Filmmaker Anant Singh and cartoonist Zapiro slam South Africa's 'censor panel' for 16LNPSV rating of documentary The Showerhead, plan appeal.

by Thinus Ferreira

Filmmaker Anant Singh and cartoonist Zapiro are slamming South Africa's Film and Publication Board over as 16LNPSV rating for their new documentary feature film The Showerhead and say they will appeal the rating of the "censor panel" early this week.

The Showerhead, directed by Craig Tanner and produced by Videovision Entertainment, had its world premiere Saturday night at the 45th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) but has been slapped with a punitive 16LNPSV rating over its content.

It means that The Showerhead - a documentary profile of the cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro known as Zapiro - will be seen and accessible by a much smaller potential audience when it's released in cinemas in September.

The FPB's 16LNPSV rating means that The Showerhead contains occurrences of moderate and possibly strong impact sexual activity, strong offensive language, nudity, prejudice, sex and violence.

Videovision Entertainment which produced the film will lodge an appeal with the Appeals Tribunal early this week.

The Showerhead title comes from Zapiro who started drawing former South African president Jacob Zuma with a showerhead following his 2006 rape trial where he admitted that he had sex with a young HIV-infected woman. Zuma said that he showered afterwards to prevent himself from getting HIV/Aids.

The Showerhead is a profile documentary of Jonathan Shapiro's life and tells his story as a liberation artist and a political detainee during Apartheid, to his emergence as a defender of freedom of expression and his no-holds-barred career as a cartoonist.

The Showerhead, through a series of interviews, explores how Zapiro's cartoons have captured the essence of a variety of issues plaguing South Africa in the post-Nelson Mandela period like corruption and threats to freedom of expression.

Craig Tanner says "The irony of a film about freedom of expression having extreme restrictions placed upon those who might wish to see it is plainly lost on the guardians who sit on this censorship panel, purporting to discharge what they consider to be their duty of ensuring that young minds are not troubled or encouraged to think".

"Suppression of The Showerhead on the basis that it involves sex and violence illustrates that the members of this panel have failed to appreciate the distinction between gratuitous depiction of such activities and use of metaphor as a creative device to explain social and political issues."

"These are, after all, cartoons that have been published in newspapers, are familiar images in the public domain, and have been the subject of discussion, delight, offence and litigation on the national stage for years."

Jonathan Shapiro says he was "genuinely taken aback and extremely disappointed when told that The Showerhead has been given a 16 age restriction".

"To describe this restriction as an overreaction on the part of the censorship panel would be an understatement. A panel such as this one, misconstruing the nature of this movie in this way is reminiscent of the kind of restrictions imposed on us during the apartheid era by the old censorship board. I hoped we had progressed somewhat beyond this."

He says "A 16 rating also removes the possibility of showing the movie in schools where my cartoons are widely used in classrooms, in exam papers and in textbooks and in a number of subjects: history, art, economics, English and other languages".

"I have often shown the most controversial cartoons in this movie at school presentations where I have encountered young people engaging in the issues raised by the cartoons. Trying to suppress young people from thinking, engaging and questioning is not only futile but, in my opinion, reactionary. I earnestly hope that the appeal board will assign a more appropriate rating."

Producer Anant Singh says "The films that Videovision and I have produced, and distributed, have always been at the forefront of telling stories that supported freedom of expression and spoke out against injustices. Jonathan has done the same with his cartoons over the last four decades".

"This rating goes against the very essence of Jonathan's work and is a threat to freedom of expression in our land. It also goes against the clear directive of our constitution.  We hope the appeal is successful and removes all the restrictions."

The FPB was asked several questions over the rating and for comment over the weekend. 

Obakeng Maimane, FBP campaign and outreach coordinator, on Monday said "We are unable to comment as an appeal has been lodged with the Film and Publication Board".

e.tv cancels Imbewu after 5 seasons.

by Thinus Ferreira

The Grapevine Productions show Imbewu on e.tv has been cancelled after 5 years with the KwaZulu-Natal series which will conclude at the end of March and get replaced by a new locally-produced drama series.

E.tv gave no reason for the Imbewu cancellation which launched in April 2018 and has been one of the most-watched shows on the red letter channel the past half a decade, with eMedia saying that it remains "committed to its investment in local programming".

The late prime-time series focused on two Durban families - the Bhengus and Rampersads - and aired over 1 000 episodes.

"We'd like to thank the production for its commitment in delivering five great seasons of compelling stories, despite the highly competitive timeslots it found itself at 21:30 and 21:00," says Helga Palmer, eMedia's head of local programming.

