South Africa has some of the best homegrown television shows, not to mention the most brilliant actors, producers and directors. Mzansi is surely a melting pot of film and television talent.
Over the years, the country has had an array of shows that shifted culture and sparked dialogue on important issues and popular culture. Some of the shows featured deeply heavy content that highlighted critical realities in society, while others were light-hearted, but still captured the essence of different perspectives in our communities.
These are the 5 riveting South African television shows that had us glued to our screens; and in all honesty, it would be awesome to have them return.
Rise!
1. Rise!
Courtesy of Soul City Institute, Rise was a weekly talk show on Sabc1, hosted by women from different generations such as: Kgomotso Matsunyane, Lebogang Ramafoko, Nyiko Shikwambane, etc.
The show unpacked pertinent social issues, from teenage pregnancy, to domestic violence etc, in a very honest and authentic way. The hosts were a breath of fresh air, they left no stone unturned with every topic they covered.
2. Home Affairs
This was a weekly drama that played every Thursday on Sabc 1. The show tackled a wide variety of social issues, which was perfectly captured by brilliant actors such as Brenda Ngxoli, Vatiswa Ndara, to name a few.
The storyline focused on the lives of nine different women whose lives were interconnected and was produced by Penguin Films.
The multi-award winning show was also nominated for the International Emmy Awards.
Who can forget that iconic scene where Vatiswa’s house burnt down and the shame in her non verbal cues despite being drunk? You could feel and see how truly moving that moment was.
Home Affairs was one of those shows you never dared to miss. Brilliant storyline, brilliant actors, brilliant writers and so much more. A riveting show.
3. Intersexions
One of the best shows to come out of South Africa that highlighted the realities of HIV/AIDS and how it easily spreads, by examining issues relating to love, sex and relationships. Despite having high HIV/AIDs rates, South Africa is also known for having progressive policies geared towards combating the epidemic; hence broadcasting such a show on the most watched channel, Sabc 1, was an impeccable idea; it made it more accessible to a wider audience and getting an important message to the masses.
Intersexions was produced by Quizzical Pictures in partnership with Johns Hopkins Health and Education in South Africa. The show’s development was influenced by the high HIV prevalence in the country.
The show also unearthed a new generation of talented young actors thus opening up the industry.
4. Soul Buddyz
This was a groundbreaking children’s edutainment drama that showcased real life issues faced by children. It showed kids how to navigate life by tacking critical health and development topics such as AIDS and teenage sexuality, disability, trauma while centering children’s rights.
The show was spearheaded by the Soul City Institute.
5. VEntertainment
You just had to be there; VEntertainment was an era. This was a daily weekly show that run from Monday to Friday on Vuzu, featuring local and international entertainment news delivered in a refreshing commentary format. The hosts to the impeccable voice over artists such as Rethabile Ramaphakela, whose way of saying ‘seriously’ in the most catchy way left you wanting more commentary from her.
Produced by Don’t Look Down Production, VEntertainment truly defined popular culture. Dineo Langa née Moeketsi, was a marvel to watch. She bodied that show, from her excellent presenting skills, to multilingualism and improvisation, she made you want to watch until the credits roll. Who could forget Denise Zimba? She disrupted culture with her unique presenting style; she was herself and it was a delight to watch.
NB: Most of these shows fall under the Sabc Education division; well done to them for commissioning such culture-shaping shows.