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.

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 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.

M-Net cancels Tshedza Pictures' low-rated Champions telenovela on Mzansi Magic that has ended production after a single season.

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net has cancelled the low-rated Tshedza-produced Champions telenovela on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) after a single season with the last episode which will be broadcast on 31 January.

Tshedza Pictures filmed the last episode in June and was told that M-Net doesn't want another season.

Champions, set inside a football club, had an extremely disappointing debut on MultiChoice's DStv on 5 February with underwhelming viewership.

The weekday telenovela in a 19:00 timeslot also suffered because of a lack of marketing, as well as barely any publicity to bring the show and its cast and crew under the attention of the media.

In June, Champions - starring Jo-anne Reynecke, Sello Maake ka-Ncube, Tumisho Masha and Kgomotso Christopher - failed to make the list of even MultiChoice's Top 30 programmes on DStv for the month.

This is what the case has been for every month since Champions started on Mzansi Magic: It never once made DStv's Top 30 most-watched shows list since February and MultiChoice did nothing to try and boost the show's buzz and viewership with no media interaction like virtual press junkets, roundtables or interview blitzes.

Over the past six months, DStv subscribers have continued to complain, as they have since the start, that they don't like and don't relate to the story and setting, and struggle to understand and feel anything for the main characters.

M-Net's Mzansi Magic division is developing new show concepts as it looks at toning down the volume of telenovelas.

Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director for local entertainment channels, says "First to our cast, Tshedza Pictures, sponsors and advertisers, thank you for your ongoing support for Champions, and your efforts in entertaining our Mzansi Magic viewers".

"Mzansi Magic plays a pivotal role in entertaining viewers during prime time, and we continue to keep up with the latest television trends."

"We are currently in the development of several new show concepts not limited to telenovelas and fine-tuning our key returning shows to ensure that Mzansi Magic's prime time 2025 slots are well received."

Mzansi Magic Champions new Tshedza Pictures produced telenovela starting 5 February following a woman-run football empire.

by Thinus Ferreira

A new M-Net telenovela entitled Champions, also produced by Tshedza Pictures, is replacing The River on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) from 5 February and will follow the story of a woman who runs the male-dominated soccer empire of the Soshanguve Giants football club.

Champions, also produced by Tshedza Pictures which made The River and described as a "story of passion, power and perseverance", will kick off on 5 February on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) at 19:00 with new episodes on weekdays in the timeslot.

"Champions uniquely embodies the spirit of South Africa, aiming to inspire and excite our audience. It's a celebration of ambition, positivity, and the resilience of our people,' says Phathushedzo Makwarela, executive producer.

"Tshedza Pictures is thrilled to collaborate again with Mzansi Magic and we eagerly anticipate the moment our viewers will join us on this incredible journey."

The Champions cast includes veteran talent like Sello Maake ka-Ncube, Tumisho Masha, Kgomotso Christopher and Jo-anne Reyneke along with newcomers Rethabile Mohapi and Minkie Malatji.

In the male-dominated world of football, Sne Modise, portrayed by Jo-anne Reyneke, has to show resilience when she has to battle the storm caused by sudden changes in her father Washington's life.

Sne is thrown into a series of series of challenges, love, and betrayal while battling the intense drama as the underdog. Yet she's determined to challenge the gender norms and lead the Soshanguve Giants FC to success. Can Sne come out on top in an arena where the rules of the game are constantly changing?

Here are the character bios of the main characters in Champions:

Washington Modise (Sello Maake ka-Ncube)

A former player-turned-entrepreneur, Washington breathed life into his own football team Soshanguve Giants FC, steering it with a mix of shrewd business sense and a deep love for the game. His story is a compelling mix of ambition, challenge, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Lucinda Modise (Kgomotso Christopher)

Wife to Washington, her story is one of quiet strength, enduring support, and the influential role of a partner in the whirlwind world of success and power.

Philemon Modise (Tumisho Masha)

Long overshadowed by his brother Washington, he feels the world has yet to acknowledge his true worth. His narrative is one of greed, sibling rivalry, and the relentless pursuit of personal acclaim.

Zipho (Kwenzo Ngcobo)

Stands as a titan in the space of talent management. Zipho's story is about navigating the intricate web of professional success and personal integrity in a world where both are constantly tested.

Ferrari (Thembinkosi Mthembu)

Once the crown jewel of South African football, Ferrari now stands at a crossroads where his illustrious career faces the threat of dimming.

