Actor Webster 'Neo' Kutoane dead at 39

by Thinus Ferreira

South African actor Webster "Neo" Kutoane, known for his role as Poni-Poni in the e.tv telenovela Isitha: The Enemy died on Sunday 22 February. He was 39.

The cause of Webster Kutoane's death is not yet known. He is survived by his wife, Malerato Kutoane Motaung, and their son, Ntando.

"We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of our cherished cast members, Webster 'Neo' Kuotane, who brought the memorable character of Poni-Poni to life on Isitha: The Enemy," says production company Black Brain Pictures that produces the show for e.tv.

"Through his portrayal of Poni-Poni, he delivered a performance that resonated strongly with audiences across South Africa. His talent, dedication, and ability to embody complex emotion made him a valued member of the Isitha: The Enemy family and a familiar face in homes nationwide."

There's been no statement from e.tv regarding Webster Kutoane.

Mandla N, Black Brain Pictures executive producer, said "The loss of a creative voice is something our entire industry feels deeply".

"This moment is not just about one individual. It reflects the broader realities many of us in the industry are facing right now. Behind every production, every show and every piece of work are people carrying immense emotional, financial and personal pressures."

"We have lost a creative genius and the impact reaches far beyond the work itself. In times like this, we are reminded that creativity comes from human beings who need support, stability and care, not just deadlines and deliverables."

"Mental health must be a central conversation in our industry, not an afterthought. For many freelancers, creatives and producers, the periods between projects bring uncertainty, financial strain and isolation."

"Learning how to navigate downtime, manage finances sustainably and maintain emotional well-being is essential, not only for individuals, but also for the future health of our sector as a whole. RIP to our dear brother."

"We hope this moment encourages deeper reflection and more meaningful conversations about how we support one another. The creative industry thrives on talent, but it survives on community, compassion, and a recognition that people must come first."

"Today, we mourn. But we also stand together in support of every creative navigating the challenges behind the scenes."

Paramount Africa burns off Black Gold in double episodes further raising fears about future of BET Africa

Thinus Ferreira

Paramount Africa is switching to burn off episodes of its Black Gold telenovela on BET Africa (DStv 129), further raising fears about the perilous future of BET Africa and Paramount Skydance's collection of TV channels available in Africa.

In a bizarre and unexplained move, Paramount Africa will now burn through double episodes of Black Gold on BET Africa from Monday 22 December.

Black Gold, produced by Black Brain Pictures and set in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, similar to Uzalo and Amalanga Awafani on SABC1, started with little fanfare in mid-August on BET Africa, and is moving to double episodes just four months later.

TV channels move to a scheduling strategy of double bills or more when they want to amortise content or programming to either get rid of it or burn through it as quickly as possible to get to a date whereby the timeslot is required for other programming.

Other reasons range from a TV channel shutting down as part of a termination decision, the relaunching of a TV channel, when it is changing ownership or when a TV channel is altering its channel proposition and the existing content gets dumped because it no longer fits.

Black Brain Pictures doesn't film and complete post-production on more than one episode of Black Gold per day. 

It therefore makes no sense for Paramount Africa or any channel provider to burn through more than one new episode per day of a soap or telenovela, since the return on investment - financially, ad revenue, and ratings - simply isn't there.

Channels deliberately stretch out the run of seasons of soaps and telenovelas to capture viewers and encourage habitual viewing for a series for as long as possible.

A second clue is when the double-billing playout of Black Gold starts - 22 December.

Not only is summer viewership of television in South Africa down during the warmer season when the potential total TV audience dips, but it plunges overall even further over the end-of-year Christmas period.

Broadcasters and TV channels don't start new and definitely no premium content during this period when sampling potential is down, let alone waste it by showing multiple episodes in double bills, stacking or omnibusses.

It therefore makes absolutely no sense for Paramount Africa and BET Africa to start wasting double episodes of an original airing - which is a bad idea at any time of the year - especially starting during the end stretch of December.

One of the only reasons it would be happening, is if Paramount Africa bought something - like Black Gold - and is now possibly scrambling to amortise it against the balance sheet and to get it all out and done and shown if BET Africa is to be shuttered. 

Paramount Global is reportedly shutting down all of its MTV-related TV channels in the United Kingdom by the end of this year. 

Paramount Africa was asked about the future of its TV channels, like MTV, MTV Base and others carried by Canal+'s MultiChoice on DStv, and whether those will also be shut down by the end of this year, but Paramount Africa said it had no comment.

If it is a case of BET Africa ending as a linear TV channel soon, burning off what remains of Black Gold's episode order in sudden double episodes daily, would fit with what TV executives and programmers are forced to do.

It's unknown if Black Gold will see a second season, with Paramount Africa's PR agency describing what remains as "the final stretch of the season" in a press release.

Black Gold is BET Africa's fourth local telenovela-styled series, following after Isono, Redemption and Queendom, which all had mixed success with viewers and in the ratings.

