Showing posts with label Clara Nzima. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clara Nzima. Show all posts

Monday, August 13, 2018

Clara Nzima retires as SABC1 channel head, exits the South African public broadcaster after 35 years as top exec in charge of country's biggest TV channel.


Clara Nzima who has retired is out as SABC1 channel head, replaced by Sane Zondi as acting channel head of the South African public broadcaster's biggest TV channel and the country's most-watched channel.

There was no official public announcement from the SABC about the exit from the veteran TV executive but the broadcaster confirmed Clara Nzima's departure in response to a media enquiry.

Sane Zondi is SABC1's head of programming and will be the top exec in charge of SABC1 in an acting capacity until a permanent replacement and appointment is made. 

Sister channel SABC3 is likewise again without a permanent channel head following the exit of Aisha Mohamed last month, with David Makubyane, general manager for TV channels, standing in as acting SABC3 channel head for the time being.

Clara Nzima retired on 31 July after 35 years with the South African Broadcasting Corporation that she joined back in 1983 as a black woman during the apartheid heydey of the so-called "His Master's Voice" when the SABC more functioning as a state rather than a public broadcaster, was a National Party propaganda mouthpiece.

Clara Nzima started out as a production secretary and rose through the ranks over three decades and untold management and production turbulence within the SABC, to become commissioning editor, programme manager and eventually channel head.

She was SABC1 programme manager for 2 decades - from 1996 to 2016 - after which she became SABC1 channel head in September 2016 after she was acting channel head since February 2016.

Besides writing scripts for youth dramas like Zikhethele and Mina Nawe, Clara Nzima was the first commissioning editor on ratings juggernaut Generations that revolutionised SABC1's schedule, and in later years was responsible for SABC1's overall programming strategy as the public broadcaster's youth-focused channel.

Clara Nzima was part of the team who produced the country and the SABC's first Zulu clay animation show, and represented the SABC over many years at film festivals and TV and film markets around the world.


Ran South Africa's most-watched TV channel
In a Channel Africa radio in late-2016, Clara Nzima explained that "coming into television was somewhat by chance".

"I was just out of university looking for a job," she said "and the SABC was just one of the places I applied to and fortunately I got called in. In my application - not knowing television at all because at that time it was very new." TV started in SA in 1976.

"I got in as a production secretary. At that time the SABC still had a training institution internally, so we went for training for 6 months, and from there I went on to do youth and children's programmes which was quite fun, and also challenging."

As SABC1 channel head Clara Nzima said "it's quite an involved role because you're responsible for the running of the whole channel, whereas previously my experience was just the content side."

"Over many years since I got to management level - even as a commissioning editor in the channel - I've always insisted on having an assistant because for me succession planning is very important. I've even had an assistant as programming manager. And I think with all my assistants I've had one male - most were women."

"Development of women for me is very critical - not just within the SABC but with the productions that we deal with, even with the crew and writers - even with the stories: How do we portray women?"


Gender challenges in old SABC
About falling pregnant in the "old" SABC that was very male-dominated, Clara Nzima explained that "we were given such a hard time for taking maternity leave. We were refused maternity leave and we were told you take 6 weeks and you come back, or you're fired".

"That women these days can take 6 months is a victory. So we've come a long way within the SABC."

"The other thing that was quite refreshing in my journey with the SABC was when we had Prof Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri as a SABC chairwoman. She brought that female touch to the SABC."

"We're all born with potential. In life we will get obstacles. But what's important is what you do with those challenges. I think nothing is insurmountable. If you have the resolve to do something, it's within you," said Clara Nzima.
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Wednesday, July 18, 2018

SABC1 introduces a new programming line-up after the 2018 World Cup, including new drama and reality series, as well as a dedicated Sunday night local drama miniseries slot.


The SABC's most-watched TV channel is introducing a new programming line-up and content following the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with some new SABC1 drama and reality shows, new seasons of local series, and some scheduling changes like a dedicated Sunday night local drama miniseries slot.

"We will be introducing a slate of brand-new shows, new seasons, as well as revamped popular shows," says Clara Nzima, SABC1 channel head. "We are very excited with our innovative Sunday drama slate and feel confident that the new offering is nothing like what audiences have seen before. The channel is also upping the ante on the entertainment side with new shows, new presenters and revamped popular titles."




