Uzalo's secret sauce! What keeps Mzansi glued?

MZANSI'S most-watched soapie, Uzalo, has shared their tips and secrets about why they are the number one most-watched soapie in the country.

Uzalo made history when it attracted 11,4 million viewers in one day on Wednesday, 15 April 2020.

They shared their insights and experiences with the French Institute of South Africa, which is supported by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and Institut Francais in Paris.

A delegate from the French Institute of South Africa visited the Uzalo studios in Durban on Thursday afternoon, 18 July, as part of the Durban Film International Festival currently taking place in Durban.

Uzalo has been producing 260 episodes per season for 10 years and is currently in its tenth season. Although they are still number one, their viewership has dropped to between 5 and 6 million viewers.

Uzalo's creative director, Mthunzi Dubazane, led a tour of the Uzalo studios and explained what the popular show is about.

Mthunzi said Uzalo portrays the residents of KwaMashu and the Mhlongo family, who are trying to control KwaMashu's residents.

"Basically, in the township, you get informal settlements, and Uzalo, being the story and show that it is, mirrors the reality and shows the people the reality of the lives of South Africans. It's not necessarily an inspirational show when you see affluent characters, but you actually see yourself.

"I think this is part of the secret why Uzalo has remained at the top because when people watch, they actually see the reality about who they are," he said.

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One of Uzalo's executive producers, Pepsi Pokane, said although the numbers are dropping, they're still the biggest show in the country, and they have more viewers than anyone else.

Stained Glass TV, which produces Uzalo, and many top production executives, including Gugu Zuma-Ncube and Pepsi Pokane, have been invited to host two sessions under the theme 'Meet the Maker' at the Durban Film Mart and Durban Film International Film Festival on Friday, 19 July, and Saturday, 20 July.