Veteran actor Don Mlangeni Nawa dead at 65

by Thinus Ferreira

The South African actor Don Mlangeni Nawa, most famously known for his role as Bra Zeb (Zebedee) Matabane in SABC3's Isidingo, has died. He was 65.

Don Mlangeni Nawa's cause of death is not yet known.

"He was the heart of our family - a loving father, brother and friend," his family said in a statement on Wednesday morning.

"To the world he was a gifted and respected actor whose presence lit up every stage and screen he graced. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the stories he told and the love he gave so freely."

Don Mlangeni Nawa was born in Boksburg in 1959. He initially made his acting career debut in theatre but transitioned to film and television.

Between 1986 and 1993 Don Mlangeni appeared in the iconic South African comedy series S'gudi S'naysi on the SABC's TV2 channel in the role of Laqhasa, then credited as Don Eric Mlangeni.

In the Zuli miniseries Ubambo Lwani he appeared as David in 1989, and followed that up with the character of Zakhe in 1992's TV series Hlala Kwabafleyo and 1995's Cycle Simenon.

In 1998, he made his debut in what was to become his most iconic role however - that of Zeb Matabane in the South African public broadcaster's new multicultural weekday soap, Isidingo, on SABC3.

He stayed with this role for 16 years until he exited in 2014 following a dispute with the production company behind the scenes.

He continued with roles in Mzansi Magic's (DStv 161) The Throne in 2018, and returned to the SABC and Isidingo's short-lived replacement, The Estate, on SABC3 in the role of Shadrack Mokobane between 2021 and 2023.

Don Mlangeni Nawa's other TV roles included SABC1's Uzalo as Dhlomo during its first two seasons between 2015 and 2017 and which he initially said would be his last TV role.

But he continued. He appeared in Mzansi Magic's The River as Thato, Diliza in Rockville, as well as appearing as Mfundisi in Abomama, as John in M-Net's (DStv 101) Legacy, Zandisile in the second season of SABC1's Makoti and as Jacob in Paramount Africa's Pound 4 Pound on BET (DStv 129).

In the Netflix South Africa local drama series Soon Comes Night in 2024 Don Mlangeni Nawa appeared as Mandla Shabane, in SABC2's Stokvel he portrayed the character of Laquashe, and in e.tv's uMbali he was Cyril Qongqo.

In Mzansi Magic's first season of Shaka iLembe Don Mlangeni Nawa was King Langa in 2024, and in the channel's drama series The Republic he played Bhambatha.

In the film Losing Lerato of 2019 he appeared as a SWAT commander.

The South African public broadcaster said in a statement the SABC "has learnt with shock of the passing of veteran actor Don Mlangeni Nawa" and "sends its heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and friends".

South Africa's government minister of arts, culture and sport, Gayton McKenzie, in a statement on Wednesday at 15:40, said "Don Mlangeni was more than just an actor; he was a cultural icon, storyteller and a mirror through which we saw our own struggles, joys, and triumphs".

"A husband and father of five, he was a man of immense talent who started humbly in theatre before rising to national fame."

"I grew up watching a true giant of our television screens, the great Don Mlangeni Nawa. He was a legend in the industry."

"His story is one of perseverance, passion and purpose. He didn't just act, he inspired. He didn't just perform, he transformed. South Africa has lost more than an actor. We've lost a piece of our cultural soul."

"Rest in peace, Don Mlangeni Nawa. You've played your part, and you played it to perfection."

SABC: Cancellation of more shows likely, Isidingo could possibly return.

by Thinus Ferreira

After the shocking cancellation of the long-running 7de Laan on SABC2 the South African public broadcaster says it's not the only show that will be axed with the broadcaster reviewing the content of the SABC's entire TV offering across SABC1, SABC2 and SABC3 - with Isidingo which might be revived.

The SABC admits that because of revenue and budget constraints, it's now focused on making smaller shows with a lower production cost. 

The broadcaster sent shockwaves through the local TV industry when it confirmed the cancellation of 7de Laan a week ago and said that the Danie Odendaal Productions show will air its final episode on 26 December after 24 seasons.

Now the SABC indicates that no programmes on the public broadcaster are safe with more cancellations likely coming down the pipeline similar to what happened to Top Billing, High Rollers, The Estate, Motswako, Pasella, Live AMP and others as the broadcaster struggles to lift ratings for its three TV channels which keep eroding year after year.

Lala Tuku, SABC head of content for video entertainment, told Rapport newspaper that the SABC is reviewing the entire SABC's TV content offering, not just that of SABC2.

7de Laan got cancelled as the most-watched Afrikaans TV show on South African television and in June was the second most-watched show on SABC2 where it pulled 1 191 198 viewers for its most-watched episode last month. 

7de Laan's viewership is just behind the long-running Venda soap Muvhango with 1.43 million viewers. 

Asked if other shows on SABC2 are facing possible cancellation if 7de Laan isn't deemed cost-effective enough with a rating of 1.19 million viewers, Lala Tuku said "absolutely".

