M-Net cancels Seriti Films' Gomora telenovela on Mzansi Magic after ratings slide, shortened 4th season will see characters 'spiral out of control' after exit of actors Siphesihle Ndaba and Katlego Danke.

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net has cancelled the Gomora telenovela on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) following an ongoing decrease in DStv subscribers watching the Seriti Films produced show, with a shortened fourth season which will be its last without stars Siphesihle Ndaba and Katlego Danke.

M-Net confirms that it has pulled the plug on Gomora which will now end after a shortened fourth season that will start on 24 April and end on 20 October 2023. 

M-Net says it is "committed to finding a suitable alternative to Gomora which will be announced in due course".

M-Net notes in a statement that it "maintains a fruitful working relationship with Seriti Films" but that it has to "be responsive to their changing needs and preferences" - very likely a reference to the sliding TV ratings of Gomora which is far off from the number of DStv subscribers who tuned in when it made its debut on 30 March 2020.

Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director of local entertainment channels, says "This means that we have to bid farewell to beloved shows like Gomora, but we are excited to bring you new, fresh and exciting content".

"It's been an incredible three years since Gomora first aired on Mzansi Magic," says Shirley Adonisi. "The show has captivated audiences across the country and we are proud to be part of its legacy. We thank the cast and crew of Gomora for their incredible work and dedication."

Leanne Khumalo, executive producer, says that "Gomora has always been a show that transcended the screen. These characters and stories will live in the hearts and homes of many people for years to come. A truly memorable show which we will look back on with a sense of fulfilment, knowing we brought light to these important stories".

"Gomora has been an incredible journey, paved with many special milestones and memories. When we started this show, we were on the brink of lockdown. The crew and cast formed a special bond during this time. Gomora grew into a family and this power dynamic was shared and experienced on screen".

According to Mzansi Magic, the exit of actors Siphesihle Ndaba and Katlego Danke who have portrayed Mazet and Thathi since the start of the series, will see the "young people of Gomora spiral out of control".

"For its fourth and final season, fans of the telenovela can expect intense action and an emotional rollercoaster of a season. The young people of Gomora spiral out of control, from self-inflicted pain, and generational pain."

"Also, this is as Sonto's (Connie Chiume) world is rocked and she grapples with her emotions post the killing. The absence of Mazet (Siphesihle Ndaba) and Thathi (Katlego Danke) turns the Molefe household upside down throughout the season and Sonto moves from one desperate act to even more dangerous decisions." 

"At the Zondo household, after surviving the accident, Sibongile (Nandipha Khubone) gave birth to her and Scara's (Wonder Ndlovu) baby. Sibongile, unsure whether she can care for her child, makes a premature decision that will have long-term consequences. But as Zodwa (Sannah Mchunu) plans her and Bongani's (Thulani Mtshweni) big day, the joyful, long overdue occasion may just be what the family needs to finally come together." 

"Meanwhile,  Nkosinathi (Fezile Makhanya) finds himself in one unfortunate financial situation after another at Zodwa and Bongani's wedding, a moment of weakness will either make or break his relationship with Gladys (Thembi Seete)."

BET Africa unveils Redemption as its second BET Original telenovela, set inside a South Africa megachurch run by powerful Zikode family starring Simon Zikode, Kwanele Mthethwa and Tina Jaxa.

by Thinus Ferreira

Paramount Africa's second locally-produced telenovela entitled Redemption starting on 26 September at 18:00 on BET (DStv 129) is set within the world of a South African megachurch starring Themba Ndaba as celebrity pastor Simon Zikode and Kwanele Mthethwa as his daughter Faith.

Similar to BET's first telenovela Isono which lasted a single season and is currently getting a re-airing on e.tv as South Africa's only commercial free-to-air TV channel, Redemption as a BET Africa Original will also get a free-to-air rebroadcast a few months later on e.tv.

