Fans of the long-running Afrikaans soapie have launched an online petition in a desperate attempt to get the SABC to reconsider its decision to end the series.
As of this morning, there were 24,592 signatures, the goal being 25,000.
The petition, started by loyal fan Jermaine Christians , reads as follows :
“7de Laan has been one of the longest-running Afrikaans soapies in South Africa. It has one of the best loyal viewers and fans in the entire South Africa. The SABC decided not to renew 7de Laan for the next season. We as the loyal viewers completely disagree with no reasons provided why 7de Laan has not been renewed for another season. The show has reached so many milestones 23 years on air, 24 seasons and even 5000 episodes. This is not the first time that viewers see the soapie being attacked by the SABC. 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 It's large road show 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. If not we the fans of 7de Laan would like to urge other production houses such as Etv or even Kyknet to buy into the idea of 7de Laan not just saving the jobs of cast members, the crew but also the no.1 Afrikaans soapie in South Africa”.
“Just the idea that +- 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 this soapy was unto so many when it came to job creation with their yearly Internship programme. This is not the first time SABC tried calling off the shots when it comes to 7deLaan and therefore we plead with other production houses to make use of this opportunity to try and #Save7deLaan for good this time. How do you shut the doors of an AWARD WINNING soapy with millions of viewers, this does not make sense and we believe as viewers there's more to the story behind SABC trying once again to shut down one of the most loved soapies”.
“We ask that all the fans kindly email and contact, Caroline Phalakatshela -Publicity specialist Tel: 011 714 5441/072 382 2032. Email: phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za at the SABC and send through their complains as this is not fair towards us as tv license payers, fans, and most importantly the cast and crew that would be affected by this decision.”
The SABC said in a statement that the show is too expensive to keep on the air given its viewership. 7de Laan had 1.19 million viewers in June, making it the most-watched Afrikaans show on South African television and the second-most-watched show on SABC 2 after Muvhango with 1.4 million viewers.
It was announced on July 17 that the final episode of Season 24 would air on the 26th of December 2023.
If you would like to add your voice to the petition go to: https://www.change.org/p/sabcportal-icasa-org-stop-the-attack-on-7delaan-keep-7delaan-on-air
