by Thinus Ferreira
M-Net has cancelled the troubled and low-rated isiXhosa Gqeberha: The Empire telenovela on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161), produced by Tshedza Pictures, after two seasons and 520 episodes.
Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director of local entertainment channels, confirmed that Gqeberha: The Empire has been cancelled, with the show filmed in the Eastern Cape province that was beset by production problems and issued when it launched two years ago.
According to Shirley Adonisi, Mzansi Magic is "preparing to close the chapter" on Gqeberha: The Empire.
"We extend our heartfelt thanks to the producers, cast and crew of Gqeberha: The Empire," Shirley Adonisi says in a cancellation announcement.
"Their unwavering dedication and exceptional talent have
delivered spellbinding storylines in one of the most fiercely competitive
primetime slots. As we approach the grand finale, we eagerly anticipate
witnessing the culmination of this extraordinary journey."
Gqeberha: The Empire drew at most 570 793 viewers in August to Mzansi Magic and was renewed for a second season late in 2023.
From before its launch to now two years later Mzansi Magic publicity and PR for Gqeberha: The Empire was basically non-existent, with little to no effort from M-Net to market and promo the show under the media.
That led to little attention and coverage in the press and DStv subscribers who didn't seem to care for it, similar to the cancelled Champions telenovela - co-incidentally also produced by Tshedza Pictures.