Social Fabric  Wednesday 18 July 18:00
This licensed international entertainment reality series takes viewers on a humorous and enlightening journey into the world of modern street wear.
The eccentric designer Kyle Ng embarks on a series of adventures around one global and iconic fashion staple, including plaid, cowboy boot, camouflage and the suit. Starting from the simple question, "Who wore it first?", Kyle dives into the lives of craftsmen, collectors, celebrities and eccentrics who share a passion for what they put on.


One Mic II  Thursday 19 July 18:00
A second season of this local reality competition show looking for the country's best underground young rap artists.
Each week 4 upcoming rappers go head-to-head in a sing-off battle to find one winner. Rappers are judged by hip hop legends Siyabonga "Big Zulu" Nene and Arnold "Aewon Wolf" Phillips, including a guest judge per episode. The presenter is hip hop DJ and artist Khethiwe "Doowap" Morgan.


Now or Never VI  Mondays 18:00
The docu-reality series is back for a 6th season with men and women who have made life changing mistakes and who are now using their painful past as a tool to help other people.


Thandeka's Diary V  Mondays 19:30
This comedy series is back for a 5th season about the growing pains of a teenage girl from Kagiso in the West Rand.
Her boastful dad is a mechanic and her protective mom is a self-employed seamstress. Her 7-year old sister is like all annoying 7-year olds, nosey and mischievous. Thandeka lives in a big house which her dad inherited from his parents, but her dad's eldest brother who never moved out and never lifts a finger to do any work. With every diary entry, every week is an adventure for Thandeka.



Nyan'Nyan VI  Tuesdays 18:00
Presenter Luyanda Potwana is back in a 6th season of this factual series.
This emotainment series takes young couples on a journey where they confront secrets in their relationships that they have kept hidden. As the shocking truth is brought to light, couples can hopefully build a more solid relationship.

Shuga Naija VI  Wednesdays 19:30
SABC1 is now rebroadcasting the latest 6th season of this drama series from Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) that was shown in March on MTV Base on DStv.
Filmed in Nigeria, the stories in the edutainment series incorporate messages about sex and sexual health using young Nigerian characters living in Lagos.
New new season has new characters with stories revolving around friendships and relationships being tested as well as secrets that could break families apart. With Timini Egbuson, Jemima Osunde, Sharon Ezeamaka, Nobert Young, Alvin Abayomi and Helena Nelson.


Raw Silk II  Thursday 19 July 21:00
A second season of this local reality competition show that follows 13 township-based fashion designers who have talent but no opportunities to be recognised.
The aspiring designers from across South Africa compete for a prize in Johannesburg as they have to battle each other in weekly fashion design challenges. Pearl Modiadie is the presenter, with the judges Ole Ledimo, Yasmin Furmie and Nthato Mashishi.


The Remix South Africa  Friday 20 July 18:00
This reality competition show will have episodes on Fridays and Sundays at 18:00 and looks for best singer-DJ/producer team.
The Remix SA is a South African version of an international reality format from Turkey.
Contestants have to create a new version, in another music genre, of well-known songs. With a live audience dancing on the beat of the music, teams are given songs based on episodic themes which they then have to remix. The presenters are Rouge and KG with Mo Flava and Kelly Khumalo as the judges.


Live AMP  Friday 20 July 19:30
A new-look for this music magazine show produced by Urban Brew Studios with presenters Lamiez Holworthy and DJ Speedsta replacing Lerato Kganyago and DJ Warras.


Friends Like These  Saturday 21 July 18:00
Trevor Gumbi is now the presenter of the new season of this game show.
Each week two teams of best friends - 5 guys and 5 girls - take each other on in a series of challenges to win holiday prizes.


Gospel Unplugged  Sunday 22 July 17:30
This new local and contemporary gospel music show that incorporates both talk and lifestyle segments is making its debut on Sunday 22 July at 17:00 with singer Mmatema Moremi as the presenter.
The show will cover urban gospel music from hip hop, to house and R&B gospel music. The show has a karaoke insert, while invited guests will open up about their life journeys with God and singing their favourite songs.


Africa by Women III  Sunday 22 July 19:30
A 3rd season of 10 episodes of this drama series of individual South African short stories created and produced by young black female filmmakers, in partnership with the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF).


Emoyeni  Sunday 22 July 20:00
This new 4-part drama series follow the journeys of individuals plagued by loss, fear, guilt, pain and desire. Viewers will meet Phakamile, a drunk man responsible for his daughter going missing.
Bonga is a popularity-hungry fashionista running away froma calling, and Zen is a water-spirit who desperately wants to be human.
Hitso, a grieving-widow, is saddled with her cheating husband's illegitimate son. Each of these individuals' lives are shaken when they come into contact with the world beyond.
SABC is introducing local miniseries on Sundays at 20:00 in a series strand called "Woza Nazo".