Lebo Serite (Thato Dithebe)

His aspirations to conquer the grand football stadiums and lift his family out of poverty are fuelled by a potent mix of talent, charisma, and determination.

First teaser for Showmax's Western-inspired Outlaws series that looks like a South African knock-off of Paramount's Yellowstone.

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice's Showmax video streamer has given a first look teaser "exclusively" to the American outlet Deadline for its upcoming contemporary Western drama series Outlaws that revolves around two cattle farming families on opposite sides of the Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal border.

Sharing multiple similarities to Paramount's Yellowstone drama series on M-Net (DStv 101) with Kevin Costner, Outlaws is described as "a contemporary Western-inspired drama series", produced by Tshedza Pictures' Phathu Makwarela and Gwydion Beynon.

The Showmax Original that doesn't have a release date yet, is set on the "lawless land" on the border between Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal where the warring Zulu family of the Biyelas are battling the Basotho cattle-raiding Tseole family in Lesotho. 

The Outlaws cast consists of Lehlohonolo Mayeza as Leruo Tseole and Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku as Sihle Biyela.

Siyabonga Shibe portrays the Biyela patriarch with Mmabatho Mogomotsi as the Tseole matriarch, together with Nolwazi Shange, Mnqobi Kunene and Thembinkosi Mthembu.

M-Net slams rumours that Gqeberha: The Empire is cancelled, says season 2 for Mzansi Magic is being planned.

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net is slamming rumours that the TV series Gqeberha: The Empire has been cancelled or will end after its first season on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) and says planning is underway for the second season.

MultiChoice and M-Net are however investigating allegations of abuse at the Tshedza Pictures produced show done in the Eastern Cape province, with the production company that is investigating the allegations ranging from underpayment and a lack of catering and enough food, to the alleged ill-treatment of staff.

Tshedza Pictures is also responsible for series like The River on 1Magic and The Legacy on M-Net.

After social media rumours started that Gqeberha: The Empire has been axed and will to an abrupt end after just one season, MultiChoice and M-Net are refuting the social media chatter, saying it's not true and that planning is in fact underway on the second season.

Gqeberha: The Empire which made its debut in January to less than stellar ratings has improved somewhat over the past few months as Mzansi Magic's first isiXhosa telenovela to be filmed in the Eastern Cape.

The series follows polygamist businessman Luzuko Mxenge and a sprawling family empire story revolving around issues ranging from money and power, to lust, respect and love.

"The channel can confirm that Gqeberha: The Empire is scheduled to remain on-air for the foreseeable future," Mzansi Magic told TVwithThinus on Friday.

"Plans are in progress for the next season and further details will be communicated in due course. Mzansi Magic has just been made aware of the allegations of mistreatment of cast, we take such allegations seriously and we will be reaching out to the production house to verify the same."

"Gqeberha: The Empire has been welcomed by our audiences,  as a great avenue to connect with beautiful region of the Eastern Cape and we are proud of what this project has achieved in this province," Mzansi Magic says.

Gqeberha: The Empire lured 645 476 DStv subscribers in June as MultiChoice's fifth most-watched show of the month on pay-TV.

1Magic: M-Net confirms the Tshedza Pictures produced The River won't run through it after 6 seasons.

Thinus Ferreira

M-Net confirmed industry whispers that the Tshedza Pictures produced telenovela The River for its 1 Magic (DStv 103) channel will be ending with the upcoming 6th and final season that will start on 6 February.

The River starring Sindi Dlathu and Hlomla Dandala and that introduced various new on-screen talent to viewers over the past half a decade, launched in February 2018 as a prime-time drama vehicle to anchor M-Net's 1Magic channel.

1Magic made its debut on DStv at the same time as The River which was positioned as the channel's flagship show, with the channel which was created as a premium version of the existing Mzansi Magic channel for higher-tiered DStv subscribers. 

The loss of The River set in the fictitious Refilwe, leaves 1Magic without an announced replacement, which means that M-Net is set to announce a new telenovela for the channel later this year to revitalise the channel's programming line-up after the end of The River.

Created by Phathu Makwarela and Gwydion Beynon, re-versioned for adaptations in Nigeria and Angola and winning 26 Golden Horn statuettes at the South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas), show star Sindi Dlathu also transitioned to become series co-executive producer.

Tshedza Pictures is now producing Gqeberha: The Empire which recently started on Mzansi Magic as the first telenovela being filmed in South Africa's Eastern Cape province.

M-Net in a statement confirms that "1Magic's The River is coming to an end with its upcoming sixth season".

