New SABC 3 Local Telenovela ‘The Estate’ To Replace Isidingo

Not even the gates of Echelon Estate can keep the dirty secrets inside from spilling out in our brand-new telenovela which will premiere weekdays from April, 2021 on SABC 3.

The Estate is a game-changing gripping premium daily drama that probes the hot-button issues on every South African’s lips: Land and Identity, Corruption, Patronage, Money (old and new), Power, Class and Equality, all told through a colourful mix of South African families that fight for their space in these topical debates.

The storyline centres around a gated suburban community haven that is Echelon Estate. Beautiful homes line the landscaped green parks of the golf course. There is a clubhouse, a gym, and the entire Estate is surrounded by an 8-metre-high brick wall and tight security. There are the families that live within the walls – a diverse cross-section of South African society from all walks of life, from the super elite to the struggling middle class trying to keep up with the Jones’, as well as the working class who are labouring visitors in this ‘wonderland’.

Meanwhile, trouble brews outside the iron gates of suburbia as growing pressure around a land claim concerning The Estate from the neighbouring Thembalethu township community intensifies. The ever-present threat of ‘the peasants storming the castle’ looms over the privileged Estate residents, while and long buried secrets are about to be unearthed (literally!) as the terrible Faustian deal between two men is revealed.

“The Estate is a metaphor, a symbol of modernity and status – but the show begs the question: is this all we aspire to as humans? As citizens? When is enough, enough? The show tells moving tales of family, loyalty, love, sacrifice, betrayal and human foibles while addressing some of the issues in our country as we scramble our way to the future. The Production company (CMP) and the SABC content team have brought us a cutting-edge telenovela which will serve our citizens with world class storytelling with an award-winning cast, writers and incredible production value. South Africans are in for a treat,” says Pat van Heerden: Channel Head SABC 3 Bouquet.

Continuing, “The Estate forms part of an exciting chapter of SABC 3 where the channel is repositioning to reflect a modern, complex and thoughtful South Africa. We will announce these exciting developments. For now, it’s all about The Estate.”

The Estate deals with themes such as identity and heritage, historical disempowerment and the fight for true economic freedom, truth vs lies, corruption and its consequences and other social issues that have relevance and resonance, in the current state of South Africa. The show will reflect a wide mix of diverse characters that speak to the 3 strata of society and how they are interconnected. “As Clive Morris Productions we are incredible excited to tell this story,” said the producers.

The production boasts great sets and top locations, amazing performances, crisp, authentic and on-trend looks, incredible technical work (cinematography, lighting and production design).

The Estate will combine aspiration; glitz and glamour infused with the reality of the modern-day every South African. Audiences will see themselves, who they wish to be and who they pray they never become.

The Estate cast will include some of the best-loved actors in South African television as you have never seen them before as well as some fresh new faces that the audiences will fall in love with.