Top Billing Presenter Search 2026 Narrows Field to Top 5 Including Sports Scientist and Former Football Player

by Thinus Ferreira

The revived Top Billing lifestyle magazine show on SABC3 has announced the top 5 finalists in its social media Top Billing Presenter Search 2026 which includes a sports scientist and a former football player.

One of the 5 will join the weekly lifestyle show as a new presenter.

Homba Mazaleni, originally from Dutywa in the Eastern Cape is described as a presenter, content creator and qualified biokineticist whose passion for sport, wellness and people.

She has three degrees behind her and a place in the Miss South Africa 2023 Top 5.

Cardova Productions says "Homba has proven that determination, authenticity and hard work can open extraordinary doors".

"Her journey from rural beginnings to the world of sports media is a testament to her resilience and ambition. Combining scientific knowledge with infectious energy, natural confidence and a love for adventure, Homba brings a fresh perspective to lifestyle storytelling."

Talitha Bothma is a"growth strategist", entrepreneur, speaker and founder of Worth in Motion, an organisation dedicated to "empowering individuals to recognise their value and unlock opportunities".

Cardova Productions says "Growing up in rural South Africa, overcoming profound personal loss and rebuilding her life following a serious medical condition that affected her hearing and vision, Talitha has transformed adversity into a powerful sense of purpose".

"With experience spanning technology, fashion, media and business development across Africa, she brings a unique combination of sophistication, empathy and intellectual curiosity."

Karen Mthethwa, raised in Soweto, is a broadcaster, radio personality and live-event presenter.

She rose through the broadcasting ranks after winning YFM's presenter search in 2024.

Cardova Productions says "From hosting late-night radio to securing her own weekday show, The Glow Up, her career has been driven by persistence, passion and a natural ability to connect with audiences".

"A mother of two, Karen is passionate about representation and showing young women that their backgrounds do not define their futures. With her vibrant personality, exceptional communication skills and passion for entertainment, fashion and culture, Karen is ready to bring her distinctive energy to the Top Billing stage."

Nehemiah Tjatji is a TV presenter, creative producer, director and entrepreneur whose career has taken him both in front of and behind the camera.

Cardova Productions says "Having lost his mother at a young age, Nehemiah found comfort and purpose in the performing arts".

"His passion for storytelling took him from community radio to television, acting, directing and producing."

"His experience includes presenting the SABC1 reality competition series Verified, alongside extensive work in entertainment and television production."

"With a charismatic personality, an infectious love for people and a deep understanding of the entertainment industry, Nehemiah brings experience, versatility and an authentic passion for sharing remarkable stories."

Ross Marshall is a presenter, actor, model, creative director and youth mentor.

He is a former semi-professional footballer and pursued a career in sport before discovering a new calling in the performing arts and storytelling.

"Following the loss of his father in 2023, Ross has remained committed to honouring his family's belief in him by pursuing his dreams and inspiring others to do the same," Cardova Productions says.

"Through his work as a presenter, corporate MC, podcast host and founder of FortifiedZa, Ross has built a career focused on leadership, entrepreneurship and empowering the next generation. His natural warmth, creative energy and passion for human connection bring a fresh dimension to the Top Billing Presenter Search."

Cardova says the 5 finalists "bring different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, but share one important quality: a passion for people and the stories that make life extraordinary".

eNCA Adds The Voting Booth on Sundays for Pre-coverage of South Africa's Upcoming Local Elections

by Thinus Ferreira

eMedia's eNCA (DStv 403) TV news channel is adding The Voting Booth as a limited series, weekly current affairs programme on Sundays at 11:00 for pre-coverage of South Africa's upcoming local elections on 4 November.

Naledi Moleo is the anchor of The Voting Booth, with the show that looks at polling data and research, combined with pre-reporting about issues supposedly driving voters' decisions.

The Voting Booth uses information supplied by MarkData that surveyed 6 113 registered voters in the cities of Cape Town, Ekurhuleni, eThekwini, Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela Bay and Tshwane.

The research was conducted between 10 and 14 August, through interviews that were done in-person and telephonically.

eMedia never bothered to issue any press statement to the media, which is the industry norm, when Nisa Allie returned to the company in July, this time as managing director of eNCA, but is now quoting her for the first time in a prepared quote, in a press release sent out about The Voting Booth. 

