Category: Media Office

Johannesburg – Friday, 17 April 2026 | The wait is over. Top Billing, South Africa’s longest running and most iconic entertainment and lifestyle programme, is set to make its long-awaited return this month, premiering its comeback season on Thursday, 30 April 2026 at 19:00 on S3, with a repeat every Sunday at 13:00 on S3 and a rebroadcast every Tuesday at 21:30 on SABC 1.

For nearly three decades, Top Billing defined what it meant to live “the best of the good life”. From luxury homes and dream travel destinations to inspiring local success stories and unforgettable celebrity moments, the show became a cultural institution, synonymous with aspirational living, world-class storytelling and the celebration of South African excellence.

Across its remarkable 27-year run, followed by years of highly rated repeat broadcasts, Top Billing transported audiences far beyond their living rooms, opening a window into a world of possibility, ambition and achievement. It didn’t just showcase the good life, it inspired South Africans to pursue it.

Now, this much-loved brand returns with renewed energy, a fresh perspective and a contemporary edge, ready to reconnect with loyal fans while captivating a new generation of viewers.

At its core, Top Billing remains true to its original purpose: celebrating South Africa, its people and their achievements, while casting eyes towards broader lifestyle horizons. The comeback season continues this legacy, offering an authentic and inspiring look into the lives of individuals who have worked passionately to build meaningful, successful lives.

The new season will spotlight young, urban, intelligent and culturally aware South Africans who are shaping the future through collaboration, creativity and innovation. Anchored by strong lifestyle pillars, the show will explore how people live, express themselves and connect with culture, celebrating a vibrant way of life that feels both aspirational and attainable.

From design and travel to entrepreneurship, innovation and culture, Top Billing continues to explore how South Africans live, dream and connect, bringing viewers closer to a life that feels both inspiring and within reach.

“We are incredibly excited to bring Top Billing back to South African screens,” says Patience Stevens, Managing Director at Cardova Productions and Executive Producer of Top Billing. “This show has always been about celebrating what’s possible. Bringing it back now, at a time when inspiring local stories matter more than ever, feels incredibly special. We’re honouring the legacy while creating something that feels fresh, relevant and deeply connected to today’s audience.”

Bradley Van Den Berg, Chief Operating Officer at Cardova Productions and Executive Producer of Top Billing, adds “Top Billing has always stood for excellence, aspiration and storytelling at the highest level. This new chapter is about evolving that legacy for a modern audience, keeping the heart of what made the show iconic, while introducing a sharper, more dynamic take on the good life that resonates with South Africans today.”

Dichaba Phalatse, Marketing Manager for SABC Video Entertainment remarks – “The return of Top Billing marks a defining moment for S3 as we continue to position the channel as a home of iconic South African storytelling, reimagined for today’s audience. This is not just about a comeback; it’s a cultural rest where legacy meets new generation of viewers who are shaping what aspiration looks like now. Top Billing remains a powerful expression of possibility, and we excited to bring that energy back in a way that feels unapologetically South African.” 

The return of Top Billing is made possible through key partnerships with Pam Golding, SPAR, Opel, Tanqueray and L’or, brands that share in the vision of celebrating the very best of the good life.

As anticipation builds ahead of the premiere, one question remains on everyone’s lips: who will be the new faces of Top Billing? The official presenter line-up will be revealed soon.

Catch new episodes of Top Billing every Thursday from 30 April 2026 at 19:00 on S3 with a repeat every Sunday at 13:00 on S3 and a rebroadcast every Tuesday at 21:30 on SABC 1. For more information, visit www.topbilling.com or follow Top Billing on Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok.

ENDS

For media enquiries:

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment

072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

Synopsis: – In this epic adventure, a team of explorers attempt to strike gold in Canada’s frozen north. Taking the same trail as original Gold Rush prospectors, they embark on a journey of genuine danger and thrilling beauty. The team must cross a treacherous mountain pass, navigate vast, icy lakes, and brave the rapids of the mighty Yukon River in a basic wooden boat. Isolated and exposed to the elements, they face an authentically dangerous ordeal. Can they endure the weeks of agony that lie between them and the Klondike Gold Fields?

