SABC2's new reality low A Big Day for 25K premieres tonight (9 June) at 19h30 for a 13-episode season.
As you've probably seen in
New on TV Today, it follows couples who plan and create their weddings within a budget of R25,000. They have four days to make it happen.
Here's a close-up on each of their backstories:
Sunday 9 June 2024
Episode 1
Monique Warren-Du Plessis and Manie Plessis from Pretoria have had a challenging life and when Manie came and saved Monique from a rather dark relationship, the writing was on the wall.
With the support of Manie’s landlords, the couple have been able to give their children a brighter future and now all that remains is a cozy fairytale wedding.
Will the dream team make the dream work for just 25k?
Sunday 16 June 2024
Episode 2
Nelson Mabunda and Julia Hlatshwayo are from Majazane near Orange farm and have faced many challenges in their relationship, starting with battling to get married due to financial issues down to struggling through two miscarriages.
Through it all they've stuck together and Nelson has been Julia's pillar of strength, even when she wanted to give up.
Sunday 23 June 2024
Episode 3
Mandy-Lee Adams and Jaun Venter’s love story defies the odds - their vast age difference and racial diversity have made this couple want to make love win.
They are bringing Juan's family all the way to the Cape to celebrate love and unity. They will have to work through the challenges before them to finally become Mr and Mrs Venter.
Sunday 30 June 2024
Episode 4
Moleboheng Radebe and Vandross Mokele are a couple from Bophelong, Vanderbiljpark.
They have the deepest desire to finally tie the knot after the health scares they've been through and want to show the world that their love goes further than all obstacles.
With Moleboheng being pregnant, let's see how they make it all possible with a bun in the oven.
Sunday 7 July 2024
Episode 5
Akshay Hansraj and Vanishree Moodley moved from Durban to Johannesburg for some peace of mind after Vanishree left a toxic relationship with the father of her child.
The couple were involved in an accident where Vanishree’s car was badly damaged, which served to strengthen their bond despite the tragedy.
Will this second chance at a traditional Hindu wedding come to fruition in the limited time and for just 25K?
Sunday 14 July 2024
Episode 6
Wesley and Bianca Beaumont, from the south of Johannesburg, have never had a white wedding. They met and within three months of courtship got married at home affairs, even though secretly dreamt of a beautiful white wedding.
She had been the breadwinner in the family and her husband was the stay-at-home dad. But in 2017 she was first diagnosed with cancer. In 2021 she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and cancer in both her breasts as she lives on another day.
Now they're determined to make every day count.
Sunday 21 July 2024
Episode 7
Rebecca Moshibidu and Tshidiso Mosisili from Cosmo City in Johannesburg met in 2019 during the festive season in a taxi.
Rebecca learnt that Tshidiso has a child with another woman which has caused tensions between Rebecca and Tshidiso’s mother.
With Tshidiso struggling to find a job and Rebecca having to bring in most of their income, the couple insists that they love one another and refuse to hear any criticism or warnings from outsiders.
Will this work against them as they work towards their big day?
Sunday 28 July 2024
Episode 8
Sarah and Winston Segwale have been traditionally married for 32 years. The couple, who live in Mafikeng, are proud parents of three children who describe their union as inspiring.
They always planned to have their vows renewed in a white dress when they reached 30 years of marriage.
In 2019 Winston was stabbed in his spinal cord during an altercation with robbers and sadly became paralyzed from his chest down to his toes.
Will this be an obstacle in their wedding challenge?
Sunday 4 August 2024
Episode 9
Rejoice Sekwati and Zanele Khumalo are from Lawley in the far South of Johannesburg. They met in 2016, Rejoice eventually paid lobola and they had a small traditional celebration.
But then he lost his job and was unable to fulfil the promise he had made to give Zanele a white wedding.
While he was grappling with the loss of his job, they also found out that Zanele was HIV positive but this didn't cancel his love for her.
Sunday 11 August 2024
Episode 10
Dinah Sesi Sibiya and Ofentse Mkhelele Ramasodi are a young LGBTQI+ couple who grew up in the heart of Klipgat, Pretoria.
They share their love story with us, including their heartbreak at the fact that Dinah’s mother doesn't and has never approved of their relationship.
Will she be there on their big day?
Sunday 18 August 2024
Episode 11
Melusi Radebe and Phindile Moshele are a young couple from Balfour, Mpumalanga. They have dreams of tying the knot in an intimate wedding that will help put Phindile’s father at ease.
Her father, whose health has been deteriorating, would love to see his daughter walk down the aisle and marry the love of her life and the father of her child.
Sunday 25 August 2024
Episode 12
Mohau Malaka and Kagiso Lebabo, a couple from Randfontein, met at a party, which developed into them wanting to show the world how much they mean to one another.
Their goal is to prove that they can be in a same-sex marriage with their family's support, without listening to what others say.
Sunday 1 September 2024
Episode 13
Lehlohonolo and Masechaba are from Kroonstad in the Orange Free State and have held it together through some relationship damaging alcoholism, cheating and financial struggles.
They met in 2002, while they were still young, and although Masechaba's parents did not approve of Lehlohonolo at first, she had fallen in love and was determined to make their relationship work.
They've signed their marraige papers and now want to celebrate for all to see.
Premiere episodes of A Big Day for 25K air on SABC2 on Sundays at 19h30.