Top Billing (TV programme)

Top Billing was a South African lifestyle television programme that aired on SABC3 on Saturday evenings from 18:00–19:00 with repeats on Sundays at 12:00. It was founded by Basetsana Kumalo and Patience Stevens, who own the Tswelopele Production company. The show was the longest-running entertainment and lifestyle programme in South Africa, broadcasting since 1992.[1] In addition to a variety of presenters, there was a voice-over guide throughout the programme. A magazine of the same name was launched in March 2004, containing similar content to the show.

Top Billing
Genre
Country of originSouth Africa
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducersBasetsana Khumalo, Patience Stevens
Production locationSouth Africa
EditorHayden Fortmann
Running time60 minutes (approx.)
Production companyTswelopele Productions
Release
Original networkSABC3
Original releaseOctober 1992 (1992-10) –
October 19, 2019 (2019-10-19)

Content

The weekly show had genres of beauty, fashion, food, home decor, travel and weddings. Different local and international celebrities were interviewed each week and a designer home featured as part of the show. International celebrities such as Donald Trump's ex-wife, Ivana Trump, featured on the show, as well as Hollywood actor and Beverly Hills doctor, Dr. Rey. Local celebrities such as rugby player Bryan Habana, singer Tamara Dey and Muvhango actress Ntahbiseng Mphahlele have been given equal attention.[2] Popular events such as awards ceremonies and fashion runway shows were showcased. Presenters travelled to locations around the world and often partook in exclusive activities such as sky-diving, skiing, and scuba-diving. Food and wine pairings were also presented, and exclusive weddings attended.

In 2019 the broadcaster cancelled the show[3] due to high production costs. The last episode aired on 19 October 2019.

Presenters

Voice-over artists
  • Alex Jay
  • Kevin Savage
  • Phil Wright

Public opinion
Janez Vermeiren, South African model and Top Billing presenter

People who dislike Top Billing base their hostility on the "questionable ethics" that "dressed presenters will sit down alone to a meal prepared for them in a luxurious setting. This is in a country where people are going hungry..."[4] Others complained that the content featured in the lifestyle programme are unaffordable to the average viewer. On the contrary, Top Billing producers affirmed that the programme was aimed at "giving South Africans hope" that they too can achieve those luxuries that they see on the programme.[5]

Tswelopele Productions

Tswelopele Productions is a production company equally owned by Basetsana Kumalo and Patience Stevens.[6] After the success of Top Billing, Tswelopele also produces other local productions such as Afrikaans lifestyle programme Pasella, SiSwati youth show Ses'khona, travel series Top Travel, Top Dogs and No Reservations.

Controversy

In 2009, Tswelopele staff members suffered a 10% wage cut for 7 months after Tswelopele waited for SABC to renew their contract. This was accompanied by an 8-day late salary payment, after the company had apparently spent R400,000 expanding their working premises.[7]

In 2017, Tswelopele faced additional controversy when the broadcaster was unable to pay[8] not only Tswelopele but several South African production companies that produced their content. This resulted in salaries being paid late. An article published by ZAlebs[9] stated that the presenters had also not been paid.

Competition

In 2009, M-Net launched a lifestyle programme that was similar in content to that of Top Billing. The M-Net show, All Access, was given the same time slot as Top Billing. Lani Lombard, M-Net's publicist, was reported saying that the show will be "fun-filled, unpretentious and we trust that many M-net viewers who have been watching Top Billing over the years will migrate to All Access".[10] Five seasons of the show were aired on M-Net before it was moved to one of M-Net's sister channels, Mzanzi Magic.[11]

References
  1. "The End Of An Era: Top Billing Says Goodbye After 27 Years On Air". topbilling.com. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  2. "Top Billing". Retrieved 15 April 2011.
  3. Ferreira, Thinus (17 October 2019). "SABC cancels 'Top Billing' after 25 years - reports". Channel24. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
  4. Onynski, Joyce. "Shittiest Tv programmes in South Africa". Timelive. Retrieved 15 April 2011.
  5. Mammon, rafiek (5 May 2004). "Glitz, Glamour and guts". Star. Retrieved 15 April 2011.
  6. "Tswelopele Productions, South African TV production company". topbilling.co,za. 2 December 2010. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
  7. Cohen, Lauren, Ndebele, Gabisile (9 September 2009). "Low billing, Working for Mahala". The Times. Retrieved 15 April 2011.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. "SABC producers not paid while execs party". Channel24. 30 April 2017. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
  9. "Zee's rumour of the week: Top Billing presenters not getting paid their salaries". zalebs.com. 22 January 2020.
  10. Ndelebe, Gabisile (24 June 2009). "Mnet woes SABC viewers". The Times. Retrieved 15 April 2011.
  11. "All Access". tvsa.co.za. 23 January 2010. Archived from the original on 23 January 2010. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
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