Episode Highlights

Episode 1 – Monday, 13 April 2026

(Mountain Passes)

In an epic adventure, historian Dan Snow follows in the footsteps of the 19th century’s last great gold rush. A journey filled with genuine danger and thrilling beauty. Leading a one-month expedition he’s joined by polar explorer Felicity Aston and remote environment medic Dr Kevin Fong. Their goal – to strike gold in Canada’s frozen wilderness. They’ll attempt to retrace a grueling 600-mile journey through one of the world’s last great wildernesses. It’ll take them from the coast of Alaska to the gold fields of the Klondike, a remote region on the edge of the Canadian arctic. A journey first undertaken by tens of thousands of gold seekers; men and women from around the globe who in the last years of the 19th century dropped everything and set off for the Klondike in the hope of striking it rich.

Episode 2 – Tuesday, 14 April 2026

(Lakes and Rivers)

Historian Dan Snow continues his epic adventure following in the footsteps of the 19th century’s last great gold rush. A journey filled with genuine danger and thrilling beauty. Leading a one-month expedition he’s joined by polar explorer Felicity Aston and remote environment medic Dr Kevin Fong. Their goal – to strike gold in Canada’s frozen wilderness. So far, the team has travelled just thirty of the nearly six-hundred-mile journey to the gold fields. Having made their way across the Alaskan Coastal Mountains they now face a very different challenge: the treacherous Canadian Lakes and rivers. In tonight’s episode Dan and the team begin a marathon boat trip. to navigate it across hundreds of miles of water.

Episode 3 – Wednesday, 14 April 2026

(Digging for Gold)

Historian Dan Snow concludes his epic adventure following in the footsteps of the 19th century’s last great gold rush. A journey filled with genuine danger and thrilling beauty. Leading a one-month expedition he’s joined by polar explorer Felicity Aston and remote environment medic Dr Kevin Fong. Their goal – to strike gold in Canada’s frozen wilderness. The team have just a few dozen miles left to cover their nearly six-hundred-mile journey to the gold fields. Following in the footsteps of their 19th century forerunners they have crossed snowy mountains; run terrifying rapids and navigated hundreds of miles of water in a replica historical boat. In this episode they finally arrive at Dawson City, gateway to Klondike gold. Guided by historical accounts the team set up a 19th century style mining camp in the heart of the gold fields.

Catch Operations Gold Rush Monday to Wednesday at 21:30 on S3 and SABC Plus.

For media enquiries

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment

072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

Johannesburg, 10 March 2026 | Last week, the highly anticipated 12th season of Tropika Island of Treasure was announced alongside the star-studded cast of Nadia Nakai, Caster Semenya, Francois Hougaard, Leandie du Randt, Sandile Mahlangu, Amanda Du-Pont, Lalela Mswane, and Wiseman Mncube. Now, Clover is excited to reveal an innovative companion series that takes the Tropika Island franchise to new heights: Tropika Island Search.

In this exciting expansion, host Zanele Potelwa will travel to seven stunning international destinations, accompanied by a rotating lineup of former Tropika Island of Treasure contestants who bring their island experience, insider knowledge, and infectious energy to the search. Together, they will evaluate breathtaking locations to determine the perfect tropical paradise for the upcoming 12^th season.

To help her navigate the world’s most beautiful locales, Zanele has called on an elite group of former contestants who know exactly what it takes to survive and thrive on the island.

The scouting team includes:

• Hungani Ndlovu: (Season 11)
• Shashi Naidoo: (Seasons 2 and 10)
• Bobby Van Jaarsveld: (Season 11)
• Nay Maps: (Seasons 8 and 10)
• Jonathan Boynton-Lee: (Seasons 7 and 10)
• Nqobile Khwezi: (Season 11)
• Chad Jones: (Season 11)

The search will take Zanele and the former contestants to island paradises like Mauritius, Antalya, Turkey, Phuket, Thailand. Bali, Indonesia, Mombasa, Kenya, La Réunion and Vietnam

Every episode, viewers will join Zanele and her celebrity companions as they explore the beautiful beaches, vibrant cultures, luxurious resorts, and hidden gems at each spot, assessing everything from scenic beauty and adventure potential to challenge suitability, most importantly, that all-important smoooth Tropika island magic. This companion series adds a fresh layer of anticipation, giving fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how the iconic reality adventure show selects its dream location.

“With Tropika Island Search, we are essentially opening the curtains and inviting our viewers into the boardroom and onto the plane with us,” says Miantha Roux, Business Unit Head: Beverages at Clover. “This expansion allows us to showcase the sheer scale of the Tropika Island of Treasure property. It’s not just about the final destination; it’s about the journey, the adventure, and the high standards we set to ensure Season 12 is our most visually spectacular yet.”

