Bongile Mantsai who portays Hlumelo Mxenge on ‘Gqeberha: The Empire’. Picture: Supplied
It’s the end of the road for “Gqeberha: The Empire” after two somewhat captivating seasons but viewers seem to be relieved.
After 520 episodes, the Mzansi Magic telenovela has been discontinued.
In the beginning, “Gqeberha: The Empire” had its audience glued to the screens, captivating them with outstanding performances from its great cast members but there seemed to be a switch up for viewers during the first season and when the telenovela proceeded to the second season.
The show was not without flaws but still showed some potential at the beginning with a star studded cast, though after some of the characters were killed off things got a bit shaky.
The abrupt exit of Bulelwa Mxenge, Luzuko Mxenge’s first wife played by Zikhona Sodlaka was one of the main reasons the show lost viewers interest since many felt that her character carried the show, followed by the death of Luzuko Mxenge played by Mbulelo Grootboom.
The announcement of the show coming to an end has been met with a sigh of relief from its viewers on X, as some feel that it’s been long overdue and that the show overstayed its welcome.
“Initially that show was not supposed to have season 2,” says @Sbuda_ACE.
Initially that show was not supposed to have season 2.
— Bhungz 🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦 (@Sbuda_ACE) September 16, 2024
“I have said it before season two that this should happen, their script was all over the place and since it was no longer about Luzuko and his wives, it lost its touch,” says @emily_teffoME.
I have said it before season two that this should happen, their script was all over the place and since it was no longer about Luzuko and his wives , it lost its touch
— 👑 EMILY 👑 (@emily_teffoME) September 16, 2024
Others have sympathised with the cast and crew members that will be losing their jobs with the show being cancelled while maintaining that the show had become boring to watch.
Well deserved 🤷![CDATA[]]>🏾♀️ a pity for those left unemployed. Unfortunately, this was a terrible show.
— t.I.o.m. (@morutwana) September 16, 2024
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the producers, cast, and crew of Gqeberha: The Empire. Their unwavering dedication and exceptional talent have delivered spellbinding story lines in one of the most fiercely competitive prime time slots.
“As we approach the grand finale, we eagerly anticipate witnessing the culmination of this extraordinary journey,” Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net.
She also highlights the stellar work of the multi-award-winning production company, Tshedza Pictures and the entire cast and crew, whose delivery have kept viewers interested since the show’s inception in January 2021 and thanks the Eastern Cape Provincial Government for their crucial support, which has helped the production flourish.
For the month of August 2024 The Broadcast Research Council of South Africa (BRC) shows that “Gqeberha: The Empire” has a total of 604,438 viewers that tune in and it ranks number 11 on the top 30 DSTV programmes.
A brand new local show is set to replace the telenovela’s slot.
IOL
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