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TimesLIVE
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Mzansi Magic celebrates 15 years by inviting you to relive magic moments
Fifteen years ago, on July 12 2010, a bold new voice emerged on South African television — one that spoke our language, reflected our lives and told Mzansi-born and -bred stories in a refreshing way. That voice was MultiChoice's Mzansi Magic. What began as a modest programming block of local series and international films has grown into a powerhouse producer and showcase of home-grown content. Over the years, Mzansi Magic has delivered award-winning shows and films, created unprecedented opportunities for local talent and played a pivotal role in shaping the South African production industry. At its inception, the channel set out to 'engage producers and explore possibilities beyond traditional commissioning models'. That vision has been realised — and gone beyond what MultiChoice expected at its inception. Mzansi Magic's stories, stars and shows have influenced language, fashion and culture, while setting new benchmarks for local storytelling. From the beloved Lokshin Bioskop films to genre-defining dramas and reality shows, the channel has become a cultural cornerstone for Southern Africa. For 15 years, Mzansi Magic has stood at the heart of South African entertainment — a platform where authenticity meets ambition, and where themes of family, resilience and identity are brought to life through bold storytelling and unforgettable characters Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice Mzansi Magic has brought us unforgettable moments: the gripping drama of iNkaba (2012), the iconic Isibaya (2013), the boundary-pushing Rockville (2013), the reality sensation Date My Family (2017), and the groundbreaking Lockdown (2017). These titles didn't just entertain — they sparked conversations, launched careers and redefined what local television could be. The channel has also nurtured new talent through initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory, where graduates have gone on to contribute to some of Mzansi Magic's most beloved productions. 'For 15 years, Mzansi Magic has stood at the heart of South African entertainment — a platform where authenticity meets ambition, and where themes of family, resilience and identity are brought to life through bold storytelling and unforgettable characters,' says Nomsa Philiso, MultiChoice's General Entertainment CEO. 'What sets Mzansi Magic apart is not just the stories we tell, but the scale at which we tell them and the diversity they celebrate.' As part of Mzansi Magic's 15th birthday celebration, viewers can look forward to a curated showcase of iconic moments, unforgettable characters and fan-favourite genres — a journey through the stories that shaped a generation. A special commemorative documentary will also spotlight the channel's legacy, the talent it has nurtured and the cultural impact it continues to make. Mzansi Magic has always been about stories that reflect who we are ... real, raw and proudly South African Shirley Adonisi, director of Local Entertainment Channels at Multichoice This celebration comes to life through the Mzansi Magic Pop-Up Channel — a special, limited-time experience on DStv Channel 196 — created to honour 15 years of storytelling excellence and the audiences who made it all possible. 'Mzansi Magic has always been about stories that reflect who we are ... real, raw and proudly South African,' says Shirley Adonisi, director of Local Entertainment Channels at Multichoice. 'This celebration is our way of saying 'Siyabonga Mzansi ' for 15 unforgettable years. Our channel was raised by the audience and we're grateful for their commitment.' And the journey continues. With fresh content like the upcoming original crime drama Levels, starring Lunathi Mampofu and Bonko Khoza, premiering on September 7, Mzansi Magic is just getting started. So whether you've been there since the very first 'Yoh!' or joined along the way — this is your moment to relive the magic, remember the icons and look forward to the next chapter.
