SABC 2 and Word of Mouth Pictures, the creators of the iconic South African television series Muvhango, unveiled an exciting new chapter for the show at a special event in Fourways, Johannesburg. The event was hosted by popular influencer Alphi-Sipho and Innocentia Manchidi, who portrays Rendani Mukwevho on Muvhango. After 27 years of captivating audiences with its compelling storytelling and dynamic characters, Muvhango is set to experience a significant transformation, heralding the beginning of a refreshed and revitalized era for the beloved series.

With an unwavering commitment to honouring Tshivenda culture and captivating audiences, Muvhango Lives On, promises to bring fresh, contemporary energy while staying true to its DNA. This evolution encompasses a rebranding of the show, featuring a new logo, a captivating opening sequence, and most notably, an infusion of vibrant new characters and compelling storylines.

The media launch, attended by esteemed guests including SABC executives, VIPs, media personalities, government officials, and the dedicated Muvhango cast and crew, provided a glimpse into the thrilling narrative elements and immersive experiences that await loyal fans and new viewers.

The rising phoenix, a powerful symbol of resilience and transformation, beautifully captures Muvhango’s commitment to blending traditional values with contemporary challenges. As the phoenix rises, Muvhango Lives On, embarks on a journey of rebirth, promising an engaging fusion of drama, betrayal, love and the unyielding spirit that drives the show’s narrative.

Among the thrilling announcements is the introduction of a notable new character, Dr. Nonhlanhla Ximba, portrayed by Leleti Khumalo a legendary, highly recognisable, and much-loved figure from the film industry. Dr. Ximba’s enigmatic presence as a construction mogul is set to disrupt the familiar landscape of Muvhango, paving the way for unprecedented intrigue and groundbreaking storytelling.

The anticipation builds as Muvhango leads audiences into a new world where alliances are shattered, boundaries are redefined, and the lines between revenge, desire, and treachery are exquisitely blurred. Seamlessly blending contemporary sensibilities with timeless themes, the reimagined Muvhango promises a juxtaposition of purity and innocence with the compelling complexities of human emotion and engagement.

The new season of Muvhango promises to take viewers on an enthralling journey of authentic African storytelling. We invite viewers to embark on this exhilarating journey with us as Muvhango unveils its captivating new face and continues to embody the spirit of resilience and renewal that has defined the show’s legacy for the past 27 years.

Duma Ndlovu, the Executive Producer of Muvhango, expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, stating, “Muvhango Lives On, represents not just a new beginning, but a celebration of the show’s legacy. We are dedicated to staying true to our roots while embracing change, and we are excited to present our audience with a Muvhango that reflects the rich diversity and compelling narratives of modern South Africa,” he said.

In addition, Jacqui Hlongwane, Acting Head of Channel at SABC2, remarked, “As the public broadcaster, SABC2 is thrilled to support Muvhango in its exciting transformation. The show has long been a pillar of our programming, and we eagerly anticipate the infusion of fresh energy and captivating storytelling that Muvhango promises to bring to our viewers.”

Join the conversation and embrace the excitement of using #Muvhango27 as we celebrate this new chapter in the storied history of this iconic programme.

#Muvhango27

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SABC1 introduces a brand-new talent search music competition, uShuni Womhlaba, set to showcase and celebrate South Africa’s diverse musical talents. uShuni Womhlaba will broadcast on Sundays at 6 pm, starting 7 July 2024.

The series aims to discover South Africa’s cream of the crop in the afro-fusion music scene, taking South African music to the global stage, with 40 aspiring singers selected through nationwide auditions battling it out for the coveted title that includes a Grand Cash Prize and a once-in-a-lifetime artist mentorship that will provide invaluable guidance and a recording deal to produce an album. The second and third-prize finalists will also walk away with prizes that could help propel them in their efforts to take their music careers to the next level.

The auditions will kickstart in Gauteng on the 22nd and 23rd of June at Kwa Mai Mai in Johannesburg, followed by Eastern Cape on the 29th and 30th at Lusikisiki Health Resource Centre, the next leg of the auditions will be in Mpumalanga at the Emalahleni Civic Theatre on the 6th and 7th of July, closing off the auditions in Durban on the 13th and 14th July 2024 at The Playhouse Company.

