Uzalo, once a beloved and record-breaking soapie in South Africa, has been facing a slew of challenges in recent times. The show, which had established itself as a powerhouse in the local television landscape, is now struggling to maintain its former glory as it grapples with a range of issues.
For the past 10 years, Uzalo has been a dominant force, not only becoming the most-watched soapie but also outperforming other popular shows like Skeem Saam, Generations: The Legacy, and Scandal. The show’s approach of exploring sensitive but informative topics, with the aim of educating its viewers, has often led to massive backlash and a decline in viewership numbers.
The latest controversy surrounding Uzalo revolves around its recent handling of a storyline involving the issue of unprotected sex and HIV. According to the South African government, the estimated overall HIV prevalence rate is approximately 13.9% among the population, with adults aged 15-49 years having an estimated 19.6% HIV positivity rate.
Uzalo’s attempt to educate its viewers on this significant public health concern has faced significant criticism, with viewers expressing their discomfort with the show’s excessive intimate scenes, which they believe contribute to promoting promiscuous behavior, especially in the presence of young viewers.
The show’s producers and writers are facing immense pressure to “get it right once again,” as fans have taken to social media platforms like Facebook to voice their discontent. Some viewers believe that Uzalo could still educate its audience without making parents uncomfortable, and that the show’s team of writers are not open to criticism or new ideas.
In 2020, the SABC took action and issued a firm warning to Uzalo to improve its storyline, but the show’s woes continue. Actors on the show are reportedly receiving low salaries, which may contribute to their perceived poor performances. Despite these challenges, Uzalo remains at the top of the most-watched shows in the country, largely due to its availability on the SABC for free. However, Twitter users have been vocal in their criticism, describing the soap as “boring” in recent episodes.
As Uzalo’s producers and cast continue to work tirelessly to “get it right once again,” the show’s future remains uncertain, with its once-devoted fan base closely monitoring the developments and hoping for a return to the glory days that made it a household name in South African television.