SABC cancels Tshivenda soapie Muvhango after 28 years
After nearly three decades on South African television, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has officially ended the original production run of Muvhango, the long-standing Tshivenda-English multilingual soapie that premiered on SABC2 in 1997.
However, the public broadcaster has simultaneously announced a complete rebranding and relaunch of the beloved show, with major changes in casting, storytelling, and digital presentation.
The show aired its final episode on 2 July 2024, quietly closing Season 25 with a wedding scene between Kgosi and Reneilwe.
To the shock of millions of loyal viewers, there was no announcement or farewell broadcast, and the abrupt ending led to confusion across social media and fan communities.
Muvhango, created by acclaimed producer Duma Ndlovu, was the first Tshivenda-language drama on South African television.
It gained widespread popularity for its depiction of traditional and modern African life, bridging rural Venda values with urban South African culture.
At its peak, the show pulled in over 4 million nightly viewers, dominating SABC2 ratings and becoming a household name.
However, viewership began to decline in recent years, dropping to just over 1.3 million by May 2024.
Financial challenges, production halts, and salary disputes with cast and crew compounded the issues, leading to SABC’s decision not to renew its contract with the production house, Word of Mouth Pictures.
According to multiple reports, production on Muvhango ceased in June 2024 after staff went unpaid.
Insiders revealed that tensions had been rising behind the scenes due to budgetary constraints and delays in contract renewals.
By July, the broadcaster confirmed that there were no more episodes in the pipeline.
SABC spokesperson Mmoni Seapolelo stated:
“SABC2 will make an announcement in due course regarding the new exciting season of Muvhango. Viewers can expect a modernized, more engaging, and youth-focused version of the show.”
Despite fan outcry, the broadcaster emphasized that the ending was a strategic move to revamp rather than completely cancel the show.
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SABC and Word of Mouth Pictures have already begun production on what is now being called Muvhango Season 26, with a new direction led by a dynamic cast and production format.
The most talked-about addition is veteran actress Leleti Khumalo, who joins the cast in a lead role.
Khumalo, famed for her performances in Sarafina!, Hotel Rwanda, and Uzalo, will portray Dr. Nonhlanhla Ximba, a powerful and enigmatic matriarch with a deep connection to both modern healthcare and traditional healing.
In an interview, Khumalo said:
“When I was approached to join Muvhango, I thought, are you making a mistake? But then I realized how important this role is. It’s going to challenge me emotionally, and I’m back home. I’m excited and nervous.”
Executive producer Duma Ndlovu described the relaunch as “the boldest transformation the show has undergone since 1997.”
“We’re responding to the times. Our viewers asked for youth, fashion, drama, and relevance—and we are delivering. Expect high fashion, digital integration, and bold storytelling,” Ndlovu said.
While some fans expressed disappointment at the abrupt end of the original storyline, SABC has attempted to soothe the audience by re-running Season 1 and Season 2 episodes to commemorate 30 years of democracy and celebrate the legacy of the show.
Muvhango has been more than just entertainment. It represented a cultural bridge between language groups and social classes in post-apartheid South Africa.
For many years, it was the only major television production featuring Tshivenda in prime time.
The new version promises to maintain that cultural richness while adapting to modern entertainment trends.
There is also talk of expanding the brand through merchandise, books, podcasts, and community engagement programs.
of Muvhango marks a pivotal moment in South African television history. Whether the relaunch will capture the heart of its original fanbase while drawing in new viewers remains to be seen.
But with the addition of Leleti Khumalo and a renewed creative vision, the show appears poised for a bold, refreshed chapter.
“This isn’t the end,” said Duma Ndlovu. “It’s a rebirth. And Muvhango is rising again—stronger, bolder, and more relevant than ever.”