The cast circa 2007.
It's a mighty meaningful day for Muvhango today as the soapie reaches 25 years on air, after evolving from a weekly series to what we know today, inspired by the real-life story of the former Chief of Thate in Venda.
It first premiered on Monday 7 April 1997 as a 13-episode series with themes that resonated with audiences because it epitomized the struggle between the West on the one hand and African customs and traditions on the other, which we continue to experience today.
It remained a weekly series up until Season 4 when it was extended to three days a week due to popular demand, and it landed four nights a week in 2007, followed by five in 2014.
What did people see on its very first night?
The cast
Those who were credited in the opening sequence:
ORIGINAL OPENING CREDITS (S01E01)
Marah Louw ... Catherine Mukwevho (credited as Mara Louw without the "h")
Glen Lewis ... Edward Mukwevho
Tendani Patrick Mulaudzi... Vho-Ratshitanga Mukwevho (as Tendani Patric Mulaudzi)
Joyce Skefu ... Doris Mokoena
Salome Mutshinya ... Vho-Masindi
And the End Credits:
Aggrey Dzhivhane
Paul Mafela
Phillip Mbele
Kingsley Ramabula
Violet Matamela
Daphney Rambau
Mukondeleli Moloi
Khosi Ndaba
Elsie Rasalanavho
Gladys Mahlangu
Richard Nwamba
Michael Motloung
Louis Markovich
TJ Munonde
Selaelo Makatu
Lesley Mphephu
Gilbert Nyadzhiwa
Ndivhuho Mutsila
Allen Booi
Sindi Dlathu
Colbert Ramagoma
Mashudu Dima
Makalo Mofokeng
Charles Sebohai
Donald Masia
Episode 1
Here's a reload of screengrabs from the series premiere that started with two-timing chief Mashudu Mukwevho having a heart attack - obviously from the pressure of having too many wives:
"Damn, if only I'd been happy with one I'd still be ticking."
"Luckily I wore matching socks!"
*Muvhangoville music kicks in*... caption these:
Happy birthday Muvhango!
