kykNET Adds 6-episode Series Boere in Patagonië from 6 July with Johan Badenhorst Visiting and Exploring Archaic Afrikaans Speakers in South America

by Thinus Ferreira

The new 6-episode series Boere in Patagonië will start on kykNET (DStv 144) from 6 July, with Johan Badenhorst returning to South America to visit and do interviews with the archaic Afrikaans-speaking people of Patagonia.

The new series follows from a 4-day visit that Johan Badenhorst and his Voetspore team did in Patagonia in 2023 during the 12th season of Voetspore: Cono Sur.

In that season, Johan Badenhorst told people like farmer Juan Schlebusch that he would return in future for another visit, and he did keep his promise.

The group of South Americans who speak an older version of Afrikaans, are the descendants of the group of Afrikaans-speaking South Africans who emigrated to Argentina in 1902 and continued to speak the language.

For Boere in Patagonië, Johan Badenhorst travelled with the production team of Stefan Sonnekuns, Adam Heyns and James Robb back to Comodoro Rivadavia and Sarmiento, and also visited places like Esquel on the other side of the Andes.

M-Net's kykNET channel has started running an on-air promo for Boere in Patagonië, noting that the series will start on 6 July, which immediately led to interest from viewers and readers asking for more information.

TVwithThinus asked kykNET publicity a week ago for more information about the show since kykNET is broadcasting the promo on-air but kykNET refused to provide any information about Boere in Patagonië.

Boere in Patagonië will be of interest to Afrikaans viewers, historians, linguists, and travel enthusiasts.

Although different, Boere in Patagonië shares some similarities with the multiple Safta award-winning documentary film from 2015, The Boers at the End of the World, which visited the same 100-year old community of people of Dutch descent who sailed across the ocean to South America.

Beloved VIA Landbouweekliks and kykNET Kwêla presenter and SuperSport commentator Johnny Davids dead at 48 after heart attack

Thinus Ferreira

Johnny Davids, the beloved TV presenter of programmes like Landbouweekliks on VIA (DStv 147) and Kwêla and Ysters op die Landgoed on kykNET (DStv 144) who was also a sports commentator on SuperSport in Afrikaans died on Thursday morning after a heart attack. He was 48.

Johnny Davids who lives in Cape Town started to complain about chest pains on Wednesday but ignored it and died in Pretoria where he was staying in a guest house and was working on an episode of Landbouweekliks.

At 03:00 this morning an ambulance was called but medics failed to revive him on the scene.

Johnny Davids who wrote the searing autobiography Boytjie that was published in 2024, is survived by his wife, Liezel, and three sons, Ayden, Conway and Juan.

Johnny Davids joined Landbouweekliks in 2024 and was also a motivational speaker, besides working for SuperSport as an Afrikaans sports commentator and working for Homebrew Films on shows like Kwêla, Bravo! and the golf estate magazine show Ysters op die Landgoed.

His unbelievable life journey is chronicled in his book and how he grew up without his birth parents, got adopted by a teacher and won the singing reality competition Zing on kykNET.

On radio, he became a familiar voice and hosted shows on the SABC's RSG, like music programmes OppiRadio and Al Daai Jazz, for seven years, in addition to anchoring daily sports coverage. 

During the beginning years of kykNET he was one of the channel's continuity presenters.

His wife Liezel said in a note on social media, "Johnny was a beloved person whose presence touched the lives of many people".

"His kindness, strength, and steadfast spirit will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His passing has left us heartbroken and devastated and we share in the deep sorrow felt by us as his family, friends and community."

Azelia Morkel, VIA channel head, says "Johnny was an exceptional person with a wonderful story of conquering and hope."

"His passion for people and ability to connect with farmers as well as viewers made his a welcoming face on the channel. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Liezel, his three sons and extended family during this difficult time."

VIA and the Landbouweekblad magazine, as well as the Brand Republic producers of Landbouweekliks say they will always cherish Johnny's contribution to the channel and his warm approach to his work: "He will be missed".

Waldimar Pelser, director of premium channels at MultiChoice, in a statement, says "Johnny chose to live his life in such a way that it served as an example for young men".