"At M-Net local entertainment channels we would like to extend our most sincere gratitude to the cast and crew of The River for a memorable five years," says Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director for local entertainment channels.

"Their hard work, dedication and brilliance have led to the telenovela's success. The final season is going to be the show's most epic one yet. The drama will be bigger and better, setting the stage for the ultimate finale".

Showrunner Phathu Makwarela says "When we created The River seven years ago, we knew that we wanted to tell a story that will have a definite ending".

"Now on its sixth season, we feel the time is right to bring the story of these beloved characters to an end, on our own terms and when viewers still treasure the show. As the saying goes, 'a good dancer always knows when to leave the stage', and now it's that time for The River."

SABC2 gives third and final season to Xitsonga telenovela Giyani from Tshedza Pictures.

by Thinus Ferreira

SABC2 has commissioned a third and final season of the Xitsonga telenovela Giyani: Land of Blood produced by Tshedza Pictures which will introduce a new family to the cast.

While the first two seasons revolved around themes of land ownership and who the rightful owners are amidst the squabbles of two warring families and a forbidden love story, the third season of Giyani will "embark on the show's final odyssey" according to SABC2.

The third season will bring viewers into "a world that has expanded and changed – the banana plantation has been replaced by the game lodge, which Manoko continues to pillage, while the villagers remain marginalised and living in poverty on their supposed own land".

The third season of Giyani will introduce the Khoza family with Lesley Musina joining the cast as Solani Khoza, a successful lawyer, and the patriarch of the Khoza family. 

Lesley's wife Pele (Bokang Phelane) is an ex-promo-girl turn club manager, while Gigi Ndlovu joins in the role of Dzovo, Solani's son. 

Dzovo is Khensani's new love interest and business partner. Mambeku (Nsuku Baloyi) is the matriarch of the Khoza family. Mixo (Nkateko Mabunda) and Zuri are the two daughters.  Mudau will now be played by Mahlatsi Mokoena.  

"SABC2 is elated to see the return of this layered offering. In an effort of diversifying our drama slate, Giyani remains a strong property on our platforms," says Jacqui Hlongwane, SABC2 head of programming.

"In keeping with our family entertainment proposition, our viewers are immersed in the intriguing storyline that outlines themes which our audiences can identify with."

Tshedza Pictures adds new Hlophe family to The River telenovela on 1Magic, casts Sindi Dlathu's real-life sister Tina in daughter role.

by Thinus Ferreira

The 5th season of The River on 1Magic (DStv 103) has made casting additions in the form of a new Hlophe family whose members will be stirring the pot in the Tshedza Pictures produced local South African weekday telenovela.

The Hlophe family is described as "wealthy, excellent and very, very dangerous.

The Hlophe family is led by traditional patriarch Bukhosi (played by Bheki Mkhwane), described as being "as quick with his brain as he is with his gun. With a military past that comes in handy for his work as a heist king, he’s brash, outspoken and charming. He's made of steel – so he's not the one to cross".

Bukhosi is married to a younger second wife, Nomafu (played by Brenda Mhlongo).

She is described that "beneath her shiny and well-groomed exterior is a tough woman who has clawed her way out of poverty. She's a terrible stepmother but she knows how to clean money – and she's set to become Lindiwe Dikana's biggest rival yet".

The Hlope sons are Mlilo (played by Vuyo Biyela) and Nkanyiso (played by Unathi Mkhize).

They are the product of Bukhosi's first marriage and have a strained relationship with their father, but he wants them to take over the family business.

"Mlilo is nothing like his father – yet he's everything like this father. Nkanyiso, on the other hand, is the more ambitious second born son who wants to wear the crown. Will the boys put their rivalry aside long enough for their family to continue thriving?" reads the official logline of the character descriptions.

The young daughter Khwezi (played by Tina Dlathu, real-life sister to Sindi Dlathu, who plays Lindiwe), is described as "smart, beautiful, and virtuous yet naïve".

She joins the family business for the time being after they buy into Khanyisa Diamonds. 

"But what happens when she finds herself in the middle of a situation that will rock both the Hlophe and Dikana families to the core?"

11 graduate from MultiChoice Talent Factory SA's first Scriptwriting Incubator.

by Thinus Ferreira

The MultiChoice Talent Factory's (MTF) first Scriptwriwting Incubator has delivered its first 11 interns who graduated with a graduation ceremony that took place at The Capital on the Park in Johannesburg.

Besides running the usual MultiChoice Talent Factory film school in both South Africa, as well as across the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, the South African version of the MTF started a Scriptwriting Incubator programme as an African first, offering practical workplace experience and mentorship from experienced South African producers and scriptwriters.

