Latest news with #Tshivenda
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.'
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
SABC bids farewell to 'Muvhango'
After 28 years on air, SABC2 and Word of Mouth Productions have announced the conclusion of the soapie Muvhango. The brainchild of Duma ka Ndlovu, Muvhango made its debut on SABC2 on April 7 1997, bringing to life much-loved characters such as Edward, Catherine, Doobsie, Doris, Chief Azwindini, Thandaza, James, Mulalo, KK and the Royal family, who all became household names. The final broadcast of Muvhango will take place on August 8 at 9pm. The longtime soapie will apparently be replaced by Pimville Queens, which will air from August 11 at 9pm, though the SABC has not confirmed this. The soapie was introduced at a pivotal time when South Africa was transitioning from apartheid to becoming a democratic society, 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. Over its nearly three-decade run, it has introduced a range of memorable storylines that have impacted viewers. Muvhango creator and executive producer Duma ka 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 marginalised languages were at the centre of it all.' 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.'
The Citizen
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Venda-born Murena Netshitangani makes history at Cannes
LIMPOPO – The Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has extended heartfelt congratulations to filmmaker Murena Emmanuel Netshitangani for making history by winning the Best African Film award at the 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival in France. His acclaimed Tshivenda film, Lubunyu, captivated the international jury and brought global recognition to the rural roots of Venda. Hailing from Makuleni village, Ha-Khakhu, near the mystical Lake Fundudzi in the Vhembe district, Netshitangani's victory stands as a proud moment not only for Limpopo but for the entire South African film industry. Competing against major film-producing nations, including Nigeria, his triumph marks a shift in the representation of African stories on the world stage. The premier praised the achievement: 'This is a defining moment for the creative sector of Limpopo and South Africa. Murena Emmanuel Netshitangani has demonstrated that dreams nurtured in the quiet villages of Venda can echo across the world's grandest stages. We are immensely proud of him for carrying the heart of Venda, and indeed the spirit of Limpopo, to the world'. Set against the backdrop of a village gripped by fear, Lubunyu – taglined 'A Village Under Terror'- aligned with the 2025 Cannes theme of confronting gender-based violence and femicide. Its cultural authenticity and bold narrative were credited for its standout success. The premier also acknowledged the ongoing support of the Department of Arts and Culture and the Limpopo Arts and Culture Council for their efforts in nurturing talent across the province. She added that the soon-to-be-completed Limpopo Provincial Theatre would provide local artists a platform to develop and showcase their work without leaving their communities. Murena and his team are expected to return to South Africa later this week, bringing home not only the prestigious award but also renewed hope for rural creatives across the nation. Provincial Government celebrates this landmark achievement and commends Murena Netshitangani and his production team for uplifting the province and the country through the power of film, the premier concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