"In his warm, engaging way, he showed that dedication, integrity, and humanity are non-negotiable, and thus became an example not only for the youth, but for all of us."

"Johnny was also loved by kykNET viewers. He made his debut on the channel in 2003 by winning the Zing talent competition with his singing partner, Vivian Molauly. He then became a familiar face as a presenter on, among others, Kwêla and Ysters op die Landgoed."

"His death, especially at such a young age, is a great shock and a tremendous loss."

Paul Venter, Homebrew Films producer, says "Johnny was one of our stalwarts at Homebrew Films, from years ago's Kollig op Kie to Ysters op die Landgoed en Kwêla".

"He was was professional, very good at what he did but above all probably the most decent person to work with imaginable - he would never say anything bad about anyone."

"He was always positive, full of enthusiasm and a role model for everyone. I don't think the void he leaves can ever be filled. We will miss him incredibly much and are thinking of his family, friends and also other colleagues during this difficult time."

SuperSport in a statement in Thursday afternoon, says "SuperSport is deeply saddened by the passing of beloved Afrikaans commentator, award-winning TV presenter and artist, Johnny Davids, who passed away suddenly in the early hours of Thursday morning."

"Born in Narraville, in Namibia, Davids was a prominent and authoritative voice in both rugby and cricket since joining the broadcaster in 2012."

"A multi-talented broadcaster, his repertoire extended far beyond the commentary box; he was an acclaimed sports commentator, a seasoned radio presenter, and a gifted musician who brought immense passion to everything he did."

"Most recently, Johnny Davids graced our screens during the Betway SA20 tournament, where his sharp analysis and vibrant Afrikaans commentary brought the thrill of the game into the living rooms of fans across the country."

"Johnny was an invaluable asset to the SuperSport team. His infectious energy, profound knowledge of the sports he covered, and warm, approachable demeanour made him a favourite among viewers and colleagues alike."

Rendani Ramovha, Canal+ director for sport content for English & Portuguese-speaking Africa, says "Johnny was an immense talent and a cherished member of our broadcasting team".

"His dedication to his craft and his unique ability to articulate the emotion and nuance of sport made him truly special. On behalf of SuperSport, I wish to express our most heartfelt condolences to the Davids family and his loved ones during this incredibly tough time."

"He leaves behind a rich legacy and will be hugely missed by the entire SuperSport family. SuperSport extends its deepest sympathies and support to the Davids family, friends, and the broader sporting community."

Angry MultiChoice execs sidelined by Canal+ frustrated and fearful for the(ir) future after decision-making moved to Paris - report

by Thinus Ferreira

Frustrated MultiChoice executives, sitting in Randburg in Johannesburg and who used to have final approval on decisions, say they're fearful about the future and their futures, after new owner Canal+ swooped in and moved the final decision-making function to Canal+'s own executives in Paris.

In a new report by Africa Intelligence, MultiChoice executives are quoted as saying they're frustrated and angry about having been sidelined in the decision-making process regarding content and other decisions since Canal+ acquired MultiChoice in September 2025.

According to the report, several MultiChoice executives who used to be in the loop, explained that they were not even so much as consulted recently before the publication of Canal+'s financial results for 2025 that now includes MultiChoice.

Angry MultiChoice executives are blaming Maxime Saada, Canal+ CEO, and David Mignot, Canal+ Africa managing director, for the way that things inside MultiChoice have deteriorated and broken down.

Meanwhile discontent under MultiChoice executives are growing, as well as producers and content creators, with MultiChoice staff telling producers that projects, budgets and approvals are all delayed and stacking up at Canal+ headquarters in Paris where Canal+ either can't or won't make decisions and do final sign-offs.

According to Africa Intelligence, the new Canal+ Africa management structure includes the former MultiChoice CEO, Calvo Mawela who has been kept on as Canal+ Africa president; Hennie Visser as director of Africa operations, and Byron du Plessis who was MultiChoice SA CEO, as a regional manager.

Aziz Diallo now oversees French-speaking Africa, Kemi Omotosho is now responsible for Nigeria, Retief Tromp is looking after English-speaking countries outside of South Africa, while Glauco Ferreira is overseeing the Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa.

