Stained Glass TV's Uzalo adds four actors to season 12 on SABC1 for 'more heart, more tension and honest storytelling'

by Thinus Ferreira

The Stained Glass TV weekday primetime soap on SABC1, Uzalo, has added four actors to the cast for its 12th season.

The KwaMashu-set series in KwaZulu-Natal has added Nduduzo Zuma, Phindile Mashabane, Sikhosiphi Ngcobo and Thulani Mtsweni.

Nduduzo Zuma has already appeared since 27 March as Smiso, described as a "bold, magnetic newcomer who arrives in KwaNjomane as part of its revamped, youthful energy".

"Charming, stylish, unpredictable and impossible to miss, Smiso quickly becomes more than just a fresh face, finding himself entangled in emotional dynamics with Babekazi that threaten to spiral beyond his control. His presence introduces a playful yet disruptive force that shifts the balance in unexpected ways."

Phindile Mashabane joined as LaDlamini and first appeared on 8 April. LaDlamini is described as "a sophisticated and self-made businesswoman whose quiet confidence speaks volumes".

"Intelligent, composed, and unwavering in her standards. She enters KwaMashu as a woman who knows her worth, immediately capturing Mbatha’s attention. But LaDlamini is not easily won over, and her presence sets the stage for a compelling pursuit marked by power, pride, and ambition."

Sikhosiphi Ngcobo joined Uzalo as Bab’Sizwe and will first appear on 10 April.

The character is described as "a respected traditional leader whose grief quickly transforms into a quest for justice".

"Following the death of Chief Shepherd, Bab’Sizwe’s pain fuels a growing tension determined to erase Nkunzi’s legacy e’Ndlende, igniting a powerful and emotionally charged battle over leadership, loyalty, and legacy. His arrival sparks a major shift in authority within KwaMashu."

The fourth actor that joined the cast is Thulani Mtsweni as Pondo, who will first appear on 24 April.

Pondo is described as "an old-school charmer with a loud, funny, and charismatic personality".

"Pondo’s easy-going nature masks a past defined by avoidance and unfinished business. Years ago, he cowardly fled a relationship, unable to face the responsibility of fatherhood that followed."

"Now resurfacing in the hostel, Pondo forms an unexpected bond with one of Izinsizwa, unaware of the deeper connection that ties them. His return sets the stage for a layered and emotional storyline, as long-buried truths begin to surface and demand accountability."

Ofentse Thinane, SABC1 channel head, speaking about the new Uzalo cast additions, says the channel is "Looking forward to the powerful moments and layered relationships you'll create".

David Mukwevho, Uzalo series producer, says "Every new character we introduce brings something meaningful to the story".

"This season, viewers can expect more heart, more tension and the kind of honest storytelling that continues to keep Uzalo close to so many South Africans."

"We invite our loyal viewers to join us for another thrilling season. Your unwavering support fuels our passion, and in season 12, we commit to bringing even more drama and excitement".

2026's 20th Metro FM Music Awards on 25 April in Durban to honour icons in music excellence, adds Maskandi and Lekompo categories

by Thinus Ferreira

The 20th Metro FM Music Awards (MMAs) of the SABC radio station Metro FM set for 25 April in Durban, will honour music icons over the past decades with the theme of "Icon-inspired music excellence".

The 20th MMAs come as Metro FM marks its 40th anniversary, and will incorporate "a fusion of heritage and greatness through Zulu-textured cultural elements".

This year's theme blends Zulu izinhlonzi patterns, animated beadwork and a triangular motif that's a nod to the Isigqi (rhythm) of Zulu culture, representing the three beats, three points, and one unbroken loop of music.

According to Kina Nhlengethwa, Metro FM FM business manager, this year's theme "combines the best of African luxury and global style, creating an unforgettable experience that's both nostalgic and forward-thinking". 

After a 9-year break and 3 years in the Mpumalanga province, the Metro FM Music Awards is moving back to Durban for another 3 years.

The 2026 Metro FM Music Awards is returning to the coastal city of Durban on Saturday, 25 April at the Durban ICC, with the city of eThekwini that has committed R60 million to host the awards show for the next 3 years in the province through 2028 to encourage economic growth and boost "township tourism".