Verified  Friday 28 September 18:00
This new reality entertainment show will give the creative content creators behind video clips that often go viral, the change to compete to find the "most valuable player".
Online content creators who claim to be the best in the game get the chance to settle the score in the content-creation space and to be "verified" as the creators of the best social media feeds. The presenter is Nehemiah Tjatji.


Side Dish  Sunday 19 August 20:00
This new local drama miniseries revolves around a group of 4 married friends who go on holiday, with one of the women who invites her much younger "Ben 10" lover over. Things take a turn for the worse when the Ben 10 sleeps with one of the friends.
After an argument ensues, Ben 10 is accidentally killed. Faced with the dilemma of whether to report the death or not, the ladies decide to bury ben 10 as they see it as their only way to keep themselves out of prison and to save their marriages.

Emjindini  Sunday 16 September 20:00
This new local drama miniseries revolves around Amos who works in a 100-year old gold mine.
His lack of focus results in a minor tremor in the shaft he and his team is working in. While struggling to come out of the shaft, he finds a bag of old gold coins.
The treasure could help his young family out of poverty must he must first find a way to smuggle the gold coins out of the banned mining shaft.


1's and 2's V  Sunday 30 September 18:00
The reality competition show is back for a 5th season that looks for a superstar DJ and music producer.
The show will have an as-yet-unannounced new presenting and judging team, a new set and going for broader appeal, by incorporating elements of other music genres like gqom. Hopeful DJs from across South Africa will get another chance to battle it out against each other in the hope of becoming the next big thing behind the turntables.


iKani  Sunday 30 September 19:30
This family drama series mixes elements of mystery and fantasy. It tells tells the story of Khanya Hlophe, in search of her true identity and how she ultimately comes full circle with her roots.
In a first for the SABC and for South African television, iKani will be the first local drama series on the SABC filmed in the isiNdebele language.
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Friday, May 4, 2018

The SABC to start the Akhumzi Jezile internship as the public broadcaster is criticised for memorial broadcast no-show.


The SABC has decided to start the The Akhumzi Jezile director internship at the same time as what the public broadcaster got pummeled by the public over its failure to broadcast the actor's memorial service.

On Thursday the SABC announced the new internship to honour the actor/producer who died last week, at the memorial service - ironically at the same that the struggling South African public broadcaster got casticated by the public for its failure to broadcast his memorial service on any of its public TV channels.

Milly Summergill, editorial editor for prime time entertainment at the SABC, announced at the podium at Akhumzi Jezile's memorial service that the Akhumzi Jezile Director Internship will be started to help producers and director "learn to empower themselves".

"Working with him all those years and watching him grow up in front of our eyes, he was a ball of energy. The SABC believed in Akhumzi. I believed in him," said Milly Summergill.

Adelaide Joshua-Hill, the head of content and platform at Urban Brew Studios said Akhumzi "made everybody feel special".

Clara Nzima, SABC1 channel head, in a somewhat rambling speech, said Akhumzi Jezile and the YO.TV youth slot presenters "were not celebrities, they were my children".

Ironically the SABC and Clara Nzima failed on Thursday to broadcast the memorial service of her child, something that got viewers fuming who started to slate the public broadcaster under "SABC is trash" on social media.

While both eNCA (DStv 403) and Afro Worldview (DStv 405) showed large parts of the memorial service, the SABC News channel and the SABC's three terrestrial TV channels did nothing. The SABC didn't explain why it didn't televise the memorial service of one of its own on-air stars and who was known to millions of viewers for many years.

"SABC representative: We should keep his memory alive. Me: Where? If you can't even air his bloody memorial!" remarked Nomfundo Madonsela.

"I thought Akhumzi's memorial will be aired on SABC1. SABC is so ungrateful. They use people but not showing appreciation. This is disgusting. I'm hurt. Akhumzi worked for SABC for years in many different fields but he is unnoticed by the broadcaster," said Xhanti Qotoyi.

"I'm disgusted that Akhumzi's memorial wasn't broadcast on any of the SABC channels especially after he dedicated so many years of his life to the SABC. Many of us grew up and saw him grow and the SABC couldn't even honour him properly. Wow," said Sheldon Cameron.

"Akhumzi literally grew up on SABC1 and brought millions of viewers to their channel, and they couldn't have the decency to broadcast his memorial? Talk about tasteless and ungrateful," wrote Thapelo Mokhele.

