Read more
Behind the scenes with cinematographer Wimpie Ackermann
Cash-strapped SABC drops ‘Top Billing’
The public broadcaster can no longer afford to pay for the popular lifestyle TV show, and after 23 years will air the final episode this weekend.
The last episode of Top Billing will be on Saturday. Image: Facebook
Embattled public broadcaster SABC has made yet another sacrifice as it continues to struggle financially.
After 23 years, the popular SABC3 luxury lifestyle TV show Top Billing will no longer be aired.
According to Sowetan, Tswelopele Productions will air its last episode of the show on Saturday.
The SABC will reportedly release a media statement on the announcement.
This weekend on #TopBilling, @basetsanakumalo invites us home to meet her proudest achievement, the Kumalo family; @harmonythe1 is in Dubai and we invite you into a dream home by architect Jacques van Niekerk! ⁰⁰
It’s the best of the good life, Saturday 6PM on @SABC3. pic.twitter.com/uzweWbhKL8
— Topbilling (@SABC3Topbilling) October 16, 2019
However, Sowetan reports that the show costs the SABC between R500,000 and R800,000 per show to produce, which is why it chose not to renew Top Billing’s contract in June.
Other sources told the publication that ratings had also dropped.
Executive producer and chairperson of Tswelopele Productions, Basetsana Khumalo, said in a statement that the end for Top Billing will hopefully signal new opportunities for young creatives.
Khumalo thanked viewers for the unforgettable, award-winning journey.
(Compiled by Nica Schreuder.)
For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.