"We're busy with a new strategy for the channel. We're investigating viewership patterns, are reviewing old programmes and the landscape is changing. To remain competitive we need to make decisions which are popular and less popular".

Asked if the SABC now wants to make smaller shows with a lower production cost, Lala Tuku said "yes, but we have to remain globally competitive and maintain a high standard. The production cost is however very high and the viewership figures influence advertisers".

"I wish more South Africans watch the SABC so that we can produce more local content. Advertising income is our revenue." About the broadcaster's upcoming announcement of yet another annual financial loss which will be above R1 billion, Lala Tuku says that plays a role in the cancellation of content.

"That's why difficult decisions are now being made. 7de Laan is one of them."

Tuku notes that while shows with huge appeal and massive brand awareness like Pasella and Top Billing have been cancelled in recent years "I'm currently working to try and revive some of these programmes, like Isidingo, and that makes me excited".

ALSO READ: SABC cancels SABC2's 7de Laan after 23 years.

ALSO READ: Tears and sadness but planning the best end ever: Inside the shock as 7de Laan got its cancellation news.

ALSO READ: SABC: 7de Laan's 1.2 million viewers on SABC2 are not enough for the show to stay on air.

Stage and TV actor Jamie Bartlett (55) has died from cardiac arrest.

by Thinus Ferreira

The multi award-winning South African stage and TV actor Jamie Bartlett also known as James Bartlett, most well-known for his role of TV villains Mike O'Reilly in Isidingo on SABC3, David Genaro in Rhythm City on e.tv, and as a judge on SA's Got Talent on e.tv has died from cardiac arrest. He was 55.

Jamie Bartlett's death was confirmed to eNCA (DStv 403) who spoke to a family member.

Jamie Bartlett was born in 1966 to his South African mother and a British father in Maidenhead, England. 

He went to school at St Stithians Boys College in Johannesburg, Rondebosch High School in Cape Town, and Brynston High School and although he wanted to become a professional rugby player, after completing high school, he studied speech and drama at the University of Cape Town.

Later he did a post-graduate master-class at Chrysalis Theater Acting School in London.

His first major role was in the US film American Ninja 2: The Confrontation in 1987 before making numerous appearances in both international and local films, ranging from Big Game, Blind Justice, In the Name of Blood, The Sandgrass People, The Revenger, American Ninja 4: The Annihilation and Sweet n Short, to Warhead, Ernest Goes to Africa, the M-Net film The Sexy Girls, Bravo Two Zero, Beyond Borders, 12 Days of Terror, Red Dust, Swansong for Charlie, Avenger, the horror thriller Prey, 2010's White Lion, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom as James Gregory, and 2013's Nothing for Mahala. 

Jamie Bartlett was married to actress Camilla Waldman and they later got divorced; they had a son, Hector together, wth Jamie who leaves behind his partner Rosa Onious.

Jamie Barlett was most famous for his TV character of Mike O'Reilly in Isidingo on SABC3 and had the distinction of appearing in scene one as the first character to ever speak in Isidingo.

After several years he moved on to Rhythm City on e.tv, playing David Genaro for which he won a SAFTA until the character got shot in February 2020. He was one of the judges during the 7th and 8th seasons of the reality variety competition series SA's Got Talent on e.tv.

Other TV roles included that of Richard Sterling in the second season of BET's (DStv 129) Black Tax and Family Secrets, as well as a role in Jozi-H. 

Jamie Bartlett also appeared on TV in the 1996-series Homeland as Miles Wilson, in Screen Two as Dickie and recently in the second season of The Republic on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) as a Russian ambassador to South Africa.

Most of Jamie Bartlett's theatre work happened at the Market Theatre, where he appeared on stage in 1986's Cock and Bull Story, portraying a gay boxer and which won him a Vita Award for Most Promising Actor.

A year later in 1987 he won the Vita Best Actor Award for his Market Theatre role in the satire East, after which he starred in 1990's Rainshark also at the Market Theatre. 

He played the lead in The Great Outdoors and toured Switzerland with The Fire Raisers, and he returned to the Market Theatre in 2011 for Death of a Colonialist as a 60-something history teacher and for which he won the Naledi Theatre Award for Best performance by an actor in a lead role.

CORONAVIRUS. Talented scriptwriter Christian Blomkamp (44) has died from Covid-19: 'He may be gone from this world, but his stories will live on'.

by Thinus Ferreira

The talented South African scriptwriter Christian Blomkamp has died from Covid-19 complications. He was 44.

Christian Blomkamp who was born on 25 November 1976 has been hospitalised after contracting Covid-19 and died on Friday 30 July with friends and colleagues who said that although he’s gone his stories will live on.

"Our beautiful son and brother to Cath died this afternoon," his father, Paul wrote on Facebook. "Tonight we travel a different road. A scary and utterly lonely road. Our love for him is the one light we have to show the way. We love you dear Christian. For always."

As a TV writer Christian Blomkamp scripted numerous episodes for several of the country's most-watched shows.

Christian Blomkamp was a former head writer for the Morula Pictures-produced Generations on SABC1. 

