Muvhango
Muvhango is a South African television soap opera, created by Duma Ndlovu. It is broadcast on the public TV channel SABC 2, and has an average of 4 million daily viewers.[1] The first episode was aired on 7 April 1997. It was the first Tshivenda language TV drama,[2] but later became multilingual in order to showcase that languages and cultures of South Africa should be used to unite rather than divide. The creator of Muvhango is Zulu by ancestry, but can speak and is fluent in all South African languages.[3]
| Muvhango | |
|---|---|
 Promotional ww poster | |
| Genre | Soap opera |
| Created by | Duma Ndlovu |
| Written by |
|
| Directed by | Jedi Mulovhedzi Sipho Nhlaka Myeni Sibongiseni Zondi Tamie Madlakana Raai Mokoena |
| Creative director | Nthabi Tau |
| Starring |
|
| Original languages | |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Duma Ndlovu |
| Producers | Herbert Hadebe Leo Phiri Malebo Mokoena |
| Running time | 24 - 26 minutes |
| Production company | Word of Mouth Pictures |
| Release | |
| Original network | SABC2 |
| Original release | 7 April 1997 – present |
| Chronology | |
| Related shows | Imbewu: The Seed |
The show is built on a premise that "umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu" meaning that we exist within a context. The show has strong family orientated storylines that seeks to speak to the conflict between the traditional and the modern ways. The Vhakwevho's are the custodians of the traditional side of things while the Johannesburg lot focuses on the modern ways.
In 2006 the series was nominated for the South African Film and Television Award for best soap opera.[4]
Dingaan Khumalo, Gabriel Temudzani and Maumela Mahuwa are currently the longest-serving cast members on the show. Dingaan Khumalo has the role of businessman James Motsamai, Gabriel Temudzani has the role of Chief Azwindini Mukwevho, the Chief of Thathe and Maumela Mahuwa has the role of Nurse Susan Mukwevho, the senior wife of the Chief of Thathe.
Plot
The show is primarily set in Johannesburg and Venda. In Johannesburg, James Motsamai, Khakhathi Mulaudzi, Gugu Nkosi-Zikalala, Imani Nkosi, Hangwani Mukhwevho, Rendani Mukhwevho, their families and their colleagues deal with nepotism, drama and violence in the corporate world. In Venda, the Mukhwevho family leads the people of Thathe while there are cracks in their family.
Cast
Starring
- Dingaan Khumalo as James Motsamai
- Gabriel Temudzani as Azwindini Mukwevho
- Maumela Mahuwa as Susan Mukwevho
- Zonke Mchunu as Imani Nkosi
- Bukamina Cebekhulu as Gugu Nkosi-Zikalala
- MacDonald Ndou as Khakhathi"KK"Mulaudzi
- Nathaniel Ramabulana as Tendamudzimu"Tenda"Mudau
- Murabeli Rasalanavho as Vho-Mukondeleli Mukwevho
- David Sebe as Vho-Gizara Mukwevho
- Regina Nesengani as Vho-Masindi Mukwevho
- Litebogo Molise as Teboho Mukwevho
- Sydney Ramakuwela as Mulalo Mokwevho
- Connie Sibiya as Vho-Hangwani Mukwevho
- Inocentia Makapila as Rendani Mukwevho-Mudau
- Azwimbavhi Litelu as Mpho Mukwevho
- Sharon Seno as Marang Motsamai
- Tebatjo Mashishi as Kgosi Mulaudzi
- Humbulani Tsharani as Mulimisi
- Kingsley Ramabulana as Vhangani Ramasha
- Eunice Mabeta as Vho-Makhadzi Mukwevho
- Buhle Samuels as Matshidiso Chiloane
Recurring Cast
- Jackie Nethomboni as Vho-Phusuphusu Mukwevho
- Burnett Gededger as Hulisani Mudau
- Fezile Makhanya as Muzi Cele
- Phandelani Mulaudzi as Dee
- Vhavhudi Lidzengo as Vutshilo Mukwevho
- Amos Mulaudzi as Borosi Mukwevho
- Khanya Mkhangisa as Mbali
- Siya Sepotokele as Doctor Sechaba
- Dumisani Dlamini as Eric Zikalala
- Bonga Dlamini as Qhawe
The Mukwevho Family and MMC
The Mukwevho family is one of the highest royal families in Venda. Azwindini is the chief and has 4 wives (Susan, Pfuluwani, Vele and Mpho). Vho-Masindi is the Queen Mother and the Chief's mother. Vho-Makhadzi is the matriarch of the family by blood and Vho-Gizara is the younger brother of Vho-Makhadzi and is Azwindini's Royal Advisor. Vho-Makhadzi, Vho-Gizara, Vho-Borosi and Vho-Phusuphusu are siblings and their brothers Vho-Albert, Vho-Mushasha and Azwindini's father all died.
Vho-Hangwani is Albert's widow and Rendani is her daughter. Hangwani and Rendani both reside in Johannesburg but go to Venda for family gatherings. Hangwani owns coffee shop Dukathole and Rendani works at the family business, MMC. Vho-Mukondeleli is Vho-Mushasha's widow and Mulalo is her grandson. Mulalo has been fighting for the throne for a long time and was even bewitched to show that he isn't entitled to the throne. Gizara is the current regent of Thathe.
MMC
Mukwevho Mulaudzi Constructions is the Mukwevho family business. The CEO was previously Thandaza Mokoena, who was Edward Mukwevho's widow until she started her own rival business, Basadi Constructions (now called Qalabosha). The current CEO is Gugu Nkosi-Zikalala with KK Mulaudzi as the company's majority shareholder. Rendani normally acts as her family's proxy in board meetings.
References
- "'The Wild' nominated for seven awards". Daily Dispatch. 17 February 2012. Archived from the original on 19 February 2012. Retrieved 23 July 2012.
- Perkins, Kathy A. (1999). Black South African Women: An Anthology of Plays. Juta and Company. p. 142. ISBN 9781919713151.
- "SABC still favours rich, urban viewers". The Times (South Africa). 19 September 2004.
- "Inaugural SAFTA nominees announced". Bizcommunity.com. 4 October 2006. Retrieved 23 July 2012.