Actors often say that being in a soapie feels like being in a family. I've never fully believed it - until now.
Turns out it's very true for the 7de Laan'ers who've been hit by the realities that come with family this week, catapulting the show from highs last week to a tragedy.
This past weekend Sekoati Tsubane, who plays Kabelo, and Zoleka Mandela lost their newborn baby Zenawe.
As you probably know, Zoleka is Nelson Mandela's granddaughter and this is the second tragedy she's suffered in a year - her daughter Zenani was killed in a car accident last year during the World Cup.
Zenawe was born last week Thursday (23 June) and was premature - he was due in September. He was reportedly doing well until the weekend when complications arose as a result of his early arrival.
With the press statement about the news, the show sent out this message:
"Sekoati and Zoleka, we share in your sorrow and keep you in our prayers."
Just before it happened - earlier last week, the cast had been celebrating the engagement of Oubaas' daughter in real life, who's joined the show.
Pierre van Pletzen's daughter, Zetske van Pletzen makes her debut in early August as Marcel Jooste - Oubaas' niece and Ryno's publisher.
Shortly after she started filming her scenes, her long-time boyfriend actor Altus Theart proposed.
Althus, who played Fafa on kykNET's Getroud Met Rugby, proposed to her at a restaurant and then asked Pierre and Zetske's other parents if it was okay, including her real mother, actress and former 7de Laan'er Elzette Maarschalk.
Pierre is married to actress Sandra Vaughn, who played Debbie on 7de Laan. Elzette is married to actor and musician Joseph Clarke.
The couple haven't set a date for the wedding yet but plan for it to happen early next year. Zetske's role on 7de Laan may or may not be permanent.
She arrives, causes waves and has a tempestuous relationship with Ryno. At the end of August she storms out after a fight and may return as Ryno's love interest.
As you can see, the soapie's gone through everything that comes with family bonds - all within a week.