He also wrote for The Wild on M-Net (DStv 101), as well as series on M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel like Isibaya produced by The Bomb Shelter, Gomora produced by Seriti Films, and The Omen produced by Magic Drum Films.

Christian Blomkamp was also a scriptwriter on SABC3's Isidingo, as well as a storyliner and senior writer on e.tv's weekday soap Rhythm City produced by Quizzical Pictures until that show's conclusion in mid-July.

Zeli Zulu, Rhythm City head writer, in a tribute, told TVwithThinus that "Christian Blomkamp was, like the, characters he created and the stories he wrote, a special human being".

"He was kind, gentle and generous. Everything he did, he gave of himself completely - a talented writer who, in his own words, 'just wanted to tell a good story'. And he gave us great stories, the greatest one being the story of his life. To know Chris was to love him. He had a cheeky sense of humour, a natural ability to bring light, even in the darkest of times."

"His loyalty to those he loved was steadfast and unwavering. His commitment to the industry, unmatched."

"This is an incredible loss, but we take heart in knowing that right up until the very end, he was doing what he loved the most - telling stories. He may be gone from this world, but his stories will live on. Until we meet again, friend, brother, son and scribe".

The producer, writer and actress Tiffany Barbuzano told TVwithThinus about Christian Blomkamp in a tribute that "We met when we were bright-eyed and ready to take on the world. We shared so many incredible moments at university together. Broken hearts, beautiful dreams, secret crushes".

"You loved to tease me with your 'soft hands'. Your beautiful piano player hands. You wanted nothing more than to be loved and deserved nothing but the best kind of love. You understood story and character on a level most only wish they could."

"Nothing made me laugh more than your astute commentary on our industry and the people who work in it. Dearest friend, we never got to write that script together ... I never got to taste one of your incredible patisserie creations. But I will always hold our friendship deep in my heart. Rest gently beautiful friend. You'll always have a place at our table."

The radio presenter Bailey Georgiades (Schneider) who does The Bailey Boost podcast host, and who now lives Athens, Greece and blogs at vanillablonde.co.za described her friend to TVwithThinus as "an incredibly special man, with some of the best storytelling skills I've ever come across".

"I am absolutely devastated to lose Christian Blomkamp - one of the most talented, kindest, funniest and most thoughtful! I was one of the lucky ones to have him as one of my best friends and I adored him."

"Christian was one of the best storytellers I've ever met! He created the best stories and characters for TV viewers all over SA, scriptwriting for The Wild, former headwriter of Generations, Isidingo, Isibaya, Rhythm City and more."

"His talent didn’t end with writing, he was doing an impressive pastry chef course, which just showed how he could do anything he put his mind to. Proud is an understatement!"

"I'm going to miss him more than I know how to put into words - he has left a massive void in my life and I am heartbroken! Rest in peace my incredible friend ... until we meet again."

The actor, comedian and director Clive Scott (84) who was one of South Africa's first TV stars has died.

by Thinus Ferreira

The legendary and prolific actor, comedian, director and palm-reader Clive Scott known for roles on stage, in film and on television in series like The Villagers, Isidingo and Life Begins at 40 died on Wednesday. He was 84.

His daughter, Gudrun Scott Cleghorn, confirmed the death of her dad on Facebook. Clive Scott was also a lecturer and film producer and starred in a plethora of South African TV commercials over several decades. His cause of death is not yet known.

"Clive, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother met Archangel Azrael at 14:30 today, surrounded by the love and light of loved ones who had passed before him. Our hearts are broken and our lives will never be the same again. He touched so many lives and was loved by so many. A truly remarkable life lived."

"My brother's Tom, Luke, Lufuno and I are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and for the exceptional care our father experienced in the last moments of his life," she wrote.

TV trivia buffs will remember that Clive Scott played the character of the barman Ted Dixon in The Villagers, South Africa's very first locally-produced TV drama series on the SABC's TV1 in 1976.

He then popped up, as Ted Dixon again in Isidingo on SABC3, 23 years later, reprising the role of Ted Dixon, since Isidingo was created by producer Gray Hofmeyr and was based on The Villagers - that was also created years earlier by Gray Hofmeyr.

Clive Scott toured throughout South Africa doing many stage shows, was a voice actor in numerous SABC Radio series. He and Gordon Mulholland also took their own stage productions around South Africa.

Born in Johannesburg on 4 July 1937, Clive Scott, born as Robert Clive Cleghorn, worked in banking for two years but he left to go work in the former Rhodesia and then left Zimbabwe for the United Kingdom where he stayed for 12 years and studied acting at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art where he had roles on stage across Britain and also on television in episodes of Doctor Who and The Last of the Baskets.

Clive Scott returned to South Africa in 1970 and starred in films like My Way, The Baby Game, Bait and Sell a Million. He became a household name after his 3-year role as Ted in The Villagers and one of South Africa's first TV stars.

