Johannesburg, 5 March 2024 – SABC1 is excited to share that the daily drama Skeem Saam, produced by Peu Communications, achieved a massive historical audience rating of over 3.2 million viewers last night, 4 March 2024 when the popular drama debuted in the new timeslot of 19:30.

The move to a new timeslot was announced by the channel in January 2024, and the change kicked off last night with plots ranging from Leeto discovering that his friend Bullet has been lying to him, Jacobeth accusing Magongwa of witchcraft after being hit by a truck in front of his gate and Sthoko offering to cook dinner for Babeile and Lewatle, is there a new romance on the card in Turfloop?

Skeem Saam promises to continue delivering high quality and intriguing storylines, introducing a new face in April, but the viewers will have to wait and see who joins the Skeem Saam family next. The battle between Lehasa and Khwezi intensifies and there is hope for Pretty as she might have found the perfect firm to finish her articles.

“As the Public Broadcaster we wanted to make sure that we align with the audiences and to give them what they have asked for. We are proud of the performance of the first night and are looking forward to more highlights and wins with the Skeem Saam move. Thank you to the SABC1 audiences for walking the journey with us!” – SABC1 Channel Head – Ofentse Thinane.

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

A-listers will battle the banker for the benefit of charities in Deal or No Deal Celebrity

Get ready for a double dose of Deal or No Deal on SABC! For the next year, two local versions of the thrill-a-minute television game of chance, hosted by charming Katlego Maboe, will bankroll the dreams of individuals and communities from across the country.

In its new home on SABC 2, Mondays to Fridays at 18:30, the second season of the massively popular Deal or No Deal South Africa will continue to enrich the lives of ordinary South Africans. Then, on Saturdays at , beloved Mzansi A-listers will take big risks to boost the bank balances of charities close to their hearts in the brand-new glitzy SABC 1 spin-off Deal or No Celebrity.

The big-name stars on Deal or No Deal Celebrity, which kicks off on Saturday, 9 March, include famous actors, television and radio presenters, socialites, comedians, sports stars, woke social media influencers and other movers and shakers.

Although the premise of the game stays the same, with players being able to win anything between R1 and R 250 000, SABC 1’s glamorous weekly Deal or No Deal Celebrity weekend edition also features a bevy of beautiful “Money Models”.

Like the then little-known Meghan Markle and Chrissy Teigen did in the early days of Deal or No Deal USA, the 20 drop-dead gorgeous Money Models hold shiny, sealed silver briefcases with undisclosed sums of money. After picking one of these briefcases, not knowing what’s inside, the celeb then opens the others one by one while the mysterious banker tempts them with offers to buy their briefcase. They can accept the banker’s deal at any time or keep their briefcase until the end, running the risk that it contains a much smaller amount of money.

Besides the models, briefcases instead of boxes, and famous faces in the hot seat, Deal or No Deal Celebrity boasts a sleek new set in a different colour palette from the daily show. However, the most significant change is that the winnings don’t land in the celebrities’ personal bank accounts. They will each nominate a different worthy cause to which the money will be donated.

“SABC’s exciting new Deal or No Deal Celebrity spin-off highlights the public broadcaster’s mission to provide world-class entertainment that is positive, aspirational and impactful,” says Lala Tuku, SABC’s Acting Group Executive of Video Entertainment.

“We are committed to using the power of television for the greater good of our society. The first season of Deal or No Deal South Africa transformed the lives of more than 250 individuals, with over R5 million distributed. Now, we’re taking it one step further. Deal or No Deal Celebrity, spawned by a couple of top-rated special season 1 episodes featuring big-hearted celebs playing for charity, will make a substantial difference in many underprivileged communities.”

For LottoStar, the headline sponsor of both the South African Deal or No Deal versions, Deal or No Deal Celebrity is an extension of their passionate Corporate Social Responsibility media campaigns. “LottoStar is serious about lending a helping hand wherever it can,” says LottoStar’s founder and CEO, Tasoulla Hadjigeorgiou. “Over the past few years, we have empowered various communities and funded several charity projects in the medical, educational and sports fields. Building strong communities for a better future is not an obligation, but a privilege.”

The daily and weekly South African standalone Deal or No Deal series, produced by Homebrew Films, form part of Primedia Studios’. Tune into Deal or No Deal Celebrity on SABC1, Saturday at 18h00 and Deal or No Deal on SABC2, Monday to Friday at 18h30. 

LottoStar is Licensed by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator. No U18. National Responsible Gambling Programme 0800 006 008. Ts & Cs apply. All games are fixed-odds betting events.

-ends

Two of the judges who grilled and guided the passionate home cooks in the previous season of MasterChef South Africa will return for the fresh fifth local rendition of the world’s most successful television culinary competition. However, this time, they will bring their expertise to a much larger audience, as MasterChef South Africa Season 5 will be served up on free-to-air television in its new home on SABC 3.

After lifting the lid on culinary queen Zola Nene reprising her MasterChef judging role, the SABC 3 and the show producers have confirmed now that foodie dynamo Justine Drake will also be on judges’ duty.

Justine’s resumé reads like a winning recipe packed with various top-grade ingredients.

With more than 30 years of experience in the food and media industry, she has been the food editor or columnist of a buffet of print and online publications – from Fair Lady to Men’s Health. At the same time, Justine penned down several cookbooks, starting with The Busy Cook’s Cookbook at the age of 23.

