by Thinus Ferreira
SABC2's Muvhango and Mzansi Magic's Isibaya have been impacted by more Covid-19 cases, with the eNCA reporter Dasen Thathiah who has now also tested positive, Newzroom Afrika that has more Covid-19 staffers, while the SABC's Durban office also shut for a deep-clean because of more coronavirus cases.
South Africa's film and TV industry - including the country's TV news channels - that has been severely impacted by the Covid-19 national lockdown and haltingly emerged to restart production, continues to battle with ongoing positive on-set Covid-19 cases that force studios and sets across the country to close.
The latest TV production that was forced to shut down is Isibaya, produced by The Bomb Shelter after Abdul Khoza and Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.
On Instagram, Abdul Khoza wrote that he has "tested positive for Covid-19, but I'm already quarantining at home and taking all my medication. So far I feel fine and have only experienced mild symptoms".
On Instagram, Enhle wrote that "I also tested positive for Covid-19 as careful as I am" and that "I was pretty sure my chest would give in. I gave myself permission to heal and also to ask for help".
Nomsa Philiso, director of local entertainment channels at M-Net, in response to a media enquiry told TVwithThinus that "Mzansi Magic can confirm that the set of Isibaya was temporarily shut down last week after Abdul Khoza announced through his social media platform that he is currently in quarantine after testing positive for Covid-19".
"The channel has been in close contact with Bomb Shelter, the production company that produces the telenovela, and in-line with the stringent safety protocol in place, the set was decontaminated and those that came into contact with him have been referred for testing."
"What is important at this stage is the health and safety of all the members of the production and we would like to wish Abdul a speedy recovery and his colleagues well during this difficult time".
The SABC is deep-cleaning its Durban office after two more staffers on Sunday tested positive for Covid-19 with one working in TV editing and the other for the Ukhozi radio station in current affairs.
"The SABC can confirm that we have two new cases of Covid-19 in our Durban office. The SABC followed and adhered to the department of health and WHO directives," says Mmoni Seapolelo, SABC spokesperson in a statement.
"All affected employees are in self-isolation and the affected working areas have been decontaminated."
Newzroom Afrika (DStv 405) that has seen further positive Covid-19 cases at the Linden-based TV news channel in Johannesburg says in response to a media enquiry that "Our number one priority is the well-being of our employees".
"Every measure has been taken within our building to make sure that we are fully compliant with the regulations and safety precautions set out by the department of health as well as the NICD. Our affected colleagues are under quarantine and are healing".
The eNCA (DStv 403) reporter Dasen Thathiah based in Durban revealed that he is the latest journalist at the eMedia Investments' TV news channel who has also tested positive for Covid-19.
"I've tested positive for Covid-19. I have had most of the listed symptoms in the past few days but I'm resting and medicating at home as necessary. Take extra precautions, particularly as we approach the peak. I'll be back soon." eNCA didn't respond to a media enquiry seeking comment.
The musician Kabelo Mabelane revealed on social that he has tested Covid-19 positive along with his wife, Gail Mabalane, who was most recently seen in Netflix's Blood & Water series.
SABC2's Venda weekday primetime soap Muvhango, produced by Word of Mouth Productions, keeps registering more positive Covid-19 cast and crew cases, where another 10 people have tested positive for the virus. The production plans to resume filming on Thursday, 16 July, with the cast and crew who have not tested positive for Covid-19.