Clive Scott had roles in films in every decade since the 1970s like Home Before Midnight, Skelms, Magic is Alive My Friends, Blind Justice, Killer Instinct, Sweet Murder, The Fourth Reich, No Hero, Live Wire 2, Operation Delta Target 3, Traitor's Heart, Operation Delta Force 5, Sumuru, Citizen Verdict, Stander, Beat the Drum, Duma, and was judge FL Rumpff in 2011's Winnie Mandela.

He appeared in 2016's Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu, with his last film role that was in 2019's French-African film Black Snake.

In South African TV series Clive Scott appeared in shows ranging from Oh George! in which he was George and John Ross: An African Adventure.

He also had roles in Miss Candida, River Horse Lake, The Adventures of Sinbad, Blind Justice, 1989's Barney Barnato, Tropical Heat, Tales of Mystery and Imagination, Rhodes, The Devil's Whore and the sitcom Life Begins at 40.

He was in 2009's Wild at Heart and played a principal in the 2018-miniseries Liberty.

In one of his last TV soap roles he appeared in Binnelanders on kykNET (DStv 144) as an elderly man with Alzheimers.

His roles in made-for-TV movies ranged from Where Angels Tread, Dark Desires: Diana, Mauwie, Pride of Africa, Red Water to Der weisse Afrikaner.

He directed and played the lead in The Moon is Blue at the Brooke Theatre in 1977 and also performed on stage in A Community of Two, Let Sleeping Wives Lie, Odd Man In, Night and Day, Happy Birthday, Towards Zero, Till Debts Do Us Part, was Major General in The Pirates of Penzance in 1986, Double Act, The Little Foxes, The Sum of Us, Don't Dress for Dinner, 1994's Oliver!, Funny Money, and Pieter-Dirk Uys' Auditioning Angels in 2003 at the Grahamstown Festival.

In his Warts and All one-man performance at Foxwood House that he started in 2014, he shared humorous anecdotes and stories about his life and career.

Clive Scott had a prolific career appearing in numerous South African TV commercials over decades, appearing as a funny face for every conceivable homegrown South African brand ranging from Mrs Balls chutney to MultiChoice's DStv.

Clive Scott leaves behind his wife Margie, and his children Gudrun, Thomas, Luke and adopted son Brian/Lufuno.

Actor Luzuko Nteleko (37) loses his battle against brain cancer.

by Thinus Ferreira

Actor Luzuko Nteleko has died on Monday after he had lost his battle against brain cancer. He was 37.

He was diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer in 2019. 

Loyiso Nteleko was known for roles like Loyiso in SABC1's Zone 14, SABC3's Isidingo and drama series like Streets of Mangaung in which he played student constable Lebogang Chuene, as well as Ring of Lies and the Mzansi Magic miniseries 4 Hours.

Other roles included stints in the SABC1 sitcom Single Galz, the SABC1 drama series Mfolozi Street the third season of SABC1's drama series Tempy Pushas in 2016, as well as in Ambitions, City Ses-la, eKasi: Our Stories, Gauteng Maboneng, isiPantsula and Keeping Score. 

"The Nteleko family hereby confirm the passing of their son, Luzuko Nteleko," says his family in a statement.

"Luzuko was diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer in 2019. He fought a good fight until he met his untimely death on 21 June 2021."

"We are deeply saddened and hurt by his passing. Luzuko was peace, courage and strength. The family will communicate the funeral arrangements in due time. May friends and loved ones be comforted in the fact that his spirit will continue to be with us."

"The Nteleko family is grateful to his medical and spiritual team that supported Zuko tirelessly with his fight against brain cancer."

Who shot Lincoln? Viewers react after SABC3's Isidingo ends with an unresolved Dallas cliffhanger series finale.

by Thinus Ferreira

Isidingo did Dallas as mysterious gunshots rang out in the final scene of the series finale on SABC3 on Thursday evening as Lincoln got shot - leaving viewers shocked, in disbelief and ending the local weekday soap on a blunt cliffhanger that will never be resolved.

For the series finale the writers' room of the Pomegranate Media production company and showrunner Pumla Hopa borrowed a page from the iconic "Who shot J.R.?" third season finale of the American prime time drama series Dallas to end Isidingo with a cliffhanger ending that will never get an answer.

Similar to how evil patriarch J.R. Ewing got shot by a mysterious character seemingly leaving him for dead, a woman with only her eyes framed in shots, was seen first taking off a blond wig - indicating that she has possibly been around for a while and masquerading as someone else,after which she shot Lincoln Sibeko (Lindani Nkosi) in his penthouse apartment at point-blank range.

He at least opened his eyes as he was laying in the ground before the end-credits rolled for the last time to indicate that while he wasn't dead.

Who was she? The evil, scheming Cherel de Villiers-Haines who returned for a last unexplained act of revenge? Was it Charlie Holmes, the daughter of Eddie Holmes originally played by Jay Anstey, returning to avenge the death of her father who died when the police station got bombed as a result of Lincoln and Nina?

The secret shooter's identity is a mystery South African television will never reveal, after the SABC that is no longer able to afford large emsemble cast drama series for SABC3, abruptly cancelled the show.

SABC3 will now air Isidingo repeats in the same timeslot for the next few months with no new replacement programming in primetime.