Sveti Kovatcheva, Brand Manager: Dairy Fruit Mix at Clover, adds: “Taking seven of our most beloved past contestants on this global scout is a tribute to the ‘Smoooth’ family we’ve built over the years. By exploring destinations like Vietnam, Bali, and Antalya, we are bringing a world of inspiration to our audience before the first challenge even begins. We wanted the search for the perfect island to be an event in itself, and Zanele and our former celebrity contestants are the perfect team to lead that charge.”

Dichaba Phalatse, Marketing Manager for SABC Video Entertainment comments – “We’re thrilled to launch Tropika Island Search on S3. With the vibrant Zanele Potelwa at the helm, the show takes viewers on an exciting journey across seven tropical destinations alongside some of the most memorable winners from the Tropika Island of Treasure franchise. It’s a vibrant mix of travel, nostalgia and competition that speaks to S3’s progressive ambition — opening South African audiences to the world through a distinctly local lens.”

Auditions for Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12 Now Open

While the search for the perfect island destination is about to begin, Tropika is also looking for eight smoooth members of the public to join the season 12 celebrities on the island. Think you have what it takes to compete? Upload your audition tape to either TikTok, Facebook, X or Instagram, tagging @MyTropika and using the hashtag #Tropika. Finalists will compete for the grand prize of a shared R1 million and receive a R10,000 shopping voucher from Pep to ensure they are island-ready in style.

Auditions are open until 5 May 2026.

By taking viewers across continents before the main competition even begins, Tropika Island Search raises the stakes and deepens the connection fans have with the franchise. It’s not just about arriving in paradise, it’s about discovering it.

Watch Tropika Island Search every Monday from 16 March at 18:00 on S3 with a repeat every Friday at 17:00 on SABC 1.

ENDS

For any media requests or interviews, please contact:

For media enquiries

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment

072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

About Tropika Island of Treasure:

Tropika Island of Treasure is a South African reality competition television series that first aired in 2008 features an equal number of South African celebrities and public contestants competing in a variety of challenges on a luxurious paradise-island location for a grand prize of a shared R1 million.

About Zanele Potelwa:

Zanele Potelwa is a radio and TV host whose passion for the entertainment industry has been proven since her internship at 5FM in 2016. A multi-faceted young woman from the Eastern Cape, Potelwa has been part of a variety of stations such as Tuks FM and 94.7. She is best known for her inspiring and bubbly personality on 5FM’s Lunch and Drive shows, as well as her role as TV presenter for SABC 1’s Selimathunzi. Potelwa’s talent and hard work is evident after winning the “Bright Stars Award” at the Liberty Radio Awards 2019 and her nomination at the 2023 Radio Awards. She has been the host for a variety of incredible events such as the South African Music Awards red carpet in 2019 and the Feather Awards 2021. Potelwa continues to elevate in her career as a host on Expresso Morning and Tropika Island of Treasure. She is nominated in the 2026 South African Film and Television Awards in the category of Best TV Presenter.   

About S3

S3 is a revamped  channel servicing the independent thinker and the progressive South African millennial. We want our viewers to open up to new lands, new content, new ideas and new ways of being. Through this new positioning, S3 invites viewers to take in all the new programming that is on offer; to open up to a dialogue with your public broadcasting channel. Ultimately, our vision is to foster the spirit of curiosity and spearhead a generation of free thinkers. S3 is opening itself up to new viewers. These viewers, who fall under the millennial umbrella, are more socially conscious and environmentally aware than their predecessors. They are progressive and open-minded and S3 will champion their frame of mind.

Synopsis: Gordon Ramsay hunts for new food and drink entrepreneurs. Contestants must prove they possess the raw ingredients required to succeed — drive, dedication, creativity, passion and talent; the last entrepreneur standing earns a life-changing reward.

Episode Highlights

Episode 1 – 4 March 2026

(Seaside Shack)

Each team will be responsible for a food shack that they need to get ready to serve out of by lunch tomorrow. Seems easy enough, but first they will need to get to know what’s most popular around the area. Who better to give them the insight that they need than the local food trucks right there on the beach? Broken into three teams, they will head over to the food trucks where they will talk with locals to find out what foods sells the best here.

Episode 2 – 11 March 2026

(Host With The Most)

Teams must deliver food, drinks and an impactful presentation to guests at a charity gala for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Episode 3 – 18 March 2026

(You’ve Got Wine)

The two teams must each create a wine blend with food pairings and pitch them to a room of Napa Valley wine connoisseurs and marketing experts.

