Legend Manqele: BarLeader TV production company shuttered, Bonang Matheba 'unprofessional' and owed nothing, Mohale Motaung not paid for Showmax wedding special after 'certain things went down at M-Net' - report

by Thinus Ferreira

Legend Manqele has been forced to shut down his production banner BarLeader TV, says he owes Bonang Matheba nothing who is allegedly "unprofessional" and that her reality show Being Bonang was cancelled over her own "bad behaviour", and that Mohale Motaung is also owed no money and couldn't be paid after "certain things went down at M-Net" following a disastrous Showmax wedding special with Somizi Mhlongo.

In an interview with City Press newspaper (paywall), the controversial TV producer Legend Manqele says he was forced to shut down his BarLeader TV production company following reputation damage and that he and his production company was damaged by "badly managed and badly behaved talent".

Legend Manqele claims that Bonang Matheba's reality show Being Bonang for M-Net's canned 1Magic TV channel on DStv was cancelled due to her "bad behaviour", that she's "unprofessional" and that BarLeader TV doesn't owe her any money. 

He says Bonang Matheba "was paid for her show. At times, she was paid late or the following month because she wouldn't arrive to shoots, or we would find ourselves on set and she wasn't there. Or we had to extend our hours into the night because she forgot. She wasn't being managed well and she wasn't necessarily professional".

BarLeader TV took over the production of the reality show Living the Dream with Somizi from its second season for M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) TV channel. 

That was followed by the tacky reality TV wedding series, Somizi & Mohale: The Union which was filmed for MultiChoice's Showmax video streamer in 2020. 

After the couple's relationship soured, leaked production recordings shocked the industry and the public in which Mohale Motaung accused Somizi Mhlongo of alleged violent physical abuse and of having threatened to kill him with a kitchen knife.

Instead of paying the couple their R1.5 million for Somizi & Mohale: The Union, Legend Manqele says he paid the South African Revenue Service (SARS) since Somizi Mhlongo owed SARS money. Since BarLeader TV closed down and the payment agreement was with SARS, Legend Manqele says he doesn't owe Somizi Mhlongo money.

Legend Manqele says BarLeader TV was owed money by M-Net for Showmax's Somizi & Mohale: The Union but didn't get it "because certain things went down at M-Net". 

Judges juggling unable to stem Idols South Africa's ratings slide on Mzansi Magic.

by Thinus Ferreira

South African viewers appear to be over Idols with the latest 18th season of the reality singing competition on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) reaching a meagre 743 516 viewers during July, unable to reverse its massive TV ratings collapse as viewers chose to no longer tune back in after the scandal that had engulfed the now-returned judge and socialite Somizi Mhlongo.

From a viewership perspective, Idols SA now seems broken similar to how the ratings of American Idol - once it started to tank in the United States during its 11th season - never recovered again.

While Idols started off its 17th season a year ago in South Africa in July 2021 with 1 018 607 viewers on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) as the 4th most-watched show on all of DStv for the month, the [SIC] Entertainment produced show suddenly plunged to 10th place on DStv's most-watched list with 693 760 viewers at most in August 2021, a season-low of just 683 814 viewers in October, and finished the season in November with 753 367 viewers at most.

The Fremantle format show - with Gavin Wratten as director and executive producer, along with Anneke de Ridder and ProVerb (Tebogo Thekisho) as co-producers and with ProVerb also being the host - kicked off season 18 in July with M-Net executives and the producers serving up a revamped set of judges for the Mzansi Magic show.

The producers decided to bring back Somizi Mhlongo who left after a scandal-engulfed year in 2021 and dropped both Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi who didn't see their contracts as Idols judges renewed and got replaced by artist Thembi Seete and rapper-producer JR Bogopa.

The changes however don't seem to have brought disinterested DStv subscribers back to Mzansi Magic's Sunday evenings timeslot, with the new 18th season luring only 743 516 viewers at most during its July debut - far off from the over a million viewers it managed to pull in years past for season debuts.

The second Idols episode of the new season on 24 July was the most-watched of the month's three Idols episodes with the other two episodes pulling even fewer than 743 516 viewers. 

Idols ranked 4th on Mzansi Magic's most-watched list for the month of July with a 8.4 audience share, behind episodes of Gomora, eHostela and Our Perfect Wedding.

At a press conference before the launch of the 18th season, TVwithThinus asked about Idols' ratings plunge and whether the changes in judges for the latest season have been made as a response to try and reverse the show's declining viewership.

Nomsa Philiso, MultiChoice's head of programming, said "In part it is to get the ratings back and also to attract new audiences, right. So, you would know that from around 2017 we started seeing some level of fatigue - some level of viewer fatigue in terms of Idols. Part of us refreshing the judges is also us trying to say that we're going to give you guys a much bigger and better Idols".

MultiChoice and M-Net bring Somizi Mhlongo back as Idols judge on Mzansi Magic despite abuse allegations: 'My private life is my private life'.

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net and production company [SIC] Entertainment confirmed that they are bringing back the controversial socialite and choreographer Somizi Mhlongo as a judge to Idols on MultiChoice's Mzansi Magic channel despite unresolved serious allegations of physical abuse.

After Idols viewership plunged with the show that shed over a third of its ratings in season 17 last year with Somizi Mhlongo that abruptly departed, Somizi Mhlongo is returning for the 18th season despite the unresolved allegations.

Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi who didn't see their contracts as Idols judges renewed, have now been replaced by artist Thembi Seete and rapper-producer JR Bogopa.

The South African version of the Fremantle format show has Gavin Wratten as director and executive producer, along with Anneke de Ridder and ProVerb (Tebogo Thekisho) as co-producers, with ProVerb also being the host.

Somizi Mhlongo stands accused of alleged shocking physical violence and emotional abuse - charges he has not been cleared of - including allegedly chasing his former lover Mohale Motaung with a knife. 

TVwithThinus asked Somizi Mhlongo if he thinks that the drama from his personal life will overshadow season 18 of Idols.

"If you have noticed, I've never spoken about anything and I believe my private life is my private life and my work life is my work life, so I'm still staying there," he says.

"I feel like I can't say anything at the moment and I don't want to say anything at the moment with regard to that. All I can tell you is it was one of the toughest times of my life and my career but we move forward and like we say: 'Innocent until proven guilty".

Nomsa Philiso, MultiChoice's head of programming for general entertainment, says "We're excited to have Idols return for an incredible 18th season".

