by Thinus Ferreira
In a desperate attempt to try and stem a dramatic ratings decline and to save Idols in South Africa, M-Net's Mzansi Magic TV channel on DStv as well as production company [SIC] Entertainment is reportedly planning to bring back the scandal-riddled choreographer Somizi Mhlongo who stands accused of serious physical abuse, and to get rid of Unathi Nkayi who also tarnished her image in 2021.
On Sunday City Press reported that executives at M-Net's Mzansi Magic TV channel and [SIC] Entertainment, producing the format reality singing competition seen on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV service, is allegedly mulling the idea of bringing back the scandal-engulfed Somizi Mhlongo as a possible on-screen element for 2022's season 18 of Idols to try and reverse the show's precipitous ratings collapse during 2021's season 17.
Idols' TV ratings plunged after the socialite exited the show when he was engulfed in damaging allegations of physical and emotional abuse of his then-partner, Mohale Motaung after shocking audio recordings of the allegations were leaked.
Somizi Mhlongo stands accused of alleged shocking physical violence and emotional abuse - charges he has not been cleared of - including allegedly chasing Mohale Motaung with a knife.
Unathi Nkayi who dented her public image in 2021 is reportedly also out at Idols as a judge after she was engulfed in a scandal at the Kaya FM radio station and then fired following a verbal fight with fellow radio host Sizwe Dhlomo and was accused of trying to bully him.
On Sunday City Press quoted sources close to the Idols production saying that "Somizi has been given the green light because he is obviously the life of the show and there was a huge difference when he was on the show, in terms of declining viewership. So he will be making a return this season after he was given a break last year to sort out his personal issues".
According to a source Somizi Mhlongo has been filming on-air promos that MultiChoice and Mzansi Magic plan to run to announce his return to DStv.
The newspaper wasn't able to contact Somizi Mhlongo for comment since his cellphone was switched off and Unathi Nkayi didn't answer and didn't return text messages.
Idols started off season 17 with 1 018 607 viewers on Mzansi Magic in July 2021 as usual, as the 4th most-watched show on all of DStv for the month.
Instead of climbing and the usual ratings increase as interest would build, Idols suddenly plunged with DStv subscribers who were no longer interested in watching following the scandal as the show plunged on DStv's most-watched list, and lost a third of its entire viewership in one go.
In 2021 Somizi Mhlongo was also slammed by the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) in a strongly-worded statement over his attacks and insults levelled against journalists.
Somizi attacked journalists after reports about his alleged infidelity and crumbling relationship and a legal battle over the canned Dinner at Somizi's TV show, after he was approached for comment but declined to comment.
Sanef said that Somizi's "actions have aggravated what is already a hostile working environment, especially for women journalists. This is a direct attack on media freedom in the country. Worldwide similar attacks are being meted out on journalists with the intent to silence their voices, especially that of women and the stories they tell."
Sanef called on Somizi Mhlongo to "unreservedly apologise to these journalists and the public on all his social platforms for his unbecoming behaviour. He must call on his followers to stop harassing and intimidating them. Further, we call on the journalists to lay charges of intimidation and for MultiChoice to officially distance themselves from Mhlongo's comments."
Auditions for Idols season 18 starts next week on 23 January with director and executive producer Gavin Wratten and co-producers Anneke de Ridder and ProVerb (Tebogo Thekisho).
On Sunday morning Mzansi Magic was asked for comment about Somizi Mhlongo's possible return and Unathi Nkayi's possible ouster from Idols, and the response will be added here if received.
