Drink Masters is the first competition to showcase cocktails as liquid art and the mixology artists who make them.

Hosted by comedian Tone Bell and judged by two titans of the cocktail world, Frankie Solarik and Julie Reiner, Drink Masters will make you forget everything you think you know about cocktails.

Twelve talented mixologists from across North America, each with a dream to make their mark in the world of mixology, compete in a series of challenges designed to push their skills to the limit. Round after round, they’ll put their heart, talent and technique on the line to deliver mind-bending cocktails that redefine the genre. One by one, they’ll be eliminated until the winner claims the coveted title of Ultimate Drink Master and the life-changing grand prize of $100,000 cash prize. 

The Drink Masters contestants are Taoufike “Tao” Zrafi, Loyd Von Rose, Natalie Migliarini, Raj Shukla, Meredith Barry, Aisling Gammill, Kapri Robinson, Michael R. Anderson, Alex Velez, Kate Gerwin, Christian “Suzu” Suzuki-Orellana, and Lauren “LP” Paylor.  

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

Episode 1 – 11 September 2025

The mixologists put their own spin on the world’s most popular cocktail, the Margarita. Later, in a dramatic Mix-Off Battle, one mixologist will be smoked out of the competition.

Episode 2 – 18 September 2025

The mixologists concoct colourful cocktails from an array of fresh fruit. And in a nerve-wracking Mix-Off battle, a sour classic cocktail will topple one more mixologist from the competition.

Episode 3 – 25 September 2025

Flowers and herbs abound as Cocktail King Dale DeGroff drops in to guest judge the mixologists in a blooming botanical cocktail challenge. Later, a Cosmopolitan Mix-Off battle leaves one mixologist in the dirt.

Episode 4 – 2 October 2025

Travel back in time to a raging prohibition party, full of showboating bartenders and guys and dolls looking to fill up on giggle water. Later, a nail-biting Canadian Rye Mix-Off Battle sends one mixologist packing.

Episode 5 – 9 October 2025

Guest judge and chocolatier Gonzo Jimenez encourages the mixologists to tap into their

sweetest side with a dessert cocktail challenge. Then, a caffeinated Mix-Off Battle hangs one mixologist out to dry.

Episode 6 – 16 October 2025

The quest for the Ultimate Drink Master kicks into hyperdrive in a jaw-dropping cocktail tournament that puts the mixologists’ skill, technique and speed to the test. Seven will become six after three fastpaced rounds of cocktail-making.

Episode 7 – 23 October 2025

The mixologists put their palates to the test with a food and drink pairing challenge as Chef Edward Lee joins the judging panel for an action-packed cocktail service. Later, in a tricky colour-inspired Mix-Off battle, one mixologist is blacklisted from the competition.

Episode 8 – 30 October 2025

Special guest judge Tiffany Barriere inspires the mixologists pour their passions into hot, spicy and delicious cocktails that bring the heat. Later, the chill

blast of a winter-themed Mix-Off Battle leaves one more mixologist out in the cold.

Special guest judge, bartender Tiffany Barriere inspires the mixologists to tap into their passionate side and create a hot and spicy cocktail.

Episode 9 – 6 November 2025

The mixologists target the finals with a flight of 3 cocktails made from the judges’ favourite spirits. Later, two mixologists must show off their signature style as they battle for the remaining spot in the Finale.

Episode 10 – 13 November 2025

The finalists pull out all the stops to create a delicious 3-course drink menu. Who will nab the crown? The three finalists must create an original 3-course drink menu to prove that they have what it takes to be the Ultimate Drink Master.

Catch Drink Masters every Thursday at 19:00,  only on S3.

For media enquiries

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment

072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

Johannesburg – Tuesday, 20 August 2025 – S3 is proud to be the official media partner for the upcoming AI in Film: Empowering African Filmmakers Conference, taking place on Friday, 5 September 2025 at the IDC Auditorium in Sandton.

This partnership reflects S3’s commitment to support innovation, inclusion, and the evolution of storytelling in South Africa and across the continent.