Redemption is produced by Matsimela Films from the merged Seriti Films and Burnt Onion Productions, with the story starting after the disappearance of Simon Zikode. 

His daughter Faith, who is on the cusp of an international music career, drop everything to come to her family's rescue.

As Faith becomes immersed in the church organisation and family affairs "she uncovers devastating secrets about those closest to her and is confronted with her own skeletons. Dark truths come to light and the Zikode family are faced with many baffling decisions as they scramble to salvage the family’s legacy," BET Africa says.

Mond Twala, senior vice president of editorial and general manager for Paramount Africa and peer lead for BET International, says "Our mission at BET Africa is to engage the black community and truly drive black excellence in our industry and through the stories we tell".

"The team behind this BET Africa Original is exceptional. Redemption is a co-production by two of the most notable production companies in South Africa; Seriti Films who are known for their masterful storytelling and Burnt Onion Productions who deliver world-class productions. This, together with the stellar cast of Redemption, guarantees an enthralling viewing experience for our audiences across the continent."

Leanne Kumalo, Seriti Films managing director and executive producer, says "We are very excited about our collaboration with Burnt Onion, and strongly believe the co-production has elevated the project. Together the two companies have been able to really add something dynamic to the industry".

Leanne Kumalo, Katleho Ramaphakela, Rethabile Ramaphakela and Tshepo Ramaphakela are executive producers on Redemption, with Thabang Moleya, Nozipho Nkelemba and Athi Petela as directors and Siphosethu Tshapu and Kagiso Mogale serving as head writers.

The Redemption cast includes Tina Jaxa as pastor's wife Evelyn Zikode, described as "a classic matriarch who guards her nest like a hawk". Sthandiwe Kgoroge plays a villain BET Africa isn't giving a character description yet.

The rest of the Redemption cast includes Seputla Sebogodi, Yonda Thomas, Pearl Modiadie and Sparky Xulu, along with newcomers Nkone Mamejta and Toka Mtabane. 

Also part of the cast are Kwanele Mthethwa, Pakamisa Zwedala, Yonda Thomas, Mmarona Motshegoa, Peter Mashigo, Helen Lebepe, Sonni Chiediebere, Pearl Modiadie, Luthando Mthembu, Zenzo Ngqobe, and Majorie Langa.

Themba Ndaba says who plays Simon says "Redemption will bring much-anticipated drama, it will ignite fervent conversations around day-to-day experiences of the ordinary South African and shine a light on value systems within African communities. The energy on set is electrifying and we can’t wait to see that translate on screen".

Redemption will have new episodes from Mondays to Thursdays on BET Africa at 18:00 with a nightly repeat at 21:30.

Coronavirus: M-Net local soaps The River, Gomora and Isibaya will roll out new episodes from Monday 25 May on 1Magic and Mzansi Magic as their stream-viewing numbers on DStv Catch Up and DStv Now surge during March and April.

by Thinus Ferreira

More local South African primetime soaps that ran out of available episodes are set to return with the pay-TV drama series The River, Gomora and Isibaya that will all show new episodes on MultiChoice's DStv from this coming Monday 25 May.

All three M-Net commissioned series went off the air two weeks ago due to the weeks-long production break that saw all South Africa's TV shows shutter and studios lock their gates because of the Covid-19 national lockdown period to try and curb the spread of the coronavirus in the country.

While broadcasters and pay-TV schedulers had some stocked episodes in the kitty it wasn't enough and eventually left DStv subscribers with hastily padded schedules on 1Magic (DStv 103) and Mzansi Magic (DStv 161), while on public television SABC1's Uzalo produced by Stained Glass TV also ran out of episodes.

All of these and the country's other locally-produced soaps on the SABC, e.tv and DStv have since returned to studio lots for filming but Uzalo done from Durban will only broadcast new episodes from 15 June on SABC1.

