Latest news with #Muvhango
IOL News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Thabiso Bapela's character promises to shake things up on 'Muvhango's' last season
Thabiso Bapela has joined the cast of 'Muvhango'. Image: Supplied Thabiso Bapela, this June will be making his debut on SABC 2's 'Muvhango'. Bapela takes on the character of Letlotlo Maribe, a role that invites reflection on love, masculinity, and emotional truth in a society still wrestling with what those words mean. 'I'm drawn to people who are trying to figure themselves out,' Bapela says. 'They might look like they've got it all together, but beneath the surface, something deeper is always at play. That's real. That's human.' Bapela doesn't offer spoilers when it comes to his newest character, but his perspective hints at what audiences might expect. 'He is bold. He walks into a room like he belongs there. 'But you start to realise, not everything he projects is as certain as it seems. There's something unresolved beneath all that confidence.' As an actor, Bapela is no stranger to Mzansi screens he has had roles on 'Gomora', 'Giyani - Land of Blood', 'The Queen' and 'Kings of Jo'burg'. His 'Muvhango' character Letlotlo arrives at a time when audiences are craving more than surface-level characters. 'He fits into this world, but he also shakes it a little,' Bapela reflects. 'And I think that's the point.' In a country where public conversations about gender, love, and emotional accountability are becoming more urgent, Letlotlo is a timely addition. His character does not represent perfection or resolution, but rather the honest messiness of figuring it out. 'He's a man of this moment,' Bapela explains. 'Someone who challenges the idea that being strong means having it all figured out. He is honest, sometimes to a fault. But deep down, he is still looking for acceptance.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading This is something Bapela connects with on a personal level. 'I know what it's like to carry expectations, to try to make sense of how you were raised and what kind of man you want to become. Letlotlo is flawed, sure, but he's searching. And I think that's deeply human.' While some viewers may be drawn to the character's charm, others may find themselves confronting their own assumptions. And that, according to Bapela, is exactly what makes the role worth playing. 'This isn't just about entertainment. If it gets people talking or thinking differently about how to show up in relationships, then the character has done his work.' The long-running soap "Muvhango" is in its final season, ending in August, and will be saying goodbye to viewers with a bang. Bapela remarks that the show's success was achieved through blending indigenous traditions, European influences, and global trends, in resonant storytelling that is made by Africans, for Africans, with excellence. Bapela debuts as Letlotlo Maribe on Muvhango, Monday, June 2, on SABC 2. IOL Entertainment
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Citizen
Recipe of the day: Tuna avo aioli bagel toasts
Make your breakfast a moment of delicious possibilities by adding avocado. With its melt-in-your-mouth creaminess, subtle buttery flavour, and luxurious appeal, it's easy to give your breakfast favourites the red (green) carpet treatment. If toast is your go-to-breakfast, say goodbye to the mundane and zoosh things up with a toasted bagel topped with tuna, avocado, and a drizzle of aioli. Or why not make those Belgian waffles green with envy? Try avocado waffles loaded with savoury mince, topped off with slices of fresh avocado of course! And let's not forget about the classic breakfast staple: eggs. We're giving this beloved dish a VIP upgrade by serving it on a crispy Parmesan base, topped with avocado, spinach, and a zesty tomato chilli jam. Someone once said that breakfast is a celebration of nourishment and gratitude. Adding avocados to your morning routine is a fantastic way to kickstart your day, as they're packed with monounsaturated fats and essential nutrients like vitamin K and biotin. With avocados available almost all year round in South Africa, there's no excuse not to indulge in these nutrient-packed treasures. So go ahead, add an avocado to your healthy eating plan, and savour the creamy goodness! ALSO READ: 'Muvhango' axed by SABC 2 less than a year after relaunch Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 5 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 60 ml (¼ cup) mayonnaise 1 garlic clove, crushed 170 g tin tuna, drained 1½ avocados, thinly sliced Zest and juice of ½ lemon 2 bagels, cut open Avocado or olive oil for cooking 45 ml (3 tbsp) capers Salt and pepper Method Blitz together the mayonnaise, garlic, tuna, ½ avocado and lemon zest and juice to taste, until smooth. Pack the bagels, cut side up, on a roasting tray and drizzle with oil. Toast under a hot grill for about 3 minutes or until crisp on one side. Heat a splash of oil in a small frying pan on high and fry the capers for about 30 seconds or until crisp. Drain on paper towel. Spread the toasted bagels with the tuna aioli. Top with remaining avocado slices, seasoned with salt and pepper. Sprinkle over capers. Serve immediately. Optional: Garnish with thinly sliced red onion mixed with a squeeze of lemon juice, lemon rings and baby herbs -Recipe supplied by :
The South African
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
SABC finally pulls plug on 'Muvhango' after 28 years on air