The conference will be hosted by media personalities Penny Lebyane and Masechaba  Mposwa who will be joined by speakers from the Film industry, Digital, Marketing, Broadcasting, Tech and Creative industries such as renowned  Filmmaker and Actor Tumisho Masha,  SABC Video Entertainment Marketing Manager Dichaba Phalatse, Filmmaker and Producer BusaBuntu and SCI-Thagorus Digital ‘s Lwazi Sithole and other captains of the industry.  

Under the theme “AI’s Role in African Storytelling’s Future,” the conference brings together leading voices from film, technology, media, and policy to explore how AI is transforming storytelling in Africa, while protecting its cultural roots and creative integrity. Keynote addresses, panel discussions, live tech demonstrations, and networking masterclasses will equip attendees—filmmakers, animators, writers, digital entrepreneurs, legal professionals, and broadcasters—with the insight and ethical frameworks needed to integrate AI responsibly into their creative practices. Speakers and facilitators will include actor and film producer pioneering AI integration in storytelling; Tumisho Masha among many other industry leaders. 

“This conversation is long overdue for African creatives and media institutions. We must lead the dialogue, not follow, if we are to shape a future where innovation uplifts our voices and values.” says Mfundo Ntsibande, Creative Director of the AI in Film Conference. 

Dichaba Phalatse, Marketing Manager for Video Entertainment adds “As a channel that champions compelling global content and creative excellence, S3 appreciates the urgency of conversations around the role of artificial intelligence in film—especially as it relates to ownership, authenticity, cultural integrity, and the future of work in the creative sector.”

Attendance will be at no cover charge, but registration is essential as seats will remain limited. Click here to register:  https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/FBFcLW6qmB

Tickets are limited.

For updated event details, registration, media accreditation or sponsorship enquiries, please contact:

Email: info@sci-thagorus.co.za
Mahlatse Rampjapedi – 072 212 7387
Mfundo Ntsibande – 073 366 3350
Lwazi Sithole – 071 256 6311

END

Johannesburg – Friday, 11 July 2025 – S3 is excited to introduce The Insurance Apprentice on Thursdays at 19:00, starting 17 July 2025, proudly headlined by Sasria SOC Ltd.

Hosted by a dynamic media personality, Pabi Moloi, the series will feature eight high-impact episodes packed with real-world insurance challenges.

The Insurance Apprentice is a prestigious reality-style competition designed to identify and celebrate emerging talent in the insurance industry, while dispelling common misconceptions and fostering leadership.

Filmed over one week, ten contestants will face a series of real-world challenges, eliminations, and expert guidance, showcasing their skills, knowledge, and innovation as they compete for the coveted title of The Insurance Apprentice.

The Insurance Apprentice judges Simon Coleman, the CEO of The Liability Company, with 30 years of experience in the insurance industry as a liability specialist and Nox Dlamini, Co-Founder of BYOR Insurance & Risk Specialists will guide the contestants through the weekly challenges.

The show is more than just a competition, as it serves to attract new talent, highlight the diverse opportunities within the sector, and educate audiences on the vital role insurance plays, far beyond call centers and funeral policies. 

Muzi Dladla, Executive Manager: Stakeholder Management at Sasria SOC Ltd, says – “As the main sponsor of The Insurance Apprentice (TIA), Sasria SOC Limited proudly partners with the insurance industry to shape the future and highlight insurance’s vital role, and investing in TIA reinforces Sasria’s role as a thought leader supporting resilience in both public and private sectors.” 

Pabi Moloi adds – “Hosting Season 11 of The Insurance Apprentice is an exciting and rewarding experience. Each episode gives me the chance to engage with dynamic young professionals who are not only passionate about the insurance industry but are also shaping its future. What makes this show so special is how it brings important topics to life in a way that’s accessible, insightful, and real. Inspired by the resilience, intelligence, and drive of the contestants, I learn as much as I guide. It’s a privilege to be part of a platform that educates, elevates, and celebrates the industry while spotlighting emerging talent. I’m enjoying every moment of this journey and proud to be telling these stories.” 

