Mzansi Magic adds 10 new mini-series from May to DStv local slate produced by youth-led South African production companies

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) will be rolling out 10 new mini-series starting from May, several of which are helmed by youth-led South African production companies.

The plan is to strip these new mini-series from Mondays to Wednesdays, over a 10-week period, from 11 May and into July, three nights a week.

"We are excited to be sharing stories made by exciting, talented teams who really have their finger on the pulse," says  Shirley Adonisi, director for local entertainment channels.

"The mini-series format is a really important part of how we support industry development and create opportunities for creatives. It gives producers who've built their experience in film the chance to step into series storytelling by developing a three-part mini-series."

"The shift isn't just about format - it's about growing new skills in writing, directing and production. Through this process, we're helping creatives expand their craft while opening up more opportunities for directors, writers and production teams."

"At the end of the day, it's about creating a pathway, one that helps talent move from film into drama, and ultimately supports more jobs and long-term growth in the industry," adds Shirley Adonisi.

Included in the first six mini-series titles coming to Mzansi Magic are Love At Second Sight, produced by Ngomoya Films and starring Amanda Seome, Nduduzo Zuma, Aluve Mjali and Nimrod Nkosi.

It will air on Mzansi Magic from 11 May at 19:00. The mini-series' logline reads: "When her long-lost first love returns as her stable fiancé’s best friend, a successful woman must choose between the secure, prestige-filled life her family expects and the soulful connection she never truly outgrew."

Kuningi is from Weldun Media, the producers of Mzansi Magic films such as Entabani and Choose May’khethela, with the series centred on a single mother who lands the biggest opportunity of her career, only for it to reintroduce her to ghosts from the past, unearthing unresolved issues.

Kuningi will start on 18 May at 19:00, starring Samkelo Ndlovu, Kay Sibiya, Simphiwe Ngema, Andy Mnguni and Ratanang Mogotsi.

Amanzi Endlini is another Ngomoya Films production, set in the world of a traditionally married couple exploring the option of surrogacy. 

Their decision brings complications and distrust into their relationship. "Will they secure their legacy, or have they invited in a force that could destroy them both?" reads the logline. Amanzi Endlini will start on 25 May at 19:00 on Mzansi Magic and the cast will be announced soon.

Ke Nyala Jwang?  is produced by Pula Bakgaga Media, the production house behind Isithembu sika Msongelwa.

According to the logline, it is a story "that explores the complexities of marriage in modern South Africa, navigating cultural expectations and family tensions" and it will start on 1 June at 19:00.

Lobola lama 2000's logline reads "Love is simple, lobola is not. After running into issues with his uncles, a Gen Z accountant is left with no choice but to send his friends to represent him in his lobola negotiations"

This mini-series will start on 8 June at 19:00 and is produced by Behind the Best. It stars Khensani Chauke, Nolwazi Tsebesha, Ntando Mazibuko, Khaya Dumakude, Edward Nkhumishe and Sonny Khwesa.

Mamfundisi Bae is scheduled to start on Mzansi Magic on 15 June at 19:00. 

"A young pastor from a modern charismatic church stirs things up in a traditional congregation when she plans a bold send-off for the outgoing bishop - who’s also her father-in-law. However, with this move, she ends up clashing with the head of the women’s forum."

The cast of Mamfundisi Bae must still be announced with the series that is produced by Mthakathi Entertainment.

TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. On yet another M-Net PR failure and failed promises about Mzansi Magic's Big Brother and nothing being done to properly communicate with media trying to cover it

by Thinus Ferreira

Colour me baffled, disappointed and jaded (yet again!) by the latest just-concluded season of M-Net's Big Brother Mzansi: Bazozwa on Mzansi Magic - once again in my book a complete failure in anything resembling passable communication and proper MultiChoice PR in liaising on a bare bones, adequate way with the press trying, and supposed to, cover this show. 

After raising the issue(s) with M-Net's terrible and non-existent PR around Big Brother Mzansi directly with M-Net's PR people in 2025 - in emails, as well as in-person - nothing happened, and nothing changed for the 6th season of Big Brother Mzansi on DStv, again produced by Red Pepper Pictures.

