Award-winning telenovela returns for season 4 with lead actress Sindi Dlathu as Co-Executive Producer

The fans of popular award-winning telenovela The River should brace themselves for season 4 with a twist – lead actress Sindi Dlathu’s character, Lindiwe Dikana, will return with unlikely rivals that will take viewers on an emotional rollercoaster.

With season 3 of The River set to end with an unexpected unanticipated “climax” in February 2021 – with an unexpected  death amid a ring of lies, love and betrayal - fans will see a never-seen before side of Lindiwe as the CEO of Khanyisa Diamonds tries to keep it together when two people  become central to an investigation that might bring her mining empire to extinction. 

Dlathu’s involvement will include being instrumental and hands-on in key creative decisions for the show.

“I am humbled and honoured to be given this opportunity to work on a show that cares about people and the important work that we do as creatives. I’m so thrilled to create and now, produce with people that i’ve loved and respected for the longest time,” says Dlathu, who was recently named the Most Stylish Performing Artist in Film or TV at the 2020 South Africa Style Awards.

After being a lead actress on the Emmy Awards nominated series for three seasons, Dlathu will return to co-produce season 4 of the most loved 1Magic telenovela with Tshedza Pictures.

Phathu is proud of Dlathu’s promotion. “The appointment of Sindi Dlathu as co-executive producer is a huge accomplishment for all of us. Certainly, a first for the South African television industry to have an actress promoted to co-executive produce a television show, for her immeasurable contribution, on and off set.” 

“The season 3 finale in February next year will give viewers a glimpse of the Lindiwe Dikana they should expect when season 4 starts next year – someone who will do whatever it takes to stay on top,” says Phathutshedzo Makwarela, the co-founder and producer of Tshedza Pictures. 

Makwarela has noted the exacting environment that industry has been operating in: “The year 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us, and the entertainment industry was not spared. Our show saw our cast and crew rise to the occasion in incredible and resilient ways to bring entertainment to our loyal viewers.”

Other notable promotions include that of Durani Barnardo to Line Producer. Barnado started out as a Production Manager in season 1.

Creative Producer/Writer, Bonga Percy Vilakazi is now the overall show Series Producer.

“The River is our ‘first baby’ as a production company, where we wanted to do a lot of firsts. With 23 SAFTA awards in the bag in just three seasons, we know we cannot rest on our laurels. We strive and push ourselves as a team to transform our industry, says Tshedza Pictures’ Executive Producer Gwydion Beynon.

“These appointments are meant to do just that, change lives of the cast and crew, and the industry for the better. We want to prove that our entertainment industry is and can be sustainable for all professionals. We are proud of our people who have shown incredible dedication and exceptional expertise, with the intention of delivering excellent and world-class entertainment that Phathu, myself and the channel are very proud to showcase,” says Tshedza Pictures’ Executive Producer Gwydion Beynon.

Says Nomsa Philiso, the director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net: “The River continues to attract high viewership ratings because of excellent storytelling and brilliant casting. We would like to congratulate the Tshedza Pictures for keeping Mzansi entertained for the past three seasons. We would also like to send our well wishes to Dlathu for her new challenge and to us, we see this as a milestone in the film sector.”

The River airs weekdays 1Magic channel 103 and is available on Showmax.