Two-episode wedding on kykNET's Binnelanders as characters of Dr Jonker and Tracy tie the knot

by Thinus Ferreira

A two-episode TV wedding starts today with the characters of Dr Tertius Jonker, played by Reynardt Hugo and Tracy Smith, played by Melinda Viljoen, who will get married in this evening's episode of the Afrikaans soap Binnelanders on kykNET (DStv 144)

The wedding will be shown on Friday 7 February's episode at 19:30, with the wedding reception being shown on Monday 10 February on kykNET.

"The wedding dress is hanging in the closet, the wedding cake has been ordered - in short, everything's been organised," says Elsje Stark, Binnelanders producer about the TV wedding.

"The groom is even planning a special surprise for his bride. Now everyone has to hold thumbs that everything goes according to plan ..."

Binnelanders which is celebrating its 20th anniversary later this year as a TV soap is produced by Stark Films for kykNET and filmed at Stark Studios in Johannesburg.

Binnelanders character Danny staying on-screen until November after Bradley Olivier’s death, Stark Films cast traumatised and sad.

by Thinus Ferreira

The Binnelanders character paramedic Danny Jantjes portrayed by actor Bradley Olivier will still remain on-screen on kykNET (DStv 144) until the end of October after which Danny will disappear following the death of the actor yesterday in hospital after his life support machines were switched off.

The producer and actor was hospitalised on Monday evening in the Flora Life hospital in Johannesburg after complaining of a headache earlier on Monday morning and was taken to hospital where his condition worsened. He was eventually placed on life support. 

The cause of his hospitalisation and what led to the 36-year-old's death is not yet known. 

Bradley Olivier leaves behind a 5-year-old daughter Kiara, girlfriend Candice-Ann Isaacs, mom Susan, sister Sheena-Kay Gouws and brother Armin.

According to insiders, the crew and cast of the Stark Films produced soap shot at Stark Studios in Randburg, Johannesburg, are distraught and sad following the popular actor's untimely death this week.

Insiders told TVwithThinus that Bradley Olivier's death coming so soon and also unexpectedly after the death at the same production of actor Ben Kruger who died from Covid in May 2021, has been traumatic for the crew and actors.

Bradley Olivier's untimely passing changes the emotional tenor of the blue carpet premiere and debut next month of Frankie & Felipe at kykNET's 11th Silwerskermfees film festival in Camps Bay, Cape Town - the first film that Olivier produced together with actor Solomon Cupido under their joint production company Sturvey Pictures.

Sturvey Pictures is producing three films for MultiChoice's streaming service Showmax.

Waldimar Pelser, M-Net director for premium channels, says that Bradley Olivier "was a beloved actor and valued member of the kykNET and Binnelanders family".

"His sudden passing is a big shock and massive loss for everyone who had been touched by his presence. Our hearts go out to his family, loved ones and friends".

Else Stark, Binnelanders producer, says "The shock and sadness after the sudden passing of Bradley is difficult to process - he was still so young and such a beloved member of the Binnelanders actors corps".

"Any interaction with Bradley, whether on a professional or a personal level, was always just a joy. He portrayed the character of Danny Jantjes for almost 8 years with total conviction. We will miss him terribly and our hearts go out to his daughter and next of kin."

Michelle Nortje, Binnelanders publicist, says the character of Danny will remain on-screen on kykNET for the next three months until the end of October - the period that Stark Films had already completed episodes featuring Bradley Olivier's character, for playout.

"The writers' room is currently very busy to decide how the character's exit will be handled. The final decision on how Danny will leave Binnelanders has not been made yet."

ALSO READ: Producer and Binnelanders actor Bradley Olivier on life support, family says 'recovery is no longer possible'.

ALSO READ: Producer and actor Bradley Olivier dead at 36.

Producer and Binnelanders actor Bradley Olivier on life support, family says 'recovery is no longer possible'.

by Thinus Ferreira

The well-known Binnelanders actor Bradley Olivier (36) who was also a producer, is on life support following an expected heart attack but according to his family recovery "is no longer possible".

It's not clear what led to Bradley Olivier's hospitalisation on Monday.

