Pasella returns to SABC2, adds presenter Hemel Besem

Johannesburg – The longrunning Afrikaans magazine show Pasella returns on Friday to SABC2 in a new timeslot of 18:00 with a new format and a new presenter Simon Witbooi, known as "Hemel Besem".

Pasella used to run uninterrupted all year round on SABC2 until March 2013 when the SABC decided the Afrikaans show will be broken into capped shorter seasons and will have to alternate with other programming on SABC2.

Pasella, which has weathered multiple day and timeslot changes over 16 years, is once again moving to a new day and timeslot from 13 February with a new 30-minute format.

Pasella, produced by Tswelopele Productions from Cape Town, does retain presenters like actress Crystal-Donna Roberts, model and former school teacher and Mr South Africa Dieter Voigt, former Miss South Africa Melinda Bam, Paul Rothmann, Charlene Lackay and singer Lynelle Kenned.

The magazine show will once again explore South Africa, visiting people and doing profile inserts, giving décor and DIY advice and share recipes.

Friday's first new Pasella episode explores the history of the Bainskloofpas and talks to Tim Theron, Heinz Winckler and Milan Murray from the film Mooirivier. Paul and Crystal-Donna celebrate Valentine's Day by cooking a romantic dinner, the show visits Langkloof Roses to learn about different varieties of roses and Dieter goes on the Sundays River Cruise in the Eastern Cape.