Muvhango Cancelled After 28 Years! SABC Pulls Plug And Replaces It With Pimaville

After nearly three decades of Venda-language legacy, the iconic weeknight soap Muvhango is officially cancelled by the SABC. The beloved drama, created by controversial TV mogul Duma Ndlovu, will air its final episodes this year, making room for a brand-new telenovela called Pimville.

SABC CEO Nomsa Chabeli confirmed: “For SABC2, we’re introducing a new telenovela starting in August, which is going to be replacing the existing Muvhango.”

The decision comes after Muvhango’s ratings dropped like a hot mic, from its peak of 4 million viewers per episode to barely 900,000 in recent months. Even its budget-friendly reboot with new cast members and an updated theme song couldn’t stop the slide.

Last year, the SABC barely renewed Muvhango after airing archive repeats and debating whether it was worth keeping around. They finally gave it another go with 260 episodes—but the magic was gone.

Pimville Steps In… But the Streets Are Already Suspicious

Enter Pimville (aka Pimville Queens)—SABC2’s shiny new hope, produced by Bakwena Productions. The new telenovela is expected to hit screens in August, and the SABC is crossing fingers and toes that it will revive the channel’s struggling prime-time slot.

“We are certain that, based on the storyline and where we are in the scriptwriting room, this should also be successful from a launch perspective,” Chabeli said with cautious optimism.

But here’s where it gets interesting: Bakwena Productions has a messy track record, including payment drama on BET’s Pound 4 Pound. Mzansi’s already asking—”Why is the SABC doing business with producers who still owe people money?”

Producers Kagiso Modupe, Rashaka “Rush” Moufhe, and Brenda Mukwevho better have their receipts ready, because fans aren’t here for another behind-the-scenes scandal

Cast, Tax Scandals & More

While Muvhango entertained millions, behind the scenes it was pure chaos. Cast and crew have repeatedly shut down production due to non-payment, with background actors still chasing cheques from Turning Heads Casting, run by Nonkululeko Ndlovu—yep, Duma Ndlovu’s daughter.

Meanwhile, Duma Ndlovu himself is fighting a R25 million tax evasion case, having appeared in court as recently as October 2024. Talk about a plot twist the writers couldn’t make up.

Last year, SABC exec Lala Tuku warned: “Shows like Muvhango need to perform ratings-wise to bring in advertising revenue or risk being replaced,” which sounds eerily familiar to what happened with 7de Laan.

So while Muvhango may still be SABC2’s most-watched show (barely), the network has spoken—and it’s out with the old and in with the Pimville.

Rest easy, Muvhango. You served your drama, tea, and tradition well. But will Pimville really be the glow-up SABC2 needs—or just more behind-the-scenes mess? Stay tuned…

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