"SABC doesn't understand that we all wanted closure," said Primrose Mimi.

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Saturday, April 28, 2018

BREAKING. Actors Akhumzi Jezile, Thobani Mseleni and Siyasanga Kobese dead along with 2 others after horrific car crash near Queenstown, police investigating a case of culpable homicide.


The former YO.TV presenter and Tempy Pushas actor, Akhumzi Jezile (29) (pictured), actor Thobani Mseleni, the former Joyous Celebration singer and actress Siyasanga Kobese along with Skhumbuzo Mbuthuma from Urban Brew Studios' IT department and one other person are dead following a horrific car accident on Saturday.

The 5 people died after a head-on collision involving two vehicles near Queenstown in the Eastern Cape on Saturday morning.

According to police spokesperson Captain Namhla Mdleleni, 5 people died in the horrific car accident on the N6 near Queenstown early on Saturday morning.

Captain Namhla Mdleneni told TVwithThinus that a case of culpable homicide has been opened.

So far there's been no statement from the SABC.

Akhumzi Jezile who was also a producer, was also a radio presenter for the SABC radio station Umhlobo Wenene.

Besides appearing as Tsietsi Zwane in the SABC1 comedy-drama series Khululeka Siyavota produced by Penguin Films and his role of Ngulube in SABC1's Tempy Pushas in 2013, he was also a producer on YO.TV's The Big Breakfast show.

Akhumzi Jezile replaced Zuluboy (Mxolisi Majozi) in 2016 as the presenter of the SABC1's music variety show Fan Base.

The actor and musician Thobani Mseleni (30) (pictured left) is best-known for his role as Bhutana in the second season of the SABC1 drama series Intersexions in 2013.

Thobani Mseleni made guest-appearances on shows like the SABC1 soap Generations and Moferefere Lenyalong, as well as in 90 Plein Street, Gold Diggers, Heist, iNkaba, Ring of Lies, Swartwater, Single Guyz and The Queen.

In 2015 he appeared in the role of Bhonyongo in the e.tv drama series Matatiele.

Thobani Mseleni also appeared recently in the role of Babalo in the controversial and award-winning film Inxeba.

The singer and actress Siyasanga Kobese was best known for her role as Siphokazi in the Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) soap opera Zabalaza, and had a minor role in the Mzansi Magic telenovela iNkaba.

Siyasanga Kobese was also a member of the gospel group Joyous Celebration that she joined in 2009.

Siyasanga Kobese did guest stints on SABC1's Generations, appeared in Tempy Pushas and Greed & Desire and most recently was on-screen in 1Magic (DStv 103) in the new telenovela The River in the role of a social worker.

Skhumbuzo Mbuthuma worked at Urban Brew Studios' IT department.

M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel on Saturday night said the channel is saddened by the deaths.

"We at Mzansi Magic are saddened by the news of a tragic accident that took the lives of five people. We express our deepest condolences to their family and friends. We will fondly remember the contribution that Thobani Mseleni and Siyasanga Kobese made to a number of our programmes," Nondumiso Mabece, M-Net's head of publicity for local entertainment channels told TVwithThinus.

Verona Duwarkah, CEO of Urban Brew Studios said "our hearts are broken and the sadness is completely unbearable. On behalf of all of us at Urban Brew Studios I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families".

Adelaide Joshua-Hill, head of content and platforms at Urban Brew Studios, says "Akhumzi touched the lives of all around him. I had the priviledge of meeting him nine years ago and watched him grow from strength to strength. I watched him take his fame in his stride, taking time to stop and speak to his fans and friends alike. His attention to detail, passion for his craft and dedication to upskilling himself inspired me and those around him."

"He was not just a loyal part of the Urban Brew team but also of building our industry. I cannot express the state this news has left us in. No amount of tears can wash away the pain. Akhumzi will be missed by millions. It’s time for us to strive for brilliance as he would have wanted."

Gugulethu Gregory, head of facilities at Urban Brew Studios says "Skhumbuzo started at Urban Brew Studios as an intern in March 2015. A year later he was appointed as an IT technician. He was passionate, lively, energetic and willing to go beyond the call of duty to ensure success on every production or project he was involved in."

"He was the epitome of someone who lived with joy and laughter.  His presence will be missed by all who had the honour of knowing him."

Itumeleng Nakedi, producer at Urban Brew Studios says "Siya started at YO.TV in July 2016 as NamGcina, an aunt from a faraway Xhosa village. Her role on the show was to make yummy healthy food for growing minds as well as sing and dance."