Radio duo Ukhozi FM’s Mandla Magwaza, affectionately known by his listeners as “Njinji wami” and Metro FM’s Mpumi Mlambo, aka “Msakazi” are revealed as the hosts of this jam-packed entertainment offering targeted at Mzansi’s youth. Joining the team are esteemed Judges: award-winning Afro-fusion musician Sho Majozi, award-winning rapper and songwriter Big Zulu, veteran Maskandi musician Phuzekhemisi and talented composer, singer and songwriter Msaki.

uShuni Womhlaba is an original television concept created and produced by Thabo Mphelo Films seeking to unearth young, unknown and new talents of various South African musical genres such as Maskandi, Mbhaqanga, Isicathamiya, Afro-pop and traditional music from different regions of Mzansi.

“SABC1 is a proud ambassador of opening up the industry and finding new talent, giving them a platform to showcase their skills. uShuni Womhlaba shines the spotlight on Afro-fusion, the perfect blend between traditional music and new school beats. We are excited to find the next music star and encourage the youth to enter and take part in this initiative, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” – SABC1 Channel Head – Ofentse Thinane.

For more information, interview opportunities and publicity photos, contact the SABC1 publicity office. 

Angeke Bas’khone with the new reality talent search uShuni Womhlaba, starting Sunday, 7 July 2024 at 6 pm, only on SABC1 Mzansi FoSho!

Johannesburg, 12 July 2024 – SABC1 and Peu Communications welcome Faith Raesetja Chosi to the cast of Skeem Saam. Making her debut, tonight, 12^th of July 2024, Faith is set to play the character Tselane Pitjeng,  a no-nonsense woman from Polokwane. She is confident in her skin and has a strong drive to succeed in life.

The viewers will first be introduced to Tselane at Turf Hospital when she takes on the position of the new Human Resources Manager. She has plans to implement new policies at the hospital, but she finds herself in the opposing end with Mr. Kgomo played by Lebohang Elephant. Will they be able to put their differences aside to ensure the smooth running of Turf Hospital?

“The thought of being part of a show that has made a significant impact on South African Television is truly humbling. I’m ready to give it my all, learn and grow with the Skeem Saam family” says Faith.

Faith was born in Moletjie Mohlajeng village, in Limpopo. She discovered her passion for acting at a young age and in her adult years has grown to become a versatile actress. “I am overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude as I embark on this journey”, she says.

Faith is a voice over artist, college principal and former radio presenter.

‘Angeke Baskone’ with Skeem Saam at 19:30 weekdays, only on SABC1 Mzansi FoSho!

Johannesburg, 8 July 2024 – SABC2 in partnership with SABC Education division launches a 6-part series, Nelson Mandela’s Favourite African Folktales adapted from a children’s book of the same name.

The award-winning Nelson Mandela’s African Folktales will be broadcast weekdays from Monday the 8^th of July to  Monday the 15^th of July 2024 at 15:30.

The show is based on a selection of folktales told to Former President Nelson Mandela as a young boy growing up in the village of Qunu.

The stories aim to inspire strong values in children and their families, in line with the legacy of Nelson Mandela.

It is fitting that Nelson Mandela’s Favourite African Folktales finds a home on the SABC’s family channel, SABC 2 and form part of celebrating the communal spirit of Mandela Month as the country also commemorates 30 Years of Democracy.

Producers, Claudia Noble-Areff and Sheldon Noble of Noble Pictures, in collaboration with the Centre of Fine Arts Animation and Design and Mind’s Eye Creative, have been able to create this series, with the support of the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission (KZNFilm), the Department of Trade & Industry, the Presidential Employment Stimulus Fund and the SABC.

The series will include episodes in English, isiXhosa, Swati and Setswana.

In response to the critical acclaim and success enjoyed by the series, producer, Claudia Noble-Areff has been quoted, “The recognition of our work with multiple prestigious awards speaks volumes about the exceptional quality and impact of our series. These awards stand as a testament to the dedication, creativity, and excellence that we pour into our productions. They acknowledge the outstanding storytelling, animation, and overall craftsmanship that define our series.”

