The series features accomplished actors such as Vusi Kunene as Tifo and Fana Mokoena as Phil. Jerusalema star Jafta Mamabolo plays the role of bad boy, Kagiso and Yesterday’s Harriet Manamela is Thandeka. There is also hot new talent in this series in the form of Nolwazi Shange and Neo Ntlatleng, who play star-crossed young lovers Dimpho and Menzi.

Soul City has maintained its popularity over the years because audiences identify closely with the characters. The latest Soul City TV series promises red hot emotion, all the drama you expect and the usual intrigue which will keep viewers watching week by week.

The story contains serious messages through the gripping drama which encourages South Africans to change the way we drink. Viewers will be introduced to the Miyas, the Maponyas and the Gumedes, three families whose lives are touched by tragedy as a result of alcohol abuse and violence, issues which many viewers know all too well.

A young couple, Dimpho and Menzi, are forced to fight for their love as the far reaching effects of unsafe drinking threaten to rip apart friends and families. The story introduces us to a number of characters and the anguish that can be caused by alcohol and the violence which often results.

Soul City is produced by the Soul City: Institute for Health and Development Communication and the new series is part of the Phuza Wize campaign.

Puthi Moloto, SABC 1’s Portfolio Manager: Drama comments: “Soul City is back with its tenth season delivering on Mzansi Fo Sho’s brand promise of telling Mzansi’s stories that resonate with our viewers lives. Our viewers can definitely look forward to this powerful and well-loved series.”

Phuza Wize campaign

The Soul City Institute officially launched this ambitious national campaign earlier this month. Supported by the Liquor Traders Association and a number of other partners, the Phuza Wize campaign is aimed at creating safe drinking spaces and alcohol free zones and reducing the violence related to alcohol. In addition, Phuza Wize wants to ensure that South Africans understand the role of alcohol in new HIV infections - people are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour if they are drunk.

According to Dr Sue Goldstein, a Senior Executive at Soul City, “South Africans are amongst the highest consumers of alcohol in the world. Research clearly shows us that a very high proportion of violent incidents are perpetrated by people who are drunk and the victims are often drunk too.”

ENDS

For further information or interviews please call Onyx Marketing Communications: Despina Harito 084 453 1755/ 011 452 1840 despina@onyxmarketing.co.za