After meeting with M-Net publicists Suzaan Keyter and Portia Hlongwane, responsible for Mzansi Magic publicity, and despite promises that all of the issues raised would be addressed and not happen again for the upcoming season, absolutely nothing - and I mean nothing changed or improved in the slightest.

Neither Portia Hlongwane, nor the Playmakers PR company, came to the party in any improved way the past few months in terms of starting to communicate in a dynamic and timeous way with media who want to, and would cover Big Brother Mzansi as a local DStv reality show. 

And that is after discussions about what is wrong and why, and after promises that there would be discussions with the PR company (which, it turns out, also apparently never happened).

Why is it so impossible, and seemingly so difficult and too high a bar, for M-Net to actually communicate with media and to build and sustain and have a media liaison relationship about a show like Big Brother Mzansi and about what is happening around it?

This is not rocket science. 

It's as easy as picking up a phone and calling someone, using Whatsapp, emailing someone, asking them if they got an email, suggesting stories and taking the few minutes to reach out and suggest collaborations in terms of articles, sending notifications about what would be happening and about talking - none of which Mzansi Magic seems capable of doing, or seems to want to do with Big Brother Mzansi with media who have been covering it for years.

Instead of griping about Canal+ Africa paying people for PR who are not doing what they're supposed to be doing - or simply doing nothing - imagine if journalists and publications did reporting and coverage and articles about Big Brother Mzansi because they actually heard from M-Net and Playmakers about what is going to happen, what is happening, about story ideas, about what media interactions would be taking place, and afterwards about what was said there?

Similar to 2023 and before when M-Net left media (myself and others included) completely out of the loop regarding Big Brother Mzansi, again did the same in 2024, and again did nothing in 2025, it all happened and played out PR-wise (despite assured promises that it wouldn't) exactly the same again in late 2025 and 2026 with the just-concluded season.

Cue the same problems and non-communication, about the exact same gripes that M-Net PR promised and promised it would rectify (and never does).

After the 6th season launch and press event in the form of a house-party reunion early December 2025 where Shirley Adonisi, channel director of general entertainment for Mzansi Magic spoke, I asked Portia Hlongwane yet again afterwards what happened, since media including myself, were not even told it would be taking place.

How to report on something you didn't even get a notification or a heads-up would happen, so as to plan possible coverage? What was said there by Shirley Adonisi and others? 

Of course, there was once again an "overnight stay" in January 2026 for some media and content creators, the season's premiere night in January, and the Big Brother Mzansi live finale and winner walk-out on Sunday with a "watch party" organised by Mzansi Magic.

The final was followed by yet another media day where some of the housemates and winner spoke. Again: No heads-up from M-Net or Playmakers about any of this at all.

What exactly do M-Net and Mzansi Magic want from media trying to cover something like Big Brother Mzansi? And what exactly are those responsible for publicity for it, doing - and not doing - to try and get these desired outcomes from media?

As if it hasn't yet been said in the past, and in-person: What is done (and not being done) isn't working.

The very easiest and most ridiculous thing that M-Net publicity people and PR agencies, tasked with and paid to Communicate about Big Brother Mzansi can do, is so preposterously simple, and yet seemingly so difficult. And it's the title of a Carly Rae Jepsen song:

Call Me. Maybe.

ALSO READ: Sweet Guluva wins as Mzansi Magic's latest Big Brother Mzansi Umlilo season on DStv ends with the same sorely deficient M-Net PR it began with

ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. Yet another Big Brother Mzansi. Yet another big M-Net and MultiChoice media fail

Swiss period drama Silent Rebellion wins 8th Joburg Film Festival as biz takes SA government to task: 'Films are not a side project - it's an economy' (full winners list)

by Thinus Ferreira

The Swiss period drama Silent Rebellion (À bras-le-corps) scooped both the Best Feature Film and Best Cinematography prizes at Saturday night's award ceremony for 2026's 8th Joburg Film Festival in Sandton, with Variations on a Theme (pictured) winning as Best African Film.

Directed by Marie-Elsa Sgualdo, the World War 2-era drama Silent Rebellion received a Nguni Horn alongside winners from a range of selections at the awards show held at the Theatre on the Square.

Veteran producer Harriet Gavshon was presented with the lifetime achievement award for her contribution over decades to the South African TV and film industry.