"eNCA remains resolute in its commitment to provide audiences with the information they need to make informed decisions at the polls," Nisa Allie is quoted.

"The data, combined with balanced and fair reporting, provides a holistic view of voter sentiment and the realities communities face on the ground."

ALSO READ: eMedia: Retrenchment Looming for Over Half - 171 Out of 309 - Workers at eNCA, e.tv's News and eNuus after CEO Khalik Sherrif's Overseas Trip

Hisense SA Adds SportsCast as a FAST-channel to its VIDAA Line-up

by Thinus Ferreira

While Samsung has failed to launch its built-in FAST (Free-Ad Supporting Streaming TV) platform, Samsung TV Plus in South Africa, which is a very bad and a massive drawback for its Smart TVs sold locally, rival Hisense has a great existing FAST service that continues to grow and has now added SportsCast Africa as a sports channel.

Samsung Smart TVs in South Africa don't have its Samsung TV Plus FAST service, but Hisense South Africa has VIDAA that continues to expand and has now added SportsCast Africa on channel 5208.

SportsCast Africa is a 24/7 linear sports TV channel for sub-Saharan audiences with continental and global sports news, highlights and live events.

It is distributed free of charge across FAST platforms and combines a fixed daily schedule of recurring sports strips with live event coverage.

SportsCast Africa, operated by Broadsmart, is already available and accessible on the South African public broadcaster's SABC+ platform as its own streaming feed, and is now on Hisense TVs too.

SportsCast Africa's schedule covers African and international football, motorsport, basketball, rugby, tennis and multi-sport action.

It is aggregated within daily shows like Football Daily, Soccer Highlights and SportsWrap for football fans, Pole Position for motorsport, Slam Dunk for basketball and Cross Court for tennis. Some live matches are also shown from time to time.

"Partnering with Hisense, a market leader in the region and a brand that takes a genuinely innovative approach to working with content providers, puts SportsCast Africa where African sports fans already are," says Yokow Quansah, managing director at Broadsmart.

"Our promise is simple: great sport, whenever and wherever you want it, free and with nothing to install. This is a meaningful step in building a genuinely free sports service for African viewers."

Luna Nortje, Hisense SA deputy general manager, says customers who support Hisense "can enjoy the sport they love without paying extra for it".

Actor Mfana-Jones Hlophe dead at 55

by Thinus Ferreira

Actor, singer and dancer Mfana-Jones Hlophe (Thembinkosi Phillip Hlophe), known for his role as Bra Nimrod Thabebe on SABC1's Generations - The Legacy had died. He was 55.

Mfana-Jones Hlophe was known to South African viewers for several prominent roles across television, film and theatre throughout his 37-year career.

His most notable roles included the problematic and scheming Bra Nimrod Thabede in Generations - The Legacy who was the father of Swazi Thabede, Jabu in SABC1's Soul City, and Zakgele in SABC1's Uzalo.

He made one of his final television appearances as Uncle Mkhize in the Kwa Baba telenovela on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) earlier this year.

Mfana-Jones Hlophe also had roles in Sarafina! (his involvement in the theatre production led to a role in the 1992 film), Imbewu: The Seed on e.tv, Stokvel on SABC2, SACB1's Emzini Wezinsizwa, Mama's Love, Khululeka, Single Guyz, as well as Mzansi Magic's isiBaya and Zabalaza.

Mfana-Jones Hlophe died on Wednesday night at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg, where he was rushed to after a health emergency and was pronounced dead upon arrival. The actor has struggled with health complications from Type 1 Diabetes for years.

On Wednesday evening, when his partner returned home, she found him in a bad condition, went and got him Coca-Cola to try and stabilise his "sugar levels" but it didn't help. They then got into an e-hailing car to the hospital but he must have died on the way there.

Neither the SABC nor Morula Pictures that produces Generations - The Legacy bothered to issue any press release to the media as is customary, but on its Facebook page Generations wrote "On behalf of the producers, cast and crew, we are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Mfana-Jones Hlophe. We would like to send our condolences to the family. We hold you close in our thoughts during this painful time."

Enjay Productions said Mfana-Jones Hlophe's "passion for the arts and the people around him will always live on".