After 28 years on air, the SABC has officially canned Muvhango , marking the end of the longest-running SABC2 soapie. Known for its compelling storytelling rooted in Tshivenda culture, Muvhango explored the clash between tradition and modern life. Muvhango debuted on SABC2 on 7 April 1997, and has survived many cancellation threats over the years. The show became a household name, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats for years. It introduced unforgettable characters like Edward, Doobsie, Chief Azwindini, Thandaza, James and the iconic Mukwevho royal family. Following much speculation about its future, Word of Mouth Productions and SABC2 confirmed the show's end in a joint statement. ' Muvhango gave an opportunity to an ignored language that has become one of the most celebrated languages in South Africa now. It has been a privilege and an honour to create moments on television where the marginalised languages were at the centre of them all,' says Muvhango creator and executive producer Duma Ndlovu. Acting group executive for video entertainment Lala Tuku added: 'For almost 30 years, Muvhango has been a pillar of SABC2's programming and a beloved part of South African television history. More than just a drama, Muvhango has been the champion of language, culture, identity and national pride; inspiring, entertaining, educating and uniting audiences across South Africa. 'As the television landscape continues to evolve, SABC2 looks forward to ushering in a new era of storytelling. One that builds on this incredible legacy by continuing to reflect the rich tapestry of South African life.' Muvhango's final episode will air on 8 August 2025 at 21:00. Pending official confirmation from the SABC, Pimville Queens is believed to replace the show starting on 11 August at 21:00. 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.
News24
3 days ago
- Business
- News24
Farewell Muvhango: SABC2 cancels beloved Venda soap after 28 years
SABC2 has cancelled the long-running soap Muvhango, with its final episode to air on Friday, 8 August. Muvhango faced challenges in recent years, including production halts due to unpaid cast and crew. Launched in 1997 as a one-episode-per-week drama, Muvhango grew into a five-day soap over its run. After 28 years on air, SABC2 has cancelled the long-running Venda soap opera Muvhango. 'Muvhango has captivated audiences with its rich storytelling, rooted in Tshivenda culture and explores the tension between tradition and modernity,' reads a statement from the channel. 'The soapie was introduced at a pivotal period when South Africa was transforming, and most vernacular dramas at the time were in the majority dialects. Tshivenda was seen as a minority language, and the show was a vehicle to showcase the culture,' continued the statement. Muvhango creator and executive producer Duma Ndlovu said: 'Muvhango gave an opportunity to an ignored language that has become one of the most celebrated languages in South Africa now. It has been a privilege and an honour to create moments on television where the marginalised languages were at the centre of them all.' 'For almost 30 years, Muvhango has been a pillar of SABC2's programming and a beloved part of South African television history. More than just a drama, Muvhango has been the champion of language, culture, identity and national pride, inspiring, entertaining, educating and uniting audiences across South Africa,' added Lala Tuku, acting group executive for Video Entertainment. 'As the television landscape continues to evolve, SABC 2 looks forward to ushering in a new era of storytelling, one that builds on this incredible legacy by continuing to reflect the rich tapestry of South African life.' The news of the cancellation comes after the soapie's tumultuous run over the past two years. The show, produced by Word of Mouth Pictures, was cancelled after it shut production in June last year after completing a shortened 130-episode season. In July, the SABC announced that the show would be revived for a 26th season with a new logo, an updated opening sequence, new characters, and compelling storylines. With a new one-year full season of 260 episodes. The season went on to premiere in August. However, in October last year, production stopped again after writers, crew and cast were not paid. In February, SABC spokesperson Mmoni Ngubane told News24 that the broadcaster had not ordered another season of Muvhango. 'The SABC can confirm that only one season of Muvhango is currently contracted and that the current contract is set to end on 31 July 2025. The SABC cannot comment on the future of the programme at this stage,' she said at the time. Muvhango was the South African public broadcaster's first Tshivenda language drama. It started in April 1997 with one episode per week and eventually expanded to become a five-day soap. The final episode will air on Friday, 8 August. SABC CEO Nomsa Chabeli told TV analyst Thinus Ferreria that a new telenovela would be replacing the soapie. 'For SABC2, we're introducing a new telenovela starting in August, which is going to replace the existing Muvhango.' 'We are certain that, based on the storyline and where we are in the scriptwriting room, this should also be successful from a launch perspective.' Chabeli hopes the new telenovela will drive the audience back to SABC2. 'We're working hard to ensure that the script is relevant for the audiences and that the storyline will be effectively doing what we need it to do,' she said. The new show is produced by Bakwena Productions, who made headlines last year for controversies surrounding late payments or non-payment to cast, crew, and other stakeholders, including service providers, for their work on the BET Africa (DStv 129) series Pound 4 Pound. In April, the company visited News24 'to set the record straight.'