The Imbewu co-executive producers, Leleti Khumalo; Duma Ndlovu and Anant Singh, in a statement say "We are proud to have created a trailblazing show that showcased the multicultural environment of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal".

"Imbewu changed the face of the daily drama offering on South African television with its unique storylines, cliffhangers and high drama, resulting in it becoming one of the most-watched shows. We are grateful to our broadcast partner, e.tv for their support of the show and for the opportunity."

SA film biz pays tribute to legendary film critic Barry Ronge: Made an immeasurable contribution to cinema appreciation culture.

by Thinus Ferreira

South Africa's film and TV industry is paying tribute to Barry Ronge who has died at 74, with the legendary local film critic lauded for the indelible role he had played over decades to grow film appreciation culture in the country and for making intelligent film reviews, movie analysis and interesting interviews accessible to the broader public.

M-Net (DStv 101) - where Barry Ronge appeared as a presenter and film critic in shows over decades from Front Row, Revue Plus and Cinemagic with Barry Ronge - told TVwithThinus on Sunday that Barry Ronge leaves an immeasurable contribution to cinema appreciation culture in South Africa.

"M-Net is saddened by the passing of Barry Ronge, a larger-than-life film critic and writer whose contribution to cinema appreciation culture in South Africa is immeasurable."

"He not only appealed to cinephiles, but he also created film lovers with his intelligent, yet accessible written and spoken critique on movies. His broad appeal helped create a culture of movie analysis that will live on."

"His mark on both the entertainment and journalism industries is indelible. At M-Net, he changed the game with shows such as Front Row and Cinemagic with Barry Ronge. His passing is a huge loss to the industry."

SABC3 - where Barry Ronge as a film critic fronted the movie magazine show Screenplay after he had also worked on the SABC's former TV1 magazine show Prime Time and others like SABC2's Artcha - says the "true cinephile" invited people in to the joy of cinema".

"It was such a privilege to have Barry Ronge on SABC3," channel head Pat van Heerden told TVwithThinus on Sunday.

"He was a true cinephile and his way of speaking about the movies he loved, invited people in to the joy of cinema. He supported local filmmakers, as well as sharing his knowledge about the international movie world. His supportive and critical role in the industry will be sorely missed." 

Ster-Kinekor said "Rest in peace to South Africa's best-known film critic, Barry Ronge. You will always be remembered for your iconic movie reviews and brilliant journalism."

Nu Metro told TVwithThinus that Barry Ronge was responsible for the development of a well-informed cinemagoing culture in South Africa.

"Last night went quiet with sadness when Nu Metro received the news of Barry Ronge's passing from a week ago, but we also celebrated his legacy and all the amazing memories he's left us with."

"The contribution and impact that Barry has had on the local cinema and movie industry is immeasurable. South Africa has lost an icon; a legend of this business we love to call showbiz."

"We will fondly remember his presence at many previews, premieres, and other movie screenings held in Nu Metro cinemas over the past few decades. Barry was a true gentleman, a kind soul, who never faltered on his professional support, insight, and consistent passion for the Big Screen cinema experience, from arthouse gems to mainstream blockbusters."

"Through his award-winning work published in some of South Africa's key print media, and broadcast through prime TV and radio stations, Barry Ronge was one of the leading figures responsible for the development of a well-informed cinemagoing culture in South Africa, on par with the rest of the world."

"His weekly Screenplay TV show is regarded as one of the best movie magazine shows ever produced locally. He inspired and helped to shape the careers of many in our industry."

"Barry Ronge wrote the textbook on film critique, illustrating his great and very well-researched knowledge and skill. He captivated the public and epitomised the magic of the movies with integrity," Nu Metro said.

"Nu Metro Cinemas would like to extend its sincerest condolences to his life partner, Albertus van Dyk, family, friends, and industry colleagues during this challenging time." 

South Africa's National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) said Barry Ronge fulfilled an incredibly critical role as a respected film critic and writer.

"The NFVF is sad to hear of the passing of the iconic figure of the arts, Barry Ronge," NFVF CEO Makhosazana Khanyile, told TVwithThinus.

"In his illustrious career Barry Ronge fulfilled an incredibly critical role of being a respected film critic to amazing acclaim. To the community whose Sundays were made up of looking forward to the Sunday Times magazine and in particular, Barry Ronge's column, an important part of our history has passed on and the NFVF extends its most heartfelt condolences to the Ronge family."

The veteran filmmaker Anant Singh said he first met Barry Ronge in the 1980s when he reviewed films that Singh distributed in South Africa.