Mfana-Jones Hlophe matriculated in 1987 and joined the Mbongeni Ngema School of Art, where he was selected to join the second company of Sarafina! that toured Europe in 1989.

In1992 he attended the Gibson Kente's School of Art where he started scriptwriting and a year later got a role in Gibson Kente's Mfowethu that was produced by Pacofs in Bloemfontein. 

He joined the African Research and Puppetry Programmes (AREPP) in 1994, where he studied puppetry for a year and in 1995 Mfana-Jones Hlophe composed the music and played a lead role at Eurostage, a European company, and toured across Europe with the cast of Isikulu.

In 1997, Mfana-Jones Hlophe got the lead role in Ipi Ntombi.

Devi Sankaree Govender bows out of The Devi Show on e.tv after 6 years: 'Asking questions - tough ones - are always going to be in my DNA'

by Thinus Ferreira

If you're a crook you fear her, but the beloved journalist and South African treasure Devi Sankaree Govender is closing The Devi Show on e.tv, with this coming Sunday's episode, which will be the last for the current affairs show after 6 years and hundreds of episodes.

The intrepid anchor and reporter Devi Sankaree Govender long ago already earned legendary status on South African television on M-Net's Carte Blanche and in the public consciousness for her fearless approach of confronting wrongdoing - a presence and persona that further expanded when she went to the free-to-air e.tv broadcaster to start The Devi Show.

With The Devi Show she further perfectly blended absolutely fearless investigative journalism, high-stakes accountability and consumer journalism with divine patience and a trademark sense of humour - hunting down scammers, corrupt and lazy government officials, white-collar criminals, dodgy sales and repair people and even a cake-bake fake.

The Devi Show has remained compelling local South African television, with Devi Sankaree Govender's flinch-free confrontations beloved by viewers who trust her.

Viewers delight in her on-location accountability-seeking interactions, whether exposing disbarred lawyers taking upfront fees, shady estate agents, bad funeral parlours, car repair nutjobs, and with everyone from government lackeys to scammers all getting exposed through the programme's high-impact, relatable journalism.

The show and Devi Sankaree Govender have won multiple prestigious awards since the show launched in 2020, with the production that has been widely recognised for excellence in investigative journalism, consumer advocacy, and broadcasting.

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A post shared by Devi Sankaree Govender (@devi_hq)

In a new video message on Instagram, Devi Sankaree Govender says "After 6 years of chasing skelms on the streets of South Africa, mission accomplished."

"It's time now for us to move off linear television. Why? Because you're not here [she holds up a TV remote control], you are here [she holds up a smartphone]. And therefore I need to be here with you, too."

"So this Sunday is going to be the very last episode of The Devi Show on e.tv and eNCA - because one chapter has to end before the others can begin. Can't do two things at the same time."

The episodes from all 24 seasons of The Devi Show will become available on YouTube - on e.tv and her YouTube channels both.

"What is Devi going to do now? All I can say is: Asking questions - tough ones - are always going to be in my DNA. And we may be switching off the studio lights, things are certainly going to get hot. Join me on my journey." 

In a press statement shared with TVwithThinus, Devi Sankaree Govender says "Six years ago, we set out to expose wrongdoing, ask the uncomfortable questions and stand up for people who deserved answers".

"I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved. But I have never been someone who stands still for very long and I am so looking forward to what comes next."

"Through hundreds of investigations, numerous awards and years of compelling storytelling, the programme has built a legacy that extends well beyond Sunday-night television."

"The way we consume media has changed. People are engaging with stories differently, having conversations in real time and connecting directly with the people who make content. I want to be part of that evolution."

She explains that "This next chapter represents an opportunity to explore new ways of storytelling and expand my creative horizons beyond the traditional television format".

"I have spent much of my career telling stories through television and I have loved it. But I am also curious about what else is possible and perhaps show audiences a few sides of me they have not seen before."

Shocking MultiChoice Subscriber Mismanagement as Legacy Showmax and DStv Customers Suddenly Have Subscriptions Hiked From R99 to Thousands After Canal+ Package Changes

by Thinus Ferreira

In shocking and callous DStv customer mismanagement by MultiChoice and Canal+, legacy subscribers have suddenly seen their monthly fees skyrocket from R99 to thousands - with MultiChoice adding insult to injury by making it as difficult as possible - if not impossible - to provide help to get it fixed.