Tim Mangwedi, founder and director of the Joburg Film Festival, said he "wanted to acknowledge the context we are all working in".

"The South African film and television industry has been under pressure for a while."

Addressing the South African government, Tim Mangwedi said the Joburg Film Festival will continue "in a way that sustainable, that is advocating for an industry environment that works. It means partnerships that work. It means that films are not a side project - it's an economy. It's a real business. It's a serious business."

His remarks came as South Africa's government still seems to do little about the shambolic state of the country's film rebate system, which sees international producers no longer opting to film here, costing jobs and large projects, while local producers are also starved in rebates they quality for.

The government department of trade, industry and competition (DTIC) owes the sector over R600 billion in unpaid film rebates which were approved and haven't done any new further adjudications for producers to qualify for funding since February 2024. 

On Saturday night "Shirley Adonisi, channel director for local entertainment at Canal+'s MultiChoice, on stage said "African storytelling is one of the most exciting creative forces anywhere in the world".

Shirley Adonisi said that new MultiChoice owner Canal+ will continue to invest in African content and will remain a supporter of the Joburg Film Festival "because our missions are aligned".

"We want to see African and South African films take up more space - not quietly but boldly, the way we do it as Africans."

"We know that local content matters, local languages matter, authenticity matters, the presentation matters. Our audiences want to see themselves fully and truthfully on the screen and we are committed to delivering that across our channels and our broader entertainment platforms."

"We continue to invest in new productions, telenovelas, miniseries, films, documentaries and many more. These are not just shows - they are jobs, playing grounds, springboards and cultural stepping stones."

"We will continue to unearth new talent and emerging voices, and broadcast stories that shift perspectives and open possibilities."

Here are the 8th Joburg Film Festival category winners:

Best Feature Film - Silent Rebellion

Best African Film - Variations On A Theme

Best Cinematography - Silent Rebellion

Best Edit - Broken Voices

Best Documentary - Let Them Be Seen

Best Short Film - Stero

Best Student Film - The Silent Inheritance

Young Voices Competition Winner - Umxoxiso

Special Recognition - Harriet Gavshon

MultiChoice execs reaffirm commitment to authentic storytelling at 8th Joburg Film Festival: 'Quality doesn't only come from budget'

by Thinus Ferreira

The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) held its MultiChoice Talent Factory Day at 2026's 8th Joburg Film Festival in Johannesburg, where MultiChoice executives reaffirmed that whatever is happening after Canal+'s takeover of the pay-TV company, authentic storytelling and authenticity in on-screen work will always continue to matter immensely.

Held at the Theatre on the Square in Sandton, on stage were the MultiChoice executives Tebogo Matlawa, head of scripted content: middle & mass South Africa; Waldimar Pelser, director of premium channels; Shirley Adonisi, channel director for local entertainment; and Tracy-Ann Van Rooyen, executive head of content strategy.

Tebogo Matlawa said "The question with each show that is pitched is always which local market it will satisfy first".

"Think local, be global. If it doesn't have a market here or in our African territories, it's a no-go. But sometimes you come across a story and you immediately know it can travel."

Shirley Adonisi said "At the core of it is authenticity".

" If our audiences do not identify with the characters or the stories we create, then that is an epic fail on our part. It's not about how much the show costs. It's about how rich the story is and how people connect with it and say, 'that looks like me'."

The panel discussion also explored how the changing media landscape is reshaping the way stories are developed and consumed.

Tracy-Ann van Rooyen said "When you are thinking about content strategy, you can't think about it in isolation".

"You have to believe in your story first and know that it has a market. Scale means opportunity, and for African creators, that opportunity is growing."

Waldimar Pelser noted that the creative direction when commissioning content remains rooted in local insight.

"Commissioning across Africa remains locally led," he said.

"Finding the right stories to back is a team sport, and we rely on storytellers and producers to help us understand our audiences."

"Quality doesn't only come from budget. It comes from the quality of a story, the authenticity of a story, and whether it speaks to somebody specific."

This is the fourth consecutive year that MultiChoice is a partner of the Joburg Film Festival, with MultiChoice Talent Factory alumni who premiered the film Keletso at the festival this week.