"When I ventured into film production, Barry understood the struggles I endured in those early days and supported my endeavours. Whilst not all of his reviews over the years were favourable, he was always honest in his critique."

"For me, I appreciated the fact that even if he didn't like a film, he would write his reviews in a manner that was inoffensive."

"Barry attended the South African premiere of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom which took place shortly before he retired in 2014. I was touched when he called to congratulate me on how the film turned out. He was particularly complimentary about the authenticity of the film, including the sets we built on the backlot of Cape Town Film Studios."

"Barry was a passionate lover of films, in any language, from all over the world and believed in the power of film. There are many talented film critics in South Africa, but Barry Ronge was in a class of his own. He is no doubt a legend and he set the bar for film critics in the country."

"I send Barry's life partner, Albertus van Dyk and Barry's family and friends my heartfelt condolences and wish them strength as they come to terms with their loss."

ALSO READ: A Titanic 10 dies: Film critic Barry Ronge dead at 74.

Sarafina to dance again on e.tv on Youth Day for 30th anniversary.

by Thinus Ferreira

To celebrate 2022's Youth Day in South Africa and the 30th anniversary of Sarafina! starring Leleti Khumalo and Whoopi Goldberg, e.tv will roll out the red carpet for cinema showings on Wednesday and broadcast the musical drama film on Youth Day on Thursday.

e.tv first broadcast the Anant Singh produced and Darrell Roodt directed Sarafina! 20 years ago with the movie which was filmed at Morris Isaacson High School in Soweto, telling the story of the 1976 Soweto student uprising in the country, with a local and international cast including Whoopi Goldberg, John Kani, Leleti Khumalo and Miriam Makeba.

Sarafina! will be in South African cinemas again on Wednesday this week, with e.tv doing red carpet showings at Nu Metro in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, before broadcasting Sarafina! on Youth Day on Thursday on e.tv at 15:05.

"Sarafina! has remained an audience favourite and an important film in South African cinema. We are proud to partner with Videovision Entertainment to bring Sarafina! back to e.tv to celebrate this milestone," says e.tv content specialist, Marisa Hendricks.

Sarafina! had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival 30 years ago and was released shortly thereafter at cinemas in South Africa.

Anant Singh who recently attended the Cannes Film Festival again, says "It was a truly nostalgic moment for me when I was walking on the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals where I met officials of the festival who could scarcely believe that it was 30 years since the momentous world premiere in Cannes".

"My journey with Sarafina! began 35 years ago when I saw the play at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg."

"I was moved and felt that I had to make a film about this amazing play. I was able to secure the film rights from Mbongeni Ngema and the rest is history."

"The important aspect for me was that Sarafina! was based on the watershed event of 16 June 1976 which changed the course of South Africa's history. Sarafina! was made shortly after Nelson Mandela was released from prison and we were fortunate to have had his support to make the film and have him as guest of honour at the South African premiere of the film."

"Today, 30 years later, we are delighted to be sharing our film, which perpetuates the contribution of the heroes of 1976 to our democracy, with the viewers of e.tv."

e.tv brings viewers a South African type of The Bold and the Beautiful with new fashion world-set House of Zwide that replaces Rhythm City as primetime soap from 19 July.

by Thinus Ferreira

e.tv is replacing its cancelled primetime soap Rhythm City with a type of South African The Bold and the Beautiful, with House of Zwide that will start on Monday 19 July and revolve around a "fashionable" Johannesburg family and the high-drama and ruthless ambition that marks the cut-throat fashion industry.

Just like the Forresters of Forrester Fashions in Los Angeles, the Zwide family in Johannesburg and their rivals are in constant competition and would rather be caught dead than being out of fashion.

Produced by Bomb Productions and VideoVision Entertainment, House of Zwide replaces Rhythm City that recently filmed its final scenes. e.tv has not yet announced any new casting for House of Zwide.

"The show could not have come at a better time," says Helga Palmer, e.tv's head of local productions.

"e.tv brings you a show of hopes and dreams to uplift and inspire viewers to believe they can achieve anything they put their minds to, in a world filled with uncertainty and despair. As Bomb Productions and VideoVision Entertainment are well-known for authentic storytelling, it will come as no surprise when the show takes South Africa by storm," Helga Palmer says.

Anant Singh, VideoVision Entertainment CEO, says "House of Zwide tells a thrilling rags-to-riches story set in the glamorous world of fashion".

"It is a timely, aspirational tale with many twists and turns that we believe will keep viewers glued to their television screens. We are excited to be partnering with Bomb Productions on this production which also marks our second series with e.tv."