The Citizen
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Shaka iLembe is about to get ‘pretty wild', says Lifetime Achievement Award-winning director Angus Gibson
Gibson received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 12th Simon Mahunu Sabela Film and Television Awards in KZN. Gibson was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 12th Simon Mahunu Sabela Film and Television Awards in KwaZulu-Natal. Picture : Supplied Shaka iLembe creator and director Angus Gibson said he was pleased with the reaction to the second season of Shaka iLembe and shared that the season will get heated in the coming weeks. 'The season has been very warm. It's got a slow start, but this Sunday it kind of erupts. From the next few weeks, it's pretty wild,' Gibson told The Citizen. The second of Shaka iLembe is six episodes deep, and last night's episode was probably the most captivating as the Ndwandwe's plans to weaken Shaka's alliances took shape as King Dingiswayo finds himself captured by the Ndwandwe tribe, thanks to the queen mother's powerful potions that manipulated Dingiswayo, who Thembinkosi Mthembu portrays. ALSO READ: From heartbreak to triumph: Amanda Seome's journey to starring in Shaka iLembe's Ndwandwe clan Angus' Lifetime Achievement Award Gibson spoke to The Citizen at the 12th Simon Mahunu Sabela Film and Television Awards hosted this past weekend at the Durban ICC in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. In his acceptance speech, the renowned director said that when he made films in the 1980s, no one in South Africa watched them. However, alongside the late Tebogo Mahlatsi, he created the high school-based drama Yizo Yizo in the late 1990s. 'And suddenly people were watching. It was such a relief. What was really important for me was that the people we represented saw themselves and recognised themselves, and I didn't care whether people loved it or hated it. I was just happy that it was communicating and that they are watching,' he shared. Through Bomb Productions, which Gibson co-founded with Mahlatsi and producer Desiree Markgraaff, they have created popular TV shows, including Isibaya, Zone 14, and Shaka iLembe. 'For the last 12 years, at least, I've been engaged in this part of the world [KZN] by way of Isibaya, by way of Shaka iLembe. So, it is you guys that I want approval from. This kind of affirmation makes me happy,' the director said. ALSO READ: Real Housewives of Durban wins at the Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN film and TV awards Gibson scouts new talent at Sabela's The Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and TV Awards celebrate talent from KZN and shine a spotlight on productions shot in the province. Gibson said one of the reasons he attends the Sabela awards is to spot new talent. 'I've been to these awards many times, and what always excites me is that it celebrates the beginners, the people that are hustling and making small things, and that's what interests me,' he said. 'I come here in search of new talent.' NOW READ: 'Umjolo' dominates Simon Mabhunu Sabela film and TV awards
The Citizen
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Celebrate 15 years of Mzansi Magic
Honouring the stories that raised Mzansi On 12 July 2010, a bold new voice emerged on South African television – one that spoke our language, reflected our lives and told Mzansi-born and bred stories in a refreshing way. That voice was Mzansi Magic. What began as a modest programming block of local series and international films has grown into a powerhouse producer and showcase of homegrown content. Over the years, Mzansi Magic has delivered award-winning shows and films, created unprecedented opportunities for local talent and played a pivotal role in shaping the South African production industry. At its inception, the channel set out to 'engage producers and explore possibilities beyond traditional commissioning models'. That vision has been realised – and gone beyond what MultiChoice expected at its inception. Mzansi Magic's stories, stars and shows have influenced language, fashion and culture, while setting new benchmarks for local storytelling. From the beloved Lokshin Bioskop films to genre-defining dramas and reality shows, the channel has become a cultural cornerstone for Southern Africa. Mzansi Magic has brought us unforgettable moments: the gripping drama of iNkaba (2012), the iconic Isibaya (2013), the boundary-pushing Rockville (2013), the reality sensation Date My Family (2017) and the groundbreaking Lockdown (2017). These titles didn't just entertain – they sparked conversations, launched careers and redefined what local television could be. The channel has also nurtured new talent through initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory, where graduates have gone on to contribute to some of Mzansi Magic's most beloved productions. 'For 15 years, Mzansi Magic has stood at the heart of South African entertainment — a platform where authenticity meets ambition, and where themes of family, resilience and identity are brought to life through bold storytelling and unforgettable characters,' says Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment. 'What sets Mzansi Magic apart is not just the stories we tell, but the scale at which we tell them and the diversity they celebrate.' As part of the celebration, viewers can look forward to a curated showcase of iconic moments, unforgettable characters and fan-favourite genres – a journey through the stories that shaped a generation. A special commemorative documentary will also spotlight the channel's legacy, the talent it has nurtured and the cultural impact it continues to make. This celebration comes to life through the Mzansi Magic Pop-Up Channel – a special, limited-time experience on DStv Channel 196 – created to honour 15 years of storytelling excellence and the audiences who made it all possible. 'Mzansi Magic has always been about stories that reflect who we are… real, raw and proudly South African,' says Shirley Adonisi, Channel Director for Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net. 'This celebration is our way of saying 'Siyabonga Mzansi' for 15 unforgettable years. Our channel was raised by the audience and we're grateful for their commitment.' And the journey continues… With fresh content like the upcoming original crime drama Levels, starring Lunathi Mampofu and Bonko Khoza, premiering on 7 September, Mzansi Magic is just getting started. So whether you've been there since the very first 'Yoh!' or joined along the way – this is your moment to relive the magic, remember the icons and look forward to the next chapter. NOW READ: How the last episode of 'Shaka iLembe' made Nomzamo Mbatha feel like a 'new person'
