Danie Odendaal created ‘7de Laan’, which made its premiere on SABC 2 on April 4, 2000. It featured beloved characters including Oubaas, Hilda, Charmaine, Aggie, Emma, and the Meintjies family, all of whom went on to become well-known figures.
The latest 7de Laan cast. Picture: Twitter
JOHANNESBURG – The popular soap opera 7de Laan has been on the air for 23 years, but SABC 2 and Danie Odendaal Productions have confirmed that it won’t be renewed for a fifth season when season 24 ends in December 2023.
Danie Odendaal created “7de Laan,” which made its premiere on SABC 2 on April 4, 2000. It featured beloved characters including Oubaas, Hilda, Charmaine, Aggie, Emma, and the Meintjies family, all of whom went on to become well-known figures in the entertainment industry.
The fictional Hillside suburb of Johannesburg was the setting for the television series 7de Laan, which debuted with just one episode per week before expanding to five. The show helped several performers and the characters they played become established actors.
Over the course of its existence, 7de Laan has garnered numerous honours, including the Outstanding Female Villain Award, which Deirdre Wolhuter won for her portrayal of Mariaan Welman, and the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) in the categories of Best Soapie and Most Popular Soapie.
Thandi Ramathesele, executive producer of 7de Laan in a media statement expressed that it was “bittersweet to say goodbye”.
“As we come to the end of this chapter, we express our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated cast and crew who have poured their talent and passion into bringing the show to life.
“We also extend our deepest appreciation to the viewers and fans whose unwavering support has been the driving force behind our success,” said Ramathesele.
With a heavy heart, we bring you the sad news of the SABC’s decision to conclude the beloved soapie, 7de Laan, after Season 24 – the final episode being the 26th of December 2023.
We are eternally grateful for each and every one of you and for being on this journey with us.???? pic.twitter.com/T8pTyFYIS2
‘ 7de Laan (@Real7deLaan) July 17, 2023
Over the past 20 years, as South Africans began to paraphrase some of the characters’ lines, such as Oubaas’ mispronunciations, the programme that was intended to serve as a stand-in for the colourful real-life Melville in Johannesburg has inspired roadshows and cookbooks.
“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,” says Lala Tuku, head of programming for video entertainment at the SABC.
There are millions of South Africans whose hearts have been touched by 7de Laan and its familiar jingles.
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