kykNET's Channels April Highlights

Who will Brendan Peyper choose in Op my eish!?

Is the new bunch of city slickers up to the farm challenges in Plaasjapie? And is it true that facts are sometimes stranger than fiction? These are just a few of the many highlights viewers can look forward to on kykNET channels in April.

Op My Eish!

“If you want to keep a secret you must also hide it from yourself,” George Orwell wrote in his famous novel 1984. In reality TV shows, which are sometimes filmed months in advance, keeping secrets is one of the most important elements of tension and intrigue – especially the secret of how it all ends.

Brendan Peyper’s quest for love in the third season of Op My Eish! had viewers buzzing. In the thirteenth episode, aired on 4 April at 20:00, Brendan must choose between the three candidates who still hope to become the woman at the popular singer’s side. Who will it be? And is this really the final episode of the series?

Op My Eish! is broadcast Thursdays at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144). It will also be available on DStv Stream and DStv Catch Up.

Plaasjapie

The second season of Plaasjapie, where sixteen relatively inexperienced city slickers compete for a prize of R1 million, returns on Thursday 18 April at 20:00. Ewan Strydom is the host again.

The participants, hailing from as far as Piet Retief and Windhoek, consist of eight men and eight women between the ages of 20 and 55, and they will have to prove that they can farm without the use of modern technology.

The participants are:

Stanley Venter (24), a motor parts salesman from Pretoria
Riaan Snyder (30), a SHEQ officer (safety, health, and environmental management) from Piet Retief
André Mouton (44), a scraper operator from Pacaltsdorp
Etienne de Villiers (36), a wedding and event planner from Pretoria
Blue Kester (39), a community development coordinator from Bellville
Liovian Anderson (40), an entrepreneur from Paarl
Michelle de Waal (42), a medical rep from Windhoek
Milandie Grimbeek (32), a hair stylist from Beaufort West
Zanie van Rensburg (53), a former gym owner and current sports equipment salesperson
Anelda Price (24), a final-year student in Social Work from Parow Valley
Jannie Holsthyzen (20), a security guard from Pretoria
Pieter Gous (28), a mechanical engineer from Cape Town
Liezle Wiese (56), a sales representative in the construction industry from Germiston
Donovan Massyn (24), a senior trade account manager from Pretoria
Danielle Reinecke (24), a somatologist from Rustenburg
Monique Hobkirk (42), a somatologist from Nelspruit

Plaasjapie airs on Thursdays, starting 18 April at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144). It will also be available on DStv Stream and DStv Catch Up.

Vreemder as Fiksie

Everyone has a story – some stranger than others. Sometimes so strange you can’t believe it’s true.

Vreemder as Fiksie, kykNET’s new documentary series, tells the astonishing stories of ordinary people whose lives have been upended by bizarre events or dark secrets that have come to light. The series, which begins on 1 April 2024, offer the individuals involved and their family members the opportunity to share their incredible experiences.

“We focus on the stories you occasionally hear around a braai that make you wonder if the storytellers aren’t pulling your leg,” says the producer, Izelle Venter. “The series delves deeper into the lives of brave people who have faced larger-than-life characters and had to deal with events you think could only happen in storybooks. Their loved ones and experts shed light on their experiences: from rare diseases and supernatural events to cruel family secrets. It’s incredible but true. Stranger than fiction, indeed.”

There are 13 episodes, and each episode focuses on a different family. The series promises to blow you away with real-life stories that no writer could dream up.

Vreemder as Fiksie starts on Monday 1 April at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144). It will also be available on DStv Stream and DStv Catch Up.

Vrystaatbewoners

The Free State is known for its picturesque mountain routes, vast plains and beautiful flowers. Vrystaatbewoners, a new kykNET lifestyle programme, shines a spotlight on the unique people who call this province home.

In search of the province’s soul, the series reveals unknown facts and uncovers untold stories. Each person shares a tapestry of experiences surrounding love, loss, resilience and triumph over adversity.

Ian Martin, the director of the series, says that each episode is a tribute to the resilience and resourcefulness of Free Staters.

“Every corner had a story waiting to be told. From the bustling streets of urban centres and small towns to tranquil stretches of farmland. Vrystaatbewoners is more than just a documentary series – it’s a journey of discovery, compassion and a celebration of the human spirit,” says Ian.

Vrystaatbewoners starts 4 April at 21:30 on kykNET (DStv channel 144) and will also be available on DStv Catch Up and DStv Stream.

Stralend

The popular TV personality and actress Angelique Gerber hosts the new lifestyle programme Stralend. This series gave twelve women the opportunity to become a new and better version of themselves and in some cases even to radically change their appearance.

“Stralend is not a programme focused on weight loss. On the contrary, it carries the message that your happiness does not depend on a specific weight. Stralend emphasises that inner beauty makes you unique. We offer makeup and style tips, but the ultimate goal is self-acceptance, self-love and respect for your own uniqueness,” says an enthusiastic Angelique.