The winner of The Insurance Apprentice competition will walk away with R100,000 in cash courtesy of Aon South Africa, Luxury travel from Bryte Insurance and Kunene Makopo Risk Solutions (KMRS), R50,000 investment from EasyEquities, a Bursary sponsored by Milpark Education, Leadership Coaching & tech gadgets from Paton Personnel and Global Choices and Lloyd’s of London experience, corporate photoshoot, driving day, iisa conference access, and more! 

Viewers stand a chance to win great prizes by voting for their favourite contestants via a WhatsApp line to be shared from Episode 1.

Do not miss S3’s exciting new reality series every Thursday at 19:00, starting 17 July 2025.

For media enquiries:

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment

072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

Johannesburg – Wednesday, 2 July 2025 – Africa’s Greatest Horseracing event is almost here, and S3 and SABC Sport are rolling out the red carpet, as the channel gets ready to broadcast the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July Experience on Saturday, 5 July 2025 from 13:00.

Hollywoodbets Durban July is South Africa’s premier horse racing event, bringing together a culture and social setting. The event is held annually on the first Saturday of July at Greyville Racecourse in Durban.

The glitz and glamour of the VIP Celebrity Experience will be brought to life by Zanele Potelwa and Kat Sinivasan will cover the Fashion Experience.

The hosts of the in-studio broadcast will be Neil Andrews as the Studio Anchor, Rahiel Radhakrishna and Rachel Venniker as co-hosts for the 3 – 6 races, and Carol Tshabalala and Anthony Delpech as co-hosts for the principal race.

The broadcast will focus on four content pillars: Racing, Celebrity and Entertainment, High Fashion and Continuity. The Racing aspect will highlight the live racing, betting updates and highlights; the Celebrity and Entertainment will feature celebrities on the red carpet as well as the main stage concerts; the High Fashion aspect will encompass exclusive race day fashion and exclusive style content; and the Continuity will include commentary from the studio hosts and presenters.

Signature highlights audiences can look forward to are the Jockey Introductions from the Parade Ring, followed by a short Red Carpet crossing to the Hollywoodbets marquee to capture VIP and Celebrity excitement building just before the Main Race, including some of South Africa’s biggest sports star impressions of the race day and which horse they think will win.

“S3 is bringing back live lifestyle events that resonate with our viewers. The Hollywoodbets Durban July has always been a hit with the S3 audiences and is the platform that allows for the brand to connect on the ground.” – mentions Sane Zondi – Channel Head S3.

Do not miss the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday, 5 July 2025 from 13:00, on S3, simulcast on SABC+.

For media enquiries contact:

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment

072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

Johannesburg – Monday, 4 August 2025 – S3 introduces David Klatzow: Looking into Darkness, a true crime documentary series on Wednesday at 19:00,  starting 6 August 2025.

Renowned South African forensic investigator David Klatzow will host this groundbreaking series. He has examined and given evidence on serious crimes ranging from apartheid murders to killings in love relationships gone wrong, driven by two things: an unwavering commitment to justice and a relentless determination to get to the truth.

Every episode of David Klatzow: Looking into Darkness goes deep beneath the surface of crimes that shocked and fascinated South Africa. The series explores not only the motivations of the killers but also the lasting hurt and pain inflicted on secondary victims – the family and friends of those killed. Through the lens of real cases, the series takes viewers deep into the crimes, with evocative dramatic recreations, probing analysis, and moving testimony by survivors.

Episode 1 – 06 August 2025

(Fatal Attraction)

When a lively accountancy student at Stellenbosch University, Erin van Rensburg, innocently flirts with brilliant but socially inept Jacobus Eksteen, she awakens in him a single-minded obsession. He demands that she continue a relationship with him and cannot handle her refusal. He convinces himself that she has destroyed his life and decides to punish and destroy her in revenge. Her parents and the detectives who investigated the case share this story of every parent’s nightmare.

Episode 2 – 13 August 2025

(For R100 and a Chain)

When a 19-year-old Cape Town student, Vicky McLachlin, fails to return from a waitressing job in Cape Town one night, a massive and protracted search operation gets underway, but it is unsuccessful. Only when a young gang member, haunted by his conscience, goes to the police does the case get solved.