Fuming MultiChoice and SuperSport executives say their hands are tied and they can no longer make decisions, are isolated and have no final say with anything anymore, and have to send decisions to Paris and then wait approval from there.

 Not only are these executives frustrated, they're also wondering about their futures within what used to be MultiChoice or Canal+ Africa going forward.

Canal+ is shuttering MultiChoice's loss-making streamer Showmax by 30 April, and while neither staff involved with Showmax, or within MultiChoice can he retrenched, Canal+ is now going to offer voluntary severance packages to try and get rid of workers who might want out.

According to the agreement Canal+ signed with South Africa's Competition Commission, no MultiChoice workers can be retrenched for a period of three years. 

What is however happening, is that people who work for service providers and production companies making local content for DStv channels like M-Net, kykNET, Mzansi Magic and Africa Magic are losing jobs.

This is because the volume of content that MultiChoice used to commission for these channels are decreasing due to Canal+'s cost-cutting, and because of the end of Showmax as a separate platform.

'Secrets, survival and a sprinkling of love': Creator and creatives of kykNET's Appels en Tee on the new family drama's story of redemption and hope

Thinus Ferreira

Tina Kruger, executive producer and head writer of the Afrikaans series Appels en Tee starting on kykNET (DStv 144) on Tuesday 21 October at 20:00, says the new family drama is about "friendships, secrets, survival, reconciliation with a sprinkling of faith, hope and love".

Tina Kruger spoke at the media launch of Appels en Tee, a new 10-episode local series filmed on location in the Langkloof, along the Garden Route and Hoekwil and set in the fictional Paradysbos.

Starring Diaan Lawrenson as Lisa Rossouw, Tinarie van Wyk Loots as Henriette de Klerk as two 1998 high school friends who experience a tragedy and reunite 27 years later around several big secrets from their past, Appels en Tee was produced by Meerfout Films with Berdene Burger as director, producer and writer, and Sunel Haasbroek as cinematographer.

The rest of the Appels en Tee cast includes Ivan Zimmermann, Jacques Erasmus, Ivan Roberts, Neels van Jaarsveld, Rika Sennet, Bianca Langedyk, Moses Williams, Vilje Maritz, Julia Marone, Beata Bena, Sibongile Mlambo and Marlo Minnaar.

"It's a coming-of-age story spanning multiple generations," Tina Kruger said.

About the role, Diaan Lawrenson said "It's not often that you get the opportunity to play more mature, older female characters which are not stereotypical".

"I think both Lisa and Henriette are both complex characters. Neither are good or bad. Both have pasts - like all of us. Things have happened. There's pain and joy. It's enjoyable to be on a set where there is a safe space in which Sunel Haasbroek played a huge role in creating."

"Within that safe space you can play and emote complex women. It's a joy. It's nice to do a role where you're no longer arm candy alongside a complex male character. It's great to get the opportunity to play the woman who is layered."

Sunel Haasbroek explained that with lensing Appels en Tee the goal was "to make the kykNET viewer feel at home watching it".

Bianca Langedyk, who portrays Annie de Klerk, Henriette's daughter, isn't hearing-impaired in real life but plays her deaf daughter with aplomb and learnt sign language for the role.

"Initially, I didn't realise what I was taking on," she said. "I did a lot of research, I've also met a lot and have hearing-impaired friends. The mom of one of my friends is also a speech therapist and she works with hearing-impaired people and I also spoke with her and asked how I can play the character of Annie as authentically as possible."

"I'm not deaf but I spoke with a lot of people, did a lot of research, and Jana the sign language coach, also helped me a lot. I spent a lot of time learning sign language."

Actor Neels van Jaarsveld, who portrays the character of Wessel de Klerk, said "You can watch Appels en Tee and immediately bond with the various characters to such an extent that you instantly wonder how everything will end for each one of them".

"When I saw the cast and that it's Diaan and Tinarie and these fantastic young people, I knew we would create something fantastic for viewers to watch."

Film editor Canya Cruywagen said "In this situation, I was in the enviable position to actually be on set during filming. That helped me tremendously to start looking at the rushes and that was a big benefit in the editing process later".