The Keletso screening highlighted the growing impact of the film academy and showcased how graduates are moving from training environments into professional filmmaking and bringing their work to major industry platforms.

M-Net commissions Mpondoland from Origins Productions as new Sunday night dagga drama from 7 December for Mzansi Magic with Thembekile Komani and Tina Jaxa

Thinus Ferreira

M-Net has commissioned a new drama series for Mzansi Magic (DStv 161), Mpondoland for Sunday nights that will start on Sunday 7 December at 20:00, starring Thembekile Komani and Tina Jaxa.

Mpondoland is M-Net's first isiMpondo language series.

M-Net was asked in a media query what production company filmed Mpondoland, where it was filmed and how many episodes there will be and when M-Net responds it will be added here.

M-Net says Origins Pictures are producing Mpondoland with Mmamitse Thibedi and Chumisa Cosa as executive producers, and will have 13 episodes. 

Thembekile Komani portrays Mkhondwana, the reluctant heir of the KwaKhonjwayo village that grows dagga and "where the ground is holy, spirits communicate in water, and leadership is a sacred gift from the ancestors".

He is however making plans to leave, while Tina Jaxa plays a conniving pharmaceutical villain, Pele-Pele who arrives and demands that the marijuana plantations are sold to her. That forces Mkhondwana to protect his heritage.

Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director of local entertainment channels, says Mpondoland "can be seen as a celebration of African spirituality, heritage, and the power of community".

"Mkhondwana’s journey is one that will resonate, as it is about finding strength in vulnerability and honouring the past while facing the future. We are proud to bring this unique and culturally rich narrative to our viewers."

M-Net orders Genesis as a 260-episode telenovela set in the gospel music biz for Mzansi Magic from Singavision Productions

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net has commissioned a new 260-episode telenovela for Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) entitled Genesis from Singavision Productions, set in South Africa's vibrant gospel music industry and starting in in April.

Genesis will start on Monday 21 April at 19:30 and is set inside the high-stakes world of South Africa's gospel music industry where people might sing like but don't behave like angels.

The title Genesis refers to Genesis Records, the gospel music record label where the lives of the various characters intertwine.

The Genesis cast includes Baby Cele, Buyile Mdladla, Nay Maps, Gaosi Raditholo, Kealeboga Masango and KB Motsilanyane.

According to the official Genesis logline, "Felicia Thabethe, once the queen of gospel, thought she had built an unshakable legacy with her husband Gabriel. But when shocking secrets surface, everything she has worked for is thrown into chaos".

"Now, with Genesis Records at risk, Felicia must fight to protect her family's name before it all crumbles. Will she rise from the ashes of betrayal, or will the fallout cost her everything she holds dear?"

Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director for local entertainment channels, says viewers "must gear up for an emotional rollercoaster of a ride because that's what's in store when Genesis premieres".

"It's all about family, power struggles, love, faith – all set in the powerful and highly contested Gospel music industry which is very relatable to Mzansi."

M-Net adds weekly music-infused Mzansi Wethu talker The Ones with TBose from Thabo Mokwele's T-Bose Productions and Jazzworx

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net has commissioned a new weekly talk show, The Ones with TBose, for its Mzansi Wethu (DStv 163) channel which will be fronted and produced by Thabo Mokwele and his T-Bose Productions.

Set to start broadcasting on Mzansi Wethu on Sunday 30 March at 18:00, the in-studio weekly talker is a co-production between his T-Bose Productions and Jazzworx.

In The Ones with TBose, Thabo Mokwele, known as "TBose", will "delve into the lives and stories of influential figures across a broad spectrum of industries - from arts and entertainment to politics, lifestyle and beyond".

Guests across the 13 episodes will include John Kani, Thandiswa Mazwai, Trevor Noah, Black Coffee, Zakes Bantwini and others. 

Music will be heavily incorporated into the talk show as a narrative device to help explore and explain the guest of the week's personal story.

According to Mzansi Wethu "The Ones with TBose is not just a talk show - it's a celebration of key moments, milestones and people who have had a lasting impact on Mzansi and the world," the channel says.

"From the one song that defined a generation to the one idea that sparked a movement, this show highlights the power of a single individual, thought or moment that led to greatness."

Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director of local entertainment channels, says "The Ones with TBose taps into the heartbeat of South Africa's dynamic society, aiming to showcase the journey that propelled these individuals to success".

"This is sure to be a breath of fresh air for our viewers and we are looking forward to the stories offering both entertainment and insightful content."

M-Net sets iThonga drama series from Tshedza Pictures for Mzansi Magic from March with Bonko Khoza playing twin brothers

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net has commissioned Tshedza Pictures to do a new drama series, iThonga, for Mzansi Magic (DStv 161), set in the KwaZulu-Natal province and revolving around twin brothers, which will start on the channel on 3 March.

The iThonga cast includes Bonko Khoza who plays both twin brothers, Ayanda Borotho, Noluthando Ngema, Siphosethu Mabaso and Nelisiwe Sibiya.

iThonga is described as the story of twin brothers Banele and Sanele "walking two completely different paths – one in the light,  the other in the shadows - but their fates are forever linked".

According to Mzansi Magic, iThonga unfolds "in a world of construction mafias, betrayal and a destiny too powerful to escape".

Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director for local entertainment channels, in a provided quote says iThonga "focuses on the mystical and unshakable bond between twins and the lengths they will go to, to protect each other's legacy against any negative forces at play".

"It’s a powerful blend of culture, family and the unseen forces that bind twins together."

Bonko Khoza says iThonga "is an authentically South African story rooted in the beautiful IsiZulu culture and one of the freshest narratives to hit our screens".

Mzansi Magic didn't announce when iThonga was commissioned, when filming started or how many episodes there will be. The new drama series will start 3 March 20:30.

TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. DStv needs to stop with the victim-gaming

by Thinus Ferreira

DStv deliberately exploits people who are too stupid to realise and understand what's being done to them, for the sake of television. Which is why the trash TV that's Big Brother Mzansi needs to stop.  

I want to highly recommend, dear reader, that you watch the two episodes of the documentary series Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action on Netflix.

Listen carefully to what the producers say they deliberately did to the people who appeared on the American trash talk TV show - why it happened, how they shamelessly manipulated people, plied them with liquor to get them to "react" better on TV, the damage it caused to people's personal lives (that they didn't care about), and how the low-class, uninformed people were duped and were just an element to get ratings.

Now watch five minutes of MultiChoice and M-Net's Big Brother Mzansi: Umlilo on either DStv channel 198 where it runs 24/7 or a highlight programmes on M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel.

Long before Netflix's fictional Squid Game started on the video streaming service with a story where contestants are sacrificed (seemingly through full consent and in which participation is voluntary) inside a game-world set-up where you play for big money or pay with your life, M-Net apparently decided that Big Brother in Nigeria and South Africa will no longer be about watching contestants, but sacrificing housemates. 

Here is how the "game" works: MultiChoice, M-Net's Mzansi Magic executives like Shirley Adonisi, along with Big Brother Mzansi's executive producer Natalie Bleksley and a team of Red Pepper Pictures producers put people in a camera-filled house where - season after season - things inevitably go wrong, they wash their own hands of any involvement, and shift the full responsibility for what happened to the TV victims, who are then removed. 

On to the next one.

MultiChoice, M-Net and Red Pepper Pictures - like Jerry Springer's "fight, fight, fight!" TV studio stage - are the ones who create, control and stage-manage the space. 

Ultimate responsibility for what happens - including to each housemate - falls on these Randburg executives and producers who create something - in this case unvarnished trash television - expressly for ratings, and also to gain new and hold existing DStv subscribers as account holders.

Sponsors like LottoStar and Unilever's Robertson Spices are seemingly fine with going along having their logos and brand names appear alongside unsavoury and cringe-worthy content. 

The calculation seems to be: It doesn't matter that my brand appears and is associated with TV trash since the downmarket content has viewers.

Two weeks ago ... controversy! Two Big Brother Mzansi housemates victim-shamed another contestant who revealed that she was sexually assaulted. 

But deconstruct it: To MultiChoice, M-Net and Red Pepper Pictures this is just content. It's TV. It's "perfect" Jerry Springer! In fact, it's M-Net that is "victim-gaming": Another TV participant conveniently mauled in the TV Colosseum.  

