Updated on 7 April 2017
This article was originally published in 2009 when Muvhango reached its 1000th episode so we've reloaded it for the soapie's 20th anniversary tonight.
It offers a double blast to the past by taking you back to the show's 1000th episode and the very first episode.
Long-running soapie
Muvhango will be reaching the show's 1000th episode this Thursday (27 August 2009) - usual time/usual place.
Since the soapie premiered in April 1997, it's gone through various format and location changes: it began as a 13-part series and when it reached Season 4 it got extended to three-nights-a-week - Mondays to Wednesdays. At the time, it also went from filming on location to shooting at SABC's Henley studio's - where it still is.
In April 2007 the show celebrated 10-years on air and got picked up on Thursday nights too.
Of course the behind-the-scenes antics at Muvhangoville have often been more soapified than the on-screen exploits of the characters.
"I'm Doobsie"
"No I'm Doobsie"
"NO. I'm Doobsie"
"NOOOO, aaaaaaargh!!!"
The show's creator Duma Ndlovu (who very few people have
actually seen) has a reputation for hiring and firing actors at the flip of a camera switch. No soapie has delivered as many stories starring moaning actors.
As for what's coming up in the 1000th episode: Thandaza's going to have flashback moments to remember things that have happened in the past.
Word from the set is that the cast and crew won't be doing anything specific to celebrate the episode during it's broadcast on Thursday - the show's been on a production break so they're going to have a special shindig in September when everyone's back on set. We'll keep you posted on what they get up to (and whether fired actors will be invited - or
not.)
In the meantime, here are some blast-to-the-past grabs of the very first episode of the show, that started with two-timing chief Mashudu Mukwevho having a heart attack - obviously from the pressure of having too many wives.
"Damn, if only I'd been happy with one I'd still be ticking."
"Luckily I wore matching socks!"
*Muvhangoville music kicks in* ...
A pic of the cast, taken in 2007.