by Thinus Ferreira
SABC3's Expresso presenter Katlego Maboe has been selected to become the host of the revival of the Deal or No Deal SA gameshow on SABC1 from 6 March.
Katlego Maboe recently returned to Expresso's presenter emsemble following his relationship cheating scandal. He will now host Deal or No Deal SA that Anele Mdoda's Rose and Oaks Media production company is producing for SABC1.
SABC1 will strip the half-hour Dealor No Deal SA episodes in which contestants get to choose which of 20 boxes to open to win possible cash prizes ranging from R1 to R250 000, on weekdays at 19:30. Repeats will run on weekdays on SABC3 at 17:30.
Primedia decided to revive the game show which lasted for two seasons on M-Net (DStv 101) in 2007, together with a version for Southern African countries which was carried by MultiChoice for DStv subscribers outside of South Africa.
"We are delighted to offer this exhilarating, upbeat show to our audiences," says Lala Tuku, SABC head of local content.
"While we will be using the winning format that has seen Deal or No Deal become a global broadcasting phenomenon, the show will feature new innovations and be distinctively South African. Every day, a contestant will have an opportunity to win up to R250 000. With an electric energy that makes dreams come true in an instant, this is television entertainment at its best."
About choosing Katlego Maboe as the show's host, Lala Tuku says "We needed an all-rounded host for this very special show, and we are convinced that he has the requisite flair and finesse, and the generosity of spirit to ensure that Deal or No Deal becomes an essential, not to be missed, part of the daily life of South Africans across the nation".
"His charisma and compassion will ensure that each episode of Deal or No Deal is an emotive, highly charged journey for both contestant and viewers."
Lindile Xoko, Primedia Broadcasting CEO, says "Deal or No Deal is a result of collaborative work and we are very fortunate to be in a position to leverage our relationships with our advertisers".
"It was through a synergetic partnership approach that we have successfully identified a suitable sponsor for the show and to indeed make it a reality. Deal or No Deal, an uplifting show which can make the dreams of ordinary South Africans come true, is a definite winner and it is a much-needed antidote for the people of Mzansi".