Namibia's Die Republikein newspaper on Tuesday afternoon first erroneously reported the "death" of Bradley Olivier who was known for his role as paramedic Danny Jantjies in Binnelanders produced by Stark Films at Stark Studios in Johannesburg.

That death report was then picked up by multiple other news outlets who referenced the original without getting their own confirmation.

TVwithThinus reached out to Stark Films, as well as kykNET for comment but kykNET didn't want to confirm Bradley Olivier's death and on Wednesday morning still didn't want to respond to basic media queries to confirm that the actor had died.

On Wednesday afternoon kykNET said that family spokesperson Solomon Cupido issued a statement.

Solomon Cupido in the statement on behalf of the family says that "It is with profound sadness that we confirm that Bradley Olivier is currently on life support after being admitted on Monday evening".

"Bradley Olivier has been an extraordinary presence in our lives, known for his talent, achievements, and dedication to his craft. He has touched the hearts of many around the county, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and the community."

"Over the past 2 days Bradley Olivier has been receiving the best possible medical care and attention from Life Flora hospital. Despite their tireless efforts, it has become evident that he has reached a point where recovery is no longer possible."

"We ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this immensely difficult time and allow us to grieve in peace."

"Bradley Olivier's legacy will live on through his body of work, which has touched countless lives and will continue to inspire future generations. We kindly request that you celebrate his life by remembering the joy and happiness he brought to the world."

"As we navigate through this trying period, let us stand together as a community, offering support, compassion, and understanding to one another. Together, we can honour Bradley’s memory and the positive impact he has had on our lives."

"We extend our deepest gratitude to the medical professionals who cared for Bradley during this challenging time. Their dedication and expertise have been invaluable."

"We kindly ask the media and the public to refrain from spreading speculation or engaging in sensationalism. We understand the interest in Bradley Olivier's condition, but it is crucial to prioritise compassion and respect for the family's wishes."

"We remember Bradley Olivier for his remarkable talent, passion, and the positive influence he had on our lives."

Bradley Olivier, who has a 5-year-old daughter Kiara, studied at the Tshwane University of Technology from 2005 to 2007 and got his first on-screen role in 2007 after he won a nationwide talent search to find new actors for kykNET's first Afrikaans soapie Villa Rosa in which he played the character JJ.

Other roles include 7de Laan on SABC2 and High Rollers on SABC3, 4Play Sex Tips for Girls, Roer Jou Voete, Rockville, Vlug na Egipte, Sokhulu & Partners, Let Heaven Wait, Rockville, MTV Shuga Down South, Father's Matter, and Die Kasteel.

He's been part of the Binnelanders cast on kykNET for at least eight years.

In film, Bradley Olivier appeared on-screen in Bakgat! II and Bakgat! tot die Mag 3, Draadloos, Ballade vir 'n Enkeling, Nul is nie Niks Nie and Vaselinetjie.

Olivier started his production company Sturvey Pictures together with actor Solomon Cupido and their first film, Frankie & Felipe will make its debut at this year’s 11th kykNET Silwerskermfees next month in Camps Bay. 

Their production company is also producing three films for MultiChoice's streaming service Showmax.

Veteran producer Mfundi Vundla in hospital for a month - report.

by Thinus Ferreira

The veteran South African producer Mfundi Vundla (75) has spent a month in hospital fighting against an undisclosed illness.

The City Press newspaper on Sunday reported that Mfundi Vundla has spent a whole month at a Parktown hospital battling an undisclosed chronic illness.

The acerbic producer is the millionaire behind Morula Pictures that he started and is the creator of Generations and Generations - The Legacy on SABC1. 

Mfundi Vundla is also a producer of the Afrikaans weekday soap Binnelanders on kykNET (DStv 144) done through the Stark Films banner.

South African director and actor Gerrit Schoonhoven loses his battle against cancer at 62.

by Thinus Ferreira 

The award-winning South African director and actor Gerrit Schoonhoven has lost his battle against cancer. He was 62.

He was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and received chemotherapy.

Until recently Gerrit Schoonhoven was a director at kykNET's (DStv 144) weekday Afrikaans soap Binnelanders produced by Stark Films.