Desiree Markgraaff, Bomb Productions executive producer, says "We acknowledge and are humbled to be following in the footsteps of Rhythm City which has blazed a trail in this time slot".

"We are very excited to be creating a new show for e.tv and hope viewers will welcome House Of Zwide. Covid-19 has been hard on everyone and we wanted to tell a story that reminds us that no matter the obstacles, we must never give up on our dreams."

Coronavirus: VideoVision Entertainment has made 10 iconic South African films available for free online streaming.

by Thinus Ferreira

Videovision Entertainment and Anant Singh has made 10 iconic South African films available for free online streaming during South Africa's Covid-19 national lockdown period.

The films can be accessed on the Videovision Entertainment portal on Vimeo at: https://vimeo.com/showcase/6915595.

"For the first time in the modern age, South Africa and the entire world faces a health threat of unprecedented proportions, with uncertainty and concern," says Anant Singh.

"While our president implemented measures to quell the rapid spread of the Covid-19 with the lockdown, we felt it important to offer some of our films to our nation for free viewing online.  We have selected films that are firm favourites among South Africans."

"I commend President Cyril Ramaphosa, his cabinet and the members of the National Command Council for the swift action taken and the implementation of programmes that will hopefully quell the impact of the Covid-19 virus on our people."

"It is encouraging that initiatives like the Solidarity Response Fund have garnered support and I am delighted to be a participant. I urge all South Africans to take the necessary precautions against the virus and continue to practise good hygiene. May all South Africans be safe during this lockdown period and beyond. God bless us all."

The 10 films available to watch for free are:

1. Sarafina!, based on the stage musical, is an inspirational film about the youth uprising of 16 June 1976, and stars Leleti Khumalo, John Kani, Robert Whitehead, Miriam Makeba, Somizi Mhlongo and Whoopi Goldberg.

2. Bones, South Africa’s comedy hit with Leon Schuster.

3. Yesterday, the first South African film nominated for an Oscar starring Leleti Khumalo and directed by Darrell James Roodt.

4. 2010 – Once in a Lifetime, which focuses on the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the excitement and jubilation that this global event brought to South Africa and the African continent.

5. Red Dust, an intense, courtroom drama on the backdrop of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, starring Oscar winners Hilary Swank and Chiwetel Ejiofor with Jamie Bartlett.

6. Celebrating Mandela One Hundred, traces Madiba’s life from his roots in the Transkei, to becoming one of the greatest leaders the world has seen.

7. Countdown to Freedom, documents the 10 days leading up to our democratic elections and culminates with Nelson Mandela’s inauguration as president, and includes exclusive access to Nelson Mandela as he took the final steps on his walk from prisoner to president.

8. A Hero For All, follows the activities of president Nelson Mandela from the run-up to South Africa’s first democratic elections and throughout his presidency.

9. Paljas, based on the classic Afrikaans book and directed by Katinka Heyns, explores the life of a Karoo family whose lives are changed for the better when a travelling circus leaves behind a clown.

10. Ahmed Kathrada: A Man for All Seasons, follows the struggle veteran Ahmed Kathrada’s extraordinary life journey as an activist, a Rivonia trialist, a Robben Island prisoner through to his post-prison activities and the founding of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.

e.tv on the remarkable similarities between Imbewu the TV show and Imbewu the Artscape stage play: Simply 'coincidendal'.

Following a case of alleged copyright infringement, e.tv is calling the multiple, remarkable similarities between the free-to-air broadcaster's Imbewu drama series, and the dramatic play Imbewu that preceded it, simply coincidence.

It comes after a dispute over copyright according to The Mail & Guardian that first reported it, after the young playwright Sinethemba Twani (29) from Gugulethu, Cape Town, who works as a petrol attendant, noticed the multiple similarities between his play entitled Imbewu that enjoyed a successful stage run at the Artscape theatre, and e.tv's similarly entitled Imbewu that started in April.

Imbewu, the TV show, is produced by Grapevine Productions, a joint venture between Videovision Entertainment, Word of Mouth Pictures and Luys Productions with Duma Ndlovu and Anant Singh.

When Imbewu started on e.tv, Sinethemba Twani suddenly got congratulatory messages from family, friends and others who were under the impression that his Artscape stage production has been adapted into e.tv's TV series.

Besides the same titles, Imbewu the TV show shares several similarities with Imbewu the play - the first draft of which Sinethemba Twani wrote in 2011.

In both Imbewu's a business man is sterile. In both Imbewu's his wife is impregnated by someone else with his son who isn't his biological child and the man unaware of it. Both Imbewu's explore the repercussions of the secret.

