In a dramatic turn of events, the beloved SABC 2 soapie, Muvhango, has aired its final episode after a remarkable 27-year run. According to ZiMoja, last night’s episode marked the end of an era for the show, leaving its dedicated fanbase and cast members in a state of uncertainty as no new contracts have been secured from the SABC.
The saga took an unexpected twist last week when ZiMoja reported that contract renewals, originally slated for March, were mysteriously delayed. A source close to the situation revealed that the SABC had expressed dissatisfaction with the soapie’s recent storylines. “The SABC felt that Ndlovu needed to inject more energy into the soapie. He has always leveraged his political connections to maintain Muvhango’s presence on air, arguing that the Venda community needed representation on TV. This ongoing tension led to repeated delays in contract renewals,” the source explained.
Further insights suggest that Ndlovu’s diminishing interest in Muvhango may have stemmed from his long-term commitments with Mzansi Magic. “Ndlovu has a good rapport with Multichoice executives and secured long-term contracts there. Even though his show Sibongile & The Dlaminis isn’t performing well on Mzansi Wethu, Umkhokha: The Curse is thriving,” the source added. The cancellation of Muvhango, however, doesn’t seem to faze Ndlovu, as he prepares for the debut of his new soapie, Modjadji: The Rain Queen, on Mzansi Magic.
As the curtains fall on Muvhango, the SABC is reportedly in talks with the creators of Giyani, Tshedza Pictures, to fill the vacant time slot. “Giyani is a compelling telenovela with stunning scenery and a rich storyline centered around the Tsonga-speaking community. Politically, it’s fitting to have a show that represents people from Limpopo,” the source noted.
Word of Mouth PR manager Thanduxolo Jindela confirmed the final episode’s air date but refrained from further comments. Efforts to reach the SABC for a statement were unsuccessful.
End of the Road for Muvhango, Thank you for watching all these years. #muvhango
— Muvhango (@MuvhangoSA) July 2, 2024Muvhango cancelled
It's over for SABC 2 beloved Venda telenovela Muvhango. It has been announced that Muvhango is coming to an end after a successful journey of 25 years.💔 pic.twitter.com/VV8XP6pYuC
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) July 3, 2024