The MultiChoice Talent Factory has been running the scriptwriting programme since February 2021 in partnership with the University of the Witwatersrand's Film and Television department, as well as Tshedza Pictures which produced Legacy for M-Net (DStv 101), The River for Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) and Giyani: Land of Blood for SABC2.

"We set out to create learnership programmes that are not only informative but also provide candidates with insightful practical experience for ease of entry into the workplace," says Collen Dlamini, MultiChoice corporate affairs executive.

"We honour our African roots through the stories we tell. It's important that MultiChoice continues to build on this narrative in everything we do."

"We are incredibly proud of our graduates. One of them has written an episode of The River (season 4, episode 147), 5 have been offered employment by Tshedza Pictures, while other graduates already have jobs lined up."

MultiChoice is looking to expand South Africa's Scriptwriting Incubator to the MultiChoice Talent Factory setup run in the rest of Africa.

M-Net cancels Legacy after two seasons, renews The River for a 5th season on 1Magic; Nomsa Philiso upped to MultiChoice programming boss.

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net (DStv 101) has cancelled Legacy with its local telenovela produced by Tshedza Pictures that will end after two seasons and with M-Net saying that DStv subscribers no longer want to watch long-running telenovelas.

In stark contrast, M-Net just renewed The River for another DStv Premium channel, 1 Magic (DStv 103) for a 5th season.

In other news Nomsa Philiso has also been promoted to MultiChoice programming boss, replacing Nkateko Mabaso.

M-Net says the DStv Premium channel will be "exploring new avenues to entertain its loyal viewers in order to cater to their new and evolving desire for limited series".

New episodes of Legacy will continue to be on M-Net until September 2022 with episodes that will be produced until mid-February 2022.

"Our viewership surveys guide us to adapt our content to the evolving needs of our customers. Whilst Legacy is a popular show, M-Net (DStv 101) customers have indicated that they now want more limited series rather than long-running telenovelas, says Nomsa Philiso who has been upped into a new position as MultiChoice Group executive head for programming.

Until now Nomsa Philiso has been M-Net director of local entertainment channels with MultiChoice that made no announcement about her promotion.

"The success of our local strategy depends on how well we tune into what our customers would like to see on their screens," says Nomsa Philiso.

Nomsa Philiso says that M-Net and Tshedza Pictures will be "managing the impact" of the cancellation of Legacy on the show's cast and crew.

"We would like to thank our loyal viewers on M-Net (DStv 101) and Showmax and assure them that we have exciting plans for our content for 2022. We will share more news on our local content offering in due course."

Phathu Makwarela and Gwydion Beynon, co-owners of Tshedza Productions, in a joint statement say that "Working with M-Net (DStv 101) has always been a dream for us as a company, and we thank the channel for their incredible support and encouragement in bringing Legacy to life".

"All our writers, crew members and actors have poured their hearts and souls into this project. We applaud MultiChoice Group for continuing to support local content and look forward to working on other exciting projects in future."

SABC2's Xitsonga drama series Giyani Land of Blood back for a second season from 1 November, adds Rami Chuene.

by Thinus Ferreira

The second season of the Xitsonga drama series Giyani: Land of Blood will start on SABC2 on Monday 1 November at 21:30.

SABC2 will broadcast three episodes of Giyani: Land of Blood, produced by Tshedza Pictures, weekly from Mondays to Wednesdays.

Earlier this year SABC2 announced that the second season of Giyani: Land of Blood would replace Muvhango on Thursdays and Fridays in its timeslot but for an as-yet-unexplained reason the plan was scuppered.

When the first season of Giyani: Land of Blood ended in November 2019, the community of Risinga was turned upside down with secrets revealed, Richard Mudau exposed as a corrupt traitor, and with Gladys left for dead.

In the second season viewers will see Richard return home after spending time in prison and with no money and no influence, he gets back into business with the hope of turning his life around and away from crime. 

There is a new lady at his side but she could wreak havoc in his family and the community.

"SABC2 is immensely proud to bring the second season of Giyani to viewers in South Africa," says Gerhard Pretorius, SABC2 channel head.

 Jacqui Hlongwane, SABC2 programme manager, says "Building on the success of the first season of Giyani, the second season returns with more drama, intrigue and an action-packed storyline that will have viewers glued to their screens".

"Not only can viewers look forward to seeing their old favourite characters back on their small screens, SABC is delighted to announce that the talented and much-loved Rami Chuene joins season 2 of Giyani; life will never be the same again in Giyani for sure."

