The Estate is a South African telenovela which revolves around a gated suburban community which begins to feel less secure when a neighbouring township launches a land claim against the estate.
The series tackles issues such as land and identity, corruption, patronage, money (old and new), power, class and equality, all told through a colourful mix of South African families that fight for their space in these topical debates.
The storyline centres around the gated suburban community haven Echelon Estate.
Beautiful homes line the landscaped green parks of the golf course. There is a clubhouse, a gym, and the entire Estate is surrounded by an eight-metre-high brick wall and tight security.
There are families that live within the walls – a diverse cross-section of South African society from all walks of life, from the super elite to the struggling middle class trying to keep up with the Joneses - as well as the working class of labouring visitors in this 'wonderland'.
Meanwhile, trouble brews outside the iron gates of suburbia as growing pressure around a land claim concerning The Estate from the neighbouring Thembalethu township community intensifies.
The ever-present threat of 'the peasants storming the castle' looms over the privileged Estate residents, while long buried secrets are about to be unearthed (literally) as a terrible Faustian deal between two men is revealed.
The series deals with themes such as identity and heritage, historical disempowerment and the fight for true economic freedom, truth vs lies, corruption and its consequences and other social issues that have relevance and resonance, in the current state of South Africa.
In the series premiere: Property mogul Muzi Phakathwayo launches the extension of the Estate at a lavish party, breaking a sacred promise he made to Shadrack.
Slay queen, Gigi, makes a play for Muzi, and an unexpected guest arrives at the party to shake things up.
Based on a concept by Helen Smit and Genna Lewis, The Estate is produced by Clive Morris Productions with executive producers Khayelihle Dom Gumede, Lala Tuku and Clive Morris.
The series producer is Phophi Phakathi and the showrunner is Brenda Mukwevho. The head director is Sibusiso Phakathi and series directors include Fikile Mogodi and Twiggy Matiwana.
The head writer for Season 1 is Chisanga Kabinga, with storyliners Bongi Ndaba, Neo Sibiya and Eddie Thaba.
Chasinga is also the head writer of Season 2. This changed for Season 3, with Bongi Ndana replacing her, joined by Sibongile Nkosana who co-head wrote the first 30 episodes of the season with Bongi.
Original music is by Mpho "37mph" Pholo and Nhlanhla Moses Mahlangu.