"No, it doesn't have anything to do with us, surely. We told them beforehand how they should behave," the people behind-the-camera say, who then offer up "punishment" to the offenders in prime-time on DStv as a made-for-TV, dramatic moment.

Last week ... scandal! The previous week's Big Brother Mzansi victim is now last week's offender. 

It's not scripted but a beautiful narrative for any producer of the Brooke-Stephanie Bold and the Beautiful story that must always evolve.

Last week's antagonist, like a "Part Two", groped a guy and touched others inappropriately. 

Again, none of this is MultiChoice, M-Net or Red Pepper Pictures' "fault" whose only participation was to put a group of random people into a house with cameras.

Now the person who was victim-shamed inside the Big Brother Mzansi: Umlilo two weeks ag, has been remade as a TV victim being shamed outside of the Big Brother Mzansi: Umlilo house a week later. 

Again, the makers of this voyeuristic junk displace any blame. 

"It's KayB! It's KayB who's to blame! It's KayB who's bad! It's KayB who is guilty of sexual assault according to section 16 of the Big Brother Mzansi producers' rulebook!"

What does the 23-year-old Bloemfontein student actually really grasp of the manipulative nature of producing tabloid television for a 24/7 audience on DStv?

And again on Wednesday last week: Another nicely-created prime-time eviction announcement, for the sake of ratings, complete with a gasp-inducing flourish from the victim-shamed, turned TV sexual assault offender, turned TV victim-gamed contestant.

Bye, bye KayB! Maybe in May when it's all over M-Net marketing will make you a new Mzansi Magic brand ambassador.

MultiChoice, M-Net and the Big Brother Mzansi: Umlilo producers are victim-gaming at the cost of real people's lives and it needs to stop. 

Similar to Jerry Springer guests and Moja Love's flood of tabloid content with little to no regard as to what happens to damaged people's lives in the wake of on-TV destruction, DStv is victim-gaming and sacrificing people on the altar of Trash TV for the pure sake of entertainment.

It's far over time for M-Net's Big Brother Mzansi and the victim-gaming to end.

ALSO READ: 'I felt groped': More Big Brother Mzansi Umlilo scandal as M-Net and Red Pepper Pictures are forced to evict KayB over sexual assault

ALSO READ: The Trash Starts: More brand damage for MultiChoice and M-Net, Unilever's Robertsons Spice and LottoStar as Big Brother Mzansi shows 'deeply troubling' sexual assault victim-shaming on DStv

'I felt groped': More Big Brother Mzansi Umlilo scandal as M-Net and Red Pepper Pictures are forced to evict KayB over sexual assault

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net and production company Red Pepper Pictures have been forced to remove yet another contestant from MultiChoice's scandal-riddled Big Brother Mzansi franchise with Florence Mphirime, known as KayB, evicted over sexual assault.

The abrupt removal of the 23-year-old student from Bloemfontein who groped and touched other contestants inappropriately is the first eviction from the latest Big Brother Mzansi Umlilo season, already mired in controversy, screened on MultiChoice's DStv.

The eviction from the show with LottoStar, Unilever's Robertsons Spice and Chillers Punch as sponsors and executive produced by Natalie Bleksley, and is the latest in a string of contestants in the South African and Nigerian franchises booted from the reality show - season after season - over physical violence, verbal threats like rape, verbal attacks, as well as sexual harassment and sexual assault.

KayB's removal comes after Bokang Chephetsa, known as Beekay, said "I felt groped" by KayB and after Fortunate Setwaba, known as Nate, separately said KayB touched her very inappropriately and that KayB fails to understand consent.

According to section 16 of the production rulebook, KayB's inappropriate touching and groping are classified as sexual assault. Contestants told her repeatedly they're uncomfortable with her repeated sexual advances in the form of conversations and inappropriate touching.

It comes just two days after producers had to send in an expert in harassment and consent into the camera-filled house who did an educational session with the contestants following the fallout from last week's Big Brother Mzansi Umlilo controversy.

Last week the show was engulfed in scandal when DStv broadcast sexual assault victim-shaming when Ashley Ogle and Bongiwe Booi, known as Bonni Bee, made shocking comments about KayB after she revealed that she was herself a victim of sexual assault.

