After 13 seasons ‘Takalani Sesame’: A true South African icon

As we celebrate the new season of Takalani Sesame airing on SABC2, the beloved series continues to make an impact—not just for fans but for the talent behind some of the most beloved characters. With a curricular focus on ‘big emotions,’ mirroring the intense feelings experienced by many children throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the season has been a special one for the actors who bring the beloved Muppets to life.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ‘TAKALANI SESAME’ MEMORY?
It’s not only young South Africans who are able to offer an answer to this question; many of their moms and dads have grown up with the show, singing along with the likes of Elmo, Zuzi, Kami, Moshe and Zikwe, every week day after school.

One of the reasons for the show’s timeless appeal is its ability to tap into the zeitgeist of the times. The newest season’s accent on ‘big emotions’ is a case in point: in fact, Damon Berry, the talent who brings Elmo to life, says that this has been a real highlight during his 22 years as part of the show.

ALSO READ: Viewers in stitches as SpongeBob goes Zulu for his 36th birthday [watch]

“In our exciting new season, Elmo gets a big feeling when he tries to play Zuzu’s Adventure game. It’s very powerful to see Elmo deal with real big feelings like being nervous,” Damon enthuses.

While Damon says that his Takalani Sesame journey started when he was cast as a character in the show’s very first season, other puppeteers have fond memories of watching the characters themselves.

Elmo and Damon. Image Supplied
NOZIZWE ZULU AS KAMI
Take Nozizwe Zulu, the talent behind Kami, for example:

“Of course I watched the show when I was growing up! Everyone in my hood did. I was already in my youth when Takalani Sesame was released in the early 2000, but the show was so much fun that, even at my age, I never wanted to miss it. Even though I was already in the industry, I thought Takalani Sesame was an existing place, like Soweto where I came from. To tell you a secret, I used to tell my grandmother that I wanted to work at Takalani Sesame. I used to love ous’ Moshidi, who was then Mmadimpho, and I wished I could work with her someday – talk about fate!”

Sharon, Kami and Nozizwe. Image Supplied
Nozizwe isn’t the only person on the team whose life was significantly impacted by the show – it seems that many people the actors meet have a story to tell about their favourite character. Reshoketswe Maredi, who operates Zikwe’s arm, recalls having coffee with a new friend one day:

“When he asked where I worked and I told him that I’m a Muppeteer, he got so excited that he started singing all the songs from Takalani. He told me that he’d grown up on it. I knew my chances of dating him were zero percent!”

Damon has had a similar experience: “We were once doing a location shoot in Maboneng. While I was standing there with my character, a successful businessman in a suit got out of his fancy car and started gesticulating out of the window. He wanted to share what a fan he is, and how the show has had a positive impact on him…how it had helped him. What a blessing it is to see that we’ve made a real difference in people’s lives,” Damon muses.

TUMI MARATELE AS THE VOICE OF ZUZU
Tumi Maratele, the voice of Zuzu, once found herself seated on a place next to her character’s “greatest fan”:

“I was wearing a Zuzu t-shirt, and she asked where I got it from. When I told her I had received it on set, she told me that Zuzu was her favourite – and she couldn’t believe it when I told her that I puppeteer Zuzu! I had to show her pics of myself with Zuzu, do Zuzu’s giggle, make her voice and even sing a song. Needless, to say, I performed the whole flight!”

Zuzu and Tumi. Image Supplied
NYANGA TSHABALALA AS ZIKWE
Nyanga Tshabalala, whose character is Zikwe, says that even if people don’t have their own stories about watching Takalani Sesame, they’re inevitably intrigued when they find out he’s a puppeteer.

“They always want to know how we do it. That tells me that we’re doing something right – because all children and adults believe in the magic and the messages the characters are putting across on screen.”

Nyanga, Zikwe and Reshoketswe. Image Supplied
While the puppeteers (or at least, their furry alter egos) have become household names, they all agree that one of the best parts of working on the show is getting to collaborate with South African superstars. The show has a proud history of bringing the cream of local talent onto the set. Think of the time Zikwe taught Jimmy Dludlu to play guitar, or when Elmo jammed with Bra Hugh Masekela, for example. The current series is no different: this time, we’re graced with the presence of the likes of Sho Majozi, Prev Reddy, The Goliaths, Holly & Mimi Ray, Farieda Metsileng and David Kau.

