Egoli: Place of Gold
Encyclopedia
Egoli: Place of Gold is a long-running bilingual (English
and Afrikaans
) South Africa
n soap opera
which first aired on M-Net
on 6 April 1992. South African television's first daily soap opera, on 3 December 1999 Egoli became the first South African television program in any genre to reach 2,000 episodes. As of 3 August 2007, 4,000 episodes had aired. Egoli: Place of Gold aired its final episode on March 31, 2010, after 18 years of acting from South African and international actors.
The series was set in Johannesburg
, which is sometimes referred to as eGoli. Egoli was created by Franz Marx. The show is known in Afrikaans as Egoli: Plek van Goud.
Egoli was "aimed at women of all nationalities between the ages of 25 and 45, with middle or upper incomes." The series aired Monday to Friday at 18:00. However on from April 2009, M-Net moved Egoli to the 18:30 timeslot.
The series had a large following, and "Egoli Spectaculars" were held countrywide each year for fans of the series to meet the cast. These spectaculars offered publicity for the series but also raised money for charity.
International Guest stars:
At one time in the 1990s, the series was shown in at least 30 countries.
In creating the international version, all Afrikaans-language scenes were filmed twice, first in Afrikaans, then in English. To make the series more appealing to non-South African audiences, typical South African sayings and customs, were deleted from the international edition.
Egoli was also dubbed in Spanish for broadcast in some South American countries.
Casper de Vries
in his soap parody Haak en Steek.
A cookbook featuring recipes by characters in the series (including Nenna, Elsa, Donna, and Mrs. Naidoo) was published during the program's run and ranked number 1 on the South African top ten best-seller list for several weeks. The recipes featured in the cookbook were collected by South African restauranteurs Eduan Naudé and Brian Shalkoff.
During the early years of its run, the TV show marketed a sticker book and stickers featuring pictures of the actors from the series.
After the series concluded in 2010, a double-disc DVD entitled Egoli 18 was released. The DVD featured highlights from each year of the series' 18-year-run, repackaged into new 24-minute episodes by the show's creator, Franz Marx. Episodes were introduced by actors, writers, and other notable personalities who were affiliated with or fans of the show.
The show also marketed its own fragrance. The perfume, named "Essence of Gold."
Clothes featured in the TV series, designed by fictional character Freddie Vermeulen of Louwna Fashions, were also sold in South African shops at one time.
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
and Afrikaans
Afrikaans
Afrikaans is a West Germanic language, spoken natively in South Africa and Namibia. It is a daughter language of Dutch, originating in its 17th century dialects, collectively referred to as Cape Dutch .Afrikaans is a daughter language of Dutch; see , , , , , .Afrikaans was historically called Cape...
) South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
n soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
which first aired on M-Net
M-Net
M-Net is a subscription-funded television channel in South Africa, established in 1986 by Naspers....
on 6 April 1992. South African television's first daily soap opera, on 3 December 1999 Egoli became the first South African television program in any genre to reach 2,000 episodes. As of 3 August 2007, 4,000 episodes had aired. Egoli: Place of Gold aired its final episode on March 31, 2010, after 18 years of acting from South African and international actors.
The series was set in Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
, which is sometimes referred to as eGoli. Egoli was created by Franz Marx. The show is known in Afrikaans as Egoli: Plek van Goud.
Egoli was "aimed at women of all nationalities between the ages of 25 and 45, with middle or upper incomes." The series aired Monday to Friday at 18:00. However on from April 2009, M-Net moved Egoli to the 18:30 timeslot.
The series had a large following, and "Egoli Spectaculars" were held countrywide each year for fans of the series to meet the cast. These spectaculars offered publicity for the series but also raised money for charity.
