Is Uzalo SABC 1's new cash cow? It definitely seems so, especially as the young telenova is already breaking records and it's been on air for less than a month! According to TV and entertainment blogger Phil Mphela, Uzalo reached the five million mark last week, making it the most successful telenova ever in South Africa.

Uzalo, which launched on the channel this month, is quickly becoming a fan favourite. And, with its high ratings, the show has overtaken Generations: The Legacy - if the stats are anything to go by.

A recent report showed that the troubled but still popular soapie only managed to reach 3,9 million viewers two weeks ago. Mfundi Vundla has defended his show, telling the nation that it's actually doing well. I'm not buying that though, as a lot of people have expressed their disappointment in the storyline and some of the actors. Maybe it's still early days?

Meanwhile, it's slowly starting to look as if Uzalo is going to be the new 'it show' on Mzansi television. In his report, Phil added that Uzalo is now right up there with shows like Intersexions and Zone 14, which were broadcast on the channel's prime time slot.

The show, which is entirely shot in KZN, has been praised for the quality of its actors which include Leleti Khumalo and Don Mlangeni. And, I'm really not surprised that it's doing well because the whole concept was well thought through. 

Executive producer Gugu Zuma, who spoke to us at the launch in Durban, said about Uzalo: "It took many years to convince many people but finally it has come together.  We got in Durban last year in September and have been working non stop, please make sure Uzalo doesn’t end but it stays on your screen forever."

I have absolutely no doubt that it will be on TV for a long time. I feel like for a long time South Africans didn't have a lot of options when it comes to series or soapies. But with the launch of Uzalo and the soon-to-air etv telenovela Ashes to Ashes, viewers will be spoiled for choice. This can only be a good thing because I believe that it will make producers work extra hard to make sure that they deliver strong content.

A little competition has never hurt anyone.

Have you watched Uzalo yet? What do you think of it so far? Leave us your thoughts in the comments section below.