"She also had a short stint on Zabalaza as well as a number of local dramas, small screen movies and was a Joyous Celebration Alumni. Siya was full of life, she had a good vibe about her and an unforgettable soul. She loved capturing every moment with a snap or selfie. She was passionate about her craft both in front of the camera and behind the camera. A lover of God who will be impossible to forget.  Fly with the angels Siya."


 UPDATE: Sunday 29 April 2018 11:00:
SABC1 issued a press statement on Sunday morning with Clara Nzima, SABC1 channel head saying:

"It is with immense shock and deepest sorrow to learn of the untimely passing of Akhumzi. A colleague, an exceptional talent ahead of his time, a friend to many. On behalf of SABC1 and the SABC, we wish to send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and fans. We have truly lost a gem. May his precious soul rest in peace."
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Thursday, February 15, 2018

TV CRITIC'S NOTEBOOK: Sorry, SABC1, no coverage of your S'phethe Ezishisayo from me - and here's why the bulk of the rest of the 'champagne press' who've never cared, won't do any reporting either.


As a TV critic it's bad to say this but the SABC's lazy SABC1 won't be getting any coverage of its "S'phethe Ezishisayo" media event held last week from me - this reporter covering the medium of television is done churning out comprehensive articles out of nothing about channels like SABC1 who can't care less about actually properly engaging the media and stakeholders.

It took a week to get a PR person at the SABC (eventually not even SABC1) to respond to multiple media enquiries seeking more information about SABC1's media event where Clara Nzima, SABC1 channel head, spoke last week and new on-screen talent were unveiled while the entitled press drank and publicists hunched over their cellphones updating their Facebook feeds instead of engaging with media.

While SABC1 is the biggest TV channel in South Africa in terms of viewership, it's one of the channel's getting the least exposure for its programming in the press. The reason is its outdated, stoic, one-dimensional PR approach that hasn't evolved in 20 years.

While SABC1 flew in media from Cape Town and Durban to join the Johannesburg based press, a lot of media covering SABC1 were not. SABC1 couldn't even do bare basic PR and communication to say that a media event announcing new talent and scheduling changes would be happening - nor bothered to send out anything afterwards.

Truth be told, TVwithThinus (as usual) would be able to put together, out of nothing and with no help by just doing some digging, a perfectly fine and comprehensive news report about what Clara Nzima and SABC1 talent said at the event, and the channel's programming news and changes.

But this time I won't.

In a multi-channel universe where the inbox overflows with press releases and advisories from a multitude of TV channels, I'm tired of having to beg and beg and beg for basic answers and information from channels who don't care.

SABC1 can continue to life inside its own, increasingly irrelevant bubble-world, or it can update its PR strategy to one that's dynamic, responsive, interactive and where it at the very least signals that the press covering the channel matter.

After a week of asking several times for a transcript of what Clara Nzima said, of what the various on-screen talent said and what happened at the event, there's been nothing beside a press release run-down of SABC1 shows.

It's because SABC1 doesn't have it, doesn't think its important or necessary, doesn't know how to do it - and on top of all won't respond to say that it doesn't.

How SABC1 thinks or wants (if it even wants it) proper media coverage of its channel news, programming executives and shows when it does less than minimum and can't provide the media with what it needs, is really beyond me.

The other sad tragedy about the lack of coverage of SABC1's media event of last week (and there were several so-called "media" in attendance) is not fully SABC1's fault as it is the press.

A week later you will (still) struggle to find any article or report about SABC1's event or what was actually said and happened there. It's because the channel doesn't care about proper press but do hugs and air-kisses with nouveau media and the so-called "champagne press" who have Instagram accounts and Twitter followings but no intention of actually properly covering your TV event or media launch and doing the homework.

These so-called "entertainment" remoras who harbour thinly disguised desires to be famous and who are largely in it for the open bar and to come and grab goodie bags, can't care less about actually working or going back and doing something in terms of reporting.

If they did, there'd be multiple articles already about SABC1's event. But there's not.

These social butterflies under the guise of "media" flit from event to event to exploit for self-gain; literally attending for what there is to take at TV media events - then leave and don't do journalism besides a possible self-promoting selfie.

The same happened at SABC1's Uzalo set visit last month in Durban for Friday's funeral episode.

The same happened at M-Net's media event for the launch of its rebranded Vuzu AMP to 1Magic channel: a lot of booze, a lot of so-called "media", a lot of executives and producers showing up to talk, and in the end not a word in print or any articles about what was actually said there.

