Uzalo on SABC1 wraps production on 4th season as three cast members depart; Noxolo Mathula bumped up to principal cast as show adds two new actors.

Uzalo on SABC1 has wrapped production on its 4th season with three cast members who have exited the Durban-filmed series, while two new faces will join the weekday prime time drama series.

The KwaMashu-set show produced by Stained Glass will start its 5th season on SABC1 in February 2019 with Nay Maps (Mxolisi Mdletshe), Nokuthula Mabika (Thobile) and Glen Gabela (the recast Mfundisi Mdletshe) who have exited the show.

For the 5th season of Uzalo, Noxolo Mathula who portrays the character of Lilly is being upgraded from an on-call role to a principal cast member. Uzalo is also adding newcomers Thuthuka Mthembu and Nkanyiso Makhanya.

The production says the changes are part of keeping the show "authentic", and that some existing role "will be amplified".

"Season 4 brought incredible evolution and riveting storylines to our screens, and our incredible cast delivered over and above, every time," says Bongi Ndaba, Uzalo head writer, in a press release.

"We're so grateful for the golden energy and dedication that Nay Maps, Nokuthula Mabika and Glen Gabela brought to Uzalo – they breathed life into their characters and have been a major part of 2018’s success."

"Saying goodbye to these characters and actors is so hard, and we do so by wishing them all the best going forward and have no doubt that they will continue to deliver their magic on our screens."

Mmamitse Thibedi, executive producer for Stained Glass Pictures, says "We have a lot to live up to with season 5, and everyone is amped about the challenge".

"We're certainly excited about what’s in store and promise to keep our viewers glued to their screens. The fifth season will definitely be a fresh and exciting journey for Uzalo."

On 25 September Uzalo set a new South African TV ratings high-water mark of 10.2 million viewers

KwaMashu set prime time soap Uzalo on SABC1 extended to 5 days a week from 1 February; actors Glen Gabela, Luthuli Dlamini added.

Uzalo on SABC1 will roll out more episodes per week from 1 February 2017, with the KwaMashu set prime time local soap that will add episodes on Thursdays and Fridays.

The extended weekly episode order kicks in from the third season next year, with 5 episodes per week for the Stained Glass Pictures show filmed in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, that's been ramping up production in order to deliver 66% more of Uzalo per week to viewers.

It follows after the off-the-cuff announcement in mid-July by the SABC's controversial and famously matricless boss Hlaudi Motsoeneng in a press conference to address the unfolding set of crises at the beleaguered South African public broadcaster, that he has decided Uzalo will be increased from 3 to 5 episodes per week.

The increased episode order and on-air play-out on SABC1 for the Gugu Zuma-Ncube produced soap will only kick in from the 3rd season in February 2017, since the fixed episode order, budget and contract couldn't be altered this year so late into the second season.

Uzalo remains the most watched TV show in all of South African television - as well as the most watched soap, and most watched show on SABC1 - with a top viewership in November of 8.13 million viewers (23.8 AR, 67 share).

Joining the cast is Luthuli Dlamini - known in the South African TV biz and television soap industry for infamous disappear acts from shows like Generations and e.tv's Scandal! - in the role of a lawyer.

Also playing to type (cast) is Glen Gabela, taking over and reviving the role of the first season character of Pastor Mdletshe from the fired Bheki Mkhwane who left Uzalo under a cloud.

Glen Gabela who was seen as Judge Jacob Mweli in Mzansi Magic's (DStv 161) Doubt this year previously played Pastor Solomon in SABC2's Hopeville and Pastor Titus in Mzansi Magic's Remix.