The way in which the man in both Imbewu's discover they're sterile are the same - both hear it from a sangoma. The way in which the men in both Imbewu's find their initial investments as start-up capital for their business empires are the same.

In Imbewu the play a man convinces his friend to sell his cattle inheritance after the death of his father to invest in a start-up business (taxis). In e.tv's Imbewu a man convinces his brother to sell his cattle after the death of his father to invest in a start-up business (oil).

Michael Pocock, e.tv publicist, told The Mail & Guardian that Imbewu the script of Imbewu the TV series was developed in 2015 and that "the similarities are coincidental, and the story of Imbewu also reflects all the demographics of the KwaZulu-Natal region where it is based".

Last month content creator Glodine "Vuvu" Makapela also made an accusation of alleged copyright infringement on Twitter against David Tlale of The Intern that was on SABC3 and Pearl Modiadie of the SABC's reality design competition series on SABC1, Raw Silk that has been renewed for a second season, saying they stole her concept entitled Top Designer she came up with in 2011.

New 4-part Videovision Entertainment Nelson Mandela miniseries from Anant Singh, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, part of M-Net and MultiChoice's Madiba 100 pop-up channel on DStv.

A new 4-part miniseries, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, from VideoVision producer and filmmaker Anant Singh is forming part of M-Net and MultiChoice's Mandela 100 pop-up channel that will be running on DStv channel 199 from 18 to 22 July.

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom has been put together using left-over footage shot for the Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom 2013 British South African film that was filmed in South Africa with Idris Alba.

The Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom miniseries produced by Anant Singh stars Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Terry Pheto, Tony Kgoroge, Riaad Moosa, Lindiwe Matshikiza, Atandwa Kani, Jamie Bartlett and Deon Lotz and gives a more detailed, comprehensive and more nuanced perspective than the film.

"During the production, we shot an enormous amount of footage that was not used in the feature film and decided to create the mini-series," says Anant Singh.

"We are very pleased that this enables us to tell the complete Madiba story as it includes scenes of his childhood in the Transkei; being sent to live with the Tembu Regent, Jongintaba; his move to Johannesburg and experiencing the vibrance of Sophiatown and its destruction, and his internship with the Johannesburg law firm, Witkin, Sidelsky and Eidelman and many other watershed moments in his life."

"We are thrilled to share our vision of a 4-part miniseries of Madiba's journey with South African audiences as we celebrate his 100th birthday."

Besides the new 4-part miniseries, Anant Singh also produced a "Mandela documentary collection" that will also be broadcast on the Mandela 100 channel on DStv, and include Beyond Long Walk To Freedom, Countdown To Freedom, Prisoners Of Hope, A Hero For All, Viva Madiba as well as the film produced specifically to commemorate what would have been Nelson Mandela's 100th birthday, Celebrating Mandela One Hundred.

This special documentary collection covers the period shortly before South Africa's first democratic elections to Nelson Mandela's passing in December 2013. The various documentaries look at:

• Countdown To Freedom: This documents the first free election in South Africa with exclusive access to Nelson Mandela as he took the final steps on his walk from prisoner to president. 
• Prisoners Of Hope: This charts the reunion on Robben Island of 1 250 of its former political prisoners led by President Mandela. 
• A Hero For All: This tracks the activities of Mandela from the run-up to South Africa’s first democratic elections and throughout his presidency.
• Viva Madiba: This is the story of a rich life, a record of comradeship, and a new glimpse into historical and personal facets of this great man’s rise from an anonymous child to a world icon and celebrating the man who shaped the destiny of a nation. 
• Beyond Long Walk To Freedom: This fascinating five-part series examines the history and issues behind Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk To Freedom through the use of original interviews with Mandela and the people who knew him well. 
• Celebrating Mandela One Hundred, traces Mandela’s life from his roots in the rural village of Mveso, to becoming one of the greatest statesmen the world has  seen. The film goes beyond the political and into the personal, and features exclusive interviews with family members, close friends, comrades, politicians and international celebrities.

"I am fortunate to have had unprecedented access to events with Madiba after his release from prison, and to record historic events for posterity through the production of these films which remind us of Madiba’s legacy and his selfless leadership. We are delighted to have partnered with DStv to broadcast them as part of the Mandela centenary celebrations," says Anant Singh.

Yolisa Phahle, MultiChoice CEO for general entertainment says "This is a very special 5-day pop-up channel to honour and celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of the global icon Nelson Mandela; a man whose life-long commitment to justice and freedom shaped the world. We pride ourselves in only acquiring the very best content and couldn’t have asked for a better line-up".

