Popular SABC 2 daily soapie Muvhango shocked many after it came to a sudden end on Tuesday evening after airing 25 seasons since 1997.
This comes after there were reports that the Tshivenda soapie ran out of episodes produced. According to reports, the production has completely shut down, with no new contracts or contract extensions for further episodes in place.
Second long-running soapie to be cancelled
This is the SABC’s second long-running soapie to be cancelled. In 2023, popular Afrikaans long-running soapie 7de Laan was also canned.
Danie Odendaal Productions, which produced 7de Laan, also stopped production and withheld episode delivery. It forced the SABC to pay outstanding debts in the millions of rands before further episodes were given to SABC2.
When Muvhango Season 25 began earlier this year, the soapie announced the return of Buhle Samuels. It also announced the return of some other characters and new faces.
On Wednesday, SABC2 announced that they would take Muvhango viewers down memory lane with the broadcast of the retro episodes of the iconic soapie.
When Muvhango debuted in 1997, it was only broadcast once a week. It later grew to become a daily soapie. The soapie is said to be the first ever Tshivenda language TV drama. It has presented South Africans with an opportunity to have a glance at one of the most beautiful places in the country. The scenes are mostly shot on location in Venda, Limpopo.
Statement on Muvhango’s status
The soapie released a statement on the current developments. Though the statement did not indicate whether the show is coming to an end or not.
“As part of celebrating 30 years of democracy, SABC 2 will broadcast Muvhango starting from Season 1. [This] will provide an opportunity to showcase the historical moments of this iconic production to audiences who may not have seen the show from the beginning.”
“The episodes aim to celebrate the success that Muvhango has been to the SABC and South African citizens. Having been on air for 27 years is a massive milestone. It reflects the remarkable talent of the cast and crew of this production and its management team.” reads the statement.
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