M-Net's general entertainment division told TVwithThinus on Tuesday that The River, produced by Tshedza Pictures will be back with new episodes from Monday 25 May on M-Net's 1Magic channel.

Isibaya, produced by The Bomb Shelter and Gomora, produced by Seriti Films, which are both shown on M-Net's Mzansi Magic channel, will also be back with new episodes from 25 May, said publicist Gaaratwe Mokhethi.


Stream-viewing surge on DStv Catch Up and DStv Now
All of the shows - Uzalo, Gomora, The River and Isibaya - along with multiple others have seen their TV ratings surge in March and April in record viewership increases across the board for the SABC, e.tv and DStv as viewers stuck at home and with an end to Eskom loadshedding have flocked to their screens.

Besides just linear TV ratings these series have also showed remarkable growth in delayed viewing done through DStv decoders and stream viewing through MultiChoice's DStv Now video-on-demand service.

In March the top 5 DStv Catch Up shows watched as delayed viewing through DStv decoders had Mzansi Magic taking the top 4 spots with local content with The Queen at number one with 512 000 average views, Isibaya with 458 000 average views, Mnakwethu with 448 000 average views, Kwa Mam'Mkhize with 415 000 average views and the American procedural drama series 9-1-1 on M-Net (DStv 101) in the 5th place with 340 000 average views.

In April this surged with The Queen climbing to 526 000 average views in delayed viewing on DStv Catch Up through DStv decoders, Gomora rushing to second place with 478 000 average views, Madam & Mercy jumping to the 3rd spot with  396 000 average views, Lockdown in 4th place with 370 000 average views, and Mnakwethu at 364 000 average views.

Meanwhile M-Net's second season of The Bachelor South Africa with Marc Buchner, produced by Rapid Blue has been punching far above its weight.

Although on the top bouquet tier of DStv Premium, limiting access to the majority of DStv subscribers, The Bachelor SA was the 4th most stream-watched show on DStv Now during March with 63 000 average viewers. The others were The Queen in top position (88 000 views), followed by Isibaya (83 000 views) and Mnakwethu (62 000) all on Mzansi Magic, and The River (60 000 views) on 1Magic.

In April DStv Now stream-viewing surged as Gomora (98 000 views) climbed to first place as the most-viewed show, followed by The River (92 000 views), The Queen (80 000 views), The Bachelor (77 000 views) and Isibaya (69 000 views).

Mzansi Magic's new drama series, The Herd, with Sello Maake ka Ncube, looking at life's sacrifices with a supernatural twist.

M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel is adding a new 13-episode drama series, The Herd, starting on Sunday 8 July at 20:00 that will revolve around a man sacrificing his soul for love and a better future with a supernatural twist.

The Herd, produced by Seriti Films, will follow Bhekisizwe Mthethwa (Sello Maake Ka Ncube) who was fired 28 years ago from his job at a butchery due to his leg injury and who then went to consult a witch, MaMngadi (Winnie Ntshaba) who promised him a bright future in return for a great sacrifice as a desperate Bheki tries to provide for his wife and baby.

In the present Bheki is married to MaMngadi with three more children, Muzi (Sparky Xulu), Nkosana (Paballo Mavundla) and Dumazile (Cindy Mahlangu) with Bheki who has to choose the successor to his cattle business that leads to sibling rivalry.

"Sacrifice is at the heart of many human stories, particularly when looking at the family structure. It’s the man’s responsibility to take care of his loved ones and sometimes the pressure of supporting the family can drive a man to the edges of darkness, says Reneilwe Sema, M-Net director of local entertainment channels. "The Herd is essentially about that: the sacrifices we make for love."

Also part of The Herd cast are Zethu Dhlomo playing the tough and gifted gunslinger, Lwandle; Sihle Ndaba as Bheki’s golden child, Kayise; Tiisetso Thoka as the Mthethwa’s leading herdsman, Dingane; and Peter Mashigo as the troubled alcoholic, Magubane.