EGOLI ENDS IN 2010

The final episode of “Egoli” to be broadcast on M-Net on March 31.

M-Net and Franz Marx Films have decided not to renew the contract for Egoli – Place of Gold. This means that, in honouring the current contract, the final episode of Egoli will be broadcast on M-Net on March 31, 2010.

M-Net’s Director of General Entertainment: South Africa, Theo Erasmus, explains that changing viewership patterns and preferences influenced this decision: “Egoli has been a crown jewel on the M-Net schedule for many years but because of the rapidly changing South African television landscape, no television programme can exist in this diverse environment forever. It was a difficult decision, as we know that Egoli has such a loyal fan base, but the magic of M-Net will continue with an array of fresh, new local shows which will lure even more viewers to the channel in future.”

Egoli made history when it was launched on M-Net way back in the early nineties. It was South Africa’s very first local soap and since its first broadcast on April 6, 1992, the show has paved the way for numerous other similar daily dramas.

Franz Marx, creator of Egoli – Place of Gold, sees the end of the contract as an opportunity for a much-needed break. “I am going to take some time to rest and rejuvenate before even thinking about new productions. The past 18 years with M-Net have been exciting, but all good things must inevitably come to an end.”

M-Net thanks Franz Marx, his team and all the Egoli actors for the contribution they have made to the South African television industry. “In the vein of international hits such as Dallas, Cheers and Dynasty, Egoli will be fondly remembered for many years yet to come,” says Erasmus.