Episode 3 – 20 August 2025

(Toxic Love)

A lovesick white teenager and an unemployed Coloured amputee made an unlikely murder team in apartheid South Africa. Still, her obsession and his desperation would lead them to become one of the most notorious killer couples in South African criminal history. The so-called “scissors murder” was a media sensation at the time and remains enduringly fascinating.

Episode 4 – 27 August 2025

(Strange Fruit)

Found hanging from a tree was heavily pregnant 28-year-old Tshegofatso Pule in 2020.  A case that galvanized the nation in collective outrage, discovering that her partner, Ntuthuko Shoba, orchestrated her brutal killing.  A determined police captain made it his mission to bring the culprits to book.

Episode 5 – 3 September 2024

(If I Cannot Have You)

When primary school teacher Allison Plaatjies is found savagely murdered in her Clanwilliam flat, her boyfriend, Phillip April, becomes an immediate suspect. But was this mild-mannered former Head boy of his High School capable of such a crime? His family refused to believe it.  But forensic evidence and a determined prosecutor would challenge his story and demand that he be held accountable for one of the most shocking cases of intimate partner violence in recent times.

Episode 6 – 10 September 2025

(Looking For Nokuphila)

The arrest of celebrated artist and photographer Zwelethu Mthethwa in 2014 for the brutal murder of a twenty-three-year-old sex worker, Nokuphila Kumalo, shocked South Africa. Despite promising to reveal all during the trial, Mthethwa chose to remain silent, claiming a total memory blackout from a night of heavy drinking. But CCTV footage at the crime scene would be a vital part of the State’s case.  The trial became a focus of nationwide outrage at rampant gender-based violence in South Africa.

Episode 7 – 217 September 2025

(Adventures In Murder)

In the early 1990s, a killer and rapist, policeman Kobus Geldenhuys, meant to protect the public, could not be positively linked to his crimes because of a one-in-a-million anomaly in his blood type. He became known as the Norwood Killer / Rapist.  Resolute crime journalist Janine Lazarus is on a mission to uncover the truth about who the killer is.   

Episode 8 – 24 September 2025

(Blood in the Afternoon)

When lovable Charmelin Davids is murdered on the street on a quiet Saturday afternoon by a masked mugger, her husband, Jerome, is traumatized. Detective Steven Davids unpacks the evidence, assisted by the statement of a passing motorist, who had witnessed the assault and given chase. What emerges from the investigation shocks everyone and still haunts the Charmelin family today.

Episode 9 –  1 October 2025

(A Tale of Two Cities)

On the 3rd of August 2019, avid horsewoman Meghan Cremer and her car went missing from the farm and equestrian center in Philippi, near Cape Town, where she stabled her horse and took riding lessons. Two days later, Jeremy Sias, a worker on the same farm and a father of four young children, was arrested for murder. In a recording made by the police, he pointed out where he had disposed of her body, admitting that he would kill her. But he later withdrew the admission and pleaded not guilty. The High Court trial and its outcome sparked controversy and outrage.

Do not miss David Klatzow: Looking into Darkness on Wednesdays at 19:00, only on S3.

For Media Enquiries and interview opportunities:

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment

072 382 2032/ Phalakatshelamc@Sabc.Co.Za

Synopsis:- A sharp, pacy series from acclaimed writer Mike Bartlett that rips aside the front pages of rival newspapers to reveal the lives, loves and lies of a dynamic group of characters. Under relentless pressure from the 24-hour news cycle, these passionate professionals go to extraordinary lengths to uncover stories and get them into print. They hold the power to account and turn ordinary people’s lives into headlines, but can they face up to the truth about themselves? With its outstanding cast and timely storylines, Press gets to the core of an industry that has never been more in the global spotlight.

Starring:- Charlotte Riley, Ben Chaplin, Priyanga Burford and Shane Zaza.

Episode Highlights

Episode 1 – Tuesday, 17 June 2025

(Death Knock)

At the Herald, a left-leaning broadsheet struggling to adapt to the age of digital news, deputy news editor Holly Evans pursues a lead over the death of a young woman following a hit-and-run by a police car. When she learns that a nearby shop has already given its CCTV footage of the accident to the Post, a thriving populist tabloid sharing a building in the same square as the Herald, Holly approaches editor Duncan Allen and asks for the tapes.

