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SABC extends Uzalo to five nights a week

Uzalo cast. Picture credit: Supplied.
Uzalo cast. Picture credit: Supplied.

SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng announced on Monday afternoon at an impromptu press conference that locally-produced telenovela Uzalo will be expanding from three to five nights a week.

Without divulging when this decision will take effect‚ the SABC boss lauded Uzalo‚ claiming that it is “doing very well‚” before further explaining that by making it run every weekday‚ it will give it a fair chance to compete with other soapies and dramas.

“Actually‚ I’m going to give Uzalo five days. To compete accordingly with other soapies or dramas‚” Motsoeneng revealed.

The SABC boss went on to add that any production that does well for the organisation will get more airtime on the broadcaster’s channels.

Uzalo renewed because it brings in most advertising revenue: Zuma-Ncube

“Any production house that does well for the organisation‚ they are going to be getting five days like I have done with other production house. I have given them five days. Everybody who does well for the organisation‚ audience wise‚ revenue‚ they will be on five days‚ including Uzalo‚” he added.

This unforeseen announcement comes a day after a Sunday Times report revealed that Motsoeneng had reversed a recommendation by a review panel who had called for Uzalo not to be commissioned for another season.

According to the report‚ Motsoeneng pumped copious amounts of money (alleged to be R167 million) into the production‚ subsequently creating speculations of political interference as the company behind Uzalo‚ is co-owned by Gugu Zuma-Ncube‚ the daughter of president Jacob Zuma.

Gugu Zuma has since rubbished the claims of political interference against her.

 

 

 

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