26-07-2025
Giyani: Land of blood to take over as Muvhango ends after 28 years
August will mark the end of SABC2's longest-running show, Muvhango.
While cast and crew members are saddened by the news, another show is set to take over the prominent time slot.
The show that has celebrated Venda culture for 28 years will come to an abrupt end on August 28, leaving many loyal viewers dismayed. A new era will begin when the popular series concludes.
For years, Xitsonga-speaking people have expressed frustration over the lack of representation of their language on SABC, which as a public broadcaster is mandated to broadcast in all 11 official languages.
According to well-placed sources, Giyani: Land of Blood will take over Muvhango's slot when the show ends next month.
'Muvhango is going off air from August 28, and repeats of Giyani will take over the slot. However, this will be for a limited time, because another show will take over in due course,' a source tells Drum.
This news is particularly meaningful for Xitsonga-speaking viewers, as it means their language will finally receive the platform they believe it deserves.
Read more | Muvhango's Gabriel Temudzani on saying goodbye to Azwindini
'We have fought hard to have our language represented by the SABC, because for a long time we've felt marginalized. All other languages get recognition, but not ours, so it's time that things change. We are happy that the people of Mzansi will get an opportunity to learn and recognize our language,' another source explains.
Giyani is produced by Tshedza Pictures, the company behind The River. Executive producer Phathutshedzo Makwarela confirmed to Drum that his production will indeed take over the slot, though only with repeats.
'We are not currently in production, but the SABC will broadcast repeats of Giyani in the Muvhango slot. We are excited to have Mzansi see the show on weekdays,' he says.
SABC2's publicist Caroline confirmed that Giyani is replacing Muvhango. 'Giyani repeats will air in the slot,' she confirms.
