The rise of black excellence in South African television
AHEAD of Freedom Day on Tuesday, I thought we should take a peek at the strides made in the TV space.
Transformation hasn’t been easy, especially in the South African landscape – in fact, it’s been a long journey.
But it has been a rewarding one nonetheless.
It’s amazing to witness the creative freedom and growth since democracy was established in 1994.
Looking back, talented actors were not given the platforms – or prestige – they hold now. They were to a large extent relegated to supporting roles and kept in the background.
Times have changed.
And it’s brought with it a tidal shift.
Just to revisit this incredible time in our country’s history, it marked the birth of several iconic TV offerings.
SABC’s long-running soapie Generations established in 1993 by the inimitable Mfundi Vundla, was ahead of the curve and indicative of this wave of change.
Vundla introduced the world of advertising to viewers via the powerful Moroka clan. I mean this show pioneered for several reasons: storytelling, casting and direction. Controversies aside, it is still going strong on SABC1.
It also introduced us to Shona and Connie Ferguson, who are now a tour de force in the industry with their production house, Ferguson Films.
To date, they’ve given us Rockville, iGazi, The Gift, The Throne, The Herd, The Queen, The River and The Imposter.
Last year, they made their debut on Netflix with the six-part fantasy action series Kings of Joburg.
Remember Yizo Yizo, the gritty teen drama that left viewers glued to their screens for several seasons since 1999.
This series took us into the heart of the township, exploring the challenges faced by teenagers attending Supatsela High.
And the writers explored the moral conundrums faced by the students, who are surrounded by violence and criminal gangs.
The series was helmed by Meshack Mavuso, who has gone on to leave deep footprints in the industry with roles in Isidingo, Soul City, Heist, The River and Durban Gen.
Did I mention, he’s gone on to direct, too.
Then we have Hlomla Dandala, who created a stir as Derek Nyati on Isidingo. His character’s interracial relationship was the talk of the town.
Aside from and , he has done a plethora of movies and has explored the world behind the camera, too.