Why invite these lame-duck people over and over again if they constantly end up not being media messengers of what you're trying to communicate about your brand?

SABC1 has no clue, and can't bother to ask or improve, as to how "best in class" TV channels have been operating and have advanced in terms of how they communicate and do public relations with media, falling further and further behind.

If you were to tell SABC1 that certain TV channels actually do group internet video calls to journalists to brief them that they will be issuing a press release and what will be in it days before it's even issued; that some channels even have Whatsapp groups to tell journalists information has been emailed, that some channels calls and communicate even when there's nothing to say but are building and maintaining actual media relationships, there'd probably be vacant-looking, uncomprehensive stares.

While this journalist covering television constantly feels compelled to do the story anyway, to just dig more and find the information and relay it to readers anyway because it's important - irrespective of whether a TV channel or show even cares or made any effort - for once I'm not going to.

I'm tired of it and if SABC1 doesn't attach value or importance to getting its own message out, for once I'm no longer either.

SABC1 PR needs to wake up and start doing proper public relations. If your channel head talks and you can't provide a rushed transcript of what the person said, that is wrong and a failure.

If you have a media event and don't have any publicity images because you can't be bothered to have a photographer, you've failed. If your on-screen talent is unveiled and there's a Q&A and you can't disseminate that to the media not invited or not present, your not doing your job.

If you can't tell press that there would be a media event beforehand, or afterwards, how do you justify your job as a so-called communicator?

If you can't in a week and after being asked multiple times, respond to basic questions from a journalist - simply ignoring enquiries and hoping you'll tire out the press interested in your brand who will just give up and go away - why are you even in PR when you can't communicate properly?

SABC1 is the biggest TV channel in South Africa but the proper value it seems to attach to getting proper press is sadly very little.
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Tuesday, October 31, 2017

After dismal day and timeslot moves that drove away millions, SABC finally backstracks to return Zaziwa to 7:30pm on weekdays from 15 November.


After dismal day and timeslot moves for its once hot Zaziwa show that drove millions of viewers away from the SABC1, the SABC is finally backtracking and will be restoring Zaziwa to where it originally worked - on a weekday at 19:30.

Zaziwa will return to the SABC1 programming line-up from 15 November at 19:30 - the same timeslot but on Wednesdays, not Thursdays like before.

"We have made a conscious effort to move Zaziwa to Wednesday, as the environment that we have built on Sunday - and has already shown returns, intentionally did not make room for other formats other than local drama," says Sane Zondi, SABC1 programming manager.

"We believe Zaziwa will be a complimentary offer on the existing entertainment line-up on Wednesdays."

The return to a semblance of normality for Zaziwa comes exactly a year after the SABC decided to mess with the hugely popular show that used to pull between 3.5 and 4 million viewers to the public broadcaster before millions abandoned the show following inexplicable timeslot and day changes that saw the audience erode.

SABC1 programming executives decided to uproot Zaziwa and to move it to Thursdays at 21:00, but in October 2016 backtracked at the very last minute.

For a short while, it seemed as if Zaziwa was safe.

Then in February 2017 the SABC ripped Zaziwa from the schedule and inexplicably transplanted it to Sunday nights at 20:30 - a lifestyle television "death slot" where, as predicted, viewers abandoned the show by the millions.

In August 2017 there was even more shame for the show when SABC1 channel head Clara Nzima quietly decided to dump Zaziwa from the schedule entirely to make space for yet another old rerun of Shaka Zulu, and to bring Zaziwa back in a few months' time.

Nobody told a flabbergasted Pearl Modiadie that her show is off the schedule and off the air, with the Zaziwa presenter who had to hear from the media and not the SABC that Zaziwa has abruptly been shelved from its struggling Sunday evening timeslot.

Now Zaziwa is coming back to SABC1 and its erstwhile 19:30 timeslot, just on a weekday that's a day earlier than what it always used to be.
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Friday, August 18, 2017

SABC1's holds 'Spring Burst' Newtown event hoo-haa about new drama Tjovitjo although channel head Clara Nzima promises more new shows 'in the upcoming months'.


The SABC's SABC1 channel did a "Spring Burst" media launch in Johannesburg's industrial Newtown district on Thursday afternoon to launch supposed new programming and get some media exposure but the event gathering was basically only a media hoo-haa for the channel's new gritty pantsula dance show Tjovitjo and not much else.

