Last year, Muvhango concluded on SABC 2 after its 28 year run on the channel and plans were underway to fill up the slot with a new series, Pimville. The show was initially slated to launch in August 2025 but was delayed to February 2026.
There was very little communication over this and as you can imagine for the rest of the year SABC 2 was filling up it's schedule with mostly repeats.
In the case of Pimville, it's likely to end up in the same boat as Queendom on the defunct BET Africa and The Estate on SABC 3.
Firstly, SABC entrusted the livelihood of this show to Bakwena Productions who had been involved in various scandals over non-payment. You can only assume Pimville is another victim and SABC has enough episodes for most of 2026.
Another development at SABC 2 is the apparent reinstatement of Afrikaans news bulletin at 18:30 in February 2026. This comes after SABC had told the media that they'd fold this bulletin alongside a batch of Afrikaans content on SABC 3.
This is part of their so-called "new era" which is just a facade as the move only damaged the viewership for these shows. Some insiders had stated there was no market research done when these changes were made last year.
The cash strapped broadcaster has acquired the Afrikaans sitcom Ouma Sarie from eExtra's Kuiertyd. This is probably their way of trying to fill the void after the abrupt cancellation of 7de Laan.
Press statement from the SABC
SABC 2 is entering a New Era – a renewed chapter defined by authentic South African storytelling, cultural familiarity, and a deeper connection to everyday life.
This New Era marks a deliberate shift towards programming that feels relevant, emotionally resonant and grounded in lived South African experiences. It reflects a channel that is confident in its audience, clear in its purpose and intentional in how it serves viewers across generations.
As part of this evolution, SABC 2 introduces the first wave of programming that signals the tone, energy and intent of the New Era ahead of the full channel rollout on 09 February 2026.
NEW ERA – FIRST WAVE PROGRAMMING
Eintlik Let’s Connect – 16h30
A topical afternoon companion offering real conversations, lifestyle insights and everyday South African voices.
Afrikaans Nuus – 18h30
The inclusion of Afrikaans Nuus on SABC 2 underscores the channel’s commitment to linguistic diversity, ensuring Afrikaans-speaking audiences are meaningfully represented within the public broadcaster’s comprehensive and accessible news service.
Ouma Sarie – 19h00
A warm, multi-generational favourite that celebrates humour, tradition and the relationships that anchor South African families.
Deal or No Deal – 19h30
The iconic game show Deal or No Deal, hosted by Katlego Maboe, moves into a new timeslot, bringing anticipation, excitement and shared family viewing into primetime.
Pimville – 21h00
Positioned as the flagship of SABC 2’s New Era, Pimville is a powerful telenovela set in Soweto that explores ambition, resilience, love and consequence through authentic township storytelling.
Colour Your Plate with KOO – Sundays 19h00
A vibrant cooking competition celebrating nutritious meals and South Africa’s diverse culinary heritage returns for a new season.
Together, these programmes mark the opening movement of SABC 2’s New Era – a confident first step that signals change while setting the stage for more to come.
Further announcements, including additional weekday and weekend programming, will be revealed at SABC 2’s Live in Every Beat: The Pulse of South Africa launch on 29 January 2026.
SABC 2’s refreshed schedule goes on air from 9 February 2026.
