In a shock move, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) announced on Tuesday that its iconic Tshivenda soapie, Muvhango, will be axed after 27 seasons, making way for a new telenovela, Pimville Queens.

The new show, produced by Bakwena Productions, is set to take over Muvhango’s coveted 9h30 PM weekday slot on SABC2 starting in August 2025.

Muvhango, a cultural touchstone for many South Africans, has been a staple since 1997, celebrated for its portrayal of Venda traditions and compelling storytelling. Despite remaining SABC2’s top-watched program with approximately 900,000 viewers, the show has faced declining viewership and reported financial struggles, prompting the SABC’s decision to end its run.

The announcement has sparked a wave of reactions across South Africa. Fans expressed disappointment over losing a show that championed Venda culture, with social media posts lamenting, “Muvhango was more than a soapie; it was our heritage.” Others, however, are intrigued by Pimville Queens, which promises fresh narratives and new talent.

SABC’s head of programming, Lala Tuku, stated, “While we celebrate Muvhango’s incredible legacy, we’re excited to bring Pimville Queens to our viewers, offering bold stories that reflect modern South Africa.”

As the curtain falls on Muvhango, the nation awaits Pimville Queens to see if it can fill the void left by a beloved classic.

The post SABC pulls plug on “Muvhango” after 27 years appeared first on MDNtv.