Source image: Sunday World
(The Post News)– The curtains are closing on an era-defining soapie, Muvhango, that has captivated South African audiences for nearly three decades.
Muhango, the beloved SABC2 drama, will bid farewell to viewers on August 8 at 9pm, marking the end of an incredible 28-year run. Created by the visionary Duma Ndlovu, Muhango made its debut on April 7, 1997, and quickly became a staple of South African television.
With its rich storytelling rooted in Tshivenda culture, Muhango explored the tension between tradition and modernity, resonating with audiences across the country. The show’s impact went beyond entertainment, championing language, culture, and identity, and inspiring national pride. Memorable storylines, such as the never-ending love triangle between Thandaza, Edward, and Doobsie; Azwindini’s polygamous marriages; and KK’s dramatic and colourful mannerisms, have become ingrained in South African pop culture.
Muhango’s significance extends to its role in promoting a marginalised language and showcasing the richness of Tshivenda culture.
The show’s creator, Duma Ndlovu, said,
“Muhango gave an opportunity to an ignored language that has become one of the most celebrated languages in South Africa now.
It has been a privilege and an honour to create moments on television where marginalised languages were at the centre of it all.” Acting group executive for video entertainment, Lala Tuku, added, “For almost 30 years, Muhango has been a pillar of SABC2’s programming and a beloved part of South African television history.
 More than just a drama, Muhango has been the champion of language, culture, identity, and national pride, inspiring, entertaining, educating, and uniting audiences across South Africa.”
As the television landscape evolves, SABC2 is set to usher in a new era of storytelling, potentially with the soapie Pimville Queens, which may replace Muhango on August 11 at 9pm.
As we bid farewell to this iconic soapie, we reflect on its contributions to our cultural heritage and the memories it has created for millions of viewers. Muvhango’s finale is a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling to unite, educate, and entertain, and we look forward to the next chapter in South African television history.
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