Episode 2 – Wednesday, 18 June 2025

(Pure)

Holly helps Leona investigate a lead at a hospital. Ed struggles with his conscience after a night working on the Post’s showbiz desk.

Episode 3 – Monday, 23 June 2025

(Don’t Take My Heart, Don’t Break My Heart)

Responding to an emergency call, Holly rushes into The Herald in the early hours of the morning. When the call turns out to be a false alarm, Holly takes the opportunity to talk to Amina about the lead she is following – a former protegee of business tycoon Joshua West has come forward claiming that over a number of years West has been using his position of authority to pressure young women into sleeping with him. Knowing that levelling any charge against a man with West’s power will be almost impossible, Amina gives Holly the nod to investigate.

Episode 4 – Tuesday, 24 June 2025

(Magic)

Amina feels defeated in the immediate wake of the Joshua West scandal. Holly, angered by her editor’s floundering leadership, ignores Amina’s request to write a front-page apology on behalf of The Herald and presses on privately with her investigation into the high-profile entrepreneur’s sexual past. On the other side of the square, amidst a flurry of phone calls from women reporting their own experiences of West’s abuse of power, Duncan is shocked to learn that The Post has been banned from the daily press conference at Downing Street. Unwilling to apologize for his deliberately provocative placement of the prime minister’s photograph next to a headline about ‘Sex Pest’ West,

Duncan risks damaging his relationship with the PM further in a move which could have more widereaching political consequences.

Episode 5 – Wednesday, 25 June 2025

(Two Worlds)

Ed’s pride in his soaring professional achievements – his latest story, a profile of teen ‘monster’ Danny Lyons, is on The Post’s front page – is marred by the arrival of a surprise new colleague at paper, who attempts to discredit him and his attempts to impress intern Jools. Duncan, whose personal life is floundering, buries himself in his work and tasks the new arrival with getting the scoop on the government’s secret Resonance Programme. Later, when the newsroom learns of a dramatic development in the Lyons case, Duncan and Ed must quickly find a new approach to keep their story on track.

Episode 6 – Monday, 30 June 2025

(Resonance)

Duncan attempts to spend quality time with his son Fred but finds it difficult in the face of Sarah’s open hostility, and she informs Duncan that she and her boyfriend Max intend for him never to see Fred again. Holly struggles to separate her personal grievances from her professional ambitions. She adds to Duncan’s troubles by threatening to publicly expose his relationship with Kristina, the sex worker with whom he has a longstanding arrangement. In anticipation of the splash, Duncan is forced to explain to Fred that he has been paying for sex, while Kristina has questions of her own for Holly.

Catch Press Mondays to Wednesdays at 21:00, only on S3.

For media enquiries

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment 072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.z

Synopsis: Every possible fitness trend has been exploited, and exhausted, in gyms across the world. But are these fitness fads the key to a healthy lifestyle? Stand-up comedian Joel Dommett and his friend, comic Nish Kumar, visit six diverse communities who live highly active lifestyles based on ancient forms of exercise. Joel wants to see if he can keep up. Nish is just in it for the culture and the cooking. The friends visit Maasai warriors in Africa, Tagbanua in the Philippines, the Xavante tribe in the Brazilian rainforest, Shaolin monks and more. Finally, Joel takes on a specially devised challenge. Is Joel fitter than a Maasai warrior? We’re about to find out. 

Episode Highlights

Episode 1 – 23 May 2025

(Shaolin Monks, Chin)

Fitness-mad comedian Joel Dommett is travelling the world, accompanied by his friend Nish Kumar, seeing if Joel’s paid-for gym body is able to cope when he lives alongside some of the toughest tribes of people in the world. This time, they’re in China to learn the way of the Shaolin. Joel will have a crash course in Kung Fu training, while Nish tries to find a way to replace Joel’s vanity with Zen. The pressure is on for Joel at the end of just one week of training, when he’s challenged to a head-tohead fight

Episode 2 – 30 May 2025

(Tagbanua, Philippines)

Comedian Nish Kumar takes his fitness-freak friend Joel Dommett to the most remote islands of the Philippines, home to the hunter gatherer Tagbanua tribe. Joel will see if his hipster fitness regimes help him cope with Tagbanua life while Nish watches, guides, and occasionally mocks him. Joel will have to learn the skill of free-diving to catch fish and conquer his biggest fear – heights – as he scales precarious cliffs searching for the precious commodity of abandoned birds’ nests.