"I read the script and then I take it from scene one to the last. I look through all the takes, then I read the script again and then I map how I would like to put it all together. Although that's not always how it works out. There are so many factors that influence the process."

"I cut it together, and then I move on, and then I watch it again the next day. Sometimes I think: 'Oh wow, what did I do?' and then, depending on how much time I have, I change some things."

Tina Kruger laughs. "Canya is always the first one who cries since she sees it first. She would send voicenotes saying 'I just cut this scene and it's wonderful'. 

Actor Moses Williams said it's great that more series are being filmed along the Garden Route.

Recent Afrikaans drama series lensed here include Netflix's Tuiskoms and kykNET's Juffrou X.

"Hopefully, there will be many more," Moses Williams said. "Previously, people like me had to go to the big cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg to go and try and find opportunities and to become part of productions."

"To be able to wake up in your own bed in the morning and go to a set because it's filming where you live, and to be able to return to your own house in the evening to go and sleep is a blessing. I can definitely say it makes a big difference for these kind of productions like Appels en Tee to come to our towns."

"It doesn't mean that other locations wouldn't be as suited to film Appels en Tee but I really think the Garden Route has so much more to offer and we look forward to welcoming many, many more TV and film productions there."

TVwithThinus asked Tina Kruger about the multi-generational depiction and inclusion and whether it was part of the pitch from kykNET's side, or something the creatives decided to build into the story.

"It's important when you craft a family drama series to have something for every viewer within the mix of the compelling story."

"I think there are other family dramas with a bigger focus on the younger generations, but for us as Appels en Tee writers, it was very important, specifically for this series, to show moms and daughters, fathers and daughters, and older adults and their children, as well as the impact and effect we all have on each other."

"Early on it's the teenager who discovers a letter and it's from her grandmother and she realises that it's her grandmother who did something and nobody knows about this. And it's about how something a grandmother did that affects more than one generation and a teenager today."

"We spoke a lot about the show title of Appels en Tee (Apples and Tea) and the apples represent the bruisable, innocent youth within the 1998 timeline. Tea represents a healing medicine for the present."

ALSO READ: FLEUR DE THÉ. High tea in Cape Town with kykNET for the media launch of its new Afrikaans drama series Appels en Tee

FLEUR DE THÉ. High tea in Cape Town with kykNET for the media launch of its new Afrikaans drama series Appels en Tee

Thinus Ferreira

Any time is a good time for a tea party and that is exactly what kykNET (DStv 144) did at Welgemeend in Cape Town for the media launch of its latest Afrikaans drama series, Appels en Tee (Apples and Tea) starting on Tuesday 21 October at 20:00.

It's been a very long time since a South African TV channel - anyone - did something a little bit different, and more distinct, than the all-the-same, general media launch for a new TV show and kykNET hit it out of the tea garden park with its beautiful, intimate, well-organised and colourful Appels en Tee high tea event.

At the upmarket venue, the cast, creatives and producers mingled together with media, where kykNET (correctly and smartly!) screened two episodes to show the media the content, while two Q&A sessions took place - one after each of the episodes.

Tea flowed - together with (of course) wine as well as sparkling wine on offer - as guests munched on delectables ranging from chocolate and dessert later, to various sandwiches, cheeses, savouries and waiters carrying around trays with tasties by the crate-full.

kykNET gave the media a high-gloss brochure about Appels en Tee that contains episode synopses for the 10-episode series, a breakdown of the story, a credit list of who worked on it, as well as character bios and actor breakdowns - with photos - so you know immediately who plays what character and who the characters are.

Tina Kruger is the executive producer and head writer of Appels en Tee, with Berdene Burger as director, producer and writer. Gita Fourie was the third writer, with Sunel Haasbroek as cinematographer.

The Appels en Tee main cast includes Diaan Lawrenson, Ivan Zimmermann, Jacques Erasmus, Ian Roberts, Tinarie van Wyk Loots, Neels van Jaarsveld, Rika Sennet and Bianca Langedyk, as well as Moses Williams, Vilje Maritz, Julia Marone, Beata Bena, Sibongile Mlambo and Marlo Minnaar. 