After Canal+ dumped MultiChoice's Showmax streamer, Showmax-only subscribers were offered a 12-month option for R99 per month to get DStv Stream - on the condition that they do not disconnect.

Suddenly, after Canal+ and MultiChoice changed the packaging structure of its DStv bouquets, these subscribers are getting bill shock, in some cases totalling thousands of rands, as MultiChoice haphazardly and out of control moved subscribers to things they don't want and haven't signed up for.

As bad as the errors is Canal+'s MultiChoice in actually properly addressing it and helping customers who are reaching out to the media in desperation, and venting publicly after they can't get any help from the pay-TV service's supposed "customer service".

A customer vented publicly, saying "I took up the R99 price lock offer for DStv Stream. But now when I try to make a payment it requires R389. That's not what I signed up for and the 1 year is not up."

"They're billing me R800 and I also subscribed to the promotion," said another DStv subscriber, while yet another added: "Please explain to me how I subscribed to your R99 promotion for a year after you took over Showmax, then today I woke to a bill of R389.32, including a Stream Sport subscription that I know nothing about? That I can't even dispute? Why?"

Even worse: When these subscribers call MultiChoice, aggressive agents tell them they are wrong, need to pay and can't help.

"DStv consultants are saying the promotion has been discontinued," noted an angry subscriber - which can't be true because MultiChoice isn't allowed to renege on a price-lock contract.

A DStv subscriber who was on a DStv Compact promotion of R100 per month, woke up to see MultiChoice having moved him to the Sports package costing hundreds of rands more - with no explanation.

"My R100 promotional subscription disappeared. What on earth is going on here? When I call the MultiChoice call centre, nobody can assist," he says.

Tonderai Majuru says "Not only does it say I should pay R1 148 but you unilaterally cancelled my DStv Compact subscription, gave me a Sports subscription and hiked my account".

TVwithThinus sent MultiChoice a media query with several questions about the problem.

In response, MultiChoice issued a statement, saying "The R99 offer for eligible former Showmax customers is still in place, with customers being moved to the new DStv Sports package at the same price and on the same terms."

"Some customers experienced issues during the migration, which have since been addressed. If any customers are still experiencing issues with the offer, we encourage them to contact DStv customer care for assistance."

MultiChoice was asked specifically that DStv customers are saying that they've tried to fix the shocking DStv billing problems and got no help and was asked where exactly these concerned customers sort this out and who do they need to speak to or call and for specific details.

MultiChoice says customers can do a Whatsapp chat. Besides that DStv customers can also do an inbound call, or live chat on the DStv website. "All of this is on our website under the Contact us tab".

MultiChoice says "customers who are experiencing this issue will all be assisted, our technical teams are working on it".

Netflix Orders Young Lady Violet Limited Series Spin-off

by Thinus Ferreira

Netflix has ordered another Bridgerton spinoff series with Shondaland that will produce a new limited series that will tell the "origin" story of the young Lady Violet.

Shondaland and Netflix refer to the as-yet-untitled Bridgerton series as "untitled Bridgerton project" and it will be in the same vein as the Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story in which the younger Violet already featured.

"Similar to the massive global hit Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, the series will chronicle the early life of a young Lady Violet and tell the story of her romance with Viscount Edmund Bridgerton," Netflix says.

In the current Bridgerton, Ruth Gemmell portrays the widowed matriarch Lady Violet Bridgerton, while Connie Jenkins-Greig is the teenager Violet.

It's unclear whether Connie Jenkins-Greig will reprise the role. Shonda Rhimes as Bridgerton executive producer and Nicholas Nardini are the writers and showrunners of the prequel series.

Season 5 of Bridgerton is currently in production in London.

More Reputational Damage for Bishops Diocesan College as its Old Boys Club Threatens Actor-Comedian Anton Taylor's Right to Free Speech over Pride Flag Fight

by Thinus Ferreira

Bordering on the ridiculously absurd and fully in the realm of shamelessly wasting (parents' school fees?) money, the Bishops Diocesan College's Old Diocesan Committee is now threatening South African actor Anton Taylor with "cease and desist" legal action, for speaking out in social videos against their attempts to prevent the hoisting of the gay Pride flag at the Cape Town school.