The South African
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Mzansi Magic marks 15 years with pop-up channel on DSTV
Mzansi Magic, South Africa's storytelling powerhouse, is turning 15, and they're inviting fans to relive the magic with a special celebration. A brand-new Pop-Up Channel on DStv (channel 196) will spotlight legendary shows and unforgettable characters that defined Mzansi's TV history. A CHANNEL DEEPLY ROOTED IN LOCAL STORYTELLING This nostalgic trip down memory lane promises iconic throwbacks, epic drama, and heartfelt moments that have resonated with millions nationwide. For those who remember their first 'Yoh!', this is your chance to reconnect with the moments that shaped local pop culture. Mzansi Magic is honouring the past and reminding us how proudly South African stories are worth celebrating every day. From the start, Mzansi Magic focused on content that boldly authentically reflected our lives, language, and cultural complexities. 'Mzansi Magic has always been about stories that reflect who we are… real, raw and proudly South African,' says Shirley Adonisi, Channel Director for Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net. 'This pop-up channel is our way of saying 'Siyabonga Mzansi' for 15 unforgettable years. Our channel was raised by the audience, we are grateful for their commitment, and we want to celebrate with them. We're throwing it back, remembering the icons and moments that shaped us, yet still looking forward to the next chapter.' The channel will showcase themed days celebrating boss queens, iconic rivalries, heartfelt drama, and unforgettable moments of pure entertainment. This exciting tribute isn't just about nostalgia; it powerfully honours local television's remarkable journey. 'For 15 years, Mzansi Magic has stood at the heart of South African entertainment — a platform where authenticity meets ambition, and where themes of family, resilience, and identity are brought to life through bold storytelling and unforgettable characters,' says Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment. 'What sets Mzansi Magic apart is not just the stories we tell, but the scale and diversity with which we tell them. From intimate, niche productions that quietly become cult favourites, to large-scale, high-impact narratives that capture the national imagination — our storytelling continues to evolve and resonate.' The Mzansi Magic Pop-Up Channel launches Saturday, 12 July on DStv, celebrating 15 years of iconic, proudly South African television. Viewers can look forward to shows like iNkaba (2012), Isibaya (2013), Rockville (2013), Date My Family (2017), and Lockdown (2017). Themed viewing days will revisit the key moments and storylines that defined Mzansi Magic's unforgettable legacy. These special broadcasts will celebrate characters and shows that helped make Mzansi Magic a true powerhouse in local entertainment. WHICH SHOWS ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO WATCH FIRST? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Enhle Mbali: ‘I needed cleansing through prayer every time I got home'
Enhle played the mysterious and unpredictable Ayanda on The Herd. Enhle Mbali with fellow actress, Siyasanga Papu on the set of The Herd. Picture: Instagram/@enhlembali_ Actress and fashion designer Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa recently opened up about her role in the second season of The Herd. She played Ayanda, a mysterious, unpredictable and dangerous woman who would stop at nothing to get what she wanted. ALSO READ: 'I'm proud of how I handled my marriage' – Enhle Mbali on life with Black Coffee Enhle on playing Ayanda Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Enhle said portraying Ayanda tested her deeply as an actress. 'I was tested spiritually, mentally and physically. My character was just dark, yena nje. And I needed cleansing through prayer every time I got home to separate me from her,' she wrote. She recalled a particularly intense scene involving a ritual initiation, saying the atmosphere on set left her feeling deeply unsettled. 'The scene was my character being initiated into the dark world… On this day, the set designers had done a great job — too good of a job. Red candles were lit, and sage was burning. With every single take, my spirit felt a heaviness. It just didn't feel okay in that environment. 'I've never felt so uncomfortable, but as a thespian, I had to deliver. So I did. Through every line and action, I prayed so hard — at times even forgetting my lines. But thank God I've been in the industry for this long and understand that if you relax, everything comes to you,' she added. Enhle has portrayed diverse characters over the years, including Liza Sterling in Happy Family, Azania in Broken Vows, and Precious Ledwaba in Tshisa. She has also been featured in popular shows such as Isibaya, Rockville, The Queenstown Kings, Blood Psalms, Soul City, iNkaba, and 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls. NOW READ: Dan Corder on his history-making TV deal and building trust with his audience