Isidingo faded out with an end-credits tribute card in gold capital letters at the end of its final episode, saying: "We are forever grateful to our loyal viewers who have been with us throughout the 21 years of Isidingo. Maz'Enethole!"

Earlier in the final episode a gun-filled blood-spattered scene saw Mayekiso (Dumisane Mbebe) killed off when Lincoln shot him in a merciless killing scene in a hospital room.

Viewers largely reacted negatively to the final episode and Isidingo's end as fans from across South Africa as well as Canada, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Lesotho, Swaziland, Tanzania and several other countries who have followed the series weighed in and said goodbye.

"SABC3 has left an entire country crying today, to each and every actor and actress thank you all for keeping us entertained we love you all," said Fatima Vankar.

"I'm at a loss for words. The ending was crap! Who the hell was that woman? I can't believe it ended this way," remarked Tracy Dugdale.

"I've been following this show since I was in primary school and it's sad that this is the end. Despite the suspense I would like to know who was the hot assassin. This show has been one of the famous in my country Tanzania," remarked Yu. "So they're leaving us on such a massive cliffhanger. Wow," said Tihan-Nico Paxton.

"Now for the rest of my life I'll have to wonder who shot Lincoln," said Samuiel Herigo, while Ntombi Langa said: "SABC3 and I no longer have a relationship". "Such a disappointing end to such a phenomenal show," said Thabang Matona.

Angel Skikwambana asked: "What's left for us to watch on SABC3? I mean first it was Top Billing now it's Isidingo". Matshidiso Kabelo suggested: "Isidingo, please negotiate with Showmax like Lockdown did or consider e.tv. They don't have alot of soapies."

"Can someone wake me from my dream? Because I don't believe Isidingo has come to the end. SABC3 why? Why? I screamed after I watched tonight's episode and my son was like: 'Mummy are you okay?' Seriously why do you have to end Isidingo?" asked Olajumoke Ajibesin.


ALSO READ: Inside tonight’s SABC3 Isidingo finale: How the cast will watch together as gunshots ring out.
ALSO READ: The SABC is replacing its cancelled local weekday soap Isidingo with repeats of Isidingo in primetime, for months.

Inside tonight’s SABC3 Isidingo finale: How the cast will watch together as gunshots ring out.

by Thinus Ferreira

When the liquid gold opening theme of Isidingo starts for the last time after 21 years on SABC3 tonight, the entire cast will be huddled together in a secret Johannesburg location to watch the cancelled soap's series finale together.

The South African public broadcaster abruptly axed the long-running soap in November 2019 because the SABC's struggling and ratings-challenged sole commercial TV channel can no longer afford to make expensive local shows like Top Billing or ones that support a large ensemble cast like Isidingo.

When the cancellation decision was made by SABC top brass with little notice to the production company the last Isidingo episode was already written by that time and in production with little that could be changed. The cast had to hear on Twitter that their show was cancelled by the SABC.

Just before the final Isidingo episode filmed last scenes on 24 January 2020, the Pomegranate Media production, helmed by executive producer and director Pumla Hopa, however rushed to rewrite some scenes.

The last Isidingo episode is largely however exactly how it would have been originally since the SABC's cancellation axe came down with too little advance warning for the show to do anything properly to wrap up the show or any of the major storylines since the writing team already wrapped for the season.

After thousands of episodes since the Gray Hofmeyr created soap launched on 7 July 1998 - giving South African viewers some iconic characters like Cherel de Villiers Haines, Barker Haines and Hlubi Mboya who portrayed the HIV-positive Nandipha Sithole - the series finale tonight will include some shockers and surprises ... including gunshots as "one man avenges himself".

The show is however staying tight-lipped as to whether any characters might get killed off or whether the final Isidingo scene will leave longtime viewers with a satisfying conclusion or on a shocking and never-to-be-resolved cliffhanger ending.

Filming on the day of the last Isidingo episode the cast and crew knew it was the end but kept up appearances, choosing to focus on getting the work done and getting the last scenes in the can, instead of what it all meant as the fictional mining community of The Deep and real-life TV-making community saw their tight-knit group being dismantled after two decades on the air.

"They have always been a very positive cast and crew to be around and they're all just crazy and laughing all the time usually. On the last day emotions were there but we didn't really dwell on the situation," Isidingo publicist Catherine Sidyiyo tells TVwithThinus.

"People were happy and good and fine on set. On the last day - it wasn't everybody who was there - but it concluded with a jovial spirit and a spirit of togetherness really."

After Thursday SABC3 will broadcast themed Isidingo repeat episodes for the next few months during its primetime timeslot until the channel figures out what it can or wants to do during the 19:00 half hour where the soap's viewership has plunged to between 900 000 and a million viewers per month at most.

The SABC is replacing its cancelled local weekday soap Isidingo with repeats of Isidingo in primetime, for months.

by Thinus Ferreira

The SABC is replacing the axed Isidingo on SABC3 with ... repeats of Isidingo in primetime.

After cancelling the 21-year old local weekday soap with a large ensemble cast - which like other programming SABC3 has become too expensive given the dwindling ratings of the struggling channel - the SABC isn't replacing it for now with something new immediately, even though it has had months to prepare.

Similar to how repeat episodes of Top Billing fill the timeslot after the last original Top Billing episode when that show was abruptly cancelled, the end of original Isidingo episodes will make way for archive repeats.

The SABC announced in November 2019 that it is ending Isidingo created by Gray Hofmeyr, originally produced by Endemol SA, later Endemol Shine Africa and then Pomegranate Media, with the final episode that was filmed on 24 January 2020. 

The axe came down so quick and unexpected that the final episode was already written which didn’t give the production time to plan and rewrite any broad or proper farewell episode although it managed to make slight changes.

Isidingo's axing is part of several cancellations of other local and international shows on SABC3 with the channel's ratings that has fallen to between 900 000 and a million viewers monthly for its most-watched fare.



After the series finale of Isidingo on SABC3 on Thursday 12 March at 19:00, SABC3 will run Isidingo repeats for the next few months in the middle of primetime, selecting specific episodes from across the years to reshow.

According to insiders SABC3 is still searching for new content for the timeslot and will stay with Isidingo repeats until a "new SABC3 schedule kicks in" at some point later in 2020.

The "Isidingo tribute" of repeat episodes will continue for at least two months on SABC3 through April and May, with various "themed" episodes that won't tell any connected story besides being set in the fictitious "The Deep" community. 

Friday 13 March and Monday 16 March will be "birthday celebration" episodes, followed by various Isidingo themes starting from Tuesday 17 March.

"We are working on a strategy going forward to ensure that SABC3 becomes a financial and ratings success," Pat van Heerden, the new SABC3 channel head, tells TVwithThinus.

"We are in the process of consolidating this strategy. In the short-term we will be offering our viewers a chance to take a trip down memory lane and celebrate the best moments brought to us by the longrunning program, Isidingo."

"We feel that the curating of the special moments over decades would be a fitting farewell to a longrunning series that has done so well for SABC 3 in the past."

The SABC cancels Isidingo The Need on SABC3 after 21 years, final episode to broadcast on 12 March 2020 as dismantling of the struggling channel's legacy schedule continues.

by Thinus Ferreira

The SABC no longer sees any need for Isidingo - The Need with the show that is the next legacy show on SABC3 getting the cancellation axe and will broadcast its final episode on 12 March 2020.

In response to a media enquiry on Friday morning the SABC told TVwithThinus that Isidingo is over with the 21-year old local soap, now produced by Pomegranate Media, that won't be renewed for a further season.

The SABC blames Isidingo's "poor audience ratings during the time slot, decline in revenue and poor return on investment" for the weekday soap's cancellation, although SABC3 as a whole remains deeply mired in financial trouble, ratings problems and almost insurmountable programming challenges as the South African public broadcaster's only commercial TV channel. 

Over the past three years the SABC has dismantled and cancelled basically the entire legacy programming schedule of SABC3, including the local telenovela High Rollers, the American daytime soaps Days of Our Lives and The Bold and the Beautiful, 3Talk with Noeleen as well as its replacement Real Talk with Anele, as well as the longrunning Top Billing. 

SABC3 keeps saying the bulk cancellations are part of "the channels' future strategic direction" but fails to explain or answer media enquiries about what it means. 

On Friday the SABC confirmed that Isidingo will "be airing its final episode on Thursday, 12 March 2020."

Created by Gray Hofmeyr and making its debut in July 1998, the soap that was originally produced by Endemol Shine Africa was once a once cutting-edge local soap that included quick-filmed ripped-form-the-day's-headlines scenes and groundbreaking storylines ranging including HIV-positive and gay characters who inhabited the fictional Horizon Deep mining community. 

"In line with SABC3's future strategic direction, Isidingo has been one of the programmes that will not be recommissioned for the new fiscal from April 2020," says the SABC.

"The decision to decommission Isidingo was informed by a number of factors which includes poor audience ratings during the time slot, decline in revenue and poor return on investment."

"The organisation was faced with no option but to review the performance of all programmes on the channel that are not performing and to ensure that the channel’s content is competitive and commercially viable," says David Makubyane, the SABC's acting head of television.

"SABC3, through its strategic plans will continue to commission and intensify its investment in local productions and content which will allow creatives to come up with new, gripping and commercially viable content for the channel."

"The channel will through its content division welcome any proposals that respond to these plans and channel direction," says David Makubyane.

Generations The Legacy on SABC1 renewed for 2 further seasons while the SABC ponders whether SABC3's Isidingo is still needed.

The South African public broadcaster has renewed its one SABC1 prime time weekday soap Generations - The Legacy for two more seasons while the broadcaster remains silent over the fate of the long-running Isidingo on SABC3 facing possible cancellation.

Generations - The Legacy on SABC1 on Monday night continued uninterrupted despite an announcement three days earlier that it would go into reruns as part of  a "summer break" of old themed rerun episodes that was set to start on Monday - a plan which was abruptly scuppered.