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘Muvhango' axed by SABC 2 less than a year after relaunch
The final broadcast of Muvhango will be on 8 August, just three days after it was relaunched a year ago. Described as a rebirth of sorts, the new version of the longstanding soapie Muvhango has fallen flat and will be replaced just nine months after its launch. 'It has been a privilege and an honour to create moments on Television where the marginalised languages were at the centre of them all,' said creator and executive producer of the show, Duma Ndlovu in a statement on Wednesday. Muvhango made its debut in 1997 and remains one of South Africa's iconic shows. 'Muvhango gave an opportunity to an ignored language that has become one of the most celebrated languages in South Africa now,' said Ndlovu. The show was South Africa's first Tshivenda-language soapie and quickly became a cultural cornerstone of local television. The final broadcast of Muvhango will be on 8 August, just three days after it was relaunched a year ago. ALSO READ: 'Fancier, fashionable and bold': New season of 'Muvhango' premieres this Monday Muvhango's failed attempt Speaking at the relaunch of the soapie in June last year, Ndlovu said he and his team had listened to what the viewers wanted for the new version of the TV show. 'The growth and development of Muvhango have always been us responding to what the viewers were saying,' Ndlovu said at the time. 'What you're going to be seeing this season is probably the most dramatic change and growth that you've ever seen. Our viewers demanded we go fancier, younger, more fashionista, and bolder. 'They wanted us to continue telling stories. They didn't want us to lose the DNA of the show, but they wanted us to jazz things up. So, we have a new logo, we have a new title sequence, and we think you're going to love it,' he said. Contrary to Ndlovu's prediction, the viewers didn't gravitate toward the 'jazzed-up' Muvhango. By the end of 2024, the soapie had attracted just more than 900 000 viewers —a massive drop from the millions of onlookers it had attracted in its prime. ALSO READ: Presley Chweneyagae: 'He was every mother's son, every girl's funny lover, and everyone's best friend' SABC hires Bakwena Productions The SABC's CEO, Nomsa Chabeli, confirmed that a replacement for Muvhango is underway. 'Come August, we are launching a new telenovela called Pimville on SABC2, and based on that, we will be really driving that audience share back to SABC2,' said Chabeli, speaking to TV With Thinus. 'We're working hard to ensure that the script is relevant for the audiences and that the storyline is going to be effectively doing what we need it to do,' Nomsa Chabeli says. The move to hire Bakwena Productions was questioned by the South African Background Actors Guild (SABAG). In an open letter in April, SABAG Chairperson Louis Setabole criticised the move. 'In 2024, Bakwena Productions produced Pound 4 Pound but failed to make timely payments. Payments were only processed three months after the project concluded, and even then, some individuals received partial payment,' read the open letter shared on social media. Bakwena Productions is behind productions such as the film Ingoma – The Song, available on Netflix, and the Losing Lerato films, among others. 'This matter has been publicly addressed, and it is deeply concerning that the SABC would choose to commission work from a company with such a track record of unprofessionalism and financial neglect.' 'Given these circumstances, SABAG demands answers and guarantees from the SABC regarding its collaboration with Bakwena,' noted the open letter. NOW READ: Wiseman Mncube on portraying King Zwide kaLanga in season 2 of Shaka iLembe