While South Africa's constitution guarantees freedom of speech, Bishops' Old Diocesan Committee (ODC) used criminal defence lawyer William Booth to send Anton Taylor, an actor who is active on social media, a threatening "cease and desist" letter.

In the letter, the demand is that he retracts "false and defamatory allegations", stop demanding that old boys committee members resign, and threatening him that he might face interdicts, protection orders, defamation damages and even criminal complaints.

Criminal complaints?

William Booth warned Anton Taylor in the letter "the deadline is final" - which was 1 October 2026.

Anton Taylor isn't having any of it and, through his legal representation, Cheadle  Thompson & Haysom, is accusing Bishops Diocesan College's Old Diocesan Committee of doing what is known as "SLAPP" in America: Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation.

It means somebody is taking some type of legal action, trying to silence someone's public criticism with the threat of legal action.

Bishops Diocesan College's Old Diocesan Committee is fighting with the comedian - himself an alumnus of the school and a former Old Diocesan Union (ODU) vice-chairperson - after it told the school's council it wants a "flag policy" for the school under which only the Bishops' school flag and Anglican communion flags would be allowed to be hoisted on the school grounds.

Bishops has hoisted the Pride flag since 2022 as part of the school's display to support themes of diversity.

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A post shared by Anton Taylor (@iamantontaylor)

Anton Taylor has been vocal in his social media videos about Bishops' ODC discriminatory behaviour and said he wants the committee to resign, or that he will help organise a no-confidence vote to help get rid of them and have them replaced.

His legal team told the legal team of the Bishops Diocesan College's Old Diocesan Committee that the comedian has "not made any false, misleading or defamatory statements and that the threatened legal proceedings will constitute an abuse of process designed to undermine the lawful procedures in terms of the constitution of the Old Diocesan Union".

Taylor "condemned the ODC's opposition to the Pride flag as discriminatory, cowardly and inconsistent with both Bishops' values and those of the Anglican Church. Our client encouraged present pupils and alumni to support gay students and speak openly about homophobia, racism and alleged historical abuse at schools."

MultiChoice's Borromean Rings: M-Net, kykNET and Springbok Rugby are Deliberately Grouped Together: 'Three Content Streams Which are Extremely Popular'

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice deliberately interlinks M-Net, kykNET and Springbok rugby together on DStv and while the latest DStv package restructuring is opening M-Net and kykNET up to a larger subscriber base by downtiering these two out of Premium, Canal+ and MultiChoice, like the Charmed sisters, are well aware of, and are harnessing the magic of the "Power of the Three".

These three extremely sought-after content funnels are what power Canal+'s DStv Premium by far and are the core drivers of DStv premium uptake and keeping them subscribed.

Waldimar Pelser, M-Net director for premium channels, says "We like to group Springbok rugby and kykNET and M-Net together. These are three content streams which are extremely popular with South Africans".

"We also see a lot of English viewers watching kykNET because so little English drama is produced these days in South Africa. kykNET is the viewing of English viewers looking for authentic South African drama content."

With Canal+ and MultiChoice's adjustment to the DStv packages, channels like M-Net, BBC Earth, Discovery and others which have always been DStv Premium locked, are now included and down-tiered into the cheaper Movies & Series package.

This allows more DStv subscribers, at a lower price point, to now get access to channels like M-Net (DStv 101) and the premium content on that channel.

"It's important for us in the design of these DStv packages to enlarge the Afrikaans world a little bit," he says.

"kykNET is now available on the new Movies & Series package, which is big news for us. It's also the home of M-Net and the top M-Net Movies channels watched by many kykNET viewers."

"If you're not a sports-watching home, and there are those, then there's another package where you can view kykNET."

"The kykNET & Kie channel is included in the new Starter package and we want as many viewers as possible to enjoy Afrikaans content," he says.

"The Afrikaans content we produce costs much more than the Hollywood content we broadcast, so it's very important for us to protect this investment."

"How we do it, is that we broadcast the new programmes where the most viewers are, and that's between 18:00 and 21:00 on weeknights."

ALSO READ: kykNET Now Channel with Most Viewers on DStv Premium After MultiChoice Correctly Predicted the SABC Would Drop Afrikaans Output Post-1994