This busy cook has also whipped up a popular YouTube channel, often talks about cuisine trends on the radio airwaves, and has hosted numerous television shows – amongst others, the BBC series Just in Africa, which showcased Mzansi’s rich culinary heritage, and her own creation, Just Cooking, in which she inspired audiences to jazz up everyday go-to meals.

“The role of MasterChef judge fits Justine, an esteemed foodie, like a stylish kitchen glove,” says Andrew Mills, Chief Marketing Officer at Pick n Pay, who is sponsoring MasterChef South Africa again this year. “For many years, she has helped our customers serve up delicious dishes through the Fresh Living publication and, as a judge last year, demonstrated an authentic connection with people from diverse backgrounds and different food cultures. She is also a hard taskmaster who always strives for excellence.”

Justine, for whom “mediocrity” is indeed a gastronomical sin, can’t wait to meet the new crop of passionate and dynamic MasterChef South Africacontestants, who will showcase their originality and flair with different food flavours by using items from the Pick n Pay pantry.

“The aim of the show is to allow home cooks to achieve their MasterChef status. However, it doesn’t arrive on a silver platter. The participants are put to the test in gruelling challenges, and to reach the top of the culinary ladder, they have to be disciplined and willing to learn,” Justine says.

That’s why she encourages all home cooks who don’t just love cooking but who can’t imagine a life without cooking to enter this upcoming season of MasterChef South Africa. “If you have a culinary vision and are ready to work hard to achieve your culinary dream, the world is your oyster with this show.”

Entries are now open and The MasterChef South Africa Season 5 winner will be able to boost their foodie future with a cash prize of R 1 million.

If you want to enter MasterChef South Africa, you’ll find the application form at masterchefsa.tv. The closing date for entries is 15 March 2024 at 23:59.

MasterChef South Africa will be broadcast on SABC 3 from mid-June. The show is produced by the multiple award-winning production company Homebrew Films in collaboration with Primedia Studios, with Pick n Pay as the headline sponsor.

The third MasterChef South Africa judge will be announced in due course.

JOHANNESBURG, 26 February 2024 – SABC 1 ‘s most-watched television drama Uzalo, is set to reach a remarkable 10-year milestone on screen. Scheduled to premiere on Thursday, 29 February 2024, Uzalo has been committed to captivating audiences with its signature blend of gripping stories and societal reflections since its debut. True to form, Season 10 promises to delve deeper into the pulse of society, mirroring the intricate tapestry of everyday life with authenticity and resonance reflected through the lens of self, religion, spirituality, and culture. 

“We are thrilled to be marking a decade of exciting storytelling, compelling characters, and unparalleled entertainment.  Season 10 kicks off dramatically, setting the stage for a season dominated by anguish and revenge sending shockwaves through the Kwamashu community, unearthing long-buried secrets, fracturing alliances, and igniting vendettas. I am excited to commemorate 10-years of Uzalo. This serves as a testament to our commitment to storytelling excellence in South Africa.” – Channel Head: SABC1 – Ofentse Thinane.

A WARM WELCOME TO NEW ADDITIONS 

Uzalo welcomes a dynamic array of new characters, each bringing their intrigue to the vibrant world of KwaMashu. 

Geja, played by Mnqobi Kunene, is the leader of Amabutho eNdlende and a beacon of loyalty and ambition. With an unwavering dedication to uplifting his community and family, Geja emerges as a champion of eNdlende, setting the stage for a riveting clash of ideologies.

Hawu, played by Bandile Maphalala, is a formidable stick-fighting champion known for his courage and strength, always armed and ready for any challenge. Despite his rugged exterior, Hawu is a charismatic ladies’ man and as such this charm inevitably sparks turmoil with Izinsizwa. 

Sgidi, played by Vusi Mdiniso, is the eldest of Izinsizwa, driven by a quest to restore his family’s lost livestock and achieve autonomy. His unwavering focus on money and cattle leads him to quickly embrace the allure of material wealth upon his arrival in KwaMashu.

Phefeni, played by Lungani Mabaso, is a quintessential problem child constantly craving attention and notorious for stirring up trouble. The move to KwaMashu triggers a transformative journey of discovery. 

Nokuthula, played by Faith Mgobhozi, is a virtuous leader of the maidens in eNdlende who strives to instill values of self-respect and love in her community. Turns out she is the apple of not one but two hopeful eyes. 

Linda Sibiya, playing himself, an undisputed legend of radio, who joins K-Mash FM amidst turbulent times, determined to revive the station and reclaim its former glory. As a seasoned broadcaster, he takes the helm of the breakfast show, captivating listeners with his topics and charismatic presence.

Evangelist Sakhile Sibiya, played by Ntando Mncube, a man dedicated to his calling and is led by an unwavering commitment to ministering to people in need of Sakhile’s arrival in KwaMashu coincides with a critical moment, as he becomes the beacon of hope casting out evil and inequities. He wholly embodies the saviour the community has been awaiting.

“The 10th anniversary marks a monumental milestone for us, a chance to celebrate the incredible journey shared with our viewers. Throughout the decade, Uzalo has shattered its viewership records, setting new standards of excellence in Mzansi television. Not only have we entertained audiences far and wide, but we have also been a gateway for new talent both in front and behind the camera. As we welcome new members to our dynamic team, we invite our loyal viewers to join us for another thrilling season. Your unwavering support fuels our passion, and in Season 10, we commit to bring even more drama and excitement,” enthused King David Mukwevho, Uzalo Series Producer.