Episode 4 – 25 March 2026

(Got This In The Bag)

The teams go up against each other to create an enticing menu for a delivery-only restaurant that will serve office workers in downtown Los Angeles; the teams must cook in a pared down “ghost kitchen.”

Episode 5 – 1 April 2026

(Campfire Feast)

The contestants break off into 2 teams and are tasked to create an outdoor dining experience like no other – an ATV tour that culminates with a picturesque dinner. Complete with beautiful views and good eats, they’ll need to design the ultimate

experience by figuring out what their trail adventure will be and what’s on the menu.

Adventures could range from fishing to axe throwing, to a nature hike to get to know

the local life in the desert.

Episode 6 – 8 April 2026

(Social Feed)

Each team must design and create fun and exciting vegetarian recipe TikTok videos using ingredients found on the farm. They must be easy to follow & TikTok worthy/viral to stand out from the sea of online competition.

Episode 7 – 15 April 2026

(Cup Of Joe)

For this challenge, each team will be given a coffee shop location in downtown Seattle to turn into a bustling coffee business, but they’ll only have 24 hours to get it up and running for the morning coffee rush the next day!

Episode 8 – 22 April 2026

(As Seen On TV)

Contestants arrive at a Hollywood sound stage where they find Gordon centre stage, blindfolded, cu\ng a filet, and delivering a QVC-style pitch to cameras. It’s a skill that’s awe-inspiring and Gordon is not missing a single beat. The delighted contestants gather around as he gives them their next challenge.

Episode 9 – 29 April 2026

(Feast Your Eyes)

The Contestants will work together as one team to dream up a dining experience worthy of the Absinthe wonderment. They will be responsible for creating a 3-course dinner show service tonight, along with entertainment. They will divide and conquer to come up with their theme, meal plan and show concept, and rehearse with their performers.

Episode 10 – 6 May 2026

(Finale)

For their final challenge, each contestant is given one last chance to impress Gordon to earn his investment of at least $250,000. Given 24 hours, they’ll need to create and throw a massive launch event for their business. But it’s a big task so he wouldn’t let them go it alone, so joining them will be some of our favourite eliminated cast from earlier this season.

Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars USA onMondays to Wednesdays at 18:00 on S3 and SABC Plus.

For media enquiries

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment

072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

Synopsis: – The critically acclaimed drama returns for another high-octane story starring Philip Glenister as a man on the run and Rosie Cavaliero as the hard-working detective tasked with finding him. Prison officer Dave Murdoch finds life has suddenly become much more complicated when a routine visit to a Manchester hospital with female prisoner Jules Hope spirals out of control. When the life of his heavily pregnant daughter Emma is threatened, Dave has no choice but to go on the run with Jules. Meanwhile no-nonsense cop DS Susan Reinhardt, searches for clues as to what has driven Dave to such extreme behavior. A high-stakes game of cat and mouse ensues, with Dave desperate to unravel the truth surrounding his daughter’s disappearance while avoiding Reinhardt’s officers. Can Dave find his beloved daughter in time or will Reinhardt get to him first?

Episode Highlights

Episode 1 – Monday, 23 February 2026

In dark woodland David Murdoch is running from dogs and police sirens, dragging behind him the younger woman Jules Hope, who’s handcuffed to him. Emerging from woodland onto the Manchester Ship Canal, their pursuers are getting closer, now appearing on both sides of the canal as Murdoch urges on a reluctant Jules as they jump into the water. DS Susan Reinhardt arrives with a younger detective Richard Iddon a moment too late.

Episode 2 – Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Reinhardt is rushing up the stairs to the Cherry Tree Gardens flat where Murdoch and Jules have been seen and where Crabtree’s body lies smashed on a car parked below. Iddon breaks into the flat but Murdoch and Jules give him the slip by hiding and then locking him onto the balcony, then pushing past Reinhardt on the stairs, knocking her down to make their escape. Reinhardt’s furious with Iddon for going ahead of her without back-up – they’ve lost Murdoch and Jules, again.

Episode 3 – Wednesday, 25 February 2026

One week earlier. We’re in flashback and we see that Jules has been more involved than she has been saying. Her brother Dan visited her in prison to warn her about Eddie. Murdoch’s been arrested in Blackpool, and Reinhardt and Iddon have to tell him that it’s Dan, not Eddie, who they need to find as Eddie’s dead. As Murdoch takes on board all the new information Reinhardt is worried about Lucy’s safety and has to persuade Murdoch to help them find Dan.

Don’t miss Prey from Monday to Wednesday at 21:00 on S3 and SABC Plus.  

