The broadcast date for SABC 2’s brand new local sitcom Askies has been moved to 3 April 2009 (it was originally scheduled for broadcast in mid-January).
 

Askies follows a diverse group of quirky adults, who have to learn an indigenous South African language to improve their social status. In the surreal, frequently comic world of the Zulu Night Language-school, they learn to overcome their prejudices and cultural tics... to communicate with each other!
 

The only thing Frida (Hanli Rolfes) got from her divorce is the best years of her life flushed down the toilet, her heart broken and a pawn shop in the middle of Randburg. But this Afrikaans Primary school teacher from the "platteland" is not going to give up just yet and so she sets out to try to keep her head above water by dodging her landlord and wannabe gangster, Mikey (Dirk Stoltz), who lives upstairs with his grandmother. He wants to turn the pawn shop into a night club. In order to stay afloat, Frida, with the help of Persistence (Tumi Morake) - the world's most streetsmart tea lady - has to use her language skills to teach a motley crew of after-hours students Zulu!
 

Starring as Frida, Hanli Rolfes is best known for her leading role on Generations (SABC 1), where she was Sarah-Lee from 1996-2002. She has also starred in popular shows such as Justice for All III (SABC 1), Jozi Streets (SABC 1) and Vetkoekpaleis (SABC 2).
 

Dirk Stoltz has been working in local television, theatre and cinema since the early 1990’s, starring in many iconic local productions. He was most recently seen on TV in Song vir Katryn 1 & 2 (SABC 2), Riemvasmaak (SABC 2) and Erfsondes (SABC 2).
 

Tumi Morake is an up-and-coming young actress, having starred in various film, TV, theatre and stand-up comedy productions. She recently made a few cameo and supporting appearances on TV, including Justice for All (SABC 1), Soul Buddiez (SABC 1) and City Ses’la (SABC 1).
 

Askies is a concept that was inspired to creators Teboho Pietersen and Yolanda Mogatutsi of Thousand Hugs as a concept brief from SABC 2 in 2007. Luna Film’s Bridget Pickering and Neil Brandt were brought on as executive producers.
 
Head director Andre Odendaal was approached, after he auditioned for one of the characters. He assisted to do the final casting and further created an atmosphere that gave the actors a chance to explore the ensemble piece even further, creating realistic though very humorous characters.
 

The first 13 episodes of Askies will screen on SABC 2 from 3 April 2009. The 2nd series, also consisting of 13 episodes, will be screened later in the year.
 

Askies features all 11 official languages but mainly Afrikaans, English and Sotho – with English subtitles.

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RAT RACE

"Rat Race" is a brand new series which will air on SABC 3. It's a reality-style career show focused on empowering teenagers when it comes to their career options. The  show aims to educate participants and viewers about ethics within the workplace and ultimately to inform them about what it takes to be a professional in any vocation. Career fields in the series include photography, tourism and sport (management, event planning etc).
 

PARTICIPATE!

The invitation to participate is open to opinionated, outspoken and driven learners, aged 16 and 17. The candidates will need to be available for shoots two days per week for ten weeks. Each week, the candidates will work on a task received from their manager or supervisor and will compete against each other for the ultimate prize to be awarded at the end of the 13 weeks – a full study bursary worth R30 000.
 

WHAT TO SUBMIT

Potential candidates who wish to participate in the Rat Race are required to bring with them a CV that must include:
•    Subjects
•    Interests/ hobbies
•    Achievements
•    Dreams/ Aspirations
•    Motivation for the job application
 

AUDITIONS

Thursday 11 December 2008 from 9am to 6pm at Touchdown Africa (No. 34 7th Street, corner 4th Avenue, Linden, Jhb)
 

MORE INFO

Contact Katlego Msomi on 011 912 7655 or katlegom@touchdownafrica.co.za