and voice of the nation during historic national events such as elections."

"At the height of her career, she embodied the national emotion as the anchor for the funerals of important South African figures."

Dr Siwe Mabizela, Rhodes University vice-chancellor, says "Our nation owes her an unpayable debt of gratitude and appreciation for all that she has done to give much-needed hope to many South Africans in times of national loss and despair and for being a passionate advocate of the isiXhosa language in our society".

"Mam' Noxolo read the news so beautifully and with such pride. We thought it was important for Rhodes University to acknowledge her many contributions to our society."

"Her trademark sign-off line: 'Nanga ngobubusuku ningalala nombethe ingubo yemvisiswano, uxolo, nothando. Ndinithanda nonke emakhaya' will remain her profound and lasting gift of love, peace and care to our nation. Her humility and humanity is something that will never be forgotten. She deserves this highest honour of the University."

Noxolo Grootboom was born on 8 October 1960 in Lady Frere in the Eastern Cape and spent the best part of her formative years in Tyatyorha location in Healdtown, Fort Beaufort. 

She went to do her primary school years between Healdtown Primary School in Fort Beaufort, Lovedale Primary School in Alice and Davis Primary School in Butterworth. She did her high school years in Lamplough High School and Bethel College in Butterworth.

In 1981, she moved with her siblings to Soweto, where she enrolled in a computer course at a Computer Academy.

On 1 December 1983, she joined the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) as a typist and after spending three years on the job, she was appointed as a production assistant. 

During this time, she was mentored by senior journalists as her interest at the time was storytelling. Later, she would start serving as a current affairs producer and a field journalist and later became a news anchor.

In 1990, her big break came when she was asked to stand-in for the late Mam' Thandi Mesetywa's news anchor to read a bulletin. The station was impressed enough that they asked her to continue to anchor the isiXhosa news.

She then saw this as an opportunity to continue the legacy of the broadcast stalwarts who came before her. 

As a result of being entrusted with critical broadcast events, she was known as "the undertaker" and was tasked with anchoring SABC live funeral broadcasts of some prominent leaders in the country. 

She anchored the funerals of high-profile politicians such as Chris Hani, the PAC’s Sabelo Phama, Nelson Mandela, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Joe Slovo, Oliver Tambo, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, Walter Sisulu, Albertina Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Steve Tshwethe and Akhumzi Jezile.

After 37 years of public broadcast service, Mam' Noxolo read her last bulletin on 30 March 2021. 

She left the SABC as an editor of the isiXhosa news bulletin and was recognised on this day by South Africa's president Cyril Ramaphosa, who delayed his national address during the Covid-19 pandemic since it clashed with Noxolo Grootboom's last TV news bulletin.

Noxolo Grootboom says "I feel so speechless; I am out of words to thank Rhodes University for the honour bestowed on me".

"Each event of my life is a life lesson that cannot be merely explained. Even though I had minimal opportunities to further my studies, it seemed as if my dreams about my future were perishing."

"Today, Rhodes University teaches me that hope is always ignited when it seems as though your dreams are perishing. And when that hope is ignited, it leads you to a new dream. Today, I feel like I am a living example to the youth. This is because, when you devote yourself to your work, new opportunities open up. I am very thankful to Rhodes University for this opportunity."


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Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Lerato Kganyago leaves Live AMP on SABC1 after just 2 years as presenter - is the 'amazing shift happening in my life' a move to pay-TV as the presenter of Project Runway SA on Mzansi Magic?


Lerato Kganyago is leaving the magazine show Live AMP on SABC1 after just two years as its presenter, with rumours in South Africa's TV biz swirling that she's leaving after being she was asked to present the upcoming Project Runway South Africa on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161), wasn't allowed to do the other show and decided to leave because of that at the same time as her contract simultaneously wasn't renewed.

The 35-year old Lerato Kganyago decided to ditch SABC1's Live AMP, produced by Urban Brew Studios and currently in its 22nd season, and might very well pop up in high definition next as the presenter of Project Runway SA produced by Rapid Blue productions and Ndalo Pictures for M-Net's Mzansi Magic channel and starting in July.

Lerato Kganyago's last on-air appearance on Live AMP will be on 18 May on SABC1.

Officially Lerato Kganyago who joined Live AMP in April 2016 "resigned" - which is true - but standing differently, the mirror shows more faces.

Word on the curb is that Lerato Kganyago was approached to be the presenter and host of Project Runway SA and wanted to front that reality sewing competition as well - a paying gig that would also be her first exposure to a pay-TV audience - but for whatever reason wasn't allowed to.