The move is however, not without its hurdles. Local officials will be under pressure to demonstrate a clear return on investment (ROI) after previous controversies regarding public spending on major events. 

Success will be measured by the event's ability to create sustainable jobs for local designers, makeup artists, and production crews beyond the single night of the ceremony.

The 20th Metro FM Music Awards, taking place over the Freedom Day long weekend, will have the Metro FM DJ Lerato Kganyago and presenter Lawrence Maleka as the co-hosts this year, with the awards show that will be broadcast on SABC1 as well as SABC+ from 20:00.

It will start with black carpet coverage at 19:30 leading up to the live awards broadcast done by Lamiez Holworthy. 

Nomuzi Mabena and Siyabonga Ngwekazi will be the two co-presenters in the so-called green room. Zakes Bantwini is the music director of the 20th Metro FM Music Awards.

Lerato Kganyago previously hosted the Metro FM Music Awards in 2023.

The awards show will be preceded by a MMA26 Music Conference on 23 April at the Durban Playhouse Company for music enthusiasts.

The 20th Metro FM Music Awards is adding two new categories: Best Maskandi, celebrating traditional Zulu folk music, as well as Best Lekompo to recognise this fast-rising genre that blends traditional African sounds with contemporary electronic elements as a high-energy dance genre that originated in Limpopo.

According to the SABC, these new categories for the awards show are to ensure that the Metro FM Music Awards continue to evolve alongside listeners and provide a platform for music genres that dominate local music charts but that were until now underrepresented.

The 2026 20th Metro Music Awards nominees are:

Best Jazz Album

Mandisi Dyantyis – Intlambululo: ukuhlambulula

Judith Sephuma – When winter fades

Andile Yenana - Way out is in

Benjamin Jeptha – Homecoming Revisited

Siphamandla ‘paras’ Dlamini – Ingoma Busuku

Best Gospel Album

Xolly Mncwango - Unusual live / Deluxe

Nontokozo Mkhize - The live experience

Musa Yende - Sustained by grace

Mmatema - Heart of gratitude

Nothando Hlophe - A new dawn

Best Produced Album

Jazzwrld & Thukuthela - Most wanted

Kabza De Small - Bab Motha

Sam Deep, Stixx and Nvcho -  Kings of kwapi

Kelvin Momo - Thato ya modimo

Lwah Ndlunkulu – Amaciko

Best Collaboration

Sam Deep, Nia pearl, Boohle and Mano – Shela

Jazzwrld, Mawhoo, Thukuthela and Gl_ceejay - Uzizwa Kanjani

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza – You make me happy

Mawhoo, Gl ceejay, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Bengicela

Goon fFavour, Master kKG& Eemoh – Ngishutheni

Song of the year

Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – Shela

Dj Smallz, 031 Choppa & Uncool MC– Zep

Dj Maphorisa, Xduppy, Kabza De Small, Thatohatsi, Young Stunna & Nkosazana Daughter- Abantwana Bakho

Mawhoo, Gl ceejay, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Bengicela

Khadeair, Peekay Mzee & Kaytah – Magumba

Jazzwrld, Mawhoo, Thukuthela & Gl_ceejay - Uzizwa kanjani

Shandesh and Mvzzle - Sdudla or Slender

Goon Flavour, Master KG & Eemoh – Ngishutheni

Umafikizolo - Uzoncengwa unyoko

Ciza, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Isaka

Best Viral Challenge

Dj Smallz, Zinedinex, Sguche;031 Choppa & Uncool MC– Zep

Mluucisian, Ricky Lenyora, DJ Maphorisa, Vulela Maweekend, Mark Khoza & Angekenanuye MC – Malacosta

