Though it has been a regular on SABC 1 for years, the popular soap opera Uzalo appears to be losing its way. The show has received criticism from fans despite having a devoted following, and the SABC has taken note.
Insiders in an organisation claim that the SABC has given Uzalo and other shows severe directives to either change or depart. The message is very clear: the shows will be cancelled if they don’t start bringing in money and ratings.
It’s not all bad news, either. For the SABC, the introduction of Primedia—a corporation that offers sponsored and pre-recorded content—has changed everything. In terms of earnings and statistics, shows like The Masked Singer and Deal or No Deal have been performing well.
Yet, Uzalo’s viewership has been drastically dropping. With over 10 million viewers, the show was once a ratings powerhouse, but its viewership has now dropped to just about 5 million.
What then is causing the decline? IPSOS and Milton Data study indicates that the country’s television viewership figures are declining nationwide, in addition to the shows themselves. The way individuals consume entertainment has evolved as a result of the growth of social media, streaming services, and podcasts.
Can Uzalo make a comeback and make it past the cutting board? Time will tell. Ndileka Cola, the SABC spokeswoman, has acknowledged receiving inquiries regarding the situation but has not yet provided a response. Keep checking back for updates on this evolving narrative.