Phathu Makwarela and Gwydion Beynon of Tshedza Pictures says the production company is "beyond thrilled to revisit the story world of Giyani - Land of Blood and the amazing characters that viewers fell in love with - including new characters who will capture their hearts as the new season is packed with scandal, drama and dangerous escapades that will entertain and enthrall viewers".

The cast of Giyani's second season is Ndivhuho Mutsila who returns as Richard Mudau and Rami Chuene joining the series as Manoko Ledwaba. 

Other cast members include Mathabo Mothibe as Khensani Mudau, Maduva Madima as Shonisani Mudau, Fumani Shilubana as Vukosi Moyo, Wiseman Zitha as Musawahosi Baloyi, Senzo Radebe as Fezile, Elvis Tshepo Nkosi as Mahlatshe Valentino Ledwaba, Glennis Mabuza as Kokwana Chavalala, Obed Baloyi as Hlengani Chavalala, Candy Tsamandebele Mokwena as Diane Homu and Lina Ebony Ngcobo as Tsakani Baloyi.

SABC2 backtracks on cutbacks, 7de Laan back to 5 days a week from October.

by Thinus Ferreira

The Afrikaans weekday soap 7de Laan on SABC2 is returning to a full 5-days a week from October while SABC2's Venda weekday soap Muvhango remains a full-week show, bringing to an end the SABC's failed experiment to cut down on the episodes for both series to try out other programmes in their timeslots.

From the week of Monday 4 October, 7de Laan is back to broadcasting 5 episodes per week on SABC2, while Muvhango continues to run 5 episodes per week as well. SABC2 has not yet issued any statement about 7de Laan's return to full-week episodes. 

"7de Laan is delighted at the SABC's decision to bring back the show to 5 days a week," the production told TVwithThinus on Friday.

"We know that our fans are over extremely appreciative and excited for this. We owe much of their persistent request to the return. Viewers can now enjoy an entire week of their favourite show without the long anxious wait. Best of all, the months ahead are packed with nail-biting, love-hate and comedic storylines."

Earlier this year the South African public broadcaster angered viewers when it announced a shocking SABC2 schedule shake-up.

The SABC confirmed that from April it would cut back 7de Laan produced by Danie Odendaal Productions, from 5 to just 3 episodes per week. 

The SABC also confirmed that it would be cutting back on Muvhango, produced by Word of Mouth Pictures, from August, with the popular primetime soap also seeing its episodes reduced from 5 to just 3 episodes per week.

It led to a petition from viewers signed by over 7 000 concerned viewers and the SABC saying that it won't back down from its plan to "make more room for drama". 

The SABC in another statement shortly thereafter, said that "A public petition was circulated, in an attempt to prevent the SABC from diversifying its content on SABC2". 

This was however not what the petition from concerned viewers was actually about, who were not against diversifying programming but concerned about losing weekday episodes of their shows.

Merlin Naicker, the SABC's head of TV, said that reducing the episodes of 7de Laan and Muvhango was "part of our longterm plan to invest in quality local content" and that "it is imperative that we come with innovative and exciting content, which will not only draw the viewership, but bring in the revenue required to keep the public service broadcaster financially sustainable".

The SABC considers both long-running series as having somewhat run out of steam creatively and thought that gradual timeslot replacements would yield viewership bumps from new shows.

7de Laan was reduced to 3 episodes to make way for Die Sentrum but the show from Penguin Films on Thursdays and Fridays never got the viewership traction 7de Laan has, with lower ratings in SABC2's 18:00-timeslot.

Before the debut of Die Sentrum the SABC in a statement said that it was "confident that this new programme will be a drawcard and like 7de Laan, will keep the channel's loyal viewers entertained for the remainder of the week".

In July 7de Laan lured around 1.2 million viewers to SABC2, while Die Sentrum hovered around 720 000 per episode. This is far below 7de Laan and represents a net loss of thousands of viewers in the timeslot and also forced SABC2 to lower ad rates during the slot, meaning less revenue for the broadcaster.

Meanwhile, the promised second season of the Xitsonga telenovela Giyani, produced by Tshedza Pictures, never materialised in Muvhango's 21:00-timeslot from August with no explanation to viewers or an update to the TV industry.

Neither the SABC nor SABC2 channel head Gerhard Pretorius made any further public statements before August that Giyani isn't going to start, or since, about why Giyani didn't start last month on Thursday and Friday nights as was initially promised. 

