It’s been 20 years that Soul City has made an impact on the lives of millions of Africans, not only South Africans, but the rest of the continent too. Audiences in South Africa have revelled in, laughed with, learned and been moved by the power of Soul City.

We remember when Patrick Shai, was the cause of disdain in the Soul City community. The community stood together in protest of his abusive behaviour. We remember Sister Bettina the loving matriarch who brought healing and support to so many in Soul City.  South African’s remember that Soul City was one of the first drama series to openly speak of HIV/AIDS. Soul City has been a successful medium for both entertainment and education. Education drama, the world over has often had a limited shelf life, but Soul City has kept going for 20 years and continues to grow.

“From 15 July 2014 every Tuesday at 20h30 for 26 weeks, SABC1 will broadcast and bring together the old spirit of Soul City and the new vigour of a new era in Soul City.  Soul City 12 merges the old and the new to create a refreshing and powerful message of change and responsibility. The aptly placed broadcast of the series, speaks to the series’ growth and understanding that true change can only take place if communities work together to bring about that change” announced Surekha Singh, public information and social development commissioning editor.

The series pays homage to the impact of the series by bringing back recognised and loved characters like Sister Bettina (Lillian Dube), Sol Grootboom (David Denis) and Nomfundo Dlalda (Sindi Dlathu).  Soul City 12 also brings young new faces to the screen; Nunu Khumalo (Riri), Phila Mazibuko (AB), Tau Maserumule (Murakes) and Malizo Mdekazi (Humphrey). The creators also understand the love audiences had for some of the characters from series 11 and have brought back Sis’Noni (Florence Masebe), Samkelo (Robert Mpisi) and Mandla (Siyanda Sesimani).

Soul City 12 is anchored on the idea of ‘I am because you are’/ ‘Motho ke motho ka batho’.  An individual can prosper, only when those around them are doing well and are also ok. True community is what drives change.  The young can learn from the old, and the old can learn from the young.