Telenovela Gqeberha: The Empire has been cancelled, but the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, which invested R8m in two seasons of the locally filmed series, believes it was money well spent.
According to Mzansi Magic, the last episode will air on January 10, though the show will still be available on Showmax.
In the gripping lead-up to the finale, Hlumelo will confront the devastating consequences of his past mistakes and seek redemption from the people he’s hurt.
Nozuko, meanwhile, will struggle to come to terms with her heartbreaking loss.
Will Hlumelo and Nozuko’s fragile relationship withstand the turmoil, or will their love become the latest casualty? This is the question that will be answered by viewers when the curtain comes down on the show.
The series boasted an impressive cast, including award-winning actors Zikhona Sodlaka and Mbulelo Grootboom.
Earlier in 2024, Sodlaka, who portrayed Bulelwa Mxenge, and Grootboom (Luzuko Mxenge) departed the show.
The recent announcement of the series’ conclusion has sparked mixed reaction, with some fans expressing disappointment and others believing it was long overdue.
The development corporation’s spokesperson, Lunga Mtshizana said: “ECDC is satisfied as the telenovela met all the requirements of the Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund, which is intended to fund film and television productions shot in the Eastern Cape
“The objective of the fund is to ensure local economic benefaction by ensuring that funded productions employ local filmmakers and utilise local suppliers for support services during the production or shooting phase.
“By supporting this production, ECDC achieved these objectives,” he said.
Mtshizana said hundreds of people had benefited through the series.
“Season one of the production resulted in the employment of 788 Eastern Cape people in different departments of the production.
“In addition, 125 Eastern Cape small businesses benefited in areas such as catering, accommodation, security and transport among others.
“During season two of the telenovela, 842 Eastern Cape jobs were created and 143 small businesses benefited from the production.”
Though there had been an uproar on social media over the series’ quality and plot, he said the corporation did not receive any complaints.
“The ECDC didn’t receive any formal concerns regarding the representation of the Eastern Cape and its people in the project.
“The film infrastructure in the province and connectivity needs further investment.
“This includes social and economic infrastructure such as film studios, equipment-hiring companies and road infrastructure. Addressing these challenges is critical to attracting more high-impact productions.
“ECDC is committed to supporting the film industry through the Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund, which the corporation administers.”
Mtshizana said the corporation had supported more than 30 productions.
M-Net’s director of local entertainment channels, Shirley Adonisi, lauded the team behind the series.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the producers, cast and crew of Gqeberha: The Empire.
“Their unwavering dedication and exceptional talent have delivered spellbinding storylines in one of the most fiercely competitive prime time slots.
“As we approach the grand finale, we eagerly anticipate witnessing the culmination of this extraordinary journey.”
Adonisi expressed deep gratitude to the Eastern Cape government for its crucial support, which helped the production flourish.
She highlighted the stellar work of multi-award-winning production company Tshedza Pictures and the entire cast and crew, who had kept viewers interested since the show’s inception in January 2021.
“Since its premiere, Gqeberha: The Empire has enchanted audiences with its storytelling and the stellar performances of its cast.
“From Anele Matoti’s portrayal of the funny yet complex Msimelelo, to Unathi Guma’s portrayal of the strong-willed Funeka, the series has consistently delivered compelling characters.
“Nozuko (Kay Bikitsha), Thulani (Thembinkosi Ngcukana) and season two’s addition of Bongile Mantsai as the menacing Hlumelo Mxenge have only deepened the show’s storylines.
“Its ability to track the growth of characters and weave intricate storylines has captured viewers’ imaginations from the start,” Adonisi said.
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