According to insiders the Covid-19 pandemic severely delayed Giyani production and SABC2 couldn't get the show on air in time.

Development and production on Giyani were hugely impacted by Covid-19 and the production couldn't deliver episodes for playout from August as planned, although production is now in full swing. No new SABC2 broadcast date is available for the second season that is now supposed to start sometime in November.

ALSO READ: SABC2 reduces weekday soaps 7de Laan and Muvhango to 3 episodes per week in a shock scheduling shake-up.

ALSO READ: SABC2's 7de Laan says viewers are justifiably disturbed as upset fans try to save the soap's weekday timeslot, cliffhangers to be reworked to fit on Wednesdays.

ALSO READ: 'An attack on us as loyal fans and viewers': Furious fans sign a fast-growing 7de Laan petition to try and save the reduced SABC2 soap.

SABC2 reduces weekday soaps 7de Laan and Muvhango to 3 episodes per week in a shock scheduling shake-up.

by Thinus Ferreira

In a shocking scheduling move SABC2 is cutting back its iconic Afrikaans weekday soap 7de Laan, as well as its Venda weekday soap Muvhango, scaling the episodes of both back with almost half and reducing both longrunning primetime soaps from 5 to just 3 episodes per week.

SABC2's dramatic scheduling changes to its 18:00 timeslot from April for 7de Laan, and its 21:00 timeslot from August for Muvhango, come as the financially struggling and bloated South African public broadcaster is currently going to an acrimonious retrenchment process to axe 303 SABC workers.

While still a big show, 7de Laan, produced by Danie Odendaal Productions and that just passed and broadcast its milestone 5 000-episode earlier this month, is struggling with waning ratings and has shed millions of viewers over the past few years, mostly due to multiple SABC2 timeslot changes and the exit of many of the show's stars and their iconic characters in quick succession.

It's not yet clear what the impact of the SABC's reduced episode order will hold for the show and its complement of cast and crew that will have to absorb a production budget cut.

7de Laan that was originally only broadcast on Tuesdays on SABC2, then twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and eventually expanded to 5 days a week, is now being reduced by 40% and cut back from 2 and a half hours per week to just one and a half hours per week.

From Monday 5 April 7de Laan will just be broadcast on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

7de Laan, filmed at Sasani Studios in Highlands North in Johannesburg, is removed on the SABC2 schedule and replaced on Thursdays and Fridays in the 18:00 timeslot with two episodes of a new Afrikaans telenovela entitled Die Sentrum.

SABC2 says it's cutting back 7de Laan to "make more room for drama" on the channel.

"As a South African family entertainment channel, SABC2 continues to make room for more drama, bringing the best in local content, increasing viewer choice, reflecting and celebrating diverse realities," says Caroline Phalakatshela, SABC2 publicist.

It's not clear why SABC2 chose the early primetime shot of 18:00 to schedule Die Sentrum and not in the other existing Afrikaans drama timeslots.

Danie Odendaal Productions in a statement says that "7de Laan confirms that there has been a scheduling change implemented by the SABC. 7de Laan will now broadcast three days a week on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 18:00 on SABC2."

"We wish to reassure you of our unwavering commitment to continue producing relevant, informative and entertaining content."

The production says "until a time comes when we get to see you all on our roadshows again, we will enjoy engaging with you on all our social media platforms where we will continue to give you additional insights into our world."

In December 2020 7de Laan lured 1.44 million viewers (3.72 AR), making it the 6th most-watched programme on SABC2 for the month.

Muvhango swapped for Giyani

SABC2 is also scaling back on Muvhango from August and plans to reduce it by two episodes per week that are replaced by a second season of the Xitsonga telenovela Giyani that will have two episodes per week.

Like 7de Laan, Muvhango, produced by Duma Ndlovu's Word of Mouth Productions, has also shed millions of viewers over the past few years.

Muvhango will now only be shown on SABC2 from Mondays to Wednesdays from August at 21:00, with the timeslot on Thursday and Friday nights going to Giyani.

In December 2020 Muvhango lured 3.69 million viewers (9.55 AR), making it the most-watched programme on SABC2 for the month and the 10th most-watched show overall on all of South African television for the month. 

Again it's unclear why the SABC decided to schedule Giyani, produced by Tshedza Pictures, in Muvhango's 21:00 timeslot and not in other drama timeslots or the 21:30 timeslot on SABC2 where it was broadcast previously for its first season.

About Die Sentrum and the second season of Giyani, Merlin Naicker, the SABC's head of TV, says "is part of our longterm plan to invest in quality local content".