Before the latest season started, Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director of local entertainment channels, said M-Net will do "devious things" to the new crop of contestants and "We're experimenting with things never done before".

"We're determined to make them as uncomfortable as possible. We’re really pushing the envelope. We'll test their intolerance to see how much they can take without breaking any legal rules. The team has come up with devious things."

On Wednesday M-Net waited for a produced made-for-TV moment to first showcase KayB's eviction on DStv before responding to media about the sexual harassment incidents that viewers have talked about since Tuesday.

Portia Hlongwane, M-Net spokesperson for Mzansi Magic, in response to a media query made on Wednesday afternoon, only on Thursday morning confirmed that KayB has been removed.

"In light of a conversation in the Big Brother Mzansi house concerning Beekay who claimed that he was physically violated by KayB, Big Brother investigated the matter further as the safety of all housemates is of utmost importance".

"After careful consideration, taking into account of the serious nature of the claim, Big Brother has decided that KayB be disqualified from the Big Brother house.:

"This decision closely follows an educational session that was held with all the housemates this past Sunday to raise awareness and instil knowledge about gender-based violence."

"We have always maintained that we do not condone any acts of gender-based violence and as such we will be taking the corrective action."

"Furthermore, due to the seriousness of this incident and the fact that the housemate in question was in the voting round for elimination this week, voting for housemates will be closed immediately to ensure fairness for all remaining housemates."

M-Net shied away from answering other questions.

M-Net was asked what it makes of the latest incident coming just days after someone specifically told the contestants what not to do, why this behaviour keeps happening and is being broadcast on DStv, and what brands like LottoStar and Unilever have told M-Net about being associated and featuring alongside unsavoury content.

M-Net declined to answer.

Big Brother Mzansi Umlilo is the fifth season under the Big Brother Mzansi moniker and the 11th season overall of Big Brother South Africa done by MultiChoice and M-Net in the country according to the Banijay format.

Big Brother Umlilo runs as a 24/7 channel on DStv with highlight programming on the Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel.

ALSO READ: More brand damage for MultiChoice and M-Net, Unilever's Robertsons Spice and LottoStar as Big Brother Mzansi shows 'deeply troubling' sexual assault victim-shaming on DStv

ALSO READ: M-Net will do 'devious things' and make housemates 'as uncomfortable as possible' in 2025's Big Brother Mzansi Umlilo

Mzansi Magic adds Cobrizi as spinoff series from The River for March 2025 as 'gritty, heart-wrenching tale of survival'

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net is adding Cobrizi with Presley Chweneyagae in the role of Cobra as a 13-episode spinoff drama series from The River from March 2025 to the Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) schedule from March 2025.

Cobrizi, like The River, is produced by Tshedza Pictures and added several of The River cast, including Thapelo Sebogodi as Kabzela as Cobra's best friend, and Winnie Ntshaba.

Also part of the cast is Thembsie Matu as Ous Sheila, Sivenathi Mabuya as Bongiwe, Paul Maila as Rajah, Ishmauel Songo as Peanut, Chrispen Nyathi as Raisin, Thobani Mbhele as Bangkok, and Moliehi Didie Makobane as Teresia.

New talent include Siphiwe Radebe as Simphiwe, Kadia Banyini as Nkanyiso, Xolani Mfeka as Bab' Dladla, and Charmaine Mncwabe as Ama.

Mzansi Magic says Cobrizi will be a "gritty, heart-wrenching and ultimately hopeful tale of survival, love and redemption". In Cobrizi, Cobra "tries to do right by his youngest child and prove he is not a loser. He unexpectedly finds love after moving to inner-city Johannesburg".

Cobra's story will start off with the character as "the same troubled, angry man viewers knew from The River - a survivor whose only way out has been through theft and hustling".

"His anger burns at the failed social system that's left him trapped in poverty, fueling his belief in radical change. He is still drawn to his beer, women and taverns but even a man like Cobra can evolve... if life gives him a fighting chance."

Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director of local entertainment channels, in a statement says "Cobra's story really resonated with our Mzansi Magic viewers because of the way it presented the glamorous lives of the Dlamini-Dikanas compared to the struggling Mokoenas. It's a story of hope, resilience, and community".