Francois de Klerk, better known as Fafa, is a renowned makeup artist and stylist, and his talents are used to give the participants a new look.

JC Snooke, co-director of the series, says it’s time for women to love who they truly are.

“Stralend is there to give women the confidence to be their true selves. We focus on the head, heart and soul because that’s where the transformation takes place.”

Stralend starts 1 April at 21:30 on kykNET (DStv channel 144) and will also be available on DStv Catch Up and DStv Stream.

Plan B

The fifth and final episode of Plan B – the exciting drama series set in the world of crime, billionaires, swindlers and art thieves – will air on 23 April.

2 April: Ragel’s quest for revenge leads her into the world of art theft.
9 April: Kate and Joe are called in to help pull off a daring con aimed at Joshua, and the outbreak of a small war brings excitement for the wealthy.
16 April: Ragel’s fears are not unfounded, and a series of bloody messages force the team into a dangerous situation.
23 April: It’s all or nothing for the team with Ragel developing a real fondness for the smell of gunpowder.

Plan B airs on Tuesdays at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144) and will also be available on DStv Catch Up and DStv Stream.

In Die Sop

Hearts are touched and restaurants are rebooted again with expert help from Bertus Basson and Misi Overturf in a new season of In Die Sop. Some of the highlights include a rescue operation carried out at two eateries in Velddrif’s famous Bokkom Lane, and a trip to Pearly Beach, where Ferdi and Kosie from the local fishing club urgently needed help.

In Die Sop is broadcast on Wednesdays at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144) and will also be available on DStv Catch Up and DStv Stream.

Bewonder en Bewaar met Bonné de Bod

In April, Bonné travels from America to the Free State.

7 April Bonné walks with Kira Cassidy, the head biologist of the Yellowstone Wolf Project, through the park in hopes of seeing the iconic Yellowstone wolves.
14 April Bonné joins Dr Francois Deacon, a dynamic scientist at the University of the Free State, for a world-first: capturing and equipping giraffes with sound devices.
21 April Bonné heads to the beautiful Kalahari to meet Prof. Andrea Fuller, who researches how meerkats cope with big temperature fluctuations, from icy nights to scorching daytime temperatures.
28 April Bonné travels to a remote research station and talks to Prof. Theo Wassenaar to learn more about the secrets of a living fossil – the Welwitschia, which only grows in Namibia.

Bewonder en Bewaar met Bonné de Bod airs Sundays at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144) and will also be available on DStv Catch Up and DStv Stream.

Popular kykNET series returning in April

La’t Wiel will soon celebrate a major milestone when the 30th season of this popular motoring programme is aired. It’s also La’t Wiel’s 21st birthday. As usual, the seasoned presenters of the show, Hannes Visser and Waldo van der Waal, will test drive a wide variety of exciting wheels and share motor-related stories all car enthusiasts will enjoy.

La’t Wiel starts Tuesday 2 April at 17:30 on kykNET (DStv channel 144).

Fiësta, which has been on air for more than 20 years, travels the country again to capture the excitement of festivals, fairs and other events. The series boasts two new presenters. Lundi Khoisan and Wicus Pretorius are still in front of the cameras, but this time around they are joined by Elsa Esterhuizen and Rumacques Gelderbloem. The new series kicks off with the kykNET Fiësta Awards recently handed out at a glitzy event in Cape Town. The team also visits the Ramadaan & Lifestyle Expo, the KKNK, the Afrikaans Oppi Platteland music festival in Malmesbury and the Stilbaai Book Festival.

Fiësta starts on 7 April in a new time slot on Sundays at 18:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144).

In the new season, the Jan Braai vir Erfenis team takes a leisurely trip along the Cape coast. They start off in Sea Point and Camps Bay, make a stop in Hout Bay, Noordhoek and Kommetjie, and then travel all the way to Kleinmond, Onrus and Hermanus.

Jan Braai vir Erfenis starts on Saturday 6 April at 18:30 on kykNET (DStv channel 144).

Safari-Roetes is back for a second season and will amaze viewers again with some of the places your 4×4 can take you. In the new season, the team drive the old ox-wagon routes of the Western and Southern Cape, with guide Nico Hesterman leading the way, and they tow caravans to some of the country’s most beautiful camping spots.

Safari-Roetes starts on Monday 8 April at 17:30 on kykNET (DStv channel 144).

In the tenth season of Hannes aan Huis, Hannes van Wyk pays a visit to, among others, the pianist Charl du Plessis, the philanthropist Carolyn Steyn, the music promoter Lydia Winchester, the singer Karin Hougaard and Phoebe Gerwel, founding member of the Jakes Gerwel Foundation and patron of the Suidoosterfees.

Hannes aan Huis starts on Tuesday 2 April at 21:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144).