Appels en Tee is an Afrikaans family drama (with English subtitles) fully centred around female characters and anchored in the two main characters of Lisa (Diaan Lawrenson) and Henriette (Tinarie van Wyk Loots), who share some tragic secret from their past that, in a sense, destroyed their lives and caused an end to their friendship.

What this tragic and fateful "we will never speak about this" incident and secret from the past is, is slowly revealed through flashbacks to 1998 as Henriette and her family (who are in a financial crisis after having lost their farm) coincidentally end up at the home of Lisa 27 years later.

Appels en Tee is also a multi-generational drama series. 

Besides the tension-filled current and past friendship dynamic between Lisa and Henriette, as well as the tension-filled relationships both of them have with their husbands, there are also grandparents on both sides, as well as kids on both sides, who interact with emotional (romantic?) entanglements that ensue.

Produced by Meerfout Films, Appels en Tee looks very similar to the recently released Afrikaans drama series Tuiskoms - also a family drama series. Appels en Tee was filmed in Hoekwil with beautiful cinematography.

Also notable: The inclusion of a deaf character, Annie, played by Bianca Langedyk (who isn't deaf) but learnt sign language for the role.

ALSO READ: 'Secrets, survival and a sprinkling of love': Creator and creatives of kykNET's Appels en Tee on the new family drama's story of redemption and hope

kykNET announces nominees for 2025's Silwerskerm Awards for Film and TV

by Thinus Ferreira

kykNET has announced the nominees for the 2025 Silwerskerm Awards for Film and TV which will take place on Saturday 23 August at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) and cap this year's 13th kykNET Silwerskermfees film festival, taking place from 20 August in Camps Bay.

The 2025 Silwerskerm Awards for Film and TV will have Armand Aucamp and Rozanne McKenzie, with performances by Early B, Janie Bay and Elandré.

The 2025 Silwerskerm Awards for Film and TV will be broadcast on Sunday, 24 August at 19:00 on kykNET (DStv 144).

Only kykNET and MultiChoice's Showmax streamer programming are eligible and Afrikaans content on channels like Media24's VIA and broadcasters like the SABC and e.tv are excluded. kykNET's eNuus is also not eligible.

The TV nominations are:

1. Best lead performer in a comedy

Jai’prakash Sewram – Banana Air (S1)

Emile Smit – Mince jou hare (S1)

Bianca Flanders – Mince jou hare (S1)

Pietie Beyers – Pronk Primêr (S1)

2. Best supporting performer in a comedy

Gershwin Mias – Mince jou hare (S1)

Lee-Ann van Rooi – Mince jou hare (S1)

Laura-Lee Mostert – Pronk Primêr (S1)

Tobie Cronjé – Pronk Primêr (S1)

3. Best actor in a drama

Frank Opperman – Nêrens, Noord-Kaap (S2)

Waldemar Schultz – Die Byl (S6)

Jacques Bessenger – Een keer om die son (S1)

Charlton George – Juffrou X (S1)

4. Best actress in a drama

Milan Murray – Die Byl (S6)

Jana Kruger – Een keer om die son (S1)

Donnalee Roberts – Een keer om die son (S1)

Trix Vivier – Juffrou X (S1)

Ilse Klink – Nêrens, Noord-Kaap (S2)

5. Best supporting actor in a drama

Albert Pretorius – Nêrens, Noord-Kaap (S2)

Geon Nel – Nêrens, Noord-Kaap (S2)

Liam Bosman – Een keer om die son (S1)

Gershwin Mias – Juffrou X (S1)

De Klerk Oelofse – Nêrens, Noord-Kaap (S2)

6. Best supporting actress in a drama

Melissa Willering – Die Byl (S6)

Alma van Heerden – Een keer om die son (S1)

Anja Taljaard – Juffrou X (S1)

Daneel van der Walt – Nêrens, Noord-Kaap (S2)

Marion Holm – Nêrens, Noord-Kaap (S2)

7. Best actor in a telenovela or soap

Germandt Geldenhuys – Binnelanders (S14)

Hykie Berg – Binnelanders (S14)

Justin Strydom – Diepe waters (S3)

Gershwin Mias – Skemergrond (S1)

Dann-Jaques Mouton – Skemergrond (S1)

Irvine van der Merwe – Suidooster (S10)