ANALYSIS. e.tv's show, Imbewu, to rival SABC's Uzalo has a problem before it's even started, as e.tv signals to the media and TV critics how little importance it attaches to its own show.

With less than a week before Imbewu will start on e.tv as a rival for the SABC's Uzalo on SABC1, e.tv has a big problem that is of its own making as the broadcaster is making it very clear how little importance e.tv is actually attaching itself to Imbewu as it signals to the media covering television that the production isn't a show to bother with or something worth spending any time or attention on.

With Imbewu - The Seed starting on e.tv sometime next week, e.tv has done basically nothing to bring the show under the attention of the national press covering television and South African TV critics attention. Who knows why?

Produced by Grapevine Productions, a joint venture between Videovision Entertainment, Word of Mouth Pictures and Luys Productions with Duma Ndlovu and Anant Singh, it now seems as if either e.tv executives are thinking that Imbewu is trash - or that e.tv just can't actually be bothered enough to promote its own show properly.

Either way, what the lack of e.tv's effort and attention to get media involvement with and for Imbewu is now signaling to the media, is that e.tv is sending a deliberate sign in a crowded local TV drama series field filled with many soaps and telenovelas, that Imbewu is not worth the attention nor the time of TV critics and the press - and by proxy not worth viewers' attention nor time.

Imbewu at this stage is probably another one of those throwaway local productions that's little more than a late prime time timeslot filler, not worthy of any significant press attention. If it were, e.tv would have put effort into signaling and reaching out to the media that Imbewu was important by actually communicating with journalists and all national media about it.

If Imbewu mattered - or mattered enough - to e.tv, the broadcaster would have brought normal marketing and publicity practice to bear and would have involved, reached out to and sought out national journalists and press attention for Imbewu.

That however is - by this far too late stage - something that e.tv hasn't bothered (failed?) to do.

It's also important to remember that e.tv's Imbewu even before starting the broadcast of its first episode, had already suffered controversy over things like the anti-Indian group known as the Injenje Yaba Nguni Council that in February this year threatened to burn down Anant Singh’s Videovision offices if Imbewu dared to portray racial tensions between Indians and other groupings.

Then there's also the allegations of sexual harassment that was made by an Imbewu on-set extra.

You'd think that e.tv would have worked out some plan to do even more marketing and publicity for Imbewu given the controversy and many things that's unclear around the show; that e.tv would have organised some type of a pre-show press conference like other broadcasters, would have reached out by offering up the cast and producers for interviews, and would have make screener episodes available for reviews or would have done a pre-screening for national media.

e.tv didn't want to do any of that for Imbewu.

The biggest conclusion to draw from this is that Imbewu isn't of importance to e.tv, since the broadcaster's PR and marketing machine - and the people appointed by e.tv to do Imbewu publicity whoever they are - deliberate took the decision and chose not to reach out to the press to drum up buzz and national viewership support before the start of the show.

This past Thursday or Friday e.tv apparently organised some so-called "Imbewu media launch" somewhere in KwaZulu-Natal but national media didn't even know about it, nor did e.tv's publicity division communicate anything about it at all.

e.tv's marketing and publicity and whoever is responsible for the show's PR couldn't bother and neither beforehand, nor afterwards, wanted to tell and inform national media and TV critics that there would be a so-called "media launch" of Imbewu somewhere in KZN - presumably Durban.

Imbewu is set in KwaZulu-Natal's Durban and surrounding areas and revolves around two rival families, exactly like Uzalo on SABC1. With Leleti Khumalo who jumped ship from Uzalo to the new similar-looking Imbewu, e.tv that hasn't done anything to explain why it's doing  a show that before its launch next week looks like a copycat type show.

e.tv's marketing and publicity and whoever is responsible for dealing with the media on behalf of Imbewu didn't issue any transcripts of what was said by Imbewu's production executives, e.tv executives, or actors appearing in Imbewu. A typed up record or so-called "rush transcript" in the biz of what was said probably doesn't even exist.

There's been no roundtable Q&A, no press release for Imbewu, after the "launch" event, and no basic publicity material like cast publicity images, character descriptions or episode synopses issued.

What did Duma Ndlovu, Anant Singh and Leleti Khumalo as producers have to say, if any of them attended and spoke? We don't and won't know. What did Ziyanda Mngomezulu, the general manager for content services at e.tv, or Marlon Davids, e.tv managing director, say if these or other e.tv executives spoke? Again, we won't know.