Zikwe and Jimmy Dludlu. Image Supplied
LINDANI NKOSI AS MOSHE IN ‘TAKALANI SESAME’
For Lindani Nkosi, better known as Moshe, the inclusion of such celebrities is a highlight – but perhaps even more memorable are the collaborations with individuals, families and societies in need.

“It’s wonderful that we’ve been able to include people with special needs, adults and children alike,” Lindani says.

Moshe and Lindani Nkosi. Image Supplied
‘TAKALANI SESAME’ KEEPS PACE WITH THE TIMES
As the series celebrates its 13th season, which airs weekdays on SABC 2 at 15:30, it’s clear that one of the reasons for the show’s evergreen appeal, is its ability to keep pace with the times, maintaining relevance and a deep connection with each new generation of youngsters.

Who can forget the addition of Kami to the show, for example? As the first HIV-positive Muppet, this much-loved member of the crew had a critical part to play in educating South Africans about living with the virus. Of course, as time has moved on, we’ve encountered new challenges – and, as ever, the characters have been on hand to help children deal with their evolving circumstances, educating them even as they entertain.

Sharon Mekoa, the actor who operates Kami’s arm, believes this is one of the show’s strengths:

“We have so much fun on the show. I think that’s why both adults and children like to watch it: it’s enormously fun, but we’re all learning at the same time.”

TWO INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
Nyanga points out that Takalani Sesame has also played a critical role in helping South African society to integrate, especially as it first appeared on screens at a time when South Africans were searching for a way to create cohesion.

“For the first time in the history of South Africa, children and parents alike were able to watch the same show in their mother tongue languages and receive the same information,” he says.

He’s equally proud that the show has gone on to win two international awards.

As a new generation of South Africans gets ready to sing along to Takalani Sesame’s theme song, one thing is for sure: the show will remain as much a part of local life as shisanyama and biltong for years to come!

After more than 21 years on South African screens, it’s no exaggeration to say that Takalani Sesame has become a household name. In fact, the lovable Muppets of Takalani Sesame have become an entrenched part of family life for generations, making this a true heritage brand.

Trevor Noah adds South Africa dates for 2023 comedy tour

Award-winning comedian and television host Trevor Noah will be returning to South Africa in 2023 for 12 comedy shows! Taking to Twitter on Monday 26 September, The Daily Show host expressed that he is excited to come back to Mzansi for an amazing time.


 
TREVOR NOAH RETURNS TO SOUTH AFRICA
South African-born comedian Trevor Noah last performed in South Africa in 2018 for his Nationwild comedy special. Nearly five years later, Noah is set to return to Mzansi in August and September 2023 for 12 shows. The talented comedian will be performing in Durban, Cape Town and Pretoria.

In a tweet on 26 September, the 38-year-old shared that he has teamed up with popular cider Savanna for the comedy tour. Tickets for the shows go on sale from Tuesday 27 September at 09:00.

“Can’t wait to come home!!” he wrote.

‘Makoti!’: SuperSport host Carol Tshabalala ties the knot

Congratulations are in order for soccer presenter Carol Tshabalala who now goes by the title Mrs S.

The SuperSport presenter took to her Instagram feed and stories on Thursday 25 August to share beautiful pics of her lobolo negotiations with her followers.


 

 

 

 

CAROL TSHABALALA IS OFFICIALLY MARRIED
In February this year, Carol announced that her partner had popped the question. The media personality gushed over her man’s taste, whom she refers to as J.

“My fiancé has impeccable taste! Only the best.” In another post she wrote, “Here’s to being Mrs. S. I love you now and forever more my J.”

Six months later and her lobolo has been finalised, with celebrations between the two families.

While it is not clear when the lobolo negotiations took place, Carol shared stunning snaps on Instagram, on Thursday, of her bridesmaids, her elders during the negotiations and her beautiful traditional wedding cake.

“A coming together of Zulu and Pedi families,” she captioned one of her posts.

