Controversial South African TV Series ‘Yizo Yizo’ Available to Stream on Netflix

Netflix South Africa has confirmed that the first season of the controversial and popular edu-series Yizo Yizo, which premiered on SABC 1 in 1999, is now available on their platform. The series follows the lives of teenagers coming of age, and caused much controversy upon its original release.

Later this month, Netflix will make the 2nd season of the SABC drama Yizo Yizo available for streaming as well. The late 90s series follows the lives of students at Supatsela High as they overcome various obstacles in their pursuit of education, love, and a sense of belonging.

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Season 1 started streaming on Friday, 21 April and season 2 will stream from Friday, 28 April.

“South African classics is one thing I don’t joke about,” a post on the streaming giant’s social media read. “Both seasons of #YizoYizo are coming to Netflix in April.”

Among others, Yizo Yizo’s cast features Thembi Seete, Nambitha Mpumlwana, Innocent Masuku, Charmaine Mtinta, Meshack Mavuzo Magabane, and Jet Novuka.

The show faced criticism in the 2000s due to its graphic depictions of violence, including a scene where a new inmate was sexually assaulted. Some called for the show to be taken off-air. However, the SABC defended the show by stating that a parental guidance warning was displayed before the 16-rated show aired.

The Freedom of Expression Institute also supported the show, stating that the scene was not exaggerated and depicted the reality of prison life in the country.

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When Yizo Yizo first dropped back in 1999, not only was it controversial, but many kids were not allowed to watch, because of it’s graphic nature. And now . . . those people have a chance to watch this show and appreciate it for the trail blazer that it was.

And thanks to Netflix, we can now have accesss to great shows like Yizo Yizo . . . a testament of the caliber of shows that the SABC used to do.