Cast
Cast members included--- Christine Basson as Nora Roelofse Naude (Seasons 1-18)
- Shaleen Surtie-Richards as Ester (Nenna) Willemse (Seasons 1-18)
- Brümilda van Rensburg as Louwna Roelofse Vorster Edwards Von Badenburg Edwards (Seasons 1-18)
- Hennie Smit as Bertie Roelofse (Seasons 1-18)
- Anrich Herbst as Dewald Vorster (Seasons 1-5)
- David Rees as Nick Naude (Seasons 1-7, 9-18)
- Tiffany Kelly as Sonet Vorster Naude (Seasons 1-7, 9-18)
- David Vlok as Tim Herholdt Vorster (Seasons 1-13)
- Ernst Eloff as Buks Pienaar (Seasons 1-16)
- Hannah BothaHannah BothaHannah Botha was a South African TV and film actress known for roles in Nommer Asseblief, Agter Elke Man and most recently the soap-opera Egoli: Place of Gold. She did not become a full-time actress until 1988, before then she worked at the Legal Department of the Receiver of Revenue...
as Elsa Du Plessis Pienaar (Seasons 1-16) - Kevin Smith as Andrew Willemse (Seasons 1-3)
- Thoko Ntshinga as Donna Makaula (Seasons 1-13)
- Sean Michael as Brett (Seasons 1-5)
- Steve HofmeyrSteve Hofmeyr-Career:Hofmeyr matriculated in 1982 at Grey College. After two years compulsory army and border duty, he went to Pretoria Technikon Drama School.-Recording star and performer:...
as Doug Durand (Seasons 1-10) - Catriona Andrew as Jane Edwards Vorster Schoeman (Seasons 3-12)
- David Dukas as Johnney (Seasons 3-6)
- Darryl Desmarais as Stephen Edwards (Seasons 4-18)
- Huey Louw as Mr Jacobs (Season 4)
- Eckard RabeEckard RabeEckard Rabe is a South Africa actor born in 1948. He has acted as the business tycoon and patriarch of the Edwards family on the local soap opera, Egoli - Place of Gold since 1995. Eckard is married to actress Jo Da Silva. They have one daughter, Caitlin Biance.-External links:*...
as Chris Edwards (Seasons 4-18) - Chris Linford as Rex de Koning Von Badenburg (Seasons 5-18)
- Darren Kelfkens as Joe Smith (Seasons 6-17)
- David Butler as Brian (Seasons 6)
- Dorette Potgieter as Susan Bosman (Seasons 6-7)
- Linde van Eeden as Karin Schoeman Edwards (Seasons 6-18)
- Ebi Halberstadt as Braam Schoeman (Seasons 7-16)
- Juliet Newell as Louise (Seasons 7)
- Chanélle De Jager as Des du Pont Fischer (Seasons 9-18)
- Dawn Matthews as Paige (Seasons 9-10)
- Jana Cilliers as Elizabeth/Elize/Liz/Beth Edwards (Seasons 9)
- Macks Papo as Tsheko Mashabela (Seasons 9-15)
- Marlon Roelfze as Shaun Gillian (Seasons 9-17)
- Nico Panagio as Tucker (Seasons 9)
- Hannes van Wyk as Krynauw du Boisson (Seasons 10-18)
- Jana Strydom as Marcelle (Seasons 10-14)
- Michelle Beling as Candice (Candy) Botha Smith (Seasons 10-18)
- Tobie Cronjé as Pietie (Seasons 10-11)
- Michelle Pienaar as Audrey Gillian (Seasons 10-17)
- Nadine Naidoo as Dr. Rai (Season 11)
- Nadia Valvekens as Else (Season 12)
- Hykie Berg as Darius du Buisson (Seasons 13-14, 15)
- Mandi du Plooy as Lara (Seasons 13-18)
- Phuti Khomo as Bali (Seasons 13-15)
- Stefan Ludik as Werner Krantz (Seasons 13-16)
- Ivan Zimmermann as Koert Weideman (Seasons 14-18)
- Anton Fisher as Spike Roberts (Seasons 15-16)
- Marguerite Wheatley as Doreen Smith (Seasons 14-16)
- Paul Buckby as Dr Adam Fischer (Seasons 14-17)
- Gareth Tjasink as Dr James Cawood (Season 15)
- Izak Davel as Scab/Douw (Seasons 15-18)
- Leigh-Ann Wolmarans as Dr Miranda Murray (Season 15)
- Lynne McCarthy as Zita (Season 16)
- Marcus Muller as Liam de Lange (Seasons 16-18)
- Terry Norton as Trish Greeff (Season 16)
- Drikus Volschenk as Stanley (Season 17)
- Henco J as MC (Season 17)
- Lerato Motau as TJ Mokoena (Seasons 17-18)
- Rowan Cloete as Braam (Seasons 17-18)
- Tazz Nginda as Tebogo (Seasons 17-18)
- Shashi Naidoo as Sureshni Patel (Season 18)
- Duncan Johnston as Clayton (Season 18)
- Heidi Mollentze as Cathy (Season 18)
- Anriette van Rooyen (Lizelle)
- Theunis Nel (Lukas)
- Gé KorstenGé KorstenGérard Korsten was a South African opera tenor and actor who had a great influence on Afrikaans culture....