“As South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy, it is fitting to launch Nelson Mandela’s African Folktales series in honour of Nelson Mandela, our first democratically elected President, during his birthday month. Tata loved children and cherished storytelling, which is a rich part of our African heritage. By offering the series in English, siSwati, Setswana and isiXhosa, we celebrate our indigenous languages and make these timeless stories accessible to a wider audience.” – Jacqui Hlongwane, SABC 2’s Channel Head (Acting).

Si La with Nelson Mandela’s Favourite African Folktales weekdays at 15:30, starting 8 July 2024 on SABC2.

In July, local television will become more appetising than ever before. MasterChef South Africa Season 5, based on the world’s best and most popular cooking reality show, launches in its new home on S3 on Saturday, 13 July at 19:30.

That’s when 20 uber-passionate home cooks from different backgrounds and with various food-making fortes – from baking and basting to seafood and curries – will step into MasterChef South Africa’s state-of-the-art and pressure-cooker kitchen.

These competitive amateur chefs all have the same goal: Impressing the three fair yet highly critical judges and dodging the chopping board to be named the country’s MasterChef. The winner of MasterChef South Africa Season 5 will also scoop up a tasty R1 million in prize money.

Throughout the competition, the show’s new “superior chefs in the making” are tasked to whip up delicious dishes fit for a king. It all boils down to their ability to tickle the taste buds with a perfect mix of flavours and serving a feast for the eye on a plate.

During the show’s stressful invention tests, their foodmaking flair is challenged when they must create a dish around a specific theme from scratch. Sometimes, there are also mystery box challenges, limiting them to a mixed bag of ingredients and occasionally, world-renowned local chefs visit the MasterChef kitchen. Following a masterclass illustrating the ins and outs of one of their signature dishes, the contestants have to recreate the masterpieces, whereafter, the guest judge joins the resident judges to evaluate the meals.

Judge Katlego Mlambo, who joined Season 4 judges, food connoisseurs Zola Nene and Justine Drake, raves about the Season 5 competitors but notes that the drama behind the pots and pans often gets spicy.

“The contestants are only as good as their last plate, and anything can happen. It’s a constant race against the clock, and one flop or sub-standard presentation could cost them their MasterChef apron,” Katlego explains.

Zola and Justine share Katlego’s sentiment.

Justine adds, “The competency of this season’s home cooks is much higher than in the previous season. Zola concurs, “I was surprised by their clear understanding of advanced cooking techniques and knife skills. These people can cook. The question is, who will continue to improve their know-how and rise to the top?”

MasterChef South Africa Season 5 also embraces local indigenous products stocked in the spectacular set’s Pick n Pay pantry.

“The contestants are spoilt for choice with the best local and international products,” Katlego says.  

While the edgy set includes the first-ever half-moon gantry, the Pick n Pay pantry’s design matches those of current stores, focusing on line rhythm but also allowing curves to soften the space. The shelves carry everything needed to cook a MasterChef-worthy meal, from fresh produce to grocery basics like eggs, coconut milk, spices, pasta and more.

Double-door fridges stock all types of dairy and cheese, charcuterie, red meat and chicken, while a freezer section contains ice cream, frozen berries, and seafood, including prawns and mussels. Also included are products from the Pick n Pay Innovations range and the healthy food Live Well range. One of the most noteworthy areas in the pantry is the packaging-free section, which carries everything from nuts and goji berries to bulgur wheat, with the primary aim being to help minimise waste as contestants can take the exact quantity they require. 

Katlego comments, “Every time I walk into the Pick n Pay pantry, I’m blown away. It’s a chef’s dream come true.”

Furthermore, the kitchen is equipped with products from @home, Beko (appliances), Durbanville Hills Winery, Edison Stone (Wüsthoff knives), Setamono Hibachi (grills), Chef Gear (aprons and chef jackets), My Butcher’s Block, Mervyn Gers (bespoke crockery). Among the other sponsors are LED Lighting SA and YOCO.

Besides the MasterChef South Africa Season 5 premiere episodes on S3 on Saturdays at 19:30, there will be a rebroadcast on S3 on Sundays at 18:30 and SABC 2 on Wednesdays at 18:00.

The 20 MasterChef South Africa Season 5 contestants will be announced soon.

Be part of the MasterChef social media conversation using the hashtag #masterchefsa.

Instagram: @sa_masterchef

Facebook: MasterChef SA

Twitter: @sa_masterchef

TikTok: @masterchef.sa