Goon Flavour, Master KG & Eemoh – Ngishutheni

Shandesh and Mvzzle- Sdudla or Slender

Umafikizolo - Uyoncengwa Unyoko

Best Female Artist

Mawhoo

Lordkez

Zee Nxumalo

Shandesh

Lwa Ndlunkulu

Best Styled Artist

Musa Keys

Dali wonga

K.O

Vusi Nova

Zee Nxumalo

Best R&B Song

Lordkez – Aweh

Una Rams – Priceless Possession

Naledi Aphiwe and Mawelele - Come Duze

Lloyiso - Higher

Langa Mavuso – Dangerous

Best Maskandi

Umafikizolo - Uzoncengwa Unyoko

Simonofu and Zee Nxumalo - Sajola Kamnandi

Mzukulu, Intombi yasolundi - Ubu Ghost Bami

Khuzani - Umanikinikana

Siya Ntuli - Amaphiko

Best Male Artist

Sam Deep

Ciza

Kabza De Small

Kelvin Momo

DJ Maphorisa

Best HIP HOP

Stogie T, Nasty C, Maggz &  A- Reece - Four Horsemen

Yanga Chief - What if (Mngani)

Big Zulu ft. Emtee - Abazazi bafunani

Makwa ft. Kwesta - Umguzumbane we Summer

K.O ft. Cassper Nyovest- Supa Nova

Best Dance

Mawhoo –  Cl_ceejay, Thukuthela & Jazzwrld - Bengicela

Khadeair, Peekay Mzee, Kaytah – Magumba

Ciza, Jazzwrld, Thukuthela – Isaka

Jazzwrld, Thukuthela, Babalwa M &  Dlala Thukzin – Uvalo

Jazzwrld, Mawhoo & Thukuthela, Gl_ceejay - Uzizwa kanjani

Best Music Video

Zee Nxumalo, Skillz & Sykes – Mamma

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza - You make me happy

Lordkez – Aweh

Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – Shela

Ciza, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Isaka

Best Lekompo

Janesh & Hitboss – Ngwanaka

Kharishma, DJ Angelo, Buddy Sax & DJ  Janisto - Wa inama

Shandesh and Mvzzle - Sdudla or Slender

Shebeshxt, Naqua SA; Zee Nxumalo & Slidoo Man - Rato Laka

Mvzzle, Mawhoo, Natiey Lepaka & Janesh- Leskandi 2.0

Best Amapiano

Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano –Shela

DJ Maphorisa, Xduppy, Kabza De Small, Thatohatsi, Young Stunna & Nkosazana Daughter- Abantwana Bakho

DJ Maphorisa, Focalistic, Ricky Lenyora, Uncool MC, Mellow and Sleazy - Dlala ka yona

DJ Jaivane, Smaki 08, Wesley Keys & de rose – Lutho

Kabza De Small, Sykes, Young Stunna, Nkosazana, Tracy & Thatohatsi - Ngiyozama

Best Kwaito / Gqom

Dladla Mshunqisi & Beast RSA - Puku Puku

DJ Lag & Zee Nxumalo  & KC Driller – Ngyasindelwa

DJ Tira, Pcee, Campmasters & General C’mamane – Awungazi

Kamo Mphela, Aymos, QUE DJ & Jay Music - Partii

Bello B &  We dem Boyz – Dubai

Best African Pop

Lwah Ndlunkulu – Mnakwethu

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza - You make me happy

Naledi Aphiwe, Blcxkie, Lily Faith - Waiting for you

Mawelele & Naledi Aphiwe - Buya Ekhaya

Samthing Soweto – Deda

Best New Artist

Shandesh

Khadeair

Kharishma

Goon Flavour

Nkeshemba

Artist of the Year

Maphorisa

Sam Deep

Ciza

Shandesh

Zee Nxumalo

Best Duo or Group

Thukuthela & Jazzwrld

Dladla Mshunqisi & Beast RSA

Inkabi Nation

Focalistic & Ch’cco

Major League DJs

Netflix adds 7-episode documentary series The Trials of Winnie Mandela from 23 April with never-before-seen footage from Emmy-winning director Mandy Jacobson

by Thinus Ferreira

On 23 April, Netflix will add the 7-episode documentary series from the late, Emmy-award-winning director Mandy Jacobson, The Trials of Winnie Mandela, that contains never-before-seen footage of the late South African struggle icon, along with interviews dissecting her legacy.

