Legendary actress Leleti Khumalo will be joining the revamped "Muvhango" when it hits our television screens, soon.
Earlier this month, the long-running SABC 2 soapie "Muvhango" shocked viewers with the announcement that the show had reached the end of the road with no prior warning to viewers.
Like a soapie storyline, "Muvhango" is actually back in production, with the cast and crew back at work. There will be new faces in the cast, like Leleti Khumalo.
The return of the show comes after the production company, Word of Mouth Pictures and the SABC, ironed out their contractual disputes and managed to reach an agreement that will see "Muvhango" return to screens soon.
On Thursday evening the cast, new and old came together to celebrate production resuming on “Muvhango” and before the big announcement, the organisers had the media playing guessing games, as to why we gathered in Fourways on a chilly night.
After some traditional Venda dancing, fire performers and dancers and red carpet pictures, the announcement was finally made that the show was returning to screens.
The red carpet was walked by the cast members, who all looked delighted to be reunited with each other.
The show’s creator Duma Ndlovu and Grammy Award-winning music producer Lebo M posed for pictures with legendary actress Leleti Khumalo, who has joined “Muvhango” as Dr Nonhlanhla Ximba.
Khumalo has previously worked with Ndlovu as executive producer and talent on “Imbewu” which aired on e.tv. She told the media that when she got the call, she thought why not and had a few doubts.
“I’m joining 'Muvhango' and it has been there forever and I was like, are you making a mistake, what are you doing? Because it's not going to be easy. It’s like finding a home that is fully furnished and warm and you need to add that touch.
“It’s going to need me to dig more inside, I'm playing a character that has not been played by Leleti before, which is amazing because as actors we always look for challenges. I’m very excited, very nervous and I’m back home”.
Joining a production that has had a turbulent few months faced with a decline in viewer ratings and with SABC facing financial issues, acknowledged productions are all faced with these challenges and not just “Muvhango”.
“We need to come up with something that takes us out of these challenges. We need to come up with new ideas and it’s not 'Muvhango’ only that has these challenges, most productions in South Africa have these challenges.
“It’s a matter of coming up with a different style of producing stories in South Africa, so that as actors we don't find ourselves giving and getting nothing. We must get something, to give.”
Ndlovu couldn’t help but throw shade towards the media for reporting that the production had reached the end of the road as he reflected on the production’s history and return.
Ndlovu in his speech, highlighted the show’s impact on viewers and how they have listened to them over the years and continue to do so.
“What you're going to be seeing this season is probably the most dramatic change and growth you’ve seen because our viewers demanded that we go fancier, younger, fashionista, bold.
“They wanted us to continue telling stories, they didn't want us to lose the DNA of the show but they wanted us to spice things up.
“What you are going to see is us, responding to the spicing of things. We have a new logo, new title sequence and young people we are working with.”
The founder explained that the broadcaster told them to go wild with their plans for the revamped season, so they decided to bring back some older characters and remake them into the story, such as Liteboho Molise, Lebo Tisane and Wiseman Zitha.
Out at the rebirth of #Muvhango27. Yes, the cast is back to shooting and Leleti Khumalo has joined the cast @sabc2 @MuvhangoSA @IOL_Lifestyle @IOL pic.twitter.com/7eXILHwpom
— Oluthando Keteyi (@ThisLove_K) July 25, 2024
Lala Tuku, acting group executive of SABC video entertainment, was open about the reality that “Muvhango” and the broadcaster are facing. She revealed there was a tussle in the negotiation room around the legacy property.
"The reality is that the SABC derives its revenue from advertising. We require audiences to choose to watch our content. The reality is we have brilliant content on our platform and we need our audiences to select it and come in."
“At the end of the day, it is the rands and the cents. The authenticity of the show, the boldness of the storytelling - we just could not do away with it."
IOL Entertainment