Isono and Queendom - both from Clive Morris Productions ran into financial problems and shuttered that inflicted big reputational damage on Paramount Africa, BET Africa and the production company that failed to pay the casts and crews of both shows.

Black Brain Pictures has since added Tina Jaxa as the character of Nomvelo Hlela, Enhle Mlotshwa as Azania Lwandle, Amogelang Telekelo as Mimi, and Nicole Bessick as Sasha Willems.

Paramount's BET Africa trying again with illegal mining weekday drama as Black Gold from Black Brain Pictures is set for 18 August with Nomalanga Shozi, Dawn Thandeka King and Sello Maake ka Ncube

Thinus Ferreira

After the disastrous Queendom Paramount's BET Africa division in South Africa is again trying to find and launch a successful, scripted, South African weekday drama and will start Black Gold, co-produced by Black Brain Pictures, on 18 August on BET (DStv 129) as a story set in the world of illegal mining.

Black Gold is set in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, similar to Uzalo and Amalanga Awafani on SABC1.

Black Gold is BET Africa's fourth big local telenovela-styled series, following Isono, Redemption and Queendom which all had mixed success with viewers and in the ratings and with Isono and Queendom - both from Clive Morris Productions - that ran into financial problems and shuttered.

Black Gold will start on BET Africa on 18 August with four episodes weekly from Mondays to Thursdays at 18:30.  

The Black Gold cast includes Nomalanga Shozi in her first lead role, as well as Dawn Thandeka King and Sello Maake kKaNcube.

Black Gold revolves around Amandla Zungu, portrayed by Nomalanga Shozi, who is cast out of her ancestral home after she's falsely accused of her father's murder.

Amandla Zungu is then forced into the dangerous world of illegal mining, where she "rises through the ranks to reclaim her legacy and confront the woman who stole everything from her" according to a logline from the production. 

Florence, portrayed by Dawn Thandeka King, is responsible for orchestrating the betrayal, while Sello Maake KaNcube plays the role of Tom Motsepe - Florence's secret lover and co-conspirator.

Mandla N, Black Brain Pictures executive director, says "Creating Black Gold was a game-changing experience - it shook us as much as it will shake the audience".

"Partnering with BET on this co-production is more than just making a show - it's about reinvesting in our industry, breaking barriers, and taking a bold step forward for local storytelling and long-term growth. Black Gold is raw, emotional, and unapologetically authentic storytelling."

Monde Twala, senior vice president and general manager of Paramount Africa and lead for BET International, in a prepared quote, says "Black Gold is a celebration of African storytelling at its finest - rich in culture, layered in emotion, and driven by a stellar cast that brings these powerful characters to life".

"At BET Africa, we are committed to showcasing narratives that reflect the beauty, strength, and complexity of black lives."

"This series is a tribute to black resilience, black love, and the unbreakable spirit of our communities."

Isiphetho: How e.tv communicated poorly for another new local show's launch.

by Thinus Ferreira

Similar to its inadequate PR communication a year ago for two new shows (one of which already tanked and got cancelled) e.tv once again seemed to have failed with a haphazard PR communication strategy for its new show Isiphetho that started on Monday night.

With e.tv once again not properly communicating with media before, and in the lead-up to, a local production, it again raises questions as to whether this is a bug or a recurring feature.

It doesn't appear that e.tv knows how to rope in and have a dynamic communication process or strategy around PR for new big-budget productions, wants to learn how other broadcasters and streamers do it, or has a desire to figure out the standard practice of doing media for a show launch where it benefits both the broadcaster and media in a way that unlocks value for the TV channel, press and the specific show.

Several South African media and journalists covering television and shows like e.tv and Isiphetho were once again left completely gobsmacked about what they consider to be very badly done and borderline non-existent communication in the lead-up to this show. 

On 4 March, Thapelo Ramatsui, then e.tv marketing and communications specialist according to an email signature and now e.tv brand specialist according to the latest email signature, did an email blast at 2:42pm to tell media to watch e.tv that night at 9:28pm for a "special announcement" that would be made on-air.

Keep in mind that most journalists and media no longer work at 9:28pm, that some travel, have families, and that some are not at TV sets, or have access to a TV set at that time due to travel or other arrangements and engagements - and were not able to watch at 9:28pm.

The special announcement turned out to be a short e.tv video promo to announce that e.tv has commissioned a new telenovela called Isiphetho from Black Brain Pictures, produced by Mandla Ngcongwane ("Mandla N") which would start soon on the channel. 

On both that day, as well as again on 6 March, TVwithThinus asked e.tv to please send information about the telenovela announcement and Isiphetho - since e.tv didn't bother to do another email blast after the first one on 4 March asking the media to watch, to actually tell the media what the announcement was.

e.tv ignored both requests.

It took the clock to tick until 11 March for e.tv to do another email blast - in all caps and with a typo - to send out a press release "INTORDUCING ISIPHETHO". This press release noted that Isiphetho would start on e.tv on 15 April at 18:30.

After this, there were no further press releases received around Isiphetho until the series suddenly started on 8 April on e.tv - a week earlier. 