as Walt Vorster - Christel Smith (Tarien Naude Vorster)
- Esta TerBlancheEsta TerBlancheEsta TerBlanche , is a South African actress of Huguenot descent, best known for her roles on television soap operas in both South Africa and the United States.-Career:TerBlanche was born in Rustenburg, North West Province...
(who then went on to play Gillian in the US soap opera All My ChildrenAll My ChildrenAll My Children is an American television soap opera that aired on ABC from January 5, 1970 to September 23, 2011. Created by Agnes Nixon, All My Children is set in Pine Valley, Pennsylvania, a fictitious suburb of Philadelphia. The show features Susan Lucci as Erica Kane, one of daytime's most...
) as Bienkie Roelofse - Cliff SimonCliff SimonCliff Simon is a South African athlete and actor, most famous for his portrayal of Ba'al in Stargate SG-1.-Early life:...
(who went on to play the recurring character Ba'al on the US science-fiction show Stargate SG-1Stargate SG-1Stargate SG-1 is a Canadian-American adventure and military science fiction television series and part of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's Stargate franchise. The show, created by Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner, is based on the 1994 feature film Stargate by Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich...
) - Chantelle Stander Rankin (Kimberley Logan Vorster Schults Du Rand Edwards)
- Sandra PrinslooSandra PrinslooSandra Prinsloo, also known as Sandra Prinzlow, is a South African actress best known for her role as Kate Thomson in 1980 film The Gods Must Be Crazy....
as Cecile Roelofse Sinclair - Mary-Ann Barlow (Coreen Mackenzie Smith Edwards)
- Ilse Roos (Lynette Vorster)
- Elsabe Zietsman as Kay Knobel
- Casper de Vries as Duifie
- Mimi Coertse as Isabeau Vorster
International Guest stars:
- Joan CollinsJoan CollinsJoan Henrietta Collins, OBE , is an English actress, author, and columnist. Born in Paddington and raised in Maida Vale, Collins grew up during the Second World War. At the age of nine, she made her stage debut in A Doll's House and after attending school, she was classically trained as an actress...
as Catherine Sinclair - Jackie CollinsJackie CollinsJacqueline Jill "Jackie" Collins is an English novelist and former actress. She is the younger sister of actress Joan Collins. She has written 28 novels, all of which have appeared on the New York Times bestsellers list. In total, her books have sold over 400 million copies and have been...
- Richard SteinmetzRichard SteinmetzRichard Steinmetz is an American actor.In May 2004, Steinmetz joined the cast of Passions as Martin Fitzgerald, the long-missing patriarch of the Lopez-Fitzgerald family....
- James HoranJames Horan (actor)James Horan is an American character actor who has appeared in many television programs and films. He has starred in several soap operas, including Guiding Light as Det...
- Perry Stevens
- Samantha FoxSamantha FoxSamantha Karen "Sam" Fox is an English dance-pop singer, actress, and former glamour model. In 1983, at the age of 16, she began her topless modeling career on Page Three of The Sun, and went on to become a popular pin-up girl...
- Jerry SpringerJerry SpringerGerald Norman "Jerry" Springer is a British-born American television presenter, best known as host of the tabloid talk show The Jerry Springer Show since its debut in 1991...
- Helmut LottiHelmut LottiHelmut Lotti , is a Flemish Belgian tenor and singer-songwriter. Lotti performs in several styles and languages: Once an Elvis impersonator, he has sung African and Latino hit records, and he crossed over into classical music in the 1990s.-Life and music:The son of Luc Lotigiers and Rita Lagrou,...