"Serving a diverse South African audience, it is imperative that we come with innovative and exciting content, which will not only draw the viewership, but bring in the revenue required to keep the public service broadcaster financially sustainable".

SABC2's Muvhango the next South African primetime series to abruptly shutter because of possible Covid-19 contact.

by Thinus Ferreira

Muvhango has become South Africa's latest primetime TV series to abruptly halt production after a crew member was exposed to someone who has the Covid-19 coronavirus.

South Africa's film and TV industry has shed thousands of jobs and struggled to restart production under stringent on-set health protocols since the entire industry was shut down for 8 weeks since late March 2020 because of the country's Covid-19 national lockdown period.

Just after local TV productions resumed work, first M-Net's The River produced by Tshedza Pictures for 1Magic (DStv 103), and then Skeem Saam produced by SABC1 was forced to shut down the past few weeks because of Covid-19 cases.

Now the SABC's Venda-drama series on SABC2 produced by Word of Mouth shut down production on Wednesday until further notice.

Herbert Hadebe, Muvhango's series producer, says that similar to The River and Skeem Saam, both produced in Johannesburg, production was halted to reduce the risk of exposure to Covid-19 on set. 

"We are prioritizing the safety of all staff members. We will be constantly monitoring the evolving situation and adapting our efforts and responses. We will continue working together with the SABC as we comply to Covid-19 measures and regulations," says Herbert Hadebe.

The Muvhango cast and crew have been asked to self-isolate until further notice and a deep-clean with the help of the SABC is going to take place at the studio.

Muvhango will continue uninterrupted on SABC2 with enough pre-recorded episodes for the time being.


ALSO READ: SABC1's Skeem Saam shuts down because of Covid-19 infection fears, crew and cast go into self-isolation as studio and offices are disinfected.
ALSO READ: Coronavirus: Production on The River telenovela for M-Net's 1Magic on DStv shutters after colleague tests positive for Covid-19, Tshedza Pictures locks studio doors for decontamination and will not do interviews.

The Bold and the Beautiful to resume production as the first American scripted TV series that starts filming again amidst the global Covid-19 pandemic.

by Thinus Ferreira

The longrunning American daytime soap The Bold and the Beautiful that shut down alongside the rest of Hollywood will resume filming on Wednesday 17 June and become the first scripted TV series in the United States to resume production in 2020 amidst the growing global Covid-19 pandemic.

"The health and safety of our cast and crew are of foremost importance to us. We will be following all protocols set forth by the state, city, Television City, and the various guilds," says the Los Angeles-based daytime soap in a statement.

Last month The Bold and the Beautiful produced by Bell-Phillip Television and seen on Vodacom Video Play and EVA (DStv 141), was renewed for a further 2 seasons taking it to at least mid-2022.

The Bold and the Beautiful restarting production although Covid-19 cases in the United States continue to increase is similar to South Africa where the TV and film industry resumed production after an 8-week break because of the country's national lockdown period.

Two local primetime series, M-Net's The River produced by Tshedza Pictures for the 1Magic (DStv 103) channel on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV service, as well as Skeem Saam on SABC1 have since been forced to shutter again and deep-clean studio and office spaces following positive Covid-19 cases.

M-Net adds Legacy from Tshedza Pictures as the channel's first locally-produced telenovela, squabbling investment firm family series to debut in September 2020.

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net (DStv 101) is adding a new locally-produced telenovela, Legacy - the channel's first telenovela - from September 2020, that will run multiple episodes per week and revolve around the family in-fighting between the members of a wealthy investment firm clan.

At first glance Legacy seems to be in the line of the abruptly cancelled High Rollers telenovela that was on SABC3 and M-Net's ertwhile drama series Jacob's Cross.

Produced by Phathu Makwarela and Gwydion Beynon of Tshedza Pictures responsible for The River on M-Net's sister-channel 1Magic (DStv 103), Legacy has Trevor Brown as director of photography with Johnny Barbuzano of M-Net's local recent local series Still Breathing, along with Catharine Cooke and Krijay Govender as directors.

M-Net didn't specify an episode order for Legacy, produced as a premium drama series for DStv Premium subscribers, although it's believed to be over 200 episodes with likely 4 episodes that will unspool during a primetime slot per week.

The Legacy cast that has been announced so far includes some legacy soap stars including Michelle Botes of Isidingo and Binnelanders as Angelique, Mary-ann Barlow as Felicity, Kgomotso Christopher of Scandal! and Isidingo as Dineo, Anton David Jeftha as SJ and Deon Lotz as Sebastian.