8. Best actress in a telenovela or soap

Mienke Ehlers – Wyfie (S2)

Jill Levenberg – Suidooster (S10)

Marlee van der Merwe – Binnelanders (S14)

Nadia Valvekens – Diepe waters (S3)

Sandi Schultz – Diepe waters (S3)

Minke Marais – Reënboogrant (S1)

9. Best supporting performer in a telenovela or soap

Lorraine Burger – Binnelanders (S14)

Shimmy Isaacs – Skemergrond (S1)

Gretchen Ramsden – Skemergrond (S1)

Dirk Stoltz – Skemergrond (S1)

Char Carrie – Suidooster (S10)

Therese Bam – Wyfie (S2)

10. Best newcomer in a telenovela or soap

Zandélle Meyer – Binnelanders (S14)

Julian Robinson – Binnelanders (S14)

Caleb Swanepoel – Diepe waters (S3)

Mila de Villiers – Reënboogrant (S1)

Hunter Plaatjies – Skemergrond (S1)

11. Best host of an entertainment programme

Emo Adams – Oppie noot

Rian van Heerden – Wie word ’n miljoenêr?

De Klerk Oelofse – Kyk wie praat

Aiden Thomas – Sê jou sê

Elwira Standili – Koortjies met Elwira Standili

12. Best host of a lifestyle programme (including talk and magazine shows)

Erns Grundling – Elders (S7: Ligtoringroete)

Lundi Khoisan – Fiësta

Anzél Rabie – Anzél in die Boland

Leah – Lottoland help ’n dorp

Hannon Bothma – Glam guru

Neil Sandilands – Die groot niks

Minki van der Westhuizen – Lamb champs

Ewan Strydom – Bravo!

13. Best host of a current affairs or talk show

Lee-Ann van Rooi – Waar daar ’n wil is

Hannes van Wyk – Kwêla

Bonné de Bod – Bewonder en bewaar met Bonné de Bod

Lourensa Eckard – In gesprek (S9)

Rian van Heerden – Laataand by Rian

14. Best host of a reality programme

Ewan Strydom – Plaasjapie

Marciel Hopkins – Boer soek ’n vrou

Robbie Kruse – Klein paradys

Bertus Basson & Kobus Botha – Kokkedoor: Vuur & vlam

15. Best ensemble presenter team

Breyton Paulse, Hamilton Wessels, Rika Nieuwoudt, Rikus de Beer, Janina Oberholzer, Jean de Villiers, Jonathan Mokuena, Jannie du Plessis, Tommy Dickson (Chef Vaatjie) – Toks & Tjops

Dawie Roodt, Charlene Lackay, Leon Gropp, Corli Prinsloo, Anneke de Beer – Ontbytsake

Pierre Breytenbach, Jennifer Myburgh, Su-an Müller-Marais – Die Groot Ontbyt

Legends for lifetime achievement awards in television will be announced in August.

On the Saturday morning, non-televised awards will be handed out in these categories during a morning awards event at The Bay Hotel:

Best script for a feature film

Best original soundtrack for a feature film

Best sound design for a feature film

Best cinematography for a feature film

Best hair and make-up for a feature film

Best wardrobe for a feature film

Best directing for a feature film

Best script for a short film by an upcoming filmmaker

Best directing for a short film by an upcoming filmmaker

Best short film by an upcoming filmmaker

Best cinematography for a short film

Best editing for a short film

Best actress in a short film

Best actor in a short film

Best short film by an established filmmaker

Best short documentary

Best directing in a short documentary

Best editing in a short documentary

Festival favourite

Lifetime contribution

Four special mentions

"While South Africa's finest actors could excel on any global stage, international actors would not be able to achieve what South African talent delivers on a daily basis," says Waldimar Pelser, director of M-Net's premium channels, in a nominees statement.

"Our people have a remarkable ability to capture on screen what it means to live here and now. It's incredible how dynamic this small industry is, and it's a real pleasure to see this year's nominees in the spotlight before they return to the hard work of making film and television."

"These nominees know better than anyone how much blood, sweat and tears the craft demands. We honour them, because they enrich the lives of viewers in countless ways."