On her Instagram Stories, the soccer presenter shared a short clip of herself and her husband — whom she also calls husbae. The clip shows Carol rocking her sparkling wedding ring with a huge rock. She slowly turns the camera to show only her husband’s lower body and his tattooed arms. In the video, she says she’s visiting her man at work.

PREVIOUS RELATIONSHIPS
Carol Tshabalala, 41, is very private about her personal life, which is why she has kept her husband’s identity a secret.

When she was only 19 years old, Carol married Solomon Manana and together they have two sons, Joel and Solomon. Joel was born in 2002, while Solomon was born in 2007. The pair divorced in 2006, a few months before Solomon’s birth.

In 2015, the Daily Sun reported that she was dating Sbusiso “Sbuda” Motloung, who is currently dating rapper, Nomuzi “Moozlie” Mabena.

Carol has also been rumoured to be dating former Liverpool player, Sadio Mane. The Senegalese now plays for German side, Bayern Munich.

Noxolo Mathula (Lilly) not leaving Uzalo “She’s still

‘Uzalo’
‘Uzalo’ characters Hleziphi, Nonka and Lilly. Image via Instagram @Uzalo_SABC1

Actress Noxolo Mathula, who plays the role of Lilly Madongwe in Uzalo has rubbished rumours that she’s leaving the SABC1 soapie.

ALSO READ:SOAPIE QUIZ: How well do you know ‘Gomora’? WIN R1 000 in cash!

 

 

 

 

ALSO READ:‘Uzalo’: Why Gabisile’s lover could be the mysterious Putin

‘LILLY IS NOT LEAVING’
The actress Noxolo Mathula had Uzalo viewers wondering if she was leaving the soapie after her character Lilly got a transfer to another police station.

According to the storyline Lilly is set to leave KwaMashu, relocating to Mpumalanga to start a new life with her girlfriend.

Insiders from the Stained Glass TV production revealed to Daily Sun that the 29-year-old actress, who plays a lesbian and a police officer Lilly is still part of Uzalo.

“She’s still part of Uzalo and not leaving. Writers and producers have not gone out of ideas regarding the role.”

Another source told the publication that Lilly will be dropping a bombshell to her fans soon.

“Something is going on in her personal life, but she will announce it to her fans soon. Some have questioned whether she’s pregnant or not, but let’s wait for her to reveal the news.”

ALSO READ: ‘Uzalo’s’ Noxolo Mathula: ‘Playing a bisexual is challenging’

NOXOLO MATHULA ANNOUNCES NEW SHOW
The popular actress Noxolo Mathula took to her Instagram account on Thursday, 22 September to announce to tease her about being on another show.

“A Thursday selfie. Different gown, different production. God, I’m grateful.”

Mathula confirmed to Daily Sun that she’s not leaving the SABC1 soapie when she was contacted and that viewers will still get to see her on the show.

“I’m not leaving. Fans will still see me on the show.”

Congratulatory messages from fans and industry friends have been pouring in since she announced her new role.

Find your next fortune with Betway’s Casino Games Welcome Offer and get up to R2 000 as a Casino Games Bonus when you make your first deposit! A world of infinite fun awaits, from classic experiences to new favourites, there’s something thrilling for everyone.

Sophie Ndaba claims that it is all fake news that her house has been taken away from her by the bank

Sophie Ndaba is an actress who portrait Queen on Generations many years back.

It has been talk of the town that Sophie Ndaba no longer has money to pay for the house bond, which is in the City of Johannesburg which she later made a statement that it is all fake news.


 

 

 

 

Last week it was claimed that one of the big banks in the country kicked Sophie Ndaba out of the house since she failed to pay for the bond, the house is estimated to be worth R2 million ad above and she failed to pay R80 000 Sophie Ndaba was supposed to pay R22 000 a month and the claims were that she no longer payed the fee she was meant to pay.

Sophie Ndaba made a video which she posted on her social media sites giving a statement of what really happened.She made it clear that the house is not being taken away from her but she has made an agreement with the bank that she will sell the house to an agent of her choice.

“being behind with the payment to the bank, that is between me and the bank,” Said Sophie.

She then mentioned her health that she was diagnosed with Diabetes after she was mocked on social media about the change people see on her, people showed concerns and wished her good health and that she gets well soon and start afresh her life.