She had a choice to make and allegedly decided to pursue the Project Runway SA offer anyway, at roughly the same time as her Live AMP contract ran out anyway, and then wasn't renewed.

In a statement Lerato Kganyago says "co-hosting Live AMP has been the most incredible and fulfilling ride of my entertainment career thus far. However, two years in the same spot is a little too long for a Soweto girl like me who’s always looking for a new challenge."

"I will forever be indebted to SABC1 and Urban Brew for allowing me the unparalleled opportunity to showcase my talents," said Lerato Kganyago, noting that "there's an amazing shift happening in my life" - a shift says insiders to pay-television.

In the statement the SABC said "SABC1 and Urban Brew Studios announce the departure of popular Live AMP presenter Lerato Kganyago from the show. Lerato has resigned from the show to pursue other career interests after two successful years with the show".

Live AMP producer Akhumzi Jezile says "it was an absolute pleasure watching Lerato grow with the Live AMP brand. Her love and passion for entertainment kept her grounded throughout her stay. She will no doubt make a success of anything she chooses to take on".

Zandile Nkonyeni, SABC TV head publicist said "We would like to thank her for her commitment to Live AMP and SABC1 over the years".

The SABC was asked in a media enquiry about the biz talk that Lerato Kganyago was approached to present Project Runway South Africa on Mzansi Magic and was told by the SABC that she's not allowed to do both shows.

Zandile Nkonyeni said "we unfortunately cannot comment on where she is going as we do not have knowledge of it".

M-Net was also asked if Lerato Kganyago is the presenter of Project Runway SA, with Mzansi Magic that responded and told TVwithThinus that "the presenter will be announced close to broadcast. We will share the details once we have further information".
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Wednesday, February 3, 2016

FULL LIST OF CHANGES with context: The SABC once again moves shows; makes programmatic scheduling changes across SABC1, SABC2 and SABC3.


The South African public broadcaster is once again moving shows and making programmatic scheduling changes across the SABC's three TV channels in an attempt to hold on to existing audiences and to boost viewership.

The cross-channel schedule changes involving SABC1, SABC2 and SABC3 (see the breakdown list for each channel below) come a year and a half after the "drastic" schedule changes the SABC implemented in July 2014 after its 2014 FIFA World Cup coverage.

The public broadcaster which undid some of the changes in the months after following sharp criticism from viewers, is now undoing some more of those changes like moving Fokus back from SABC3 to SABC2, admitting it was a mistake.

"This schedule revamp is a direct response to the evolving television landscape and in keeping up with the SABC audience's current needs and expectations," said Verona Duwarkah, the SABC's head of television.

The SABC's chief operating officer (COO) Hlaudi Motsoeneng said that changes were made to the SABC TV schedules that viewers were not happy about but that the public broadcaster is now responding to those complaints.

The SABC admits SABC1 needed more drama. The SABC and South Africa's highest rated show, the KwaMashu filmed Uzalo on SABC1 is being turned from a telenovela into a soap thanks to its high viewership and strong performance similar to what Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) did with isiBaya, with a second season that will seamlessly start on 8 February at 20:30. Uzalo also gets an omnibus repeat slot on Sundays.

Live Amp on Fridays is being demoted to 19:30, with a new music entertainment show, Urban Music Xperience, starting on Fridays at 21:00.

On SABC2 the biggest changes are the move of the daily Sesotho news bulletin from 19:30 to 18:00 since this week, Fokus that will return from SABC3 to SABC2 from this Sunday after a year and a half after its move and a day after the programme's 20th anniversary, and the move of the Indian magazine show Mela from SABC2 to SABC3.

SABC3 takes Mela over from SABC2 as "the Indian Top Billing" and a companion show on Sundays with the Top Billing repeat.

SABC3 is also introducing specific timeslots for female variety on Tuesdays at 20:00, male viewing on Sundays at 17:30 and even a "female voyeur variety" slot on Tuesdays at 22:00 for reality shows like Botched and Dr. 90210.

SABC3 also acquired Humans as a first-run drama series for the territory, a science fiction series about domestic androids, that will be shown on Wednesday nights at 21:00.

Here's the specific changes according to SABC channel:


SABC1
■ Uzalo is officially no longer a telenovela but becoming a soap similar to what Mzansi Magic did with isiBaya with the 2nd season of Uzalo that will start on 8 February at 20:30 without interruption, from Mondays to Wednesdays.
■ The Thursday night drama slot is cut down to half an hour. The 2nd season of Mfolozi Street with Hlubi Mboya and Luthuli Dlamini will now be show here.
■ On Fridays a revamped Live Amp, still with Pearl Thusi and DJ Warras will now start at 19:30.
■ On Fridays a new hour long music entertainment show, Urban Music Xperience will start at 21:00, with presenters Luthando "Lootlove" Shosha and Adil More.
■ On Fridays Fan Base at 18:00 is getting revamped with new presenter Akhumzi Jezile.
■ On Saturday's Mzansi Insider moves an hour later to 10:00.
■ On Saturday's the Generations - The Legacy omnibus moves to 11:00.
■ On Sundays SABC1 is starting an Uzalo omnibus at 12:30.
■ On Sundays the 20:00 movie slot is gone, now replaced with a drama slot where shows like Ngempela and Sokhulu & Partners will be shown.