Several media TVwithThinus asked, knew nothing about the date change. 

They were also not made aware if or whether any media launch event for Isiphetho would take place, whether there would be any press day with either in-person or virtual one-on-one interviews with the cast and crew, or any virtual one-on-ones or roundtable sessions done on Zoom before the show would start airing.

No digital screeners were sent to media for possible review or background purposes - something that has become common the last few yeas for both new local and international series. 

On Sunday - a weekend and just a day before the moved-up TX launch of Isiphetho - e.tv and Isiphetho held what could be termed a media launch event at the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in Muldersdrift, Gauteng. 

Out of the various so-called influencers and media that e.tv and Isiphetho did tell and invite and who managed to attended, the return on the investment was one online print article that was published by City Press newspaper on Monday 8 April and that comes up in a google search. 

An online search doesn't yield any other article results of the day.

Several media asked, had no idea that e.tv would do this Isiphetho media launch, were not invited, not told and not communicated with and not told whether there would be any virtual media day before the show's start on e.tv. 

Besides the physical event, e.tv PR and Isiphetho apparently did nothing virtual, with none of the information or speeches at the event which were shared if there were any, with no transcripts of what was said, and no press release afterwards on either the Sunday or Monday for the show.

On Tuesday TVwithThinus became aware that Isiphetho actually started on e.tv the night before. 

Asking other media on Tuesday, out of the group polled, only one knew of the show's date change from 15 April to 8 April. The rest didn't know and had no communication or PR interaction from e.tv around Isiphetho at all.

UPDATE Wednesday 10 April 16:24 - On Wednesday afternoon, e.tv issued a press release about Isiphetho, noting that "ISIPHTHO - DESTINY KICKS OF WITH 3.3 MILLION VIEWERS!" with the mistake in the all-caps subject-line repeated in the body copy of the press release.

ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. e.tv's latest publicity failure for new local shows underscores South African television's growing PR disaster as global players (rightly) do the proper work and get the attention.

After denying it e.tv now confirms it has cancelled sex-filled telenovela The Black Door as Black Brain Productions spin out some characters to resurface in new show Isitha The Enemy.

by Thinus Ferreira

After denying it's happening e.tv has cancelled The Black Door after just a year on air, with the sex-filled telenovela from Black Brain Pictures axed and getting replaced by another telenovela from the same production company.

After e.tv and the producers said they plan to keep The Black Door on-air for multiple seasons shortly after the show's debut, the production has been axed although e.tv publicity a month ago still denied that it's happening.

The Black Door producers were quickly forced to course correct on e.tv orders after the show made its debut in April 2022 and had to tone down several of the sex-filled risque aspects of the show following negative reaction from viewers. 

The show however continued production, although questions were raised later in 2022 on whether The Black Door would get more seasons. 

On 6 April TVwithThinus asked e.tv whether The Black Door has been cancelled. e.tv publicist Siyabonga Mposula responded and said "the show continues but with a story that is far more family-accommodating".

A month later, on 4 May, e.tv publicist Karabo Nkabinde in a press release suddenly confirmed that The Black Door has been cancelled and is getting replaced by a "new primetime family-orientated" telenovela Isitha - The Enemy. 

Isitha - The Enemy will take a section of The Black Door's already established characters and create a new telenovela out of the Sokhulu family and the "struggles to keep their family together in the face of adversity as new challenges and new rivals come onto the scene".

"We are committed to bringing the best South African local content to our viewers and we have to remain receptive to their changing needs and preferences," says Helga Palmer, eMedia head of local programming about cancelling The Black Door and replacing it with Isitha - The Enemy.

"With this in mind, we are excited to usher in the spin-off series, Isitha – The Enemy.  This story proves to be like no other, with a big focus on family feuds, drama and intrigue, peppered with some comedic elements."

Mpumelelo Nhlapo, executive producer at Black Brain Pictures, in a prepared statement says "We strategically intended for The Black Door to run for one year".

"Our goal was to break new ground and to push the boundaries of South African television. The greater vision has always been to tell the story of the Sokhulu family as a multi-chapter series that allows us to explore different themes in dynamic and interesting ways."

Show creator Mandla N, creative director at Black Brain Pictures, says "We can't wait for viewers to see how this new chapter delves deeper into the world of the Sokhulus as we explore new characters, new conflicts, and new challenges that will test their strength and resilience".

According to e.tv, Isitha - The Enemy will "pick up from a royal homestead in eSwatini".

"Here, we find out what happened to Chuma Sokhulu who was presumed dead in The Black Door chapter of the Sokhulu story. It promises to be a gripping drama with captivating storylines and exciting performances. The stunning visuals coupled with unexpected twists and turns as the story unfolds, will take viewers on a thrill ride that will keep them on the edge of their seats".

The cast of Isitha - The Enemy will include Sipho Ndlovu, Khanyisani Khwesa and Dawn Thandeka with Thobani Nzuza reprising his role along with some other actors from The Black Door.