Produced through production companies Indelible Media and The African Oral History Archive, The Trials of Winnie Mandela has Barbara King as producer, as well as Swati Mandela-Dlamini, one of Madikizela-Mandela's granddaughters.

Swati Mandela-Dlamini also fronts the documentary series with another granddaughter Zaziwe Manaway (née Dlamini). Both fronted the 2013 reality series Being Mandela. 

Ivor Ichikowitz, Mandy Jacobson and John Nyoka served as executive producers.

In this new documentary series, Swati Mandela-Dlamini and Zaziwe Manaway look at the life of their grandmother, known as the "Mother of the nation", pieced together by personal accounts, family anecdotes and public records.

Featured in The Trials of Winnie Mandela are former deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke, former president Kgalema Motlanthe, anti-apartheid activist Dr Nakedi Mathews Phosa, advocate Thuli Madonsela, political analyst and writer Sisonke Msimang, human rights lawyer Yasmin Sooka, visual artists Nkululeko Mahlangu and Loyiso Mkize, newspaper editor Mondli Makhanya, as well as Madikizela-Mandela's longtime personal assistant Zodwa Zwane. 

Also included are members of the notorious Nelson Mandela Football Club, as well as family members of Siboniso Tshabalala and Stompie Moeketsi, who reflect on the lasting wounds of their deaths and Madikizela-Mandela’s involvement.

In The Trials of Winnie Mandela, she reflects in her own words on her childhood, her activism, and her relationships as a wife, mother, and comrade in some never-before-seen footage from the later years of her life.

The documentary series explores the controversies that defined her public image, including the headlines and scandals that followed her, as well as her persecution by the apartheid regime.

Also included in this biographical work are the voices of some of her detractors and some of her harshest critics, offering a fuller view of a life lived under unforgiving, relentless scrutiny.

According to Netflix's synopsis, "Like most families, the Madikizela-Mandela family is complicated – complex characters and stories that hover between half-truths and never-spoken-about moments as two granddaughters discover, when they go on a journey to find the essence of their grandmother".

"But this is no ordinary grandmother. This is Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, one of South Africa’s greatest feminist icons – a revered, global figure. One whose legacy continues to remain shrouded in mystery and intrigue. An icon embroiled in allegations of kidnapping, assault and murder."

e.tv shunts cancelled Kelders van Geheime back to original 6pm from 7 April in third timeslot change in a year

by Thinus Ferreira

eMedia's e.tv channel is once again changing its programming line-up with the cancelled Afrikaans telenovela Kelders van Geheime moving back to its original timeslot at 18:00 from this evening.

e.tv moved Kelders van Geheime, currently in its second season, from 18:30 to 19:00 in January 2026. 

It means that the KFilms produced show shot in Franschhoek has had three different timeslots on the e.tv schedule in the short start since the start of 2026: 18:30, then 19:00 and now 18:00. 

The 18:00 timeslot is where Kelders van Geheime made its debut when it originally launched on e.tv.

e.tv didn't give any explanation for the latest move. 

e.tv said in an announcement that "This strategic change enhances e.tv's commitment to expanding its Afrikaans audience, ensuring a seamless flow of high-quality content throughout its programming.

The latest e.tv schedule change comes after the schedule change in January 2026, which comes a year after the last e.tv schedule change in March 2025.

e.tv is padding the schedule at 19:00 with a "rerun" of The Phoenix, which was shown on eVOD in 2024. 

e.tv hasn't done any PR for this cannabis farm drama series before its e.tv start, like arranging interviews or press pack materials or roundtables with the cast or crew. It's an eVOD Original that was created by Siphosethu Tshapu and was produced by The Milton Empire.

To make the latest e.tv schedule change in a sense more confusing, is that Kelders van Geheime will remain in its 19:30 timeslot on the eExtra (Openview 105 / DStv 195) channel.

The e.tv schedule from today will be Sout van die Aarde at 16:00, Yosef at 17:00, Kelders van Geheime at 18:00, e.tv News at 18:30, The Phoenix at 19:00, House of Zwide at 19:30, Scandal! at 20:00, Isitha - The Enemy at 20:30, Smoke & Mirrors at 21:00 (to be replaced with Emzini: A Family Legacy), Gold Diggers at 21:30 (repeat), and Ashes to Ashes at 22:00 (repeat).