Not fact-checked, but apparently e.tv showed an episode of Imbewu - or some of it - to people at the so-called "media launch". If true, it's sad and shocking that e.tv continues to blatantly discriminate by only showing footage to certain people but not giving national press an equal change to sample show's for review purposes.

It's bad that e.tv and its marketing and publicity division couldn't bother with making the effort to show or preview Imbewu to the national media and TV critics, irrespective of whether it showed some of it at some "launch".

There's been no screener issued either through an online preview service as is being done by other broadcasters and several streaming services locally and internationally for South African media, or a DVD screener disk, or by holding any type of a screening room event for this Imbewu. It's embarrassing.

e.tv also didn't reach out to offer up e.tv executives or Imbewu showrunners, producers or cast members - something that is almost always done by the publicity teams of broadcasters with their noteworthy new shows.

TVwithThinus polled other journalists and media covering television about Imbewu on Monday afternoon. All asked said that they knew nothing and heard nothing from e.tv regarding Imbewu or any apparent media launch.

A few said they saw something on Twitter that e.tv held some type of a "media launch" in KZN for Imbewu but that they didn't bother investigating or giving it attention and that they won't be bothering with Imbewu purely because e.tv "didn't bother to send me any information or really do anything". I won't add what some other journalists covering television said but it was all negative about e.tv and Imbewu.

Quite telling is how e.tv's marketing and publicity approach to Imbewu is different when comparing the like-for-like show to SABC1's Uzalo.

When the SABC launched Uzalo three years ago in February 2015, it invited national TV critics and a group of strategic media from across South Africa for a whole day media launch in Durban.

The Uzalo media launch before the show started included a comprehensive, guided set visit at the studio, watching the blocking and filming of scenes, an elaborate on-location set visit to several of KwaMashu's streets and buildings where exteriors are filmed, round table interviews with producers and cast at the studio, as well as showing the first episode to media and an official evening event launch.

The SABC and Uzalo also gave full press packs to media attending as well as to media who wasn't there more than a week in advance before Uzalo started.

e.tv chose not to do any of this for Imbewu and the broadcaster's deliberate under par publicity effort for the show is a signal to the media that it shouldn't bother much with Imbewu either.

With so many other shows, broadcasters, streaming services and TV channels - local ones as well as international ones available in South Africa - and who are putting in a lot of effort to get attention and press for shows, the bulk of the media will very likely quickly forget about Imbewu before it's even started.

The same happened with e.tv's Broken Vows that the channel didn't want to properly bring under the national media's attention last year in April and was eventually basically dumped and swept from existence after less than a year after terrible ratings on e.tv.

Is Imbewu a "worse", "same" or "better" show than Uzalo? It's not possible to say. What is possible to say, is that Imbewu is, now, perceived as less or lesser or a show, "thanks" to e.tv's lesser effort for whatever reason, around the show.

For viewers, TV executives and people working in television in South Africa and following news about Imbewu and possibly wondering why there's not more about Imbewu in the national press just days before the first episode will be broadcast - its because e.tv chose to do less publicity than others.

The result is that the media are and will be attaching less importance to it and will very likely be giving Imbewu less exposure than what otherwise would or could have been the case.

Actress Leleti Khumalo swops KwaZulu-Natal drama series as she switches from SABC1's Uzalo to e.tv's new Imbewu and add executive producer credit.

Actress Leleti Khumalo is jumping from one KwaZulu/Natal drama series to another and adding an executive producer title as she switches from the SABC's Uzalo to e.tv's new Imbewu: The Seed starting in April.

After contract negotiations to remain on the show for the 4th season didn't work out, Leleto Khumalo has left Stained Glass TV's Uzalo on SABC1 that is filmed on location in KwaMashu, Durban for a new drama series, Imbewu: The Seed - starting in April on e.tv and also filmed in the KwaZulu/Natal province.

Leleti Khumalo's original character MaNzuza that she's portrayed since the first season is being killed off by Stained Glass TV, but Leleti will live again as a brand-new character in Imbewu: The Seed that will tell a new story set in the humble streets in eNquthu and the township of Chatsworth as well as the most-affluent parts of Umlazi.

Leleti Khumalo won't just appear as a character in the show, she is also an executive producer behind the scenes, teaming up with with TV veteran Duma Ndlovu producing Muvhango for SABC2 and the South African film producer veteran Anant Singh.

Imbewu: The Seed is produced for e.tv by Grapevine Productions, a joint venture between Videovision Entertainment, Word Of Mouth Pictures and Luyks Productions.

