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Celebrity News SA

Xitsonga drama to replace Muvhango following its cancellation.

Muvhango, the long-running SABC 2 soapie, has reached the end of its era, with the final episode airing last night. The show, which has been a staple on South African television for 27 years, now faces an uncertain future as the SABC has not yet secured new contracts with the production company.

According to sources, the SABC has not been satisfied with the direction of the Muvhango storyline, and the network has expressed concerns to the show’s creator, Duma Ndlovu.

The source claims th
 
at Ndlovu has always held the SABC “at ransom” due to his political connections, arguing that the Venda people needed a show that represented their culture on television. However, the SABC’s patience has reportedly worn thin, and they have decided to pull the plug on the soapie.The source further reveals that Ndlovu has shifted his focus to other projects, particularly those with Mzansi Magic, where he has been offered long-term contracts. This has led to a perceived loss of interest in Muvhango, and the SABC executives have decided to take action. Ndlovu’s new soapie, Modjadji: The Rain Queen, is set to debut on Mzansi Magic in the coming days, indicating his commitment to expanding his portfolio beyond Muvhango.

Interestingly, the SABC is reportedly in talks with the creators of the popular telenovela Giyani to potentially replace Muvhango in its time slot. The source suggests that Giyani, which is focused on the Tsonga-speaking community, would be a politically suitable replacement, as it would provide representation for the Limpopo province on the public broadcaster’s schedule, according to ZiMoja

As the Muvhango era comes to a close, the future of the show’s cast and crew remains uncertain. The production company, Word of Mouth PR, is said to be in discussions with the SABC to resolve the matter, but it remains to be seen whether the beloved soapie will find a new home or if its 27-year run has truly come to an end.

SABC ends Muvhango: The final episode is set to air on 3 July 2024.

SABC reportedly has decided to put an end to Muvhango on SABC 2, the last episode will air today (02 July 2024)
The future does not look so bright for the show produced by Duma Ndlovu, as the current season of Muvhango ends on Tuesday and there are no new episodes to air.
On Tuesday, viewers will be treated to Reneilwe and Kgosi’s big wedding, which will see the current season close. There is no new contract for the show, so viewers will not have a new Muvhango episode on WednesdayIn a concerning turn of events, the future of SABC2’s long-running and beloved telenovela, Muvhango, hangs in the balance. After captivating audiences for 27 years, the show’s current season is set to conclude on Tuesday, leaving viewers and the show’s dedicated cast and crew in a state of uncertainty, according to City Press


 


 

 

The SABC and Muvhango’s management have yet to sign a new contract, and the reasons behind the delay remain shrouded in secrecy. This has left the show’s employees, many of whom have families and dependents, in a precarious position, with some already exploring alternative employment opportunities. The crew members express their unease, fearing the possibility of job losses and the unknown future of the Tshivenda telenovela.

As the current season draws to a close, viewers will witness the highly anticipated wedding of Reneilwe and Kgosi, but the absence of any confirmed plans for new episodes raises concerns among the show’s devoted fanbase. The possibility of the network airing repeats in the wake of the production hiatus further compounds the sense of unease surrounding Muvhango’s future.This development has undoubtedly left the show’s loyal followers, as well as the hardworking individuals behind the scenes, in a state of apprehension, as they anxiously await news of Muvhango’s renewal and the resolution of the current contractual limbo.

Sources revealed:
Everyone is left in the dark, no one knows what is happening exactly. I think there are just delays from the SABC side, or maybe they are thinking of canning it; I don’t know. They do not have any demands, so we don’t know what causes the hold up. We don’t have an episode for tomorrow [Wednesday]; maybe they will play replacement stuff or Muvhango repeats.

Source added:
“The last episode airs on Tuesday … to us, this is our bread and butter. This comes as a shock and disappointment. We hope for a brighter day.”Asked recently whether talks about the show coming to an end were true, Ndlovu said there was nothing like that and he did not know where people got it from.Word of Mouth Pictures publicist Thanduxolo Jindela confirmed that season 25 would end on Tuesday and there was no new contract, acording to News24

The future of the long-running South African soap opera “Muvhango” remains uncertain as the show’s producers continue negotiations with the SABC, the public broadcaster. While the cast is on a production break, the show’s publicist has stated that they are not giving up and that the discussions with the SABC are ongoing, despite the fact that the current season is nearing its end. Both parties have a mutual understanding of the value of the program, which has been a fixture on the SABC for many years.

However, the publicist’s statement also raised concerns about the show’s potential fate, acknowledging that it is one of the longest-lasting programs on the public broadcaster and expressing gratitude to the viewers for their support throughout the show’s run. The future of “Muvhango” will likely depend on the outcome of the ongoing discussions between the show’s producers and the SABC.