It’s the iconic Soweto String Quartet song that will forever be recognised by everyone in the country.
For years, South Africans from different races have enjoyed stepping into Oppiekoffie for breakfast while reading the Hillside Times. At the end of the workday, all the young people from The Heights would get together and let their hair down “by die klub” but not before pre-drinks at Stasie Ses.
That’s the 7de Laan viewers have come to love.
From the time Jan Hendrik Terreblanche (Waldemar Schultz) ran Theron & Terreblanche for his family and heartthrob Nico Paningio played businesseman George Kyriakis, the show has had interesting storylines.
But no one can ever talk about 7de Laan and not mention Paula van der Lecq and her never-ending trips to Laura Lee for some “much-needed” pampering instead of being at work. She gave Neville Meintjies (Zane Meas) one too many grey hairs when he was the editor of the Hillside Times.
And then there was her romance with advertising guru, Altus de Bruyn (Heino Schmitt). But to her, he was Altie.
Speaking of Meneer Meintjies, it was so Bold and the Beautiful like when he married Charmaine, the owner of Oppiekoffie, then their adult children Vannessa and Xander also got married. Making them in-laws even though they were married.
From 4 April 2000, the show has captivated audiences and now it is the end of an era, with the final episode airing on 26 December 2023.
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They have given many unforgettable characters like Septimus "Oubaas" Van Zyl and his Hilda de Kock, played by Pierre van Pletzen and Annelise Weiland. But Hilda and Matrone Netta Nortje (Annelize van der Ryst) were always at war with each other.
Over the years, they have had some controversial storylines like when they were reported to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA). The BCCSA found the series and SABC 2 guilty of contravening the South African Broadcasting Code of Conduct for episodes aired on 27 and 28 April 2012, in which one of the actors drank heavily and contemplated suicide after his wife had left him.
In 2017, there were some upset viewers because of an interracial kissing scene between Fikani Chauke and Alexa Welman, played by Nicholas Nkuna and Carina Nel.
Now the show by Danie Odendaal Productions is coming to an end. They took to social media to share their news.
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“With a heavy heart, we bring you the sad news of the SABC's decision to conclude the beloved soapie, 7de Laan, after Season 24.
“Over the years, 7de Laan has touched the lives of millions of South Africans, becoming an integral part of countless households.
We deeply understand and appreciate the profound emotional connection and unwavering loyalty that you, our viewers, have developed towards the show, its endearing characters, and its enthralling storylines.
“We want to express our sincerest gratitude for your unwavering support and loyalty throughout this incredible journey.
"It has been an immense honour for the cast and crew to be welcomed into your homes for the past 23 years.”