"Presley really brought tremendous depth and humour to the character and this is a way to explore this tortured man's world and see if his anger could be focused into tenacity to help him try to create a better life for himself."

M-Net will do 'devious things' and make housemates 'as uncomfortable as possible' in 2025's Big Brother Mzansi Umlilo with new host Afrika Mdutyulwa

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice and M-Net will do another season of reality show Big Brother Mzansi that will start on 12 January 2025 and run until 23 March, with M-Net which says it will do "devious things" and make the contestants extremely uncomfortable.

On Thursday afternoon MultiChoice and M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel held an official media launch event at its MultiChoice City headquarters in Randburg, Johannesburg for a certain group of media and influencers which it didn't bother to tell broader media would be happening.

To those who attended and sat in MultiChoice City's cinema venue, Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director of local entertainment channels, said "We're really going to make the housemates uncomfortable".

"We're experimenting with things never done before. We're determined to make them as uncomfortable as possible. We’re really pushing the envelope. We'll test their intolerance to see how much they can take without breaking any legal rules. The team has come up with devious things."

The upcoming Big Brother Mzansi season is produced and conceptualised with the theme of "Umlilo" meaning "fire" in isiZulu.

Big Brother Mzansi "Umlilo" is the fifth season of the show under this moniker but the 11th season overall of Big Brother done by M-Net in South Africa according to the Banijay format.

The upcoming Big Brother Mzansi season will once again be produced by Red Pepper Pictures.

Besides strands on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) and MultiChoice's video streaming service Showmax, Big Brother Mzansi will also again run as a 24-hour linear TV channel on DStv channel 198 until the finale on 23 March 2025.

Lawrence Maleka has been replaced by Afrika Mdutyulwa, known as Smash Afrika, as the host for the fifth season. 

It's not known what he said at MultiChoice and M-Net's media launch event on Thursday and Mzansi Magic didn't share comments or a transcript or include any quotes in a press release.

In a press release quote, Christinah Mazibuko, the M-Net group of channels' head of marketing and publicity, says "We're incredibly excited to bring Big Brother Mzansi back for the fifth season".

"This season is about pushing boundaries, and with the Umlilo theme, we're sure to give our viewers a hot, unmissable experience. Working with Smash Afrika as the host takes the energy to a whole new level, and we can't wait to see how his charisma sparks more fires in the house. It's going to be an unforgettable ride."

Previous seasons of Big Brother Mzansi, including the last, have all filled with controversy with housemates evicted previously and during the last season for shocking behaviour and utterances, causing brand damage to M-Net, Mzansi Magic and sponsor LottoStar associated with it.

M-Net then contracted these people and are currently paying them to be Mzansi Magic brand ambassadors.

ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. Yet another Big Brother Mzansi. Yet another big M-Net and MultiChoice media fail

M-Net cancels Mzansi Magic's troubled and low-rated Gqeberha: The Empire produced by Tshedza Pictures after 2 seasons and 520 episodes.

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net has cancelled the troubled and low-rated isiXhosa Gqeberha: The Empire telenovela on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161), produced by Tshedza Pictures, after two seasons and 520 episodes.

Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director of local entertainment channels, confirmed that Gqeberha: The Empire has been cancelled, with the show filmed in the Eastern Cape province that was beset by production problems and issued when it launched two years ago.

According to Shirley Adonisi, Mzansi Magic is "preparing to close the chapter" on Gqeberha: The Empire.

"We extend our heartfelt thanks to the producers, cast and crew of Gqeberha: The Empire," Shirley Adonisi says in a cancellation announcement.

"Their unwavering dedication and exceptional talent have delivered spellbinding storylines in one of the most fiercely competitive primetime slots. As we approach the grand finale, we eagerly anticipate witnessing the culmination of this extraordinary journey."

Gqeberha: The Empire drew at most 570 793 viewers in August to Mzansi Magic and was renewed for a second season late in 2023.

From before its launch to now two years later Mzansi Magic publicity and PR for Gqeberha: The Empire was basically non-existent, with little to no effort from M-Net to market and promo the show under the media.

That led to little attention and coverage in the press and DStv subscribers who didn't seem to care for it, similar to the cancelled Champions telenovela - co-incidentally also produced by Tshedza Pictures.