The start of Tjovitjo on Sunday night at 20:00 will see the new half hour drama be followed by the umpteenth rebroadcast of the beyond stale 10-episode drama series Shaka Zulu, suddenly replacing the abruptly ditched magazine show Zaziwa in the 20:30 timeslot that will now only return on 8 November mid-way through its 5th season.

SABC1 conveniently didn't say a word about it or why it's made the programming move to yet again replay an over 3 decades old drama in prime time instead of new content.

The SABC literally seems unable to stop showing Henry Cele's Shaka Zulu - whether as filler to pad schedules holes or for whatever reason. The 1986 show literally was on SABC3 in 2014, then on SABC Encore in 2015 less than two years ago, and now its on SABC1. Again.

"SABC1 is known for its quality local drama offering," says Clara Nzima, SABC1 channel head, in a statement.

"The decision to extend this offering to the weekend is paying off. We are looking forward to the channel's new tranche of programming launched in the month of August 2017".

"In line with the agenda of a developmental country and the call to 'open up the industry', the drama series, Tjovitjo takes ordinary South African youth who have never acted before let alone been on TV and turns their lives around, transforming them into stars".

"Through a variety of our programs [sic] we continue to provide a guaranteed platform of expression for both the established and undiscovered talented and creative youth of Mzansi," said Clara Nzima in the statement.

SABC1 didn't elaborate much on the other programming on offer but notes that "other exciting additions to the schedule will include the introduction of 2 brand new local sitcoms, Rented Family and uThuli Nothulani".

These shows already started.

"Back by popular demand is the documentary strand Sisters with Soul which now includes male artists under the new banner, Sisters and Brothers with Soul."

"Other shows brought back by popular demand are Shaka Zulu and Intersexions S1 which will serve to strengthen the channel's Sunday prime-time offering, providing our audience with an enhanced viewing experience."

"Viewers should look forward to brand new shows coming to SABC1 in the upcoming months," says Clara Nzima.
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KINDA TRASHY. Poor Pearl! Pearl Modiadie had to hear from the media that SABC1 abruptly dumped Zaziwa from Sunday for ... Shaka Zulu.


Poor Pearl, nobody apparently bothered to tell her Zaziwa has abruptly been dumped from the SABC1 schedule from this Sunday to make way for ... Shaka Zulu.

SABC style, a flabbergasted Pearl Modiadie had to hear from the media and not the SABC that uhm, Zaziwa has abruptly been shelved from its struggling Sunday evening timeslot.

SABC1's channel head Clara Nzima decided that Zaziwa must make way from this Sunday for an old Shaka Zulu 10-partner at 20:30.

Pearl Modiadie presents and produces Zaziwa.

The struggling Zaziwa will move back to a weekday from 8 November after ratings for the show tanked when SABC1 in February moved it from its Wednesday timeslot to Sundays, losing more than a million viewers for the SABC.

SABC1 publicist Phillip Mabitsela didn't respond to a media enquiry as to why Zaziwa - only midway through its 5th season and with 36 episodes left - is being taken off the air for two and a half months.

Zaziwa's could have gotten somewhat of a ratings boost as the lead-out from the new Tjovitjo starting this Sunday at 20:00 on SABC1 if the gritty pantsula dance drama itself manages to lure big enough audiences.

Now the SABC will treat SABC1 viewers to the umpteenth reshowing of the 1986 Shaka Zulu drama with Henry Cele in the title role that actually more belongs on MultiChoice and the SABC's library rerun channel SABC Encore (DStv 156) on DStv.
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Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Phat Joe gone from SABC1's RGB as the out-of-cash SABC fires even more SABC Sport presenters to try and cut costs.


Phat Joe (real name Majota Khambule) is gone from the SABC show Real Goboza (RGB) after the shock jock presenter and the production company both decided they've had enough, with the beleaguered public broadcaster that has also fired several more SABC Sport presenters as its running out of cash.

After initially saying he would be back, Phat Joe, who has been absent from the show for a month, now won't return to SABC1's celebrity magazine lifestyle show RGB produced by Urban Brew Studios, which he presented for 7 years.

Unplanned and leaving RGB with no permanent replacement, Phat Joe becomes the latest marquee name to jettison the SABC that continues to lose iconic on-air talent across its TV channels and radio stations and who have been moving to other broadcasting opportunities - especially pay-TV - over the past year.

The SABC lost names ranging from Bonang Matheba, Pearl Thusi, Minnie Dlamini and Robert Marawa to Tbo Touch, Glen Lewis, Neville Pillay, Putco Mafani, Pierre van Pletzen and many more as the public broadcaster continues to bleed experienced on-air talent.