The adventurous couple Hennie and Nicole Bosman take viewers on an exciting journey through the heart of South Africa’s beauty, nature and culture in the third season of Wanderlus.

Wanderlus begins on 6 April at 19:30 on kykNET (DStv channel 144).

Lottoland: Help ’n Dorp returns for its second season, giving a big boost and a leg up to towns across the country once more. With Leah hosting the programme again, the team will show how ordinary people roll up their sleeves to make a difference in communities.

Lottoland: Help ’n Dorp starts on 10 April at 21:30 on kykNET (DStv channel 144).

The third season of Spasie will once again demonstrate how small spaces can be transformed into wonderful homes and why more and more people are downsizing and embracing smaller living. Each of the thirteen episodes focuses on someone who made this change. There will be plenty of inspiration as the programme shows how these projects are carried out from start to finish.

Spasie begins on 5 April at 18:30 on kykNET (DStv channel 144).

Prontuit is back from 10 April.

This year marks thirty years of democracy and, for many, 2024 is their 1994. How do we manage discussions about our country’s future around the dinner table and the politics that play such an important role in it. We talk to experts and Joe Soap about how to stay sane and make it through the marathon that every South African has to complete between now and 29 May.

17 April: The sandwich generation, people living with their parents and children, have increased in SA from 39% in 2022 to 43% in 2023. Prontuit looks at multigenerational households and retirement.
24 April: Many South Africans live abroad, with their family relationships stretching over continents. Prontuit chats with therapists and families dealing with the trauma of emigration.
1 May: According to a report by the EWT and WESSA, our smaller provincial reserves are going to collapse due to a lack of funds and knowledge. We chat with experts about possible solutions.

kykNET Soaps

Binnelanders

Lukas warns Delia about Dawid, and she gets the shock of her life when the truth comes out. Gaby surprises Elise with a tempting offer, and Tertius is forced to share bad news with a patient’s family. Naomi receives terrible news, and Liam is faced with a difficult decision that could seriously affect his relationships.

Tracy is unknowingly warned that someone is on her trail, and Rian seeks Louis’s advice about a dangerous email. Louis and Naomi have a serious conversation about the future, and Conrad asks Jacques to help assist Southern Hope. Jonas is back, and Tertius gets the shock of his life and must make a difficult decision. Everyone is surprised when a relationship comes to an end.

Diepe Waters

Viewers can prepare for an emotional rollercoaster in April. Both Charity and Arno are still mourning the death of their biological father, Daan, but it’s especially Arno who battles to come to grips with it. His relationship with Karla suffers, and then he does something he may regret for the rest of his life.

Tshepo longs for his biological family and gets the opportunity to get to know them better. He is over the moon about this development, but then he receives shocking news that forces him to make a big decision.

It’s also not the end of the scheming Mari’s plans to ruin Sanet’s life. Things go too far when she does something that will make it almost impossible for Sanet to prove her innocence. The month also holds a treat for swimmers and viewers alike, as a celebrity will pay a visit.

Suidooster

Ian October may be dead, but his ghost still haunts Ruiterbosch. It’s also a case of one man’s death is another man’s gain. After Pam October’s shocking revelation that Ian is Zoë’s biological father, Tim seizes the opportunity of a lifetime to bring Bridgette to a fall. A full-scale war erupts between the two, and Nazeem helps Tim execute his revenge plan. This spells trouble for Bridgette. Her darkest hour arrives when Tim and Nazeem’s strategy pays off, but will Bridgette accept her new fate?

She’s not the only Jacobs facing a crisis. Lee-Ann’s world is turned upside down when Ty’s brain tumour returns, and he makes a drastic decision. With Siya and Danni’s marriage on the rocks, both try to move on, but it seems easier for Danni than for Siya. She clearly finds more than just solace in her ex-boyfriend Aiden’s arms. Perhaps Siya was right to be paranoid about her and Aiden during their marriage? Gary returns to Ruiterbosch, and this time he’s here to stay.

Saturday Night Entertainment

Make a note in your diary for two very special but very different Saturday night highlights on kykNET (DStv channel 144) in April.

On 20 April, the award-winning comedy Hans Steek Die Rubicon Oor makes its debut on kykNET. This film, based on Rudie van Rensburg’s best-selling book, won the award for best feature film at last year’s Silwerskerm Film Festival, where Corné van Rooyen was named best director, and Pierre van Pletzen, who plays the role of Hans, won the award for best actor. Also in the cast are legends Tobie Cronjé as Vasie, June van Merch as Baby, and Sandra Prinsloo as Liesbet. Nicola Hanekom portrays the tyrannical matron, with Juan-Pierre Moller as Esmeraldus, her bumbling assistant.

On Saturday 27 April at 20:00, the Carte Blanche documentary 30 Years of Democracy will be aired. (It will also be screened on M-Net on Sunday 28 April.) This hour-long programme looks at how dