Pasella returns to SABC2 on Friday 13 February at 18:00; adds new presenter Simon Witbooi 'Hemel Besem'.

The longrunning Afrikaans magazine show Pasella returns on Friday to SABC2 in a new timeslot of 18:00 with a new format and a new presenter Simon Witbooi, known as "Hemel Besem".

Pasella used to run uninterrupted all year round on SABC2 until March 2013 when the SABC decided the show will be broken into capped shorter seasons and will have to alternate with other programming on SABC2.

Pasella which has weathered multiple day and timeslot changes over 16 years is once again moving to a new day and timeslot from 13 February with a new 30-minute format.

Pasella, produced by Tswelopele Productions from Cape Town, does retain presenters like actress Crystal-Donna Roberts, model and former school teacher and Mr South Africa Dieter Voigt, former Miss South Africa Melinda Bam, Paul Rothmann, Charlene Lackay and singer Lynelle Kenned.

The magazine show will once again explore South Africa, visiting people and doing profile inserts, giving décor and DIY advice and share recipes.

Friday's first new Pasella episode explores the history of the Bainskloofpas and talks to Tim Theron, Heinz Winckler and Milan Murray from the film Mooirivier. Paul and Crystal-Donna celebrate Valentine's Day by cooking a romantic dinner, the show visits Langkloof Roses to learn about different varieties of roses and Dieter goes on the Sundays River Cruise in the Eastern Cape.

BREAKING. Melinda Bam, joins Pasella on SABC2 as a new presenter of the Afrikaans magazine show.

Melinda Bam is joining SABC2's weekly Afrikaans magazine show Pasella as a new presenter.

There's been no word to the press from either SABC2 nor the Tswelopele Productions produced local programme regarding the addition of Melinda Bam as the latest on-screen talent.

Melinda Bam is a former Miss South Africa, and was crowned Miss South Africa 2011.

Pasella, like its sister programme Top Billing, has a soft spot for South African beauty queens as presenters; Pasella previously saw Cindy Nell and Jo-Ann Strauss utilised as presenters for the show.

Melinda Bam is no stranger to Pasella and has appeared on Pasella previously in a profile interview. The former Miss South Africa started working for Pasella two weeks ago, filming her first insert in middle January.

Melinda Bam joins the current Pasella crop of presenters Crystal Donna Roberts, Paul Rothman, Minki van der Westhuizen, Irshaad Ally, Dieter Voight, Charlene Lackay and Lynelle Kenned.

Melinda Bam is set to make her first Pasella on-screen appearance on 12 February when she interviews Ivan Botha and DonnaLee Roberts who appear in the Afrikaans film Pad na Jou Hart.