The future of ‘Muvhango’ hangs in the balance as producer faces tax charges
The fate of the popular long-standing SABC2 telenovela, “Muvhango” hangs in the balance.
Viewers may have to say goodbye to their favourite Tshivenda soapie, which has kept them entertained for over two and a half decades, at the end of July, when “Muvhango’s” current contact with the SABC comes to an end.
The SABC has confirmed to Independent Media Lifestyle, that only one season of the revamped “Muvhango” had been given to producer Duma Ndlovu of Word of Mouth Pictures.
“The SABC can confirm that only one season of ‘Muvhango’ is currently contracted and that the current contract is set to end on 31 July 2025. The SABC cannot comment on the future of the programme at this stage,” said Mmoni Ngubane, head of communications at SABC2.
According to online reports, the show’s contract may not be renewed due to an ongoing legal matter between the South African Revenue Service and Ndlovu.
It is alleged that Ndlovu and two others are facing fraud and tax evasion charges.
According to an official statement by SARS and the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), Ndlovu and his co-accused Rodney Mutsharini and Maxwell Mloyi were arrested in September 2024.
They appeared before the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court on 18 charges of tax fraud relating to Ndlovu’s personal and company income tax valued at approximately R26 million.
The statement read: “The court granted Ndlovu R100 000 bail while Mutsharini and Mloyi were granted R50 000 bail each.”
“Ndlovu was also ordered to report to a police at Sandton Police Station every Monday or Wednesday, notify the clerk of the court of his KwaZulu-Natal change of address and submit an application to the court should he desire to travel outside the boarders of South Africa.”
“Independent Media Lifestyle” has reached out to Word of Mouth Pictures for comment and are awaiting feedback.
∎ This is a developing story.