Anant Singh from Videovision Entertainment and Duma Ndlovu from Word Of Mouth Pictures will be at the helm of the production of the drama series. e.tv hasn't yet announced a timeslot for Imbewu, with speculation now swirling that the show might be scheduled at 20:30 on e.tv as counter-programming for the SABC1 ratings juggernaut.

Imbewu: The Seed will revolve around the family dynasties and two brothers in KwaZulu/Natal - interestingly just like how Uzalo started out in late-2015. "Imbewu focuses on the ties that bind families through blood and spirit, asking sobering and controversial questions that are relevant to all South African cultures," says e.tv.

"A deep and unspoken truth, representing the cultural legacy between two brothers, is at the centre of the series’ captivating plot," says e.tv that says brand-new talent are part of the cast, alongside veteran actors.

“One of e.tv's commitments in 2018 is to invest in provinces beyond Gauteng. KwaZulu-Natal is the country’s fastest-growing province with a strong focus on the entertainment industry,” says Ziyanda Mngomezulu, general manager of e.tv's local content division.

“We are honoured to be partnering with film, television and theatre greats in Anant Singh, Duma Ndlovu and Leleti Khumalo, from the newly formed Grapevine Productions, and look forward to presenting viewers with a fresh reflection of KZN that is all encompassing”.

Anant Singh says that Imbewu: The Seed will “reflect the multi-cultural environment which makes Durban and the province of KwaZulu-Natal unique.”

“The show has the ability to cross the cultural divide and promote social cohesion in South Africa, showcasing a hybrid of cultures in South Africa today. We are extremely excited to be embarking on this amazing television series in KwaZulu-Natal with our partners, e.tv”. 

Duma Ndlovu says he is “very excited for this opportunity to tell an authentic South African story. I am excited to be partnering with Anant Singh and Leleti Khumalo as we prepare to give South Africans a new and unique story.”

“In South Africa, we have not yet had the opportunity to see Indians and Africans come together to tell a story with a social cohesion message and Imbewu: The Seed will deliver this to audiences.”

Sarafina! shown for free on Youth Day, 16 June, at cinemas across South Africa and on e.tv - but not on the SABC.

The film Sarafina! will be shown for free in cinemas and on e.tv on Youth Day on Thursday - but not on the SABC.

For the 40th anniversary of the "Soweto Uprising" on 16 June 1976, e.tv will broadcast Sarafina! on Thursday at 20:30 and repeated on Friday morning at 00:15, with another showing on the eMovies+ channel on OpenView HD chanel 107 on Saturday 18 June at 18:00.

"Sarafina! is a movie that best portrays the significant history and role of the youth of 1976. Our viewers should expect to be empowered and educated," says Marlon Davids, the acting managing director of e.tv's channels division.

The film, set in Soweto, will also be shown for free at cinemas on Thursday across South Africa at 12:00.

e.tv, VideoVision Entertainment, United International Pictures, Ster-Kinekor, Nu Metro and Times Media are working together to screen Sarafina! with Leleti Khumalo, John Kani and Whoopi Goldberg, and directed by Darrell Roodt.

Sarafina!, made in 1992, follows the story of a group of students who publicly protest against police presence in their schools during South Africa's Apartheid. The film contains scenes of violence, public protests and damage of property during protests.

The SABC's chief operating officer (COO) Hlaudi Motsoeneng controversially announced at the end of May that the SABC will censor with immediate effect all visuals on SABC TV News of public protest as it pertains to the destruction of property.

"Sarafina! has been an inspiration to me, firstly in getting the film made, and then being inspired by how it was embraced by the people of South Africa and the rest of the world," says producer Anant Singh in a statement.

Cinemas that will show Sarafina! on 16 June include: Baywest, Bedford Centre, Blue Route, Bridge, Brooklyn, Canal Walk, Carlton Centre, Clearwater, East Rand Mall, Eastgate, Eikestad, Galleria, Gateway, The Glen, Key West, Kolonnade, Loch Logan Development, Maponya Mall, Menlyn Park, Mimosa, Mooi River, Newtown Junction, Northcape (Kimberley), Parow, The Pavilion, Sandton, Southgate, Sterland Centre, TygerValley, Vaal Mall, Nu Metro V&A and Walmer Park.

In Kwa-Zulu Natal, Videovision Entertainment has teamed up with the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission for community screenings from 20 to 26 June in Umlazi, Clermont, Chesterville, KwaMashu and The Bat Centre.

In Johannesburg the The Soweto Theatre will show Sarafina! until 19 June and at the Jo’burg Theatre between 20 and 25 June. In Cape Town the film will be screened for school children from the Athlone and Mitchells Plain areas on 22 June.