Seasons
| # | Episodes | Date Started | Date Finished | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 260 | 6 April 1992 | 2 April 1993 |
| 2 | 259 | 5 April 1993 | 1 April 1994 |
| 3 | 260 | 4 April 1994 | 31 March 1995 |
| 4 | 260 | 3 April 1995 | 29 March 1996 |
| 5 | 260 | 1 April 1996 | 4 February 1997 |
| 6 | 260 | 5 February 1997 | 4 February 1998 |
| 7 | 300 | 5 February 1998 | 21 May 1999 |
| 8 | 260 | 24 May 1999 | 19 May 2000 |
| 9 | 180 | 22 May 2000 | 5 February 2001 |
| 10 | 260 | 6 February 2001 | 25 January 2002 |
| 11 | 260 | 28 January 2002 | 24 January 2003 |
| 12 | 260 | 27 January 2003 | 23 January 2004 |
| 13 | 260 | 26 January 2004 | 21 January 2005 |
| 14 | 160 | 25 January 2005 | 2 September 2005 |
| 15 | 353 | 5 September 2005 | 10 January 2007 |
| 16 | 285 | 11 January 2007 | 18 January 2008 |
| 17 | 310 | 21 January 2008 | 27 January 2009 |
| 18 | 259 | 30 March 2009 | 26 March 2010 |
International Edition
The TV series was broadcast outside of South Africa, in neighboring countries in the original bilingual Afrikaans-English version, and, beginning in May 1997, in an English-only international version. The bilingual version was shown in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, where Afrikaans was spoken or widely understood. In the late 1990s, the English version was broadcast in at least 9 African countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Zambia, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mauritius.At one time in the 1990s, the series was shown in at least 30 countries.
In creating the international version, all Afrikaans-language scenes were filmed twice, first in Afrikaans, then in English. To make the series more appealing to non-South African audiences, typical South African sayings and customs, were deleted from the international edition.
Egoli was also dubbed in Spanish for broadcast in some South American countries.
Parodies
Egoli: Place of Gold was one of the South African soaps to be parodied by comedianComedian
A comedian or comic is a person who seeks to entertain an audience, primarily by making them laugh. This might be through jokes or amusing situations, or acting a fool, as in slapstick, or employing prop comedy...
Casper de Vries
Casper de Vries
Casper De Vries is a South African actor, comedian, entertainer, composer, director, producer and author of sketches famous for his Afrikaans one man shows.-Background:...
in his soap parody Haak en Steek.
Demise
The final episode of the series aired on the 31st of March 2010. The final episode included surprises and special guests and ended at the memorial.Movie
It was announced in August 2009 that a movie entitled Egoli - The Movie would conclude the longest-running soap opera in South African history. The movie was produced by series creator and writer Franz Marx, in cooperation with Burgert Muller, a co-producer of the TV series, and Pieter Venter of Brigadiers-Franz Marx Films. The feature film was released in South African cinemas on 16 June 2010 and starred many cast members from the TV show including David Rees, Shaleen Surtie-Richards, Tiffany Kelly, Christine Basson, Brümilda von Rensburg, and Lerato Motau. Some sources list the title of the movie as Egoli: Afrikaners is Plesierig.Other Media and Products
A book entitled Franz Marx's Egoli 2000 by Reinet Louw was published by Human & Rousseau in 1999. The English-language edition was a translation of the Afrikaans-language edition, Franz Marx se Egoli 2000, also published in 1999. The book related how the show was developed, recounted storylines from the first 8 years of the show, provided biographical sketches of characters, and included photographs of cast members.A cookbook featuring recipes by characters in the series (including Nenna, Elsa, Donna, and Mrs. Naidoo) was published during the program's run and ranked number 1 on the South African top ten best-seller list for several weeks. The recipes featured in the cookbook were collected by South African restauranteurs Eduan Naudé and Brian Shalkoff.
During the early years of its run, the TV show marketed a sticker book and stickers featuring pictures of the actors from the series.
After the series concluded in 2010, a double-disc DVD entitled Egoli 18 was released. The DVD featured highlights from each year of the series' 18-year-run, repackaged into new 24-minute episodes by the show's creator, Franz Marx. Episodes were introduced by actors, writers, and other notable personalities who were affiliated with or fans of the show.
The show also marketed its own fragrance. The perfume, named "Essence of Gold."
Clothes featured in the TV series, designed by fictional character Freddie Vermeulen of Louwna Fashions, were also sold in South African shops at one time.