As a director his filmography includes work on Meeulanders, Vierspel, Isidingo, Soutmansland, Plek van die Vleisvreters, Orion, Hartland and Twee Grade van Moord.

On-screen he had roles in numerous South African films and TV series like Broer Matie, Cul de sac, Sweet 'n Short, The Visual Bible: Matthew, MMG Engineers, The Mangler, Onder Draai die Duiwel Rond, Molly & Wors, Knysna, Schuks! Pay Back the Money!, Dominee Tienie and Droomman.

He also directed and appeared on stage in numerous plays over several decades, and wrote the one-act play Trajek van Tralies. 

Among numerous accolades and awards for his contribution to South Africa's theatre, film and TV industry was the honorary award from the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns in 2006 for his contribution to Afrikaans television.

Gerrit Schoonhoven was born on 27 September 1958 and studied drama at the University of Potchefstroom where he graduated with an honours degree in 1981 where he also later lectured. 

On 27 September this year on his 62nd birthday, Gerrit Schoonhoven got married to Marius Meyer; they've been a couple for the past 30 years.

Stark Films in a statement tells TVwithThinus that "it's with great sadness that the Binnelanders team notes the passing of our beloved director Gerrit".

"Gerrit was a valued and respected member of our directors' corps and his absence will leave a big void. His last words to actors before filming a scene was usually, 'Be brilliant!'. That is how we will always remember him: As a passionate person who tackled and lived life with enthusiasm".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shock at unexpected death of SA soap super producer Friedrich Stark (62) and Binnelanders writer Elsabé Roux.

Shock is reverberating through South Africa's TV industry following the unexpected death of Binnelanders and Generations producer and director Friedrich Stark and the Binnelanders plot outline writer Elsabé Roux.

The cause of death of neither is known and has not been released yet.

ALSO READ: An appreciation: Rest in Peace Friedrich Stark: South Africa's TV industry truly lost an 'Aaron Spelling'.

Friedrich Stark was 62 and passed away in Cape Town in Christmas Day. The couple has three adult sons, Human Stark (33), Ulrich Stark (29) and FW Stark (24). His sister Helena Stark died in August 1983 and was a production secretary who also worked for the SABC.

Friedrich Stark who was married to Elsje Stark were the courageous South African super producer couple behind Stark Films that Friedrich Stark started in 1985 when he left the SABC a  few years after he was appointed as the SABC's head of actuality programming.

He produced Generations on SABC1 in partnership with MMSV Productions and Binnelanders for kykNET since 2005.

They built and designed their state-of-the-art Stark Studios complex that opened in Fountainbleau, Johannesburg in 2010 where not just the Binnelanders sets are housed and the weekday Afrikaans soap is being filmed, but also several of kykNET's former and ongoing actuality and current affairs shows.

Friedrich Stark who started out as an actor had roles in Afrikaans films like Die Voortrekkers (1973), Môre, Môre (1973), Dingetjie is Dynamite (1975), Kiepie en Kandas (1981) and the TV series Net ’n Bietjie Liefde (1977) when television started in South Africa, in a career that spanned decades.

Friedrich Stark was an executive producer on the Afrikaans sitcom Parys, Parys that was broadcast on kykNET and SABC2, and his Stark Films is the name behind several other series like Vlug na Egipte and Terug na Egipte.

Karen Meiring, M-Net director of Afrikaans channels, in a statement called Friedrich Stark "a pioneer in the TV industry". "He was always warm, friendly and generous in sharing his knowledge and experience. It was a privilege to have had him as part of the kykNET channels".

On the Binnelanders website, Mitzi Booysen, head writer and co-producer of Binnelanders said "Friedrick was charming, friendly,funny, generous and very clever".

"When it was necessary, he'd let me laugh at myself and as a person you were always fully aware of his appreciation and support. I'm sure that everyone part of the extended Stark family are in shock about his untimely passing. I know that I'm going to miss him very much, not just as a colleague, but as a friend. RIP, Friedrich".

On the Binnelanders website Frans Kalp, a friend and co-writer said about Elsabé Roux that she was a talented scriptwriter who started her career at the M-Net soap  Egoli, and then moved on to write for Villa Rosa, Binnelanders and Generations. "Elsabé will always be in our hearts and will remain beloved by us".

