The only Tshivenda soapie on TV, Muvhango, which was on SABC 2, has come to an end after 28 years.
Muvhango was created by Duma Ndlovu and was first aired on SABC 2 on April 7, 1997. In 2006, Muvhango was nominated for the South African Film and Television Award for Best Soapie Opera.
In 2009, Muvhango won the Best Achievement in Costume Design – TV Soap Award.
On Tuesday, August 12, 2024 Muvhango aired its final episode.
Tonight on #ZwaMaramani , we’re diving into the ending of the popular Tshivenda drama, Muvhango.
Watch ZwaMaramani Tonight at 20h30 #YouBelongOnSABC2 pic.twitter.com/8AQ4Ptk1aS
— SABC_2 (@SABC_2) August 13, 2025
Doctor Regina Nesengani, who played one of the main characters as Vho-Masindi, the Chief’s mother for 17 years, says it is painful that the story will no longer be watched.
“Watching the last episode, one felt it meant it’s over for me. It gives one the feeling that it is the end of the world. It’s a painful scene, but there is nothing much we can do. It’s written in the Bible that everything has its own season, so it was the season for us to be watched on TV for the last time.”
Residents at Thathe Vondo village, outside Thohoyandou, where some scenes from Muvhango were shot, say the soapie reflected real life in communities, and also promoted the Tshivenda language and culture.
“It’s painful, we enjoyed watching it. It’s painful because we enjoyed it, they were acting nicely in Venda, and they were promoting the Venda language. It’s painful that it came to an end. VhoMushasha was helping in saving lives. After him came VhoMulimisi, who showed us real traditional healers don’t kill, and they continue doing everything to protect life.”
[WATCH] After nearly three decades, Tshivenḓa telenovela Muvhango airs its final episode on Tuesday, 12 August at 9 PM on SABC2. Maumela Mahuwa, Innocentia Manchidi, and Dr. Xolisa Tshongolo reflect on its cultural impact. pic.twitter.com/2adSIXKbfq
— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 10, 2025
