Isidingo's 19 years of small screen magic
Local series celebrates its19th year on our screens. Alyssia Birjalal spoke to head writer Duduzile Mabaso
THE show, set on the gold mines of Horizon Deep and recognised for always offering unconventional and challenging storylines has, over the almost two decades of broadcasting, remained ever resilient. This landmark comes as the result of a myriad captivating and enthralling moments from the years of countless stories and anecdotes of the Horizon Deep residents.
Tonight spoke to Duduzile Mabaso, who recently took over the reins of head writer of the much-loved prime-time soap.
What motivated you to join the Isidingo writers team?
I’ve been head writer since March. I always wanted to be involved and had tried to get on the show for a long time, but couldn’t. So when the opportunity came about, I grabbed it. It’s a show full of legacy, as some of the best writers in the industry have been a part of it. Was the placement difficult at the start? I was lucky that I entered the show when it was already established and the storylines had already been written for a few months ahead, so I just had to pick up where the previous head writer had left off. It wasn’t that difficult, because I was happy with the direction that it was going in, so I built on that.
Nineteen years is a long time – what’s the recipe for the show’s success?
It’s not easy for a show to be on screen for such a long time.
With Isidingo, we continuously explore new ways in which to keep viewers captivated. By the time I came arrived, most of the storylines were done, so I had to think out of the box.
A lot of inspiration is drawn from our own life experience, or that of our family and friends. We also keep up with current affairs, trending issues and social media reactions.
What have been some of the best storylines for you?
I think one of my favourites has to be the introduction to the Matabani family at the beginning of the soap. At that time, the issues of miners were rarely talked about and miners didn’t really have family around.
I also enjoyed Nandipa’s storyline of how she had to build herself into this world and then found out she had HIV, which wasn’t talked about openly in the country back then
How’s the atmosphere among the team of writers?
The team is almost completely new, although some of us have worked together before on other shows. We’ve had challenges like any other workplace – but now we are having fun and creating great stories for the show.
We gel together and that’s important, because that’s when we create amazing work.
What can fans look forward to in weeks to come?
There are exciting narratives to come. There is lots of drama, with Barker Heinz trying to keep the land, so fans can expect a thrilling, exciting and surprising end to that. They can also look forward to Gabriel coming back, now that a charge has been laid by Nikiwe. ● Catch Isidingo, weekdays at 7pm, on SABC3.