by Thinus Ferreira
Pixley Muziwakhe Shabangu, the creator and director of the Emzini Wezinsiwa hostel-based comedy series that was produced during the 1990's for SABC has died. He was 69.
Pixlex Muziwakhe Shabangu died on Saturday in the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital after a long battle with diabetes.
Duma Ndlovu, Muvhango creator and director, said on social media in a statement that "The creator of the hit SABC1 comedy series, Emzini Wezinsizwa, Pixley Shabangu, passed on this Saturday evening at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital after suffering from diabetes. He was 69 years old. May his soul rest in peace".
Emzini Wezinsiwa's original SABC1 broadcast run was for a decade between 1994 and 2004 and 9 seasons and was produced by Shambe Productions.
It followed the men of Room 8 with a cast including Roland Mqwebu, Jabulani Nkosi, Jerry Phele, Shadrack Ngema and Vusi Thanda who have all moved to Johannesburg from rural areas across South Africa looking to find work and riches in Johannesburg.
Emzini Wezinsiwa was initially cancelled in 2003 after Roland Mqwebu,Jabulani Nkosi and Jerry Phele revolved and demanded better payment and were fired. The show returned for a final season with new cast members but then got cancelled permanently following negative viewer reaction to the changes.
Emzini Wezinsiwa is currently in an umpteenth rebroadcast on SABC1 on weekdays at 10:00.