IN IMAGES. Look inside Hisense South Africa's first-ever premium brand store in Cape Town and the biggest TV in Africa

by Thinus Ferreira

In November 2025, Hisense South Africa opened its first-ever premium brand store in South Africa at the Canal Walk mall in Century City, Cape Town - with plans to open some more soon - and a few days ago, I went for a guided store tour.

Hisense SA's Canal Walk store is beautiful inside and for the brand represents a milestone in Hisense's 29-year presence in South Africa.

Hisense SA also has a factory in Atlantis that employs more than 1 000 people and produces TV sets and home appliances for both South Africa and export markets, including the United Kingdom.

You won't get lost in Hisense SA's premium brand store but you can easily get lost by being transported into feeling and seeing how the TVs and appliances would not just "fit" physically, but fit experientially into your living space.

Hisense SA's Cape Town store has been designed as an interactive retail space and showcases the company's latest connected technologies like AI-powered appliances, mini-LED televisions, laster projections - and yes - even a robo-woof. A bit more about that later.

When it opened in November, Luna Nortje, Hisense SA deputy general manager, said that the Hisense SA store is a celebration of the company’s investment in local manufacturing, skills development and sustainable job creation.

"This store allows customers to experience locally made quality up close while supporting a value chain that creates jobs and transfers skills right here at home."

Besides interactive product demonstrations, it also showcases Africa's largest TV: The 116 inch UX RGB MiniLED which is made in Atlantis.

"From our Atlantis factory to our new flagship store at Canal Walk and now the Tevolution Museum, Hisense is building more than a brand, it’s building a legacy of accessible innovation."

The really wonderful Alex Chen, Hisense SA marketing and brand manager, showed me through Hisense's premium store and how it looks inside.

And say hello to ... TechBud!

Hisense's 4-legged robot dog TechBud also calls the Hisense SA premium store home, and is, well, incredible. 

I got an in-store demonstration of just some of what TechBud is capable of. TechBud performs tricks and interacts with shoppers, with the help of his human handler (and Wifi remote controller).

TechBud also runs really fast. And TechBud's little eye is like a spider's eye. 

While TechBud can't bark, imagine your home security system not being static, mounted cameras but TechBud roaming around outside, bringing you different, multi-camera angles of everything it sees.

'Oubaas' and 'Hilda' reunites on-screen as Pierre van Pletzen joins Annelisa Weiland in kykNET's Suidooster

Thinus Ferreira

It's an on-screen reunion for actors Annelisa Weiland and Pierre van Pletzen, with Van Pletzen who is joining kykNET's (DStv 144) Afrikaans weekday soap Suidooster.

Anneliza Weiland and Pierre van Pletzen played the iconic duo Hilda and Oubaas for decades in SABC2's now-cancelled Afrikaans weekday soap 7de Laan until first Van Pletzen and later Weiland, were let go as the Danie Odendaal Productions show got rid of the older characters and actors.

Weiland joined the cast of Suidooster in 2019 as a new character.

Now Van Pletzen is joining the show, also as a new character called Willie, from the episode to be shown on 2 April.

"This time the dynamic is different between us since Pierre's character is a lot different from Oubaas and Kate is also very different to Hilda," Weiland says in a supplied quote.

Willie is a retired train driver who was or still is involved in illegal diamond trading.

Van Pletzen's return not only reunites him with Weiland but also with Ingrid Paulus who is a director on Suidooster and who played the character of Vanessa Meintjies on 7de Laan.

"It wasn't strange to work with Annelisa and Ingrid again, although I haven't seen much of them the past decade," says Van Pletzen in a supplied quote.

"The three of us have come a long way from 7de Laan - 17 years to be exact. The same with Neil Rattray, the head of sound at Suidooster."

Stephanie Pillay upped to MultiChoice Botswana CEO

by Thinus Ferreira

Stephanie Pillay who has been MultiChoice Botswana managing director has been upped to MultiChoice Botswana CEO.

