During the week, it was learnt by staff and crew that the SABC had cancelled 7de Laan after its 23 year run on SABC 2 with the last episode set to be broadcast on 26 December 2023. No reason was given for the cancellation but sources believe it could be financial constraints.
7de Laan was first broadcast on 4 April 2000 - initially with only one episode a week before it grew to five days a week - making household names of numerous actors and their characters who inhabited the fictional Hillside suburb in Johannesburg.
Created as a stand-in for the eclectic real-life Melville in Johannesburg, the show spawned roadshows and cookbooks over the past two decades as South Africans started quoting some of the characters' sayings, like Oubaas' malapropisms.
Lala Tuku, SABC head of content for video entertainment, says, "The SABC is proud to have worked with Danie Odendaal Productions and been part of the journey leading and producing the best Afrikaans soapie on local television for SABC 2. 7de Laan has penetrated the hearts of millions of South Africans.
"After more than two decades on air, the award-winning 7de Laan leaves a lasting imprint on the SA television landscape. SABC wishes all the dedicated and talented cast and crew of 7de Laan all the best in their future endeavours".
Few months ago, it was reported that The Estate another local program by the public broadcaster currently seen on SABC 3 would go on production break with sources believing it will be likely cancelled as they source out long form series for all three channels.
SABC 1 is looking for a youth oriented show likely under SABC Education and similar to MTV Shuga, Skeem Saam and Degrassi will focus on female characters, gay characters and disabled characters. If anything could it be possible that Skeem Saam and Uzalo will get the boot if not Generations: The Legacy.
Despite Uzalo and Skeem Saam garnering traction as seen with 7de Laan, the public broadcaster has been slow on commissions likely due to financial constraints. In 2021, Uzalo was renewed for another two years (through 2023) with Skeem Saam and Generations to be carried through 2024.
Another thing would be scheduling conflicts, with e.tv and Mzansi Magic ramping up a similar offering and also the existing Generations: The Legacy, Skeem Saam and Uzalo. This series wouldn't have much exposure so it would make sense to scrap one of three in order to make space for this series.
SABC 2 is looking for a new family drama centred around hope of course not much details is shared about the type of show except they're looking at concepts and ideas that broaden and celebrate the South African family in the context of home, society, and workplace. This could be the series that is set to replace 7de Laan but for all we know it cater to audiences of Muvhango.
SABC 3 is looking for high end drama series similar to Backstage or Isidingo might be replacing The Estate. The series should explore the impact of this seismic shift in society on the individual, the family, community, and institutions at large.
The teams are working tirelessly and diligently to finalise the process and provide feedback to all producers as soon as possible," says the SABC". The video entertainment team has already begun the pitching and look forward to engaging with more producers as the process unfolds.
