Soapie stars cherish memories made on set
THE cast of local Afrikaans soapie 7de Laan say that although the show will be ending, they will take with them prized memories.
SABC2 and Danie Odendaal announced on Monday that the soap opera, which has been airing since April 4 2000, would not be recommissioned for another season after the ending of season 24 in December this year.
The programme was the brainchild of Danie Odendaal. It initially began as an Afrikaans-only production, and gradually transitioned and included other languages and races.
Mimi Mahlasela, who has played the character of Aggie Ngwenya since 2005, said she felt extremely sad that the show was coming to an end but was quite proud of what the show and herself had achieved through her character.
Mahlasela said she was grateful for the opportunities of 7de Laan but was excited about the future.
Her most memorable moments at the soapies were the stories played alongside the late Themsie Times, who played the character of Maria.
Mahlasela said that there had been some challenging moments.
“There has been many, but the major one was recently – a storyline in which the character was sexually assaulted and she fell pregnant, but had to decide whether to keep the baby. This was close to home – if you know my story, but I was determined to immerse myself and tell an authentic compelling story,” she said.
She said she would miss the long hours and mostly the people.
Mahlasela sent a message of gratitude to the fans for allowing her to exercise her craft in a manner that brought her joy and shaped her into the actress she is today.
Rikus Strauss, who has been playing Tjattas Botma for six years, said the announcement that the TV series would end came as a shock.
“Obviously, we have seen the landscape change in the entertainment sphere over the last couple of years and there have been other shows that have had a similar fate, but you never really think it will happen to you – till it does.
“It has been an amazing run for the show and it will be sorely missed since it has almost become part of our DNA as a country,” he said.
Strauss said that some of the most memorable moments were arriving at the show, going on a road trip to the Vaal and, filming episodes for this past year.
Asked about challenging moments, he said it was when his character was diagnosed with cancer – that it took an emotional and physical toll on him. However, it was still probably some of the work he was most proud of.
Kristen Raath, who plays Amorey Welman, said it was bittersweet as she had spent most of her 20s on the set and it had become a part of her identity.
“I have poured so much time, heart and love into my character, Amorey Welman. Saying goodbye, knowing I can never come back to her and our little ‘Hillside’ family, is tough. However, with every season that ends, a new one begins and I will carry all the lessons learnt, the people, the place and the memories with me everywhere I go,” said Raath.