Earlier this month Phat Joe left his drive time show on East Coast Radio after just a year and racking up 77 complaints over inappropriate comments with the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) with "mutual consent" - entertainment industry lingo for both the star and the platform who don't want each other anymore and agree to part ways.

Now Phat Joe won't be seen on RGB anymore after he became the presenter of Take Me Out Mzansi dating game show on VUZU AMP (DStv 103) - the revived Take Me Out South Africa format show from Rapid Blue that used to be on SABC1 and that was taken over by M-Net for one of its channels.

To further rub wounds into the SABC that doesn't like its talent to appear on other DStv TV channels, Phat Joe also just made an appearance as a guest judge on the latest 13th season of Idols on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) this past Sunday, another M-Net packaged channel for DStv.

Similar to East Coast Radio, the parting between Phat Joe and RGB was "a mutual decision" - both have had enough, with Sinazo Yolwa who will hold the fort and comedian Donovan Goliath roped in as a guest presenter for the time being.

"Phat Joe has been a valuable member of the RGB family and an excellent driver on our journey of entertaining South Africans," says Sydney Mekgwe, RGB producer in a statement. "His professionalism, insight and engaging character kept our viewers glued to their screens. We wish him all the best."

SABC1 channel head Clara Nzima in statement says "SABC 1 prides itself as the aggregator of some of the most popular entertainment shows in the country and it is talent like Phat Joe that makes our content accessible to the viewers. Sadly our journey with him has come to an end."

Phat Joe in a statement says "Thank you to all the fans for the opportunity. I had a lot of fun! Most importantly thank you to the entire RGB team. I will see you all in the near future. Watch this space."


More SABC Sport presenters getting the boot
Meanwhile the SABC has fired more sports presenters, telling a further 8 SABC on-air talent that their services won't be needed anymore as the SABC continues to cull on-air talent.

After informing David Kekana, Lindani Mbense, Kwena Moabelo, Christopher Bongo and Cudjoe Amankwa last month that their services won't be needed anymore, the SABC is now also firing Soccer Laduma presenter Tshepo Mabona, Gloria Brown, Fabian McCarthy, Marks Maponyane, Sylvester Ndaba, Mike Mangena, Papi Khomane and Rabbie Moripe whose contracts won't be renewed for the new soccer season.

The SABC's now fired and famously matricless former chief operating officer (COO) Hlaudi Motsoeneng lied in 2016 and told SABC staffers that freelancers at the public broadcaster would be moved to permanent positions but that didn't happen.

Now as the SABC is once again on the brink of financial collapse similar to 2009 when it was saved through a government bail-out, the SABC is letting dedicated freelance talent go and not renewing contracts to cut costs.
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Monday, July 11, 2016

SABC confirms boss Hlaudi Motsoeneng single-handedly overtuned a panel decision not to renew expensive SABC1 soap, Uzalo, of Gugu Zuma-Ncube.


The SABC has confirmed that its controversial and famously matricless boss Hlaudi Motsoeneng single-handedly overturned a decision by a 6-person SABC panel not to continue with a second season of the SABC1 soap Uzalo shot in Durban, and said Uzalo will be recommissioned.

The Sunday Times on Sunday reported that Hlaudi Motsoeneng as the chief operating officer (COO) overturned a decision by a 6-person SABC panel that included SABC executives Clara Nzima, Maretha Bakkes, Vanessa Jansen and Reneilwe Sema who decided not to continue with the extremely expensive three episodes a week soap produced in Durban by Stained Glass Pictures.

Uzalo that costs millions of rand to produce is paid for by the SABC and funded to the tune of further millions by the KwaZulu-Natal government where there's been ongoing, vocal complaints about the millions the cash-strapped province is paying Uzalo that could go to other things.

After the first season of Uzalo that the SABC originally said was to be a telenovela - meaning a close-ended show, Uzalo was suddenly turned into an ongoing soap. Reportedly the SABC experienced problems with Uzalo in terms of delivery of episodes, and problems with the writing and look of the show.

SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed to The Sunday Times that Hlaudi Motsoeneng overturned and changed the decision to cancel Uzalo and ordered that the show, co-owned and co-produced by president Jacob Zuma's daughter Gugu Zuma-Ncube, continue for a second season and beyond.

"The SABC can confirm that the COO overruled the decision not to renew Uzalo, based on performance in its genre and growth in revenue."
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