Sanktuary Films and kykNET's Afrikaans road trip movie Die Kwiksilwers does boffo box office business after Covid

Thinus Ferreira

The Afrikaans buddy road trip movie Die Kwiksilwers has become the Afrikaans film with the highest box office gross during its opening weekend since South Africa's cinemas reopened after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Die Kwiksilwers, produced by Jordy Sank and Gabriella Blumberg's Sanktuary Films, and distributed by Filmfinity, was the 5th highest-grossing film at the South African box office during its opening weekend over the first weekend of May 2025.

Die Kwiksilwers was only surpassed by the American releases of Thunderbolts, Sinners, A Minecraft Movie en The Accountant 2.

Die Kwiksilwers tells the story of four older women who go on a road trip through South Africa's Karoo region, starring Lida Botha, Susanne Beyers, June van Merch and Theresa Sedras.

Another three Afrikaans films, including one from Namibia and another one on Netflix, will still be released this year.

"Die Kwiksilwers had a terrific opening weekend - the best opening weekend for an Afrikaans film since theatres opened after Covid," Pieter Geldenhuys, Filmfinity distributor, tells me.

"After its first week in theatres, Die Kwiksilwers stood at R750 000 and attendance of 7 306. We hope it's a good sign for the road ahead."

He says "Filmfinity is positive about Afrikaans films. We have already released two this year: Som van Twee and Die Kwiksilwers and both were very well received. We hope that more are made after a relatively quiet period after Covid."

Die Kwiksilwers is a full commission from kykNET, with Sanktuary Films that pitched the idea to kykNET three years ago, after which it was approved for debut at the kykNET Silwerskermfees.

It was fully funded by kykNET and had its premiere last year at the kykNET Silwerskermfees, after which it premiered in South African theatres the first weekend of May 2025.

"KykNET remain committed to the production of Afrikaans films even with tight budgets," says Waldimar Pelser, M-Net director for premium channels. "It's an important vehicle to tell stories with a long shelf-life and which will be enjoyed by future generations."

Jordy Sank, director and writer of the film, tells me "It's wonderful that people immediately fell in love with Die Kwiksilwers and wanted to go on a wild road trip with these characters."

"Last year we could already see that Die Kwiksilwers was a movie that this community really, really wants to go and see."

He says it's important for South African stories to return to cinema. "It's a phenomenal time for South African storytellers and filmmakers to create and get their stories out to inspire people."

He says that behind-the-scenes during filming in the middle of the Karoo on a farm without electricity or cellphone reception, "it was incredible to just watch the performances of Lida Botha and the rest of the veteran cast with so much energy and excitement".

Veteran film critic Leon van Nierop tells me that Die Kwiksilwers was "really made with the audience in mind and the film and cinemagoers immediately found each other".

"The audience knows what it's about. They can see it's fun and upbeat and joyful. People want to relax but a lot of people want to sit inside a theatre with other Afrikaans-speaking people and for a change laugh in and about Afrikaans inside a cinema."

He says it's important to celebrate Afrikaans film.

"Afrikaans is 100 years old. A hundred years ago, it was six years before the Afrikaans film Moedertjie. We should be proud on what we are doing as an industry and we should tell our own stories in an accessible way."

"In Die Kwiksilwers we have a bunch of old ladies who are eccentric but the film makes them accessible and funny. We are used to older Afrikaans women depicted as aunties in Daar Kom Tant Alie and Tant Ralie se Losieshuis - as caricatures or stereotypes."

"In this case, the characters are real people. It shows that age is just a number. They are older but they haven't yet started to open the fridge door to cool off, they're still living past the fridge door".

According to Leon van Nierop, Die Kwiksilwers' box office performance "should serve as motivation for people to make other and more Afrikaans films to be released in cinemas".

"The industry should be daring and courageous and bold and not scared and realise that Afrkaans and Afrikaans film is relevant. There was a time when people were ashamed of Afrikaans film. That time has long passed. Don't be scared to share Afrikaans films with audiences in cinemas."

On 23 May Die Dekontruksie van Retta Blom will be released, and on 29 August the Namibian film, My F*k Marelize will have its premiere in cinemas.