SABC2
■ This week the SABC moved the only Sesotho, Tswana and Sepedi news bulletin earlier from 19:30 to 18:00 from Mondays to Sundays.
This move is to create better flow across the SABC2 schedule to try and retain viewers. On Fridays for instance, Afrikaans viewing was interrupted for half an hour, leading to the loss of those viewers who didn't return after the half hour of Sotho news. Fridays now has an uninterrupted block of one language, hopefully keeping those viewers from tuning away.
■ Travel series Mooiloop! returns for another season on Mondays at 19:30, now with Elma Postma as presenter.
■ On Tuesdays the Afrikaans comedy Parys Parys that was on kykNET will start at 19:30 and SABC2 will also repeat the Afrikaans drama series Geraamtes in die Kas.
■ SABC2 will broadcast The National Teachers Awards on Tuesday 8 March at 20:30.
■ On Wednesdays Motswako moves to 19:30, followed by Ngula Ya Vutivi now at 20:00 and with the Tsonga talk show Vusaseki moving to 20:30.
■ On Thursdays 50/50 will return with another season from 18 February, again in a new timeslot of 19:30. All the presenters like Bonne de Bod, Bertus Louw and Ntokozo Mbuli remain.
■ The 25th season of Noot vir Noot will start on Friday 5 February at 20:00. SABC2 now has an uninterrupted Afrikaans programming block on Fridays from 18:30 until 21:00.
■ The comedy series My Wife and Kids move to Saturdays at 18:30 from 6 February.
■ The second season of Abomzala will start on Saturday 6 February at 20:30 about older single women looking for men.
■ The SABC is moving Fokus back from SABC3 to SABC2 a day after its 20th anniversary from this Sunday to the timeslot of 18:30, serving as an Afrikaans lead-in to the Afrikaans news at 19:00.
■ On Sundays Gospel Time on SABC2 moves to 20:00.


SABC3
■ Afternoon Express is not cancelled and remains at 16:00.
■ The Indian lifestyle magazine show Mela that replaced Eastern Mosaic moves from SABC2 to SABC3 that has a smaller broadcasting footprint reach and will now be on Sundays at 13:30 from 7 February where the SABC wants it to be a companion show to the Top Billing repeat.
■ Tuesdays is getting a reality slot at 20:00 where shows like Top Chef will be shown, as well as a "female voyeur variety" slot at 22:00 in which shows like Dr. 90210 and Botched will be shown.
■ On Wednesday at 21:00 SABC3 will broadcast the new British science fiction drama series Humans as a first-run series in South Africa in which households can buy androids and the problems it create.
■ SABC3 will start a cooking lifestyle slot from April at 20:30 in which it will broadcast shows like Neil Anthony Private Chef and Lorraine Fast Fresh & Easy.
■ SABC3 will change Friday nights to "Comedy Nights" from April with a Friday night comedy strand that will include both local and foreign stand-up comedy offerings.
■ On Saturdays, from April, the start of the movie slot is moved from 19:30 to 19:00.
■ On Saturdays, from April the arts and culture slot is moved earlier to 18:00.
On Sundays SABC3 is introducing a male variety slot at 17:30 for shows like Top Gear and One Day with Bryan Miles, followed by a current affairs block from 19:00 including shows like Interface, Special Assignment and documentaries like Ross Kemp: Extreme Worlds.


SABC News
■ The SABC said nothing about its SABC News (DStv 404) news channel or the show but has quietly introduced the new show On the Record with Vuyo Mvoko in mid-January on weeknights at 21:00.
Vuyo Mvoko as SABC contributing editor, is one of the SABC staffers who got mugged on live television in March last year. The addition of the hour long current affairs show means that Your World got cut by an hour to two hours in duration, now starting at 22:00 on weeknights.


On Tuesday night SABC News reported about the public broadcaster's schedule changes in its various TV news bulletins, but didn't tell viewers anything about any of the specific changes on any of the channels,simply noting that the schedules are changing in order for the SABC to "continue to entrech its dominance in this competitive environment and meet the set business requirements".

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