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Johannesburg - While the SABC2 soapie Muvhango is known for grooming young talent, it is its daring plot – featuring clashes of culture and the impact of encroaching urbanisation – that has kept South Africans glued to the small screen for the past 20 years.
In Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, this week, Muvhango celebrated its 20th birthday, with its actors dressed to the nines in traditional African attire to mark Heritage Month.
The soapie celebrated its wonderful journey by highlighting episodes that were audience favourites, hailed for depicting real-life scenarios.
A variety of cocktails welcomed the guests, who were taken through the journey of the soapie’s storyline.
The older generation appreciated this gesture more than the younger group, who had missed the early years of the show and so didn’t know some of the episodes that were highlighted.
Muvhango made its first play on SABC2 on 7 April 1997.
Veteran TV presenter and actor Dingaan Mokebe ka Khumalo kept the guests giggling with his modest humour.
The social-media gurus kept everything trending on all the popular platforms for the duration of the evening with the tag #Muvhango20.
Duma Ndlovu, Muvhango’s executive producer, was openly thrilled with the turnout, saying he appreciated those who “left the comfort of their homes” just to celebrate Muvhango’s success story with the crew.
“It fills me with so much joy that we have made it this far as an African soapie, and it is all because of everyone who has been supporting us over all these years,” said Ndlovu, adding that Muvhango planned to continue “serving” the nation “with lots of fun and educational episodes”.
Guests were treated to starters of roasted pear and goat’s cheese, and mille-feuille (small pastries) with candied cashews. My favourite moment came when dessert was served – a mouthwatering dark chocolate torte with a drizzle of expresso foam and a touch of vanilla.
The wine list did not disappoint as, from Guardian Peak Merlot to Mulderbosch Chardonnay, no thirst was unquenched.
Sindi Dlathu, who plays the legendary Thandaza Moekoena on the show, had a moment to chat to City Press, and said the soapie has been a blessing for her career.
“It has been a great journey for me as an actress, and I am really happy to celebrate this milestone with everyone,” she said.
She also promised viewers more quality acting, more educational messages and continued plausible storylines with real-life situations that everyone can identify with.
Dlathu credited the longevity of her career with the soapie to the team’s camaraderie.
She has been with the series since its inception.