M-Net released a series description for Legacy saying that it has "startling storylines set in the fast-lane world of investment billionaires". 

 "Legacy’s locus of conflict is an upmarket investment empire that was established by Sebastian Price, the patriarch of the super-wealthy Price family, decades ago, when he was in his early twenties."

"Now he is a silver fox approaching retirement and it is clear that a family member will soon have to take over the reins. But who will it be? And, at what cost? Sebastian’s bitter ex-wife and ruthless first-born daughter will do whatever it takes to ensure that Sebastian's second wife, Dineo, does not push her playboy son into the position of CEO."

"Of course the power struggle turns nasty. A witches' brew of betrayal, secrets, lies and revenge."

Jan du Plessis, director of M-Net channels, says "Imagine the machiavellian mega-rich characters living dysfunctional lives in the award-winning HBO series Succession in a fresh, distinctly South African context".

"Add a daily dose of The Bold and The Beautiful, colour the concoction with pure escapism in the topical and aspirational style of the best Brazilian telenovelas, and you have Legacy in a nutshell."

"Moving into this popular genre is an exciting step for the channel. We managed to sign up the most acclaimed production company currently working in this field as well as a cast that combines top-flight established soap stars and hottest up-and-coming talent."

"We’re also pulling out all the stops to ensure that Legacy will be remembered for its arresting plots and new ways of filming. Expect all kinds of innovation to cement M-Net and MultiChoice’s reputation as Africa’s most loved storyteller."

Coronavirus: Production on The River telenovela for M-Net's 1Magic on DStv shutters after colleague tests positive for Covid-19, Tshedza Pictures locks studio doors for decontamination and will not do interviews.

by Thinus Ferreira

Production on The River telenovela on M-Net's 1Magic (DStv 103) channel has been forced to shut down for a second time this year because of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, this time because an unnamed person working on the show has tested positive for the virus on Tuesday morning.

The River, produced by Tshedza Pictures, restarted production on 1 May 2020 after weeks of downtime when South Africa's entire film and TV industry shuttered since late-March because of South Africa's national lockdown period to try and curb the spread of the virus.

Now the weekday primetime series produced for one of M-Net's channels and seen on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV service has locked the studio doors again.

The River has closed its doors for the set to be decontaminated and the Tzhedza Pictures producers don't want to do any interviews.

"Ever since we resumed production on 1 May 2020, all necessary lockdown health guidelines were implemented on set," says Phathu Makwarela of Tshedza Pictures in a statement.

"After we received the news of the colleague testing positive, we immediately asked the cast and crew that came into contact with the member to go into self-isolation. They will soon avail themselves to health authorities for testing, in-line with government directives."

Nomsa Philiso, channel director for local entertainment channels at M-Net, in the prepared statement says that "We have contacted the production team in order to assure them of our support".

"Our understanding is that ever since they resumed production, the production team implemented all the necessary health precautions to ensure the safety of cast and crew."

"Now more than ever, we need to show compassion to our fellow brothers and sisters, and we would like to wish the affected member of the production team a speedy recovery."

M-Net ran out of episodes for The River on 8 May 2020 which was replaced on the 1Magic schedule by Is'thunzi. After production resumed on 1 May, new episodes of The River resumed on 25 May 2020.

It's very important to note that MultiChoice, M-Net and Tshedza Pictures felt the need to specifically say that there won't be any interviews done because they want to make very clear that they don't want to talk about Covid-19 and its impact on the show, and don't want to answer any questions about it at all.

So far there's been very little evidence of South Africa's TV and film industry working on awareness campaigns and pro-active communication against the stigmatisation of Covid-19 and people with Covid-19.

This is something once again shown by the approach of MultiChoice, M-Net and Tshedza Pictures to outright tell the media that there won't be any interviews done.

TV programming, producers and South Africa's media show viewers how they themselves respond when confronted with Covid-19, and through that are teach viewers how they should react when they or someone they know tests positive for Covid-19: Hide and don't talk about it.

While fighting the scourge of Covid-19 South Africa's TV and film industry should keep in mind that it is as important to signal that there is nothing "wrong" with being Covid-19 positive, nothing to be ashamed about, and nothing to hide away for or to keep a secret.

If everybody really is "in this together" - especially South Africa's influential TV and film industry - it is extremely important to be open, forthcoming, to keep talking about Covid-19 without fear, to fight against coronavirus stigmatisation and to tell people that it's okay to say that you are Covid-19 positive, to get help, and to ask for help.