'Muvhango’s Timeslot Filled by Xitsonga Soapie As New TV Show Looms
- Muvhango's official end after nearly 30 years of airing is drawing closer, and its timeslot replacement is on the horizon
- The recently cancelled Venda TV show was beloved by many South Africans and was considered one of the most watched soapies
- Muvhango's official departure from TV screens is not all doom and gloom, as a show focusing on an underrepresented culture in South Africa will replace it
Muvhango will officially air new episodes for the last time on 28 August 2025. The Venda show's ratings declined over the years, and it caught up to them.
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Although South Africans were upset by Muvhango's departure from TV screens, its cancellation has made room to spotlight a Xitsonga soapie. This comes after the South African Tsonga community rallied to have a representation of their language on SABC.
According to News24, Muvhango's 9 pm slot on SABC 2 has officially been filled by a show dedicated to representing Xitsonga-speaking people. The show, Giyani: Land of Blood, will play on TV screens instead of moving Muvhango starting from 28 August 2025. Unnamed sources revealed that Giyani's new timeslot is only temporary.
There are alleged plans to bring another show to take over from Muvhango. In the meantime, the SABC has given a platform to Xitsonga speakers. Giyani focuses on a rivalry between two families, the Mudaus and Baloyis, feuding over land. The families clash over fertile land in Risinga, a fictional village, and legend Yvonne Chakachaka appears on the show as Glady Mudau. The Xitsonga series is six years old and was renewed for a third season in 2022 following an abrupt ending.
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Muvhango's fall from grace
One of the most beloved actors from Muvhango was Gabriel Temudzani, aka Chief Azwindini. Following the cancellation of the show, the actor shared his gratitude to South Africa for supporting him. Writers once tried to kill off his character, but the outrage over his death proved too much. Gabriel came back to Muvhango due to popular demand after outrage over his departure from the show.
Muvhango's success lasted 27 years, and there were efforts to improve storylines to save the show. One of the strategies they tried was introducing characters who spoke various local languages. The TV show was shrouded in cancellation rumours for years, and actors allegedly admitted that they were living on edge. Despite attempts to introduce new characters and more diversity, Muvhango's viewership spiralled over the years.
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Briefly News previously reported that apparently, Khabonina Qubeka's character on Shaka iLembe is not everybody's cup of tea, and viewers want it scrapped, but it's not what you think.
The second season of Shaka iLembe recently aired, and social media users have been live-reacting and sharing their thoughts on the new season and its characters.
Social media users have a love-hate relationship with Khabonina Qubeka's character, noting how she brought life to her character but may have taken it too far:
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