In an exciting turn of events, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has confirmed plans to revive its popular Venda soap opera, Muvhango, for a 26th season on SABC2. This announcement comes after a production halt that left many fans concerned about the future of the beloved show. SABC spokesperson Mmoni Seapolelo announced on Monday night that details regarding the new season will be shared in due time, creating anticipation among viewers.
In response to a media query, SABC spokesperson Mmoni Seapolelo confirmed the move on Monday night and said: SABC2 will make an announcement in due course regarding the new exciting season of Muvhango.
Muvhango, which has been a cornerstone of SABC2’s programming since its launch in 1997, has seen its viewership decline in recent years. However, it still manages to attract over a million viewers nightly, making it the channel’s top show despite the challenges it has faced. The series was put on hold after Word of Mouth Pictures suspended filming on June 15, 2024, due to unresolved contract issues, which effectively led to the show’s cancellation after Season 25 without a new agreement.
Due to the previous suspension, many cast members sought other employment opportunities, leading to speculation about a mix of new and familiar faces in the upcoming season. Insiders indicate that Muvhango will return as a more budget-conscious production, which raises questions about how the writers will address the dramatic cliffhanger ending of Season 25. In its finale, viewers were left on the edge of their seats as a sniper opened fire on characters Kgosi and Reneilwe during their wedding, leaving the storyline unresolved.
Since the airing of the final episode, SABC2 has resorted to airing reruns of earlier Muvhango episodes, resulting in significant drops in viewership ratings as fans turned to other channels. The void left by Muvhango is even more pronounced considering the cancellation of 7de Laan in December 2023, leaving SABC2 without a local primetime soap opera.
The upcoming season’s direction remains uncertain; however, a complete overhaul akin to the reboot of Generations might be in play. In 2014, Generations underwent a significant revamp after contract disputes, resulting in a new cast and storyline direction. Whether Muvhango will follow suit remains to be seen.
As fans eagerly await more information, SABC’s commitment to bringing Muvhango back suggests a desire to maintain the cultural relevance and viewer engagement of this iconic soap opera. Details are expected to be announced soon, paving the way for a revitalized season full of drama, intrigue, and perhaps a few surprises.