The SABC didn't release any statement.

Elsje Stark told Eyewitnessnews (EWN) that everybody is in shock following the unexpected death of her husband on Sunday.

Generations in a statement says "Friedrich was an industry pioneer and active leader in the local television production industry and played a prominent role in the Independent Producers Organisation (IPO). He will be remembered for his entrepreneurship, vision and ability to inspire and lead".

On Twitter actress and producer Connie Ferguson said "So, so sad. Praying for strength for the Starks, friends and colleagues."

Actress and radio presenter Phemelo Motene said "he insisted I join the cast of Generations when I had no idea I could act".

Doreen Morris said "shocked to learn of the passing of Friedrich Stark, legend of film & TV. Condolences Elsje, Human, family & friends".

Veteran actress Florence Masebe said "Friedrich Stark had a huge impact on my career as a young actor. I'm finding it hard to process his loss. Condolences to the Stark family".

kykNET soap Binnelanders apologises over 'Power Cock' and 'Power Vagina'; says Stark Films 'extremely upset' over on-screen visuals that will 'never appear again'.

kykNET's Binnelanders weekday soap has apologised for "power cock" and "power vagina" calling the on-screen slip-up "unacceptable" and saying the soap is "extremely upset" that it happened.

Neither the final episode controllers at the Stark Films production company noticed, nor the programme acceptance department and quality check controllers at M-Net in Randburg, that two of the characters in the family time soap were playing their computer game under the names of "Power Cock" and "Power Vagina".

kykNET (DStv 144) viewers however did instantly notice the racy names that the characters of Tertius and Naomi used for the player profiles of the online game in Monday evening's episode.

"Be assured that such visuals will never again appear in an episode of Binnelanders," says the soap which apologised for Monday night's episode on M-Net's Afrikaans language channel on MultiChoice's DStv.

Stark Films said "we sincerely apologise for the unacceptable visuals" that appeared in the episode.

"It was added at a very late stage during the compilation of the episode and the words on screen slipped past all our quality assurance processes. Not that it's an excuse - we ourselves are extremely upset that it could have happened."

BREAKING. Soap star Lindie Stander of Binneland to be written out after an apparent suicide attempt; under evaluation in hospital.

The actress Lindie Stander and her character of Nurse Elise in Binneland on kykNET (DStv 111) and M-Net analogue will be permanently written out of the weekday soap produced by Stark Films, after the actress made an apparent suicide attempt on her life and is currently under evaluation in the psychiatric unit of the Helen Joseph hospital, according to producers.

The producers revealed to me today that Lindie Stander's character will be written out of the show completely to be replaced by a new character and that 8 to 12 weeks' worth of script work rewriting will have to be redone in order to somehow write the actress out of the production over the coming weeks. Binneland is currently, co-incidentally, in recess from filming.

According to the producers the actress allegedly cut her one arm open to the bone and is currently in hospital and under evaluation.

I'm aware of more details around the sad incident and the current situation of the actress which is of a personal nature and which I won't be reporting on here. How it affects the show and kykNET from a TV industry perspective however is that Lindie Stander won't be back and that members of the production team told me they're shocked and extremely saddened by the events which transpired, and which is now impacting the production.

Within the South Africa's TV industry it has been known that the actress battled various things in her private life over a long period of time such as depression and today TV critics talked about it after news of the incident became known. Producers announced the developing news at a press screening in Parys which I and other TV critics, writers and journalists attended, prefacing the announcement with the words that they "have some very sad news to share". 


The cast of Binneland and kykNET channel head Karen Meiring were told about Lindie Standers' situation today.


Lindie Stander once left Binneland before only to return again after a while, also due to problems of a personal nature. This time however the producers say the character will be written out permanently due to the difficult nature of the situation, that Lindie Stander has been informed of this decision, and that they have seen her since the incident happened earlier this week.


"Lindie is a beloved actress and the character of Nurse Elise has always been so popular with viewers, bringing a touch of lightness and humour to the show. In the light of what has happened and the personal situation of the actress we are saddened that unfortunately we have to let go of the character," the producers said today. They added that "it will be very difficult to replace the character." The actress couldn't be reached.