Legendary South African drama ‘Soul City’ makes SABC1 comeback

by Chumasande Matiwane

After more than a decade away from South African television, the legendary drama series Soul City is making its long-awaited return to SABC1. The programme became synonymous with socially conscious storytelling and some of Mzansi’s most memorable television characters.

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The return was confirmed this week, according to Daily Sun. The comeback marks another chapter for a show that first premiered in 1994 and went on to run for 12 seasons.  

Created as an “edutainment” drama, Soul City combined compelling fictional stories with information about real social and health challenges facing South Africans.

Soul City: A show that changed South African television

For millions of South Africans, Soul City was more than a television drama. 

The show tackled subjects that were often difficult to discuss openly, including HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, reproductive health, maternal care, disability, financial literacy, and youth empowerment. 

Its ability to weave these subjects into dramatic storylines helped make difficult conversations accessible to mainstream audiences.  

According to the Soul City Institute for Social Justice, the programme’s approach to storytelling reached millions of people and helped influence public opinion, policy discussions and community action.  

The original series also helped launch and establish some of South Africa’s best-known television performers. Among its memorable stars were Lillian Dube, Nandi Nyembe, Clementine Mosimane, Connie Ferguson, Menzi Ngubane, Jerry Mofokeng and David Dennis, just to name a few. 

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The comeback has been years in the making

The revival follows an earlier announcement by the Soul City Institute that the brand would return to television in 2026 through a new drama connected to its Shayi’ndlela — meaning ‘Turn the Tide’ programme. 

The new production was initially announced as a 13-part drama focused on gender, power and violence, particularly violence against women and girls. The Soul City Institute has described the revival as more than simply a television comeback, positioning the project as part of a wider effort to challenge harmful gender norms and address gender-based violence through storytelling, schools and communities. 

Why the return matters

The country has changed dramatically since Soul City first appeared on television in the 1990s, but many of the issues explored on the show remain relevant.  

Gender-based violence, inequality, youth vulnerability and questions surrounding health and social justice continue to dominate national conversations. This revival therefore allows the series to apply its familiar formula and drama combined with social messaging to contemporary South African realities. 

After 13 years away from SABC1, Soul City is returning to television at a time when South Africa arguably needs it more than ever. 

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