THE SABC has finally responded to the petition to save the Afrikaans soapie, 7de Laan.
The petition was started in July, a few days after the channel announced the long-running soapie would be cancelled in December.
In their response to the petition, publicity specialist at SABC2 Caroline Phalakatshela said the show cannot be saved unless a miracle happens.
“We have received news about a petition but the decision taken is a business decision aligned to audience viewership and the financial state of the business. The fact that SABC2 cannot afford to continue carrying a drama such as 7de Laan due to the accumulative costs and the dropped viewership numbers still remains.
“The show would need to double in audience numbers and also drop in the production costs to realise a positive return on investment. This we don’t see happening in the next few months as the channel has been monitoring this programme for the past years,” she said.
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The petition was started by Jermaine Christians and loyal fans. In their request, they highlighted that this move is suppressing the Afrikaans language and that people are losing their jobs.
Thus far, 36 597 people have signed the petition. .
“This is not just an attack on us as loyal fans and viewers but on the Afrikaans community as well. This soapie is known for its large roadshow campaigns to interact with fans and viewers. We would like to urge SABC to reconsider the decision and renew 7de Laan. The success of behind the show comes from real-life storylines, multiculturalism and catering for the needs of every South African who could relate.
“Just the idea that about 120 people could be left jobless in a country with an already failing economy is sickening, to say the least. This is not just about the entertainment, but also the beacon of hope,” said Jermaine.
Chairman of South African Guild of Actors, Jack Devnarain, also slammed the SABC.
“This is a time of unnecessary distress for vulnerable freelance actors who are simply doing their best to deliver on their contracts which remain valid and enforceable. Again, we see a failure of the national broadcaster to make provision to meet their obligations to their commissioned productions,” he said.