"To have such longevity in such a fast-changing industry is no small feat, and we're proud to keep giving our viewers what they love. One of the key components in having staying power is evolution, and our new-look panel is part of that."

"Idols is an important part of our creative industry. Not only do we unearth hidden talent, but we also nurture our contestants and equip them with the necessary tools to start or grow their careers. It's a privilege to be able to do that for another season."

ALSO READ: M-Net's Mzansi Magic and Idols bringing back controversial Somizi Mhlongo as judge for season 18, Thembi Seete and rapper JR added as judges.

ALSO READ: Mzansi Magic and [SIC] Entertainment dump Idols judges Randall Abrahams and Unathy Nkayi before season 18 auditions start on Sunday.

ALSO READ: M-Net's Mzansi Magic channel and [SIC] Entertainment plan to bring back controversial Somizi Mhlongo as judge for Idols season 18 and to drop Unathi Nkayi - report

ALSO READ: Mzansi Magic abruptly axes Idols winner media briefing for season 17 after 19 years as ratings plunge.

ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. Why lazy M-Net's lackadaisical decision to drop the Idols winner Mzansi Magic media briefing damages DStv, Idols and South Africa's entertainment press. 

M-Net's Mzansi Magic and Idols bringing back controversial Somizi Mhlongo as judge for season 18, Thembi Seete and rapper JR added as judges.

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel is bringing back the controversial socialite Somizi Mhlongo as a judge for season 18 of Idols, and is adding Thembi Seete and rapper JR to replace Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkanyi.

City Press on Tuesday evening reported that MultiChoice's Mzansi Magic channel and [SIC] Entertainment is bringing back Somizi Mhlongo as a judge after his absence in season 17 of Idols, and is adding Thembi Seete and rapper JR as new judged to replace the axed Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkanyi.

The South African version of Idols has Gavin Wratten as director and executive producer, along with Anneke de Ridder and ProVerb (Tebogo Thekisho) as co-producers with ProVerb also being the host.

The departure of Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi follow after the exit of the controversial Somizi Mhlongo in 2021 following serious allegations of physical abuse against the socialite, after which Idols immediately lost a third of its Sunday evening ratings on Mzansi Magic as viewers tuned out.

Somizi Mhlongo stands accused of alleged shocking physical violence and emotional abuse - charges he has not been cleared of - including allegedly chasing his former lover Mohale Motaung with a knife. 

Mzansi Magic and [SIC] Entertainment have reportedly been discussing the possible return of Somizi Mhlongo for the 18th season since late-2021 to try and reverse Idols' ratings collapse during season 17.

Thembi Seete who was a member of the kwaito group Boom Shaka, is a South African actress, singer, model and TV presenter, and is known for her role as Gladys in Mzansi Magic's Gomora telenovela.

During season 17, Thembi Seete was a guest judge in one episode of Idols. 

Professionally known as the rapper JR, whose real name is Tabure Thabo Bogopa Junior, is a South African businessman, entrepreneur and musician who has released 5 albums so far and is known for performing Motswako rap in Setswana and English.

He released the first music distribution app in Africa called FYVE. 

ALSO READ: Mzansi Magic and [SIC] Entertainment dump Idols judges Randall Abrahams and Unathy Nkayi before season 18 auditions start on Sunday.

ALSO READ: M-Net's Mzansi Magic channel and [SIC] Entertainment plan to bring back controversial Somizi Mhlongo as judge for Idols season 18 and to drop Unathi Nkayi - report

ALSO READ: Mzansi Magic abruptly axes Idols winner media briefing for season 17 after 19 years as ratings plunge.

ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. Why lazy M-Net's lackadaisical decision to drop the Idols winner Mzansi Magic media briefing damages DStv, Idols and South Africa's entertainment press. 

After her axing Unathi Nkayi says it was an honour being an Idols judge on MultiChoice's Mzansi Magic.

by Thinus Ferreira

After getting axed as an Idols judge on Mzansi Magic before the 18th season, Unathi Nkayi in a statement says it was an honour having been part of the reality format series.

Both Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi were axed from the South African version of the Fremantle format show produced by [SIC] Entertainment before auditions started this past Sunday for the upcoming season 18 that will be shown later this year on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161).

Mzansi Magic said it's not renewing the contracts of Randall Abrahams or Unathi Nkanyi who have served as Idols judges respectively since the start of Idols in 2002 for 17 seasons and since 2011 for 10 seasons.

The South African version of Idols has Gavin Wratten as director and executive producer, along with Anneke de Ridder and ProVerb (Tebogo Thekisho) as co-producers with ProVerb also being the host.

The departure of Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi follow after the exit of the controversial Somizi Mhlongo in 2021 following serious allegations of physical abuse against the socialite, after which Idols immediately lost a third of its Sunday evening ratings on Mzansi Magic as viewers tuned out.

Somizi Mhlongo stands accused of alleged shocking physical violence and emotional abuse - charges he has not been cleared of - including allegedly chasing his former lover Mohale Motaung with a knife. 

Mzansi Magic and [SIC] Entertainment have reportedly been discussing the possible return of Somizi Mhlongo for the 18th season to try and reverse Idols' ratings collapse during season 17.

The public image of Unathi Nkayi also took a knock in late-2021 when she was involved in a behind-the-scenes verbal fight with fellow radio host Sizwe Dhlomo at the Kaya FM radio station that spilt out in public, and which led to Kaya FM firing her.

In a statement posted on her Instagram account on social media, Unathi Nkayi says that it was an honour for her to have been a part of the show as a judge.

"To every contestant who stood in front of us. From the ones brave enough to share with us their hopes. I don't take lightly the act of doing that for the world to see. An honour I will always hold. Thank you for trusting me as one of your judges."

"To those who unleashed a new level of my tears, heavily pregnant with Baby Idols garnering for Wooden Mic, thank you for the laughter and joy."

"I can never thank you enough Anneke, for making that call asking me to join the Idols family. Gav and Prozza thank you for trusting me with such a great responsibility. One that would form part of the narrative and soundtrack of our souls as a people. You changed my life and that of my family."

"To MultiChoice, how humbling that you continue to make every boy and girl believe in themselves no matter which corner they come from, including me. To every special being who has given to the brilliance of the show. It has been a true honour being part of the family. And to the new members of our family. Good luck."

"Thank you to each and every one of you for pushing me to be the very best version of myself every Sunday for eleven years."