Generations - The Legacy is SABC1 and South African television's second-most watched TV show and pulled 9.23 million viewers (25.7 AR / 65.4 share) during October.

The SABC dragged its heels in signing a new contract for a 6th season of Generations - The Legacy with Morula Pictures, owned by Mfundi Vundla, but finally did so on Monday 25 November.

Although the SABC on Friday announced that Generations - The Legacy would go into repeats on SABC1 from Monday and not revealing that it was because no further contract existed, a period of schedule padding with reruns didn't start on Monday at 20:00.

Instead a new first-run episode of Generations - The Legacy was broadcast on SABC1 after the SABC concluded a new 2-year contract with Morula Pictures.

At 20:05 the SABC in a statement said that "the SABC and Morula Pictures are pleased to announce that Generations - The Legacy has been recommissioned for two new seasons".

The SABC said that "Generations - The Legacy will continue uninterrupted and audiences will be spoilt with fresh episodes throughout December and the rest of 2020."

Neither Phillip Mabitsela, SABC1 publicist, nor Morula Pictures responded to media enquiries made since Friday.

Meanwhile questions continue to swirl whether the struggling prime time soap Isidingo - The Need on SABC3 is getting renewed of axed.

Neither the SABC nor Pomegranate Media have responded to media enquries seeking clarity over the future of Isidingo that is facing possible cancellation.

The longrunning local soap that has shed popular characters and viewers drew a paltry 957 500 viewers in October on SABC3 which remains the public broadcaster's biggest headache and struggling to make money as the SABC's only commercial TV channel.

The SABC has done away with and cancelled most of SABC3's high-cost, longrunning signature programming over the past three years including Days of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful, High Rollers, 3Talk and its replacement Real Talk, as well as Top Billing.

How a 7de Laan producer and Isidingo writer helped to save Oprah.

A 7de Laan producer and an Isidingo writer have helped to save Oprah.

After a man in Centurion heard a faint noise last Saturday and investigated, Lucius Fred discovered a newborn baby in a plastic shopping bag when he decided to investigate and found the child in a bloody bag with her umbilical cord, according to reports.

He thought the baby was dead but immediately called his employers Allyzander Fourie, a writer on the SABC3 soap Isidingo, and Roelien Spruyt, a producer of the SABC2 soap 7de Laan. They also thought the baby was already dead when they arrived on the scene but then Roelien Spruyt heard a noise - the baby was still alive.

Roelien told Rapport newspaper that she opened the bag again and pressed the baby against her, summoning the neighbourhood watch and a paramedic with an ambulance from Kalafong who gave the baby an oxygen mask before taking her to hospital.

The baby has been named Oprah, after Oprah Winfrey, "because she's a miracle" said Roelien Spruyt.

"I hope that one day she can attend the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls. Hopefully she can walk and one day ask 'do you have a little place for me?"

According to statistics more than 3 000 babies are abandoned annually in South Africa by their mothers and left for dead with the most who don't survive.

Roelien told eNuus "that I just saw this little face in the darkness. In this bag. With these small little fists. And all the way I said 'Just don't die. Don't die.' "

"Because she didn't have a name I wanted to give her a strong name. There are several people who would now like to adopt her".

The bitch is back as Michelle Botes reprises her Cherel de Villiers character for a 2-episode appearance on SABC3's Isidingo for the soap's 21st anniversary in July.

The biggest bitch on South African television is returning with Cherel de Villiers-Haines-Le-Roux-Kumar-Homes who will return to SABC3’s Isidingo for a 2-episode arc to mark its 21st anniversary.

TV thesp Michelle Botes is back on the Isidingo backlot filming scenes today for Isidingo’s 21st birthday special episodes produced by Pomegranate Media.

These will be broadcast on Friday 5 July and Monday 8 July on SABC3. 

According to Isidingo publicist Catherine Sidyiyo, the special episodes will contain scenes not related to the main ongoing story arcs but are additional special scenes to mark the local weekday soap’s anniversary.

On Tuesday Isidingo on its social media shared a photo of Michelle Botes back in the dressing room getting hair and make-up done before scenes being shot today.

After years on the then-Endemol produced show, the Cherel character was shipped off to an asylum in 2007, with Botes who then jumped to M-Net’s Binnelanders soap on kykNET (DStv 144) where she remained a few years after which she went back to Isidingo in June 2010 to reprise the character of Cherel again for a short stint.

Cherel de Villiers - Haines - Le Roux Holmes.#Isidingo #Isidingo21 #bts pic.twitter.com/XzsupbUw3K

— Isidingo (@IsidingoSABC3) June 18, 2019

SOAP REVOLVING DOOR. Gerard Rudolf dumped from Isidingo on SABC3, Salamina Mosese picked up by Generations on SABC1, Pascal Pienaar gone from Binnelanders on kykNET.

Like sand through the hourglass so are the comings and going from weekday TV soaps in South Africa - Gerard Rudolf has been dumped from Isidingo on SABC3, Salamina Mosese has been added to Generations on SABC1 and Pascal Pienaar exited Binnelanders on kykNET (DStv 144).

