Muvhango's Days Are Numbered

Everyone’s alleged favorite Sunday newspaper led with the story that SABC 2’s most watch show, “Muvhango,” might be on the way to closing its doors permanently if things do not change fast. 

Read next: SABC 2 Responds To Muvhango Sexual Assault Claims

For the past five years the national broadcaster, South African Broadcaster (SABC) has been wielding its chopping powers by axing some of our favourite nostalgic shows. First it was John and Malena on “Days of our Lives,” then it was no Brooke and Ridge love triangle on “The Bold and the Beautiful.” But things started getting really sad when the axe was directed to some of our favourite nostalgic local content. 

First we lost “the best of the good life” and our weekly dose of “good evening and God bless,” when “Top Billing” was axed. What followed after the ending of the popular magazine show was the announcement that Horizon Deep would be no more, as SABC 3 announced the end of “Isidingo: the Need.” All of the aforementioned shows were axed due to a considerable drop in viewership numbers. 

 

But now there is the suggestion that SABC 2’s Muvhango is also on the way to bidding farewell. It is alleged that for the past five years the most watched television program in SABC 2 has been struggling to rekindle its glory days of high viewership numbers. That means that for the past five years, the soapie has been attempting to recapture its 15 years at being at the top  as the leading program on SABC 2. 

The decline is set to have started when acclaimed television writer, Phathu Makwarela left the soapie as Head Writer, and landed on Mzansi Magic’s “The Queen.” Phathu is clearly the name with the midas touch considering how when he is dedicated to a show it trends and captures the attention of television lovers. But when he leaves for greener pastures like “The River,” where he left starts to wilt. 

But the departure of Phathu was not the only devastating blow that Muhango experienced. The departure and unclear death or something of beloved character, Thandaza, played by Sindi Dlathu ended an era for the soapie. While Sindi and Phathu might be winning with “The River,” it seems that those they left behind might be in some trouble. 

To date there has been no official word from the Word of Mouth team to verify or deny the allegations. Nor has any of the lead cast come out to dispel the rumors. Now we all wait for Monday, to find out if it is true. 

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