When the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), recently launched SABC1’s new telenovela Ámalanga Awafani in the 18:30 slot to much fanfare, the excitement was palpable and it has proven to be a hit with television audiences, as it resonates with many South Africans.

The strategic decision by the public service broadcaster, to continuously innovate its primetime slots, with fresh and compelling content, has seen Amalanga Awafani which debuted on 28 April 2025 with over 1.8 million viewers, reach 2.4 million viewers within two weeks of broadcast. This has seen the show breaking into the top 10 for the top 20 overall prime time shows, in the 18:00-22:00 primetime slot.

Amalanga Awafani is a gripping series that delves into the life altering consequences of sudden wealth. Set in the rural town of Umzinyathi, the story follows twins, Sabelo and Thembi Gumede, who find a winning lotto ticket and are thrust into a world they never imagined, one of luxury, opportunity, and unexpected challenges. As they navigate their new reality in the big city, old relationships resurface, and hidden agendas emerge, forcing them to question the true cost of their fortune.

The journey of creating the show has been remarkable, as the story line is relatable and compelling for our audiences. The public broadcaster and Stained Glass TV have been intentional about crafting a story that will have high resonance for our audiences in bringing this world to life. This telenovela is also serving as a springboard, as new entrants to the industry have been cast. Viewers can look forward to more intriguing episodes as the story unfolds.

The SABC’s vision of inspiring minds, empowering lives! is enhanced by its commitment to always provide world-class content across its television network, radio portfolio and digital platforms. This ensures that its audience continue to enjoy a wider range of homegrown content that speaks directly to their diverse interests. We are the home of local stories!

Don’t miss Amalanga Awafani weekdays at 18:30 on SABC1 Mzansi FoSho! You can also catch Amalanga Awafani SABC Plus, and use our Video on Demand (VOD) feature to catch-up on missed episodes. Visit SABC+ Home