For media enquiries

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment

072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

Johannesburg, Friday, 13 February 2026 | S3’s Expresso Morning Show is thrilled to welcome two-time SAFTA-nominated television presenter Chanley Wong to its line-up. Making her debut on 17 February 2026, Chanley will be joining Zanele Potelwa to broadcast live from the show’s Johannesburg studio located at Design Quarter in Fourways, where she brings her infectious energy, sharp wit and relatability to South Africa’s favourite morning show.

Chanley is a familiar face to South African audiences, having built a strong reputation as a host in the youth and children’s television space. Her move to Expresso marks an exciting new chapter in her career, as she brings her signature warmth and authenticity to the nation’s morning routine.

Born and raised in Benoni, Chanley’s journey through the media landscape reflects both versatility and determination. Beyond television, she is an accomplished content creator and works as part of the on-the-ground team at a Johannesburg-based radio station, keeping her closely connected to real stories, real people and what’s happening in the city. This multi-platform experience makes her a natural fit for Expresso’s mission of delivering fresh, relevant, and engaging content.

“I am so excited to be joining the Expresso family. Stepping into the Expresso studio feels like the natural progression in my journey. After seven years away, returning to television feels both surreal and right,” says Wong. “I waited 12 hours at the Presenter Search on 3 auditions back in 2018, hoping to be part of a show I grew up watching. While it wasn’t my time then, I’ve learned that a dream isn’t denied — it’s often just delayed until you’re ready. Being here now feels like proof of that. Expresso has always felt like a warm, welcoming space that reflects the best of South Africa, and I’m so excited to be part of that energy.”

Nischette Willemse, S3 Programme Manager says – “Chanley Wong is a fantastic addition to the Expresso family! She is a phenomenal presenter and her gift for storytelling aligns seamlessly with our ‘feel-good’ mission. We can’t wait for our viewers to experience the incredible joy and energy she brings to our screens.”

Patience Stevens, Managing Director at Cardova TV, says Chanley’s addition to the Expresso line-up reflects the show’s continued commitment to evolving its on-air talent while staying deeply connected to audiences. “Chanley brings a rare combination of broadcast experience, digital fluency and genuine warmth,” says Stevens. “She represents a new generation of presenters who understand how to connect across platforms while staying grounded in storytelling. We’re thrilled to have her join the team and bring her unique spark to our Johannesburg studio.”

Chanley’s addition strengthens Expresso’s Johannesburg presence and reinforces the show’s role as a national platform that celebrates diverse voices, fresh perspectives and authentic South African stories.

Catch Expresso Morning Show, weekdays between 06h00 and 09h00 on S3. For more information, visit www.expressoshow.com.  

Ends.

For media enquiries

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment

072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

Synopsis: – The history of black people in Britain is frequently reduced to the story of recent black settlement. But that is not where this extraordinary cross-continental relationship begins. Africa and Britain: A Forgotten History re-tells the story of black people in the UK and – to do so – travels to the United States, Jamaica, South Africa, and Sierra Leone. Forgotten art vaults are unlocked, artefacts re-examined and 20 Black History plaques unveiled to the public.

Award-winning historian David Olusoga tells the story of the young enslaved African brought to Britain under the protection of Queen Victoria, explores the terrible legacy of slavery and the impact of the world wars. African people have been a crucial part of British history for 2,000 years. Find out where their story really began.

Episode Highlights

Episode 1 – Thursday, 12 February 2026

(First Encounters)

Historian David Olusoga explores the enduring relationship between Britain and people whose origins lie in Africa. From the African Romans who guarded Hadrian’s Wall in the 3rd century AD to the black trumpeter of the Tudor courts, David uncovers a history that is as surprising as it is revealing.

Episode 2 – Friday, 13 February 2026

(Freedom)

In the second part of his four-part series, historian David Olusoga explores the business of slavery and remembers the black sailors who fought for Britain at Trafalgar. He also celebrates a Georgian boxing superstar and the men and women who crossed continents in pursuit of freedom.

Episode 3 – Thursday, 19 February 2026

(Moral Mission)

In part three of this groundbreaking series, historian David Olusoga explores the Victorian moral crusade against slavery. Featuring the West African Squadron, the story of a slave given to Queen Victoria, and the devastating impact of the cotton trade during the American Civil War.

Episode 4 – Friday, 20 February 2026

(The Homecoming)

Historian David Olusoga concludes his series by exploring the events which helped shape black British identity in the 20th century.

For media enquiries

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment

072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za