Dineo and Zothile “Solo” Langa are set to host the inaugural season of Netflix’s South African edition of the hit dating reality series Love Is Blind.
Key takeaways
- Netflix announced the couple’s new presenting role as part of its South African content lineup.
- Love Is Blind: SA will follow singles who make marriage decisions before meeting face to face.
- Khanyi Mbau is returning as Grace Khumalo in Meet the Khumalos 2, now in production.
- Blood Legacy will come back on September 25, with several other local releases planned for later this year.
- Stars & Vows: Anele & Buzza will document Anele Mdoda and Bonelela “Buzza James” Mgudlwa ahead of their wedding.
Love Is Blind: SA leads Netflix’s local slate
The casting news was revealed on Wednesday, as Netflix presented its upcoming South African projects while marking 10 years in the country.
The Langas will guide viewers through the South African adaptation of the international format. In the series, hopeful singles attempt to find a future spouse without seeing one another. After forming relationships inside the pods, they will live together, arrange weddings and test whether their bonds can withstand everyday life beyond the experiment.
afrOkaans is producing the series, which is scheduled to arrive later this year.
Netflix’s expanded local lineup also includes the next chapter of Meet the Khumalos. Khanyi Mbau will return as Grace Khumalo, appearing alongside Ayanda Borotho, Jesse Suntele and Khosi Ngema.
Mbau said stepping back into Grace’s world demanded more from her than she had anticipated. She described the second season as so emotionally draining that thinking about it makes her want to sleep, adding that the role took her into extremely dark territory.
The actor said the storyline came uncomfortably close to experiences from her own life, forcing her to create distance between herself and the character. She also predicted a divided reaction, with some viewers embracing Grace while others may dislike her so intensely that they will want to see the character thrown from a cliff. Mbau said she is eager for audiences to watch the result.
Jayan Moodley is directing Meet the Khumalos 2, which is currently being made. The story centres on two mothers, a memorable journey by road and an engagement that is close to falling apart.
More South African series and films on the way
Blood Legacy will return for season two on September 25. Meanwhile, Seriously Single Too and Another Disaster Holiday are scheduled to debut later this year.
Tuiskoms and Marked have both been renewed for second seasons, and production is already under way on Marked 2.
The How To Ruin universe is also growing with How to Ruin Diwali: Meet The Parents, which is due to premiere on October 30.
Another addition is Stars & Vows: Anele & Buzza. The series will follow television and radio figure Anele Mdoda and Bonelela “Buzza James” Mgudlwa as they get ready to marry.
Ben Amadasun, Netflix’s vice-president of content for the Middle East and Africa, said the platform began its South African journey a decade ago with the goal of taking the country’s stories and creative voices to audiences worldwide.
He said Netflix is now focused on deepening its relationship with the local entertainment industry while continuing to develop engaging programming for viewers in South Africa and internationally.
Amadasun added that the upcoming lineup reflects that goal by combining familiar talent with adventurous new production partners. The projects span unscripted entertainment, thrillers, family dramas and comedy.