Gerard Rudolf who played the character of Hendrik Lategan appeared on-screen for the last time on Isidingo on Monday 10 June when the character of Hendrik was killed off after suffering a brain aneurysm.

In a statement Pomegranate Media now producing Isidingo says "To Gerard Rudolf thank you for sharing your craft and impeccable talent with the Isidingo family and fans. Your presence on and off screen will be sorely missed".

Meanwhile Salamina Mosese has joined Generations: The Legacy, produced by Morula Pictures on SABC1.

The former 7de Laan soap star appears as Christine, the head of marketing at Nova Wines and is responsible for choosing which one of the Moroka brothers is best for her business – Mazwi or Smanga.

In a statement Salamina Mosese says "Getting the chance to join the cast of one of South Africa's biggest soapies is an opportunity I relish. This is another chapter in my love story with TV and acting".

Actress Pascal Pienaar who played Karli in the Afrikaans weekday soap Binnelanders on kykNET (DStv 144) exited the soap in March this year produced by Stark Films, 5 and a half years after she joined in 2005.

In late-May viewers recently saw the character Karli meet her demise who apparently died from a suicide, although all is not what it seems.

Quizzical Pictures cast Linda Sokhulu as new character Ziyanda in e.tv's weekday soap Rhythm City.

Quizzical Pictures has added actress Linda Sokhulu to its weekday soap Rhythm City produced for e.tv with the character of Ziyanda who will make her appearance on-screen from Tuesday 16 April.

Linda Sokhulu joins Rhythm City after an 8-year stint on SABC3's weekday soap, Isidingo as the character of Nikiwe Sibeko.

e.tv in a statement about the cast addition says Linda Sokhulu "joins the cast as Ziyanda, a smart, savvy businessperson who has a booming laugh and a dirty sense of humour. She takes no nonsense but doesn't have to prove she's tough".

"She is both streetwise and worldly and knows how to use her beauty and brains to get what she wants."

"The character of Ziyanda comes into Suffo's life and lures him into a bigger world of business and power. She becomes his unlikely buddy."

"Ziyanda is a tough-talking broad who isn't afraid to speak her mind. She isn't intimidated by Suffo in the slightest and speaks to him in a way he wouldn't accept from another woman."

"Ziyanda unwittingly challenges Suffo (Mduduzi Mabaso) and Puleng's (Tebogo Khalo) compatibility and ultimately highlights their very different goals. Will Puleng perceive her as a rival?"

The new character will be a threat to both David Genaro (Jamie Bartlett) and Suffocate.

Linda Sokhulu says "I am looking forward to playing Ziyanda - it's a very challenging role. She is worldly and street smart, sexy and driven. She knows exactly what she wants and is not afraid to speak her mind. David and Suffo have no idea what they're in for".

SABC's local soap Isidingo on SABC3 distances itself from 'racist' talent agent who told extras 'to go and take an Aids test' and to 'go sleep in your little caves where you come from. Maybe you can ask Mandela if he can resurrect you'.

The SABC's local weekday soap Isidingo has distanced itself from the "racist" talent agent Mary Ann Miller who told potential extras in a series of messages in a Whatsapp group "to go sleep in your little caves where you come. Maybe you can ask Mandela if he can resurrect you".

Mary Ann Miller fought with actress Gugu Xofsa in a Whatsapp group entitled "The revolution starts now".

Mary Ann Miller claimed that the Pomegranate Media produced show was allegedly looking for 17 extras and those "who comment on the group and are actually c*nts" won't get work on the show through her.

"We at Isidingo distance ourselves from her racist remarks that she has made," says Isidingo in a statement, denying that the show has ever worked with Mary Ann Miller.

"We have never worked with this said individual as she has never provided extras for our show. We do not condone any form of racism."

In the string of Whatsapp messages and voice notes, Mary Ann Miller said "English is a universal language, the sooner you realise that the better because without us, you won't have jobs," and "Remember your forefathers and our forefathers. We are not responsible for what happened to you, and you are not responsible for what happened to me. So, you want to stick by my side, fit in or f**k off."

"Those are my very good words because I'm only willing to help people that are rational and straight in their mind. Don't come with history and all the sh*t. It's not my problem. If it's your problem, go and take an Aids test or something, either than that stick by my back and you'll get work."

"You are black and it means that your skin is black. I am white because my skin is white. Why do we have to fight about this all the time? You guys clearly did not get work, that is why you are frustrated on another group or something."

"If you have acting ability, you will be in an acting agent. Either than that you are just useless piece of people who sit on the street. So, go and find somewhere to belong and then we can talk."

"Don't send messages anymore, go and f**k off and go sleep in your little caves where you come. Maybe you can ask Mandela if he can resurrect you. Here we are trying to get work and we do work and everything, so you guys can go and sleep now, alright."

Neo Momodu, SABC spokesperson, said the South African public broadcaster is investigating the matter.

"As the public broadcaster, we condemn and are against actions and comments which go against the spirit of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and social cohesion. We distance ourselves from such comments and we'll investigate, as far as it relates to our suppliers and people that we do business with."