Episode 3 – 6 June 2025

(Maasai Warriors, Kenya)

Comedian Nish Kumar accompanies his friend and fellow comedian Joel Dommett on a mission to see whether Joel’s obsession with fitness and workouts stands him in good stead for life as a Maasai Warrior. They will have to live alongside the Kenyan Maasai, helping out with daily work routines, all while Joel is subjected to a series of Maasai trials and sports. Joel will try to learn the Maasai way of showing no pain, before attempting to represent his village in a Warrior competition, but an unexpected injury thrusts Nish into the combat spotlight for once.

Episode 4 – 13 June 2025

(Tarahumara, Mexico)

Mexico’s Sierra Madre mountains are home to the legendary long-distance running tribe called the Tarahumara. This shy and humble tribe host Joel Dommett and Nish Kumar, as the pair of comedians see whether Joel’s paid-for fitness regime helps him measure up against a tribe who have daily life and mother nature as a personal trainer. Nish digs into the local culture to see if there are any traditional remedies to help Joel through an extreme marathon, while Joel’s fitness is pushed to the absolute limit.

Episode 5 – 20 June 2025

(Nomads, Mongolia)

Comedians and best friends Joel Dommett and Nish Kumar travel to the sub-zero Steppe of Mongolia to find out if Joel’s expensive western workout regime has in any way prepared him for the hard life of a Nomad. As they live amongst the people, Joel is tested in the three traditional ‘manly skills’ of Mongolia, to see if he can compete against his hosts who are amongst the toughest people on the planet.

Episode 6 – 27 June 2025

(Xavante, Brazil)

Comedian and fitness enthusiast Joel Dommett heads to the Mato Grosso region of Brazil with his friend and fellow comedian, Nish Kumar. They stay with a remote tribe, called the Xavante, who train intensely to cope with the hardships of everyday life. Joel and Nish will live alongside them and experience the harsh world of a tribe who place a high value on strength and masculinity. Under Nish’s watchful eye, Joel will train with them, learn the Xavante way of working through the pain barrier, and take part in a punishing relay race like no other.

Catch Tribal Bootcamp every Friday at 21:00 on S3, Starts 23 May 2025.

For media enquiries

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment

072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

Synopsis – When human remains are found on the central reservation of a motorway near London, Cassie and Sunny are called to the scene. Dogged work leads the team to Hayley Reid, a 16-year-old girl who went missing on the eve of the millennium. A close-knit group of old school friends hold the key to what happened. Local doctor Tim Finch in Hampshire, television presenter James Hollis in London, failing salesman Pete Carr in Norfolk and artist Chris Lowe in Bristol. None of them are quite who they first seem to be, but is one of them capable of murder?

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

Episode 1 – Wednesday, 14 May 2025

When human remains are found buried in the central reservation of the M1. Cassie and Sunny begin the task of identifying them.

Episode 2 – Monday, 19 May 2025

The search for what happened to Hayley begins as the team travel down to Middenham to meet her family.

Episode 3 – Tuesday, 20 May 2025

Cassie and Sunny begin interviewing the four male occupants of The Spinney over the millennium, who all have fairly consistent accounts of the time spent in Middenham. The rest of the Bishop Street Station team look at the timelines and leads from the original investigation.

Episode 4 – Wednesday, 21 May 2025

Cassie and Sunny suspect that the men all colluded in lying about their version of events for that evening, but why? The press begin to circle as they find out that James has been questioned in connection to the Hayley Reid case.

Episode 5 – Monday, 26 May 2025

Cassie and Sunny finally get closer to some truth about the night Hayley disappeared and the case takes a devastating turn for Cassie.

Episode 6 – Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Under the glare of media spotlights, the team race to find the evidence to prove the identity of Hayley’s killer.

Don’t miss Unforgotten S3 on Mondays to Wednesdays at 21:00, starting on 14 March 2025,  only on S3.