Stephanie Pillay, known as "Steph", joined MultiChoice Botswana in 2022 as managing director.

Before her move to Botswana, she was at MultiChoice Africa where she served as the regional head of customer experience (CX) and care for MultiChoice Africa's southern markets.

MultiChoice gives eligible Showmax subscribers the chance to switch for a year to DStv Stream Compact for R99 per month

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice is migrating some of its Showmax subscribers to DStv Stream Compact who will be offered access at R99 per month for a year, after losing access to Showmax.

Canal+ decided to axe Showmax that MultiChoice did in partnership with Comcast's NBCUniversal, with the failed video streaming service which will remain accessible until 30 April although no new content is being added.

In order to not lose those Showmax subscribers entirely, MultiChoice is giving eligible Showmax subscribers a trial access to DStv Stream Compact for free, until the end of May 2026. 

After that they can pay R99 per month, for a year at this price if they remain monthly paying subscribers.

About moving eligible Showmax-only subscribers to a DStv Stream service at a discount rate, Willington Ngwepe, MultiChoice CEO, says "Our priority is to ensure customers continue to have a home for the stories they love".

"By bringing thousands of hours of Showmax Originals and a deeper on-demand library into DStv Stream, we are creating a more holistic experience where live sport, news, the best international content, and award-winning local drama live together." 

According to the company, DStv Compact, DStv Compact Plus and DStv Premium subscribers will get access to Showmax content on DStv Stream at no additional cost.

How it will work from today for eligible Showmax-only subscribers who are given the opportunity to access DStv Stream, is that they will get a trial access to DStv Stream Compact until the end of May.

This offer and details on how to do it, will be communicated to them directly, using the email address linked to their Showmax account.

After the trial period, these eligible former Showmax customers would be offered the chance to continue on DStv Stream Compact at R99 per month for 12 months - provided payments remain up to date.

This offer will be for qualifying customers, including Showmax subscribers who do not have an active DStv subscription and who subscribe directly to Showmax. It excludes existing DStv customers who already receive Showmax content as part of their package or who add Showmax to their DStv bill.

The offer will be for all Showmax plans, including Showmax Premier League.

Showmax subscriptions will not migrate automatically. According to Showmax, customers who want to continue watching, will need to follow the sign-up process for DStv Stream shared in the email, and create a new email.

Showmax subscribers who don't want to move to DStv Stream may request a refund for any unused portion of their Showmax subscription. Auto-payments to Showmax will stop automatically once the service is discontinued. 

 

The Showmax platform will be discontinued on 30 April 2026, with Showmax Originals continuing on DStv Stream.

Revived Top Billing return to TV a no-show in March without explanation, SABC says lifestyle magazine show 'on SABC3 remains in development'

by Thinus Ferreira

After the SABC announced in late 2025 that a revived Top Billing would start as a new weekly show during March 2026 on SABC3, that didn't happen and the public broadcaster doesn't want to explain why.

In November 2025, the SABC announced that the iconic lifestyle magazine show Top Billing would be returning to SABC3 from March 2026 with several of the former famous presenters, six years after it was cancelled in October 2019.

The revived Top Billing is produced by Cardova Productions.

In November the SABC said that Top Billing is coming back with "a new chapter that will see the show back on air with a reunion special on 27 November on SABC3, followed by weekly episodes from March 2026".

The new "weekly episodes from March 2026" have however not come to pass and the SABC has been silent about why Top Billing isn't back this month, about the delay with the transmission or TX date, and when it will now start.

Caroline Phalakatshela, SABC publicist, in response to a media query about Top Billing, told TVwithThinus "The SABC confirms that the return of Top Billing on SABC3 remains in development, with final production and contractual processes currently being concluded".

"As these processes are being finalised, the broadcaster will confirm the official broadcast date once all requirements have been completed. The SABC looks forward to bringing the iconic lifestyle programme back to audiences on SABC3 and appreciates the strong interest from viewers and the media."

ALSO READ: SABC revives Top Billing with Cardova produced lifestyle magazine show back from March 2026 with former faces, adding a shorts format, looking at doing TikTok presenter search