Semi-Soeter from Anel Alexander and Joshua Rous will be released soon on Netflix, although a release date isn't yet known.

Netflix SA didn't respond to a media query about Semi-Soeter's release date, why the streamer decided to invest in creating this Afrikaans follow-up film to Semi-Soet, or whether Semi-Soeter might get a limited release in South African cinemas.

4th Suidooster Stormsterk concert at the Suidooster festival to mark soap's decade on-air but real celebration only happening in November

by Thinus Ferreira

KykNET's Suidooster will do another Stormsterk concert at the Suidoosterfees in Cape Town to mark its 10th anniversary on-air, although the Afrikaans TV soap will only really celebrate this milestone in November when Suidooster really turns 10.

There was no information from kykNET about this year's Stormsterk performance.

The 70-minute concert is again taking place, according to tickets that were sold online for the Artscape performance set for 3 May, with some of the cast of the TV series.

This is the fourth year that Stormsterk will be performed and is billed as celebrating 10 years of Suidooster.

Actors Natasha van der Merwe, Jawaahier Petersen, Irvine van der Merwe, Jill Levenberg, Eden Classens, Craig Adriaanse, Richard September, Simone Biscombe and Dean Smith are taking part in the on-stage show.

Melissa van der Spuy is the musical director and The Stage Performing Arts Studio in Durbanville helped with choreography and stage management.

Suidooster made its debut on kykNET (DStv 144) on 16 November 2015, which means its real 10th anniversary will happen only in November this year.

Seeking clarity on when Suidooster is really turning 10 and what's happening around this, kykNET tells TVwithThinus the official 10-year celebration will take place in November. "We are already busy working on a very special experience for viewers, media and the Suidooster team".

ALSO READ: IN IMAGES. 2024 Suidooster Stormsterk: See the cast behind the concert in 34 photos.

MultiChoice Namibia grows local content slate with further series, film and documentary commissions as Ombura-project enters second phase

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice Namibia is growing its local content slate under the project's "Ombura-named umbrella with further new series, film and documentary commissions.

So far, 19 films, a lifestyle series and a documentary have been produced for DStv, GOtv and MultiChoice's streamer Showmax. 

In September 2024, MultiChoice Namibia also started and held its first MultiChoice Film Festival in Namibia to showcase new local content and to provide local filmmakers a place to meet, interact and have conversations.

The Ombura-project which is entering its second phase, is part of MultiChoice Namibia's effort to expand its slate of local content and Namibian stories.

The lifestyle coming series Op Pad Met My Potjie which was seen recently on kykNET (DStv 144) with presenter Joalette de Villiers travelling throughout Namibia, has been renewed for a second season.

Bora Box which will premiere on Channel O, is a new music request show showcasing Namibian music and artists.

Crossover Hearts is a new romantic film directed by MultiChoice Talent Factory alum Lucia Kim Hamunghete which follows a young couple from different cultures battling prejudices and family expectations.

Desert Film's The Long Road details the life of a struggling factory worker who has been abandoned by his pregnant wife and attempts to redeem himself, while Oppiplaas is a romantic drama about a city girl launching a social media business and who then reluctantly takes on a struggling farmer as a client.

The Afrikaans environmental magazine show Groen Namibië has been renewed for another season on kykNET.

Then there is also the feature film My F*k, Marelize, also produced by kykNET Films and inspired by a viral video from Namibia, which will be shown on kykNET.

Another documentary will also be produced.

"This year, we continue our commitment to hyperlocal storytelling with productions that reflect the culture, language, and realities of our audiences," says Rogert Gertze, MultiChoice Namibia managing director.

"Beyond storytelling, we are actively investing in the future of African film and television by training, funding, and supporting the next generation of local talent because when Africa tells its own stories, the world listens."

Esther Beukes, Namibian Film Commission chairperson, says "On behalf of the Namibia Film Commission, a huge thank you to MultiChoice Namibia, and this phenomenal team. Your investment in our industry isn't just about making TV, it's about making history."

ALSO READ: Inside MultiChoice's push to expand Namibia's kykNET content

ALSO READ: MultiChoice Namibia to host inaugural MultiChoice Film Festival 2024 with panel sessions and content screenings