Mzansi Magic said it's not ready to announce the new Idols judges.

ALSO READ: Mzansi Magic and [SIC] Entertainment dump Idols judges Randall Abrahams and Unathy Nkayi before season 18 auditions start on Sunday.

ALSO READ: M-Net's Mzansi Magic channel and [SIC] Entertainment plan to bring back controversial Somizi Mhlongo as judge for Idols season 18 and to drop Unathi Nkayi - report

ALSO READ: Mzansi Magic abruptly axes Idols winner media briefing for season 17 after 19 years as ratings plunge.

ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. Why lazy M-Net's lackadaisical decision to drop the Idols winner Mzansi Magic media briefing damages DStv, Idols and South Africa's entertainment press. 

Mzansi Magic and [SIC] Entertainment dump Idols judges Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi before season 18 auditions start on Sunday.

by Thinus Ferreira

In a shocking and unexplained move, Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) and [SIC] Entertainment is dumping both Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi as judges for the upcoming 18th season of the struggling Idols reality show.

"The channel will not be renewing their contracts with for the upcoming season of the popular singing show," says Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director for local entertainment channels, in a statement issued late on Friday afternoon.

"We are taking a fresh approach to the judging panel to retain audiences and stay competitive in the Sunday night timeslot."

The axing of the long-serving Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi follows after Somizi Mhlongo departed in 2021 following serious allegations of physical abuse after which Idols immediately lost a third of its Sunday evening ratings on Mzansi Magic as viewers tuned out.

Unathi Nkayi also dented her public image in 2021 after she was engulfed in a scandal at the Kaya FM radio station and then fired following a verbal fight with fellow radio host Sizwe Dhlomo and was accused of trying to bully him.

Randall Abrahams was an Idols judge since the first season with Unathi Nkayi, then known as Unathi Msengana, who was added as a new judge from the 7th season in 2011, replacing Mara Louw.

Auditions for Idols season 18 start on Sunday 23 January with director and executive producer Gavin Wratten and co-producers Anneke de Ridder and ProVerb (Tebogo Thekisho).

"We salute these great icons of South African entertainment and thank them both for great innings on Idols," Shirley Adonisi says in the statement. "Randall and Unathi have demonstrated high levels of professionalism and made an impact on the South African entertainment scene that will continue to be felt for some time to come. We wish them well in their endeavours."

ALSO READ: M-Net's Mzansi Magic channel and [SIC] Entertainment plan to bring back controversial Somizi Mhlongo as judge for Idols season 18 and to drop Unathi Nkayi - report

ALSO READ: Mzansi Magic abruptly axes Idols winner media briefing for season 17 after 19 years as ratings plunge.

ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. Why lazy M-Net's lackadaisical decision to drop the Idols winner Mzansi Magic media briefing damages DStv, Idols and South Africa's entertainment press. 

22 TV things coming in 2022.

by Thinus Ferreira

The year of 2022 in South African television is gearing up with promises of new content, new corporate moves, new video streamers, dragons, elves, jedi, idols, survivors, Kardashians, returning award shows and festivals; even blood psalms and big brothers - as well as Muvhango and the Teletubbies turning 25. 

Here are 22 things coming and happening in television in 2022:

1. Disney+

From around June this year, The Walt Disney Company plans to launch its Disney+ video streaming service in South Africa as the first country on the African continent to get access to this streamer that started in November 2019. What will it cost? So far we can only guess but it will bundle TV content and films from across Disney, National Geographic, Marvel, Pixar and ABC under the Star tile.

2. SABC streaming

The South African public broadcaster that has been very late out of the blocks said it will launch its own video streaming service in 2022. 

The SABC streaming service - SABC+, SABC Plus, SABSee? - will function a lot like the BBC iPlayer and eMedia's eVOD service, It will bundle current and library content from the public broadcaster, as well as streaming versions of its TV channels, together on one digital streaming service.

3. Lord of the Rings

Get ready to watch the most expensive TV show yet when the 8-episode first season of the as-yet-untitled The Lord of the Rings TV series will debut in September on the Amazon Prime Video streaming service. Filmed in New Zealand, the TV show is set during the so-called Second Age of Middle-earth, thousands of years before the events depicted in the films.

4. Halo

What's up Master Chief? Where South African viewers will be able to watch it or whether they will have to become pirate viewers is still unclear but the first season of 10-episodes of the science fiction TV series based on the hugely popular video game Halo will make its debut in early-2022 on the Paramount+ video streaming service. 

Pablo Schreiber is the supersoldier Master Chief Petty Officer John-117 under the helmet with the series "following an epic 26th-century conflict between humanity and an alien threat known as the Covenant".

5. Idols season 18

More noteworthy than the return of the reality singing competition to Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) in the winter of 2022, with nationwide auditions starting on 23 January, are the numerous questions swirling around the veteran series. 

Is [SIC] Entertainment really contemplating bringing back Somizi Mhlongo as a judge after serious allegations of physical abuse levelled against him last year and which have not yet been resolved? Is Unathi Nkayi out as a judge after her image damage of 2021? Will the Idols' ratings continue to slide in 2022 after thousands of DStv subscribers tuned out following the Somizi-scandal?

6. Survivor South Africa season 9

By the time you're reading this, filming is about to start or has started on the 9th season of Survivor South Africa, subtitled "Return of the Outcasts" scheduled for a winter debut on M-Net (DStv 101). Which outcasts from previous seasons will be back and how will they use what they've learnt from their first go-round to try and outwit, outplay and outlast their rivals?

7. 10th Silwerskermfees

Known as "Cannes in Cape Town", kykNET is bringing back its film festival with an in-person event with the 10th Silwerskermfees set to take place in Camps Bay during March 2022. 

The film festival last took place as an in-person event in March 2019 and in 2022 will take the form of a "vibrant hybrid format" according to the organisers. 

According to kykNET the 10th Silwerskermfees "will maintain the festival's signature glitz, glam and prestige while allowing a much broader audience to enjoy the films and festivities".

8. 8th African Magic Viewers' Choice Awards

Last held in March 2020, MultiChoice and M-Net West Africa is bringing back the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCAs) for an 8th edition this year that will again be taking place in Lagos, Nigeria. 

With a total of 33 categories (viewers get to vote for 12) the awards is adding "Best Online Social Content Creator" as a new category this year.

9. Digital terrestrial television

After more than a decade and a half, South Africa is expected to complete its long-delayed switch from analogue to digital terrestrial television (DTT), although the process could once again end up being delayed even further because of court cases. 

Another big question is what the impact will be on South Africa's TV ratings system when television households who have not switched to digital set-top boxes (STBs) when their analogue TV signals are cut, are wiped from the TAMS viewership? 

While the SABC doesn't want to comment, eMedia that runs e.tv warned last year that there will be disastrous consequences and implored the government to extend the suddenly-rushed deadline of 2022 for switch-off.

10. Love Island Naija

Following the disastrous Love Island SA version, producers Chudor House Productions and ITV Studios Global Entertainment announced at a glittering media event in June that the world's first all-black Love Island edition would start in October 2021 in Nigeria and be shown on MTV Base. 

The date - and year - came and went. 

Is 2022 the year that the 20 Nigerian singles "come together to share the true essence of love, romance, friendship and relationships in 7 exhilarating weeks in the Love Island villa"? 

11. Big Brother Mzansi

A new season of the revived Big Brother Mzansi is set to debut on 23 January on MultiChoice's DStv channel 198 as a 24-hour pop-up channel, together with daily shows and weekly highlights on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161). 

Lawrence Maleka is the host and whether it's the Shower Hour, diary room confessions or late-night hanky-panky, the South African version is set to bring some early-2022 reality show buzz. There will be a 7th season of Big Brother Naija in June 2022, also shown across sub-Saharan Africa again on MultiChoice's DStv.

12. Blood Psalms

After a drawn-out process as the most expensive TV series yet produced in South Africa, Blood Psalms, is supposed to debut in February on MultiChoice's Showmax video streaming service after its October 2021 debut was postponed because of the department of trade, industry and competition's failure to pay Yellowbone Entertainment the millions of rand the producers are due in the country's broken film rebate scheme.

13. Real housewives

2022 will deliver an avalanche of Real Housewives from Africa in the sprawling reality franchise. The Real Housewives of Lagos as a new spin-off series will debut in the first half of 2022 on MultiChoice's Showmax video streaming service. The third season of The Real Housewives of Johannesburg will be shown in April 2022 that will consist out of 14 episodes.

Meanwhile, the second season of The Real Housewives of Durban will also be on Showmax in the second half of 2022, with some new cast members. 

Then there is The Real Housewives of Dubai also coming in 2022 as a new spinoff, and there are rumours that South Africa is also getting The Real Housewives of Cape Town as yet another spinoff series.

14. Obi-Wan Kenobi

This is the show you're looking for. Billed as a "limited series", meaning it's a miniseries telling a complete story, Ewan McGregor will be back in this new 6-episode Star Wars drama series in 2022 to reprise his role as Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi. Hayden Christensen will also show up to reprise his role as Darth Vader.

15. SA rugby and football documentaries

SuperSport is prepping two sports documentaries for 2022. Two Sides is another Springbok documentary, similar to Chasing the Sun, with cameras that once again got unprecedented access inside the Springbok rugby team camp. 

Then there is also the 4-episode Pulse of a Nation: A South African Football Story that will take DStv subscribers inside the world of professional South African football.

16. House of the Dragon

M-Net (DStv 101) has picked up the 10-episode Game of Thrones prequel drama series, House of the Dragon that will debut on an as-yet-unannounced date this year. 

Filmed mostly in the United Kingdom, the prequel series chronicle the fall of the House of Targaryen when dragons still roamed Westeros in bigger numbers before their virtual extinction during the time of Game of Thrones. 

The fantasy series will revolve around the family politics and drama - basically a family civil war - that became known as the legendary "Dance of the Dragons". 

And talking about spinoffs, we'll throw in here as a bonus Vikings: Valhalla, a spinoff from Vikings that will debut on 25 February on Netflix. The new series is set 100 years after the original, following the adventures of some of the most iconic Vikings, like Leif Erikson.

17. The Kardashians

Done and dusted on E! in 2021, the ending of Keeping Up with the Kardashians means that the Kardashian clan is moving to a renamed reality endeavour on Hulu in 2022, with no word yet on where South African viewers will be able to watch their new show - very likely under the Star tile on Disney+ when that streamer launched in South Africa later this year. 

The coterie of Kardashian and Jenner family members will be in The Kardashians, plus Scott Disick. Kylie's baby will presumably make its TV debut, along with all the presumed drama around the Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker engagement and planned wedding.

18. Anatomy of a Scandal

David E. Kelly is behind this upcoming anthology series coming to Netflix this year starring Sienna Miller, Michelle Dockery and Naomi Scott. 

Based on the novel by Sarah Vaughan, viewers can get ready for a depiction of various scandals within Britain's elite class - imagine a Gossip Girl for adults set in the United Kingdom.

19. Muvhango turns 25

It will be a silver celebration for Muvhango in April when the long-running Venda drama series, produced by Word of Mouth Pictures and created by Duma Ndlovu, will mark its 25th birthday on SABC2.

As another 25th TV anniversary, we'll make you feel old Gen Z by telling you that the Teletubbies will turn 25 on 31 March. Happy quarter-life crisis Tinky-Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po!

20. Law & Order

"Dum-Dum". No word yet on where South African viewers will see the revival and reboot of the iconic American procedural series but in 2022 the American criminal system "where the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: The police, who investigate crime, and the district attorneys, who prosecute the offenders" are back for a 21st season.

Multiple former cast members will be back to reprise their roles like Sam Waterson, Anthony Anderson and S. Epetha Merkerson, with Camryn Manheim joining in a new role. The season will start on 24 February in America.

We'll throw in here as a bonus the return of the comedy series Frasier with Kelsey Grammer sometime this year as well. Coming to Paramount+, there's no word yet on where South African viewers will get to see Frasier, Niles and Daphne again.

21. New brooms

South African television enters 2022 with several new TV bosses, sitting in new seats with new titles. As much as their job is to preserve the status quo of the content collections they manage, they will also want to bring their own stamp to bear on the existing and upcoming content slates under their care.

At MultiChoice, Georginah Machiridza is the pay-TV operator's new head of content, in the position of executive head of content strategy and third-party channels.

MultiChoice promoted Nomsa Philiso as the pay-TV operator's new head of programming. Replacing Nkateko Mabaso, Nomsa Philiso's new title is MultiChoice's executive head: programming.

Meanwhile, MultiChoice appointed Shirley Adonisi as the new M-Net director for local entertainment channels replacing Nomsa Philiso in the role, with Waldimar Pelser who officially becomes the new kykNET boss from February as the M-Net director for Afrikaans channels. What new television will they collective commission in 2022 and what changes will they make?

22. (Another) SABC shake-out

At the struggling public broadcaster, a completely untenable David vs Goliath battle is playing out between the SABC News boss Phathiswa Magopeni against SABC CEO Madoda Mxakwe and SABC chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini, whom she both accused of allegedly being guilty of gross ANC political editorial interference.

With the ANC's next national elective conference very likely taking place by the end of this year is highly likely that either Phathiswa Magopeni, or Madoda Mxakwe and Bongumusa Makhathini will have exited the SABC.

M-Net's Mzansi Magic channel and [SIC] Entertainment plan to bring back controversial Somizi Mhlongo as judge for Idols season 18 and to drop Unathi Nkayi - report.

by Thinus Ferreira

In a desperate attempt to try and stem a dramatic ratings decline and to save Idols in South Africa, M-Net's Mzansi Magic TV channel on DStv as well as production company [SIC] Entertainment is reportedly planning to bring back the scandal-riddled choreographer Somizi Mhlongo who stands accused of serious physical abuse, and to get rid of Unathi Nkayi who also tarnished her image in 2021.

On Sunday City Press reported that executives at M-Net's Mzansi Magic TV channel and [SIC] Entertainment, producing the format reality singing competition seen on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV service, is allegedly mulling the idea of bringing back the scandal-engulfed Somizi Mhlongo as a possible on-screen element for 2022's season 18 of Idols to try and reverse the show's precipitous ratings collapse during 2021's season 17.

Idols' TV ratings plunged after the socialite exited the show when he was engulfed in damaging allegations of physical and emotional abuse of his then-partner, Mohale Motaung after shocking audio recordings of the allegations were leaked.

Somizi Mhlongo stands accused of alleged shocking physical violence and emotional abuse - charges he has not been cleared of - including allegedly chasing Mohale Motaung with a knife. 

Unathi Nkayi who dented her public image in 2021 is reportedly also out at Idols as a judge after she was engulfed in a scandal at the Kaya FM radio station and then fired following a verbal fight with fellow radio host Sizwe Dhlomo and was accused of trying to bully him.

On Sunday City Press quoted sources close to the Idols production saying that "Somizi has been given the green light because he is obviously the life of the show and there was a huge difference when he was on the show, in terms of declining viewership. So he will be making a return this season after he was given a break last year to sort out his personal issues".

According to a source Somizi Mhlongo has been filming on-air promos that MultiChoice and Mzansi Magic plan to run to announce his return to DStv.

The newspaper wasn't able to contact Somizi Mhlongo for comment since his cellphone was switched off and Unathi Nkayi didn't answer and didn't return text messages.

Idols started off season 17 with 1 018 607 viewers on Mzansi Magic in July 2021 as usual, as the 4th most-watched show on all of DStv for the month.

Instead of climbing and the usual ratings increase as interest would build, Idols suddenly plunged with DStv subscribers who were no longer interested in watching following the scandal as the show plunged on DStv's most-watched list, and lost a third of its entire viewership in one go.

In 2021 Somizi Mhlongo was also slammed by the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) in a strongly-worded statement over his attacks and insults levelled against journalists.

Somizi attacked journalists after reports about his alleged infidelity and crumbling relationship and a legal battle over the canned Dinner at Somizi's TV show, after he was approached for comment but declined to comment.

Sanef said that Somizi's "actions have aggravated what is already a hostile working environment, especially for women journalists. This is a direct attack on media freedom in the country. Worldwide similar attacks are being meted out on journalists with the intent to silence their voices, especially that of women and the stories they tell."

Sanef called on Somizi Mhlongo to "unreservedly apologise to these journalists and the public on all his social platforms for his unbecoming behaviour. He must call on his followers to stop harassing and intimidating them. Further, we call on the journalists to lay charges of intimidation and for MultiChoice to officially distance themselves from Mhlongo's comments." 

Auditions for Idols season 18 starts next week on 23 January with director and executive producer Gavin Wratten and co-producers Anneke de Ridder and ProVerb (Tebogo Thekisho).

On Sunday morning Mzansi Magic was asked for comment about Somizi Mhlongo's possible return and Unathi Nkayi's possible ouster from Idols, and the response will be added here if received.

ALSO READ: Mzansi Magic abruptly axes Idols winner media briefing for season 17 after 19 years as ratings plunge.

ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. Why lazy M-Net's lackadaisical decision to drop the Idols winner Mzansi Magic media briefing damages DStv, Idols and South Africa's entertainment press. 

Mzansi Magic abruptly axes Idols winner media briefing for season 17 after 19 years as ratings plunge.

by Thinus Ferreira

In a shocking decision MultiChoice and M-Net have decided to drop the post-finale Idols press conference for the 17th season that will conclude this evening on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) with neither Karabo Mathe nor Berry Trytsman who will be given an opportunity to appear before the media and answer questions as the winner kicks off her professional music career.

For the past 19 years M-Net has held an Idols post-finale press conference with the national media from across South Africa in attendance for every single season of the Fremantle format singing reality competition show dating back to the conclusion of the first season in mid-2002 with Heinz Winckler.

Idols press conferences with national, regional and community journalists from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth working at newspapers, TV, radio and online took place when the show was on M-Net, continuing the tradition when the series switched to being a joint M-Net and Mzansi Magic show and eventually crossing over to a Mzansi Magic channel only show.

For the 18th season in 2020, M-Net and MultiChoice held the Idols post-show season finale press conference that had become institutional, with Mzansi Magic, the production company[SIC] Entertainment, as well as the winner and runner-up on the stage of the State Theatre in Pretoria.

It took place virtually on Zoom, with MultiChoice and M-Net that put in special effort and broadcast it to media across South Africa on DStv channel 196 as well with the TV channel that was unencoded for an hour specifically for journalists who wanted to watch it on their TV screens and submitted submit typed questions to the panel.

By Saturday South Africa's media got not notification or advisory from M-Net about Sunday's press conference for season 17. 

Philly Khubheka, M-Net publicity manager for Mzansi Magic, on Saturday confirmed to TVwithThinus that the Idols press conference has abruptly been dumped without any notification to media.

Tonight either Karabo Mathe from Hebron in the North-West, or Berry (Berenike Trytsman) from Cape Town will be crowned the winner of Idols' season 17 on Mzansi Magic, with a next season - in this case season 18 for 2022 - usually announced as the winner readies their Christmas album debut as part of a record deal with Kalawa Jazmee Records.

The live Sunday shows of the 17th season of Idols - with director and executive producer Gavin Wratten and co-producers Anneke de Ridder and ProVerb (Tebogo Thekisho) who is also the presenter - switched to Urban Brew Studios this year and a triangular stage, with Vodacom, Old Mutual, Truworths, Darling and Yamaha as the various sponsors this season.

For close to almost two decades the country's media would ask the winner and runner-up various questions at the Idols post-finale press briefing and their next plans, where the producers and M-Net would also field questions about aspects from the show, and with M-Net officially congratulating the winner before the media.

It would be followed by an official prize handover ceremony from the various sponsors in front of the media.

Philly Khubheka told TVwithThinus in response to a media query that M-Net decided to axe the Idols press conference because media allegedly prefer one-on-one interviews.

"Based on the take-up and feedback last year, our assessment is that most media prefer one-on-one interviews. Our anticipation is that post-Covid we will revert to the traditional in-person press conference set-up," she said.

She said M-Net's decision to dump the Idols media briefing is part of "a different approach and media are still an integral part of our process".

On a question of how M-Net will make up for the winner's loss of exposure and earned media derived from the collective big-buzz Idols press briefing to help launch their careers, Philly Khubheka said that "there are still opportunities to interview cast, crew and winners. We have already set up these for other media houses".

Asked if the Idols sponsors were told that there won't be a press conference with media and a prize handover before media following the end of the season where they get exposure, Philly Khubheka said that "our partners are aligned with our revised process".

Besides MultiChoice and M-Net axing the media briefing Idols suddenly appears to be in sharp decline with ratings that precipitously fell this season by hundreds of thousands of viewers as DStv subscribers tuned out.

While Idols previously reigned supreme as the most-watched or second most-watched show on DStv during a season's run with over a million viewers, the show suddenly shed hundreds of thousands of viewers this year and lost a shocking third of its usual viewing audience.

Idols started off season 17 with 1 018 607 viewers on Mzansi Magic in July as usual, as the 4th most-watched show on all of DStv for the month.

Instead of climbing and the usual ratings increase as interest would build, Idols suddenly plunged following a scandal that saw choreographer judge Somizi Mhlongo exit the show under a cloud of physical assault allegations. 

DStv subscribers were no longer interested in watching Idols following the scandal and the show plunged to 10th place on DStv's most-watched list with 693 760 viewers at most in August.

In September Idols stayed flat at 9th place on DStv with 709 655 viewers. 

In October Idols sagged even further to a season-low of 13th position with just 683 814 viewers. It's far off from where Idols used to rank during the live Sunday live spectacular phase of the show.

ALSO READ: TV CRITIC's NOTEBOOK. Why lazy M-Net's lackadaisical decision to drop the Idols winner Mzansi Magic media briefing damages DStv, Idols and South Africa's entertainment press.

ALSO READ: Season 17 of South Africa's Idols on Mzansi Magic makes history with an all-female top trio.

ALSO READ: Idols on Mzansi Magic sheds a third of its audience in a shocking ratings plunge after Somizi Mhlongo scandal.

ALSO READ: Season 17 of Idols on Mzansi Magic switching to weekly guest judges after exit of Somizi Mhlongo.

ALSO READ: As Somizi Mhlongo abuse allegations swirl, Mzansi Magic doesn't tell DStv viewers on-screen about his upcoming absence as Idols judge; Mohale Motaung insists he 'experienced abuse both physical and psychological'. 

Idols on Mzansi Magic sheds a third of its audience in a shocking ratings plunge after Somizi Mhlongo scandal.

by Thinus Ferreira

The once-invincible Idols on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) appears broken and has plunged in the TV ratings from over 1 million to just 693 000 - shockingly shedding hundreds of thousands of viewers and losing almost a third of its entire audience who have fled the reality singing competition after the controversy that was ignited by the now-gone scandal-riddled judge Somizi Mhlongo.

After season 17 of Idols, produced by [SIC] Entertainment for M-Net's Mzansi Magic channel on MultiChoice's DStv, attained a highwater-mark of 1 018 607 viewers in July making it the fourth most watched show on DStv during the month, the show's ratings suddenly cratered in an unprecedented decline.

Idols viewership has now fallen by almost a third and a whopping 31.89% to just 693 760 DStv subscribers watching in August, at most, as the show shed hundreds of thousands of viewers.

The 693 760 viewers for Idols on Sunday 8 August with host Tebogo Thekisho known as ProVerb, means that the show abruptly plunged to 10th most watched show on DStv during the month. 

As shocking, is that this is the most viewers for an episode of the series during August, with last month's other Idols episodes drawing even smaller audiences to Mzansi Magic's Sunday evenings.

The 693 760 viewers for Idols on 8 August follows on the Sunday immediately after the announcement by M-Net that the scandal-engulfed Somizi Mhlongo would no longer be a judge on the Mzansi Magic series. 

Since Idols episodes during August were still pre-recorded, the flamboyant Somizi Mhlongo still appeared on Idols on 8 August all through episodes until 22 August; however a third of the Fremantle-format show's viewers suddenly no longer appeared interested in watching Idols any further and for some reason tuned out.

The precipitous ratings decline of Idols once again underscores why broadcasters like DStv, M-Net, e.tv and the SABC judiciously guard and managing the image of their shows and the on-air talent who appear in them, since personal scandals and drama of talent could end up overshadowing or hurt ratings when viewers decide they no longer like, or like watching, someone on screen.

Somizi Mhlongo left Idols' current season as a judge after the scandal-riddled star was exposed following leaked BarLeaderTV production recordings from his now-estranged lover, Mohale Motaung.

Mohale Motaung claims that Somizi Mhlongo broke his ribs and almost knocked out teeth in a violent physical abuse incident in 2020; allegedly threatened Mohale with a kitchen knife, saying he would kill them both; and allegedly even tried to drive him off the road after an Idols afterparty.

Mohale Motaung and Somizi Mhlongo's tempestuous relationship has been marred by persistent rumours of infidelity and breakup ever since their over-the-top and tacky reality TV wedding series, Somizi & Mohale: The Union that was filmed for MultiChoice's Showmax video streamer in 2020.

Somizi Mhlongo and MultiChoice are also mired in drama over allegations that he allegedly stole and plagiarised the idea for the Dinner at Somizi's TV series from another creative, Hastings Moeng.

Somizi Mhlongo in a statement last month said the public has now become "audience to what has sadly become a breakup between two people laced by defamation, false but very serious accusations and interference from supposedly close and reliable sources".

He said "I have never been physically or knowingly abusive towards my estranged husband. I vehemently deny the allegations of criminal acts towards him and would like to clear my name of the defamation".

Mohale Motaung in a statement said that the leaked BarLeader TV recordings that were made in conversation with a producer of Living the Dream with Somizi, was him "laying case to reason why I would not want the details of our divorce to be used in the upcoming season of the reality show as this would affect the complete truth and furthermore, did not want the details thereof to be used for financial gain".

Mohale Motaung reiterated the alleged abuse he suffered from Somizi Mohale, saying "I did, in fact, experience abuse at the hands of my estranged husband, both physical and psychological. It is not my wish to seesaw my experience against his as he only has his conscience to reckon with".

In January this year the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) slammed Somizi Mhlongo in a strongly-worded statement over his attacks on and insults levelled against journalists.

Somizi attacked journalists after reports about his alleged infidelity and crumbling relationship and a legal battle over the canned Dinner at Somizi's TV show, after he was approached for comment but declined to comment.

SANEF said that Somizi's "actions have aggravated what is already a hostile working environment, especially for women journalists. This is a direct attack on media freedom in the country. Worldwide similar attacks are being meted out on journalists with the intent to silence their voices, especially that of women and the stories they tell."

"SANEF calls on Somizi Mhlongo to unreservedly apologise to these journalists and the public on all his social platforms for his unbecoming behaviour. He must call on his followers to stop harassing and intimidating them. Further, we call on the journalists to lay charges of intimidation and for MultiChoice to officially distance themselves from Mhlongo's comments." 

ALSO READ: Season 17 of Idols on Mzansi Magic switching to weekly guest judges after exit of Somizi Mhlongo.

ALSO READ: As Somizi Mhlongo abuse allegations swirl, Mzansi Magic doesn't tell DStv viewers on-screen about his upcoming absence as Idols judge; Mohale Motaung insists he 'experienced abuse both physical and psychological'.

ALSO READ: Somizi Mhlongo gone from Idols for now, exits Idols judge seat shortly after Metro FM gig following serious allegations of violent physical abuse.

ALSO READ: Somizi Mhlongo out at SABC's Metro FM after serious allegations of violent physical abuse, Idols role on M-Net's Mzansi Magic in jeopardy.

ALSO READ: In shocking leaked production recordings reality star Mohale Motaung accuses Idols judge Somizi Mhlongo of alleged violent physical abuse: 'Threatened to kill me with a kitchen knife'.

As Somizi Mhlongo abuse allegations swirl, Mzansi Magic doesn't tell DStv viewers on-screen about his upcoming absence as Idols judge; Mohale Motaung insists he 'experienced abuse both physical and psychological'.

by Thinus Ferreira

On Sunday, M-Net's Mzansi Magic channel decided not tell DStv subscribers watching Idols that caustic judge Somizi Mhlongo, mired in violent physical abuse allegations, is no longer going to be on the show for the time being, while his former lover Mohale Motaung once again reiterating that he did experience physical and psychological abuse at the hands of Somizi.

MultiChoice and M-Net released a statement on Friday saying that the controversial socialite will "take some time off" from the latest 17th season of Idols.

TVwithThinus asked Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) on Friday how it would tell viewers watching on Sunday evening that Somizi Mhlongo will still be seen for a few of the pre-recorded episodes in the [SIC] Entertainment-produced reality series but not in any newly-filmed episodes.

Mzansi Magic didn't respond with any answer. 

On Sunday evening Mzansi Magic didn't tell viewers about Somizi Mhlongo's upcoming absence from Idols and decided to only flash a quick "Please note that this episode is pre-recorded" as an on-screen corner-card.

The latest controversy comes after the scandal-riddled star is once again in the tabloid headlines following leaked BarLeaderTV production recordings from his now-estranged lover, Mohale Motaung.

Mohale Motaung claims that Somizi Mhlongo broke his ribs and almost knocked out teeth in a violent physical abuse incident in 2020; allegedly threatened Mohale with a kitchen knife, saying he would kill them both; and allegedly even tried to drive him off the road after an Idols afterparty.

Mohale Motaung and Somizi Mhlongo's tempestuous relationship has been marred by persistent rumours of infidelity and breakup ever since their over-the-top and tacky reality TV wedding series, Somizi & Mohale: The Union that was filmed for MultiChoice's Showmax video streamer in 2020.

Somizi Mhlongo and MultiChoice are also mired in drama over allegations that he allegedly stole and plagiarised the idea for the Dinner at Somizi's TV series from another creative, Hastings Moeng.

Somizi Mhlongo in a statement posted on his Instagram account on Friday morning, said the public has now become "audience to what has sadly become a breakup between two people laced by defamation, false but very serious accusations and interference from supposedly close and reliable sources".

He said "I have never been physically or knowingly abusive towards my estranged husband. I vehemently deny the allegations of criminal acts towards him and would like to clear my name of the defamation".

Mohale Motaung in a new statement on Saturday, about the leaked BarLeader TV recordings that were made in conversation with a producer of Living the Dream with Somizi, says "I was laying case to reason why I would not want the details of our divorce to be used in the upcoming season of the reality show as this would affect the complete truth and furthermore, did not want the details thereof to be used for financial gain".

Mohale Motaung reiterated the alleged abuse he suffered from Somizi Mohale, saying "I did, in fact, experience abuse at the hands of my estranged husband, both physical and psychological. It is not my wish to seesaw my experience against his as he only has his conscience to reckon with".

In January this year the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) slammed Somizi Mhlongo in a strongly-worded statement over his attacks on and insults levelled against journalists.

Somizi attacked journalists after reports about his alleged infidelity and crumbling relationship and a legal battle over the canned Dinner at Somizi's TV show, after he was approached for comment but declined to comment.

SANEF said that Somizi's "actions have aggravated what is already a hostile working environment, especially for women journalists. This is a direct attack on media freedom in the country. Worldwide similar attacks are being meted out on journalists with the intent to silence their voices, especially that of women and the stories they tell."

"SANEF calls on Somizi Mhlongo to unreservedly apologise to these journalists and the public on all his social platforms for his unbecoming behaviour. He must call on his followers to stop harassing and intimidating them. Further, we call on the journalists to lay charges of intimidation and for MultiChoice to officially distance themselves from Mhlongo's comments."

ALSO READ: Somizi Mhlongo gone from Idols for now, exits Idols judge seat shortly after Metro FM gig following serious allegations of violent physical abuse.

ALSO READ: Somizi Mhlongo out at SABC's Metro FM after serious allegations of violent physical abuse, Idols role on M-Net's Mzansi Magic in jeopardy.

ALSO READ: In shocking leaked production recordings reality star Mohale Motaung accuses Idols judge Somizi Mhlongo of alleged violent physical abuse: 'Threatened to kill me with a kitchen knife'.

BREAKING. Somizi Mhlongo gone from Idols for now, exits Idols judge seat shortly after Metro FM gig following serious allegations of violent physical abuse.

by Thinus Ferreira

Somizi Mhlongo is out of his seat as Idols judge on MultiChoice and M-Net's reality show on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) for now, following serious allegations of violent physical abuse, with the pay-TV operator that on Friday said the socialite will "take some time off".

Since episodes are pre-recorded by the [SIC] Entertainment production company, DStv subscribers will still see Somizi Mhlongo until 22 August after which he will be no longer feature in further episodes of the 17th season of Idols for the time being.

In urgent crisis talks, M-Net, [SIC] Entertainment, MultiChoice and Somizi Mhlongo quickly came to the conclusion this week that it's time for him to step away - at least temporarily. He also lost his timeslot at the SABC's Metro FM radio station earlier this week.

"M-Net and Somizi Mhlongo met to discuss his role on Idols as one of the judges in light of the allegations made against him," MultiChoice said in a terse statement on Friday morning.

"We have reached a mutual agreement that Somizi Mhlongo will take some time off to deal with his personal circumstances until this matter has been resolved."

"Viewers will still see Somizi Mhlongo on their screens until Sunday 22 August 2021, as the audition shows for Idols were pre-recorded."

It's not yet known how Mzansi Magic will inform DStv subscribers watching this coming Sunday's episode about Somizi's exit - a voiceover or on-screen flashcard might possibly be added to the pre-recorded episode.

Effectively leaving Idols, shortly after exiting his gig as a presenter on Metro FM earlier this week, Somizi Mhlongo is once again swirling in controversy following allegations of violent physical abuse.

The scandal-riddled star is once again in the tabloid headlines for all the wrong reasons, following leaked BarLeaderTV production recordings from his now-estranged lover, Mohale Motaung. 

By proxy, the now-toxic Somisi Mhlongo has become a liability for the brands of Metro FM, MultiChoice, Mzansi Magic and Idols that don't want to be associated with the socialite's torrid abuse claims and that have their own corporate brand reputations to protect.

Both the SABC and MultiChoice in statements earlier this week said they regard the allegations of violent physical abuse as serious, and pertinently said that as companies they do not condone any acts of abuse and violence.

Mohale Motaung claims that Somizi Mhlongo broke his ribs and almost knocked out teeth in a violent physical abuse incident in 2020; allegedly threatened Mohale with a kitchen knife, saying he would kill them both; and allegedly even tried to drive him off the road after an Idols afterparty.

Mohale Motaung and Somizi Mhlongo's tempestuous relationship has been marred by persistent rumours of infidelity and breakup ever since their over-the-top and tacky reality TV wedding series, Somizi & Mohale: The Union that was filmed for MultiChoice's Showmax video streamer in 2020.

Somizi Mhlongo and MultiChoice are also mired in drama over allegations that he allegedly stole and plagiarised the idea for the Dinner at Somizi's TV series from another creative, Hastings Moeng.

Mohale Motaung has not responded with any public statement by the time of publishing over the violent physical abuse claims.

Somizi Mhlongo in a statement posted on his Instagram account on Friday morning, said "You all have experienced part of our relationship by virtue of my reality show, our wedding special on TV and our social media platform".

"Now you are now audience to what has sadly become a breakup between two people laced by defamation, false but very serious accusations and interference from supposedly close and reliable sources".

He says "I have never been physically or knowingly abusive towards my estranged husband. I vehemently deny the allegations of criminal acts towards him and would like to clear my name of the defamation".

Somizi Mhlongo said "I am taking what was said on record by my estranged husband very seriously and my legal team is taking steps to address those allegations through the processes afforded to us by the law".  

In January the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) slammed Somizi Mhlongo in a strongly-worded statement over his insults levelled against journalists.

Somizi attacked journalists after reports about his alleged infidelity and crumbling relationship and a legal battle over the canned Dinner at Somizi's TV show, after he was approached for comment but declined to comment.

SANEF said that Somizi's "actions have aggravated what is already a hostile working environment, especially for women journalists. This is a direct attack on media freedom in the country. Worldwide similar attacks are being meted out on journalists with the intent to silence their voices, especially that of women and the stories they tell."

"SANEF calls on Somizi Mhlongo to unreservedly apologise to these journalists and the public on all his social platforms for his unbecoming behaviour. He must call on his followers to stop harassing and intimidating them. Further, we call on the journalists to lay charges of intimidation and for MultiChoice to officially distance themselves from Mhlongo's comments."

UPDATE Sunday 8 August 2021 17:30pm - On Sunday, Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) decided not to tell Idols viewers watching that Somizi Mhlongo will no longer be seen on the reality show for the time being, and just flashed at on-screen notification, telling DStv subscribers that "Please note that this episode is pre-recorded".

Mzanzi Magic was asked earlier this week how exactly it would tell viewers watching that Somizi Mhlongo is no longer going to be seen on Idols since the episode is pre-recorded but Mzansi Magic didn't get back with any answer on how it would be telling viewers this during the episode, for instance in an added voice-over or with a flash card.

ALSO READ: Somizi Mhlongo out at SABC's Metro FM after serious allegations of violent physical abuse, Idols role on M-Net's Mzansi Magic in jeopardy.

ALSO READ: In shocking leaked production recordings reality star Mohale Motaung accuses Idols judge Somizi Mhlongo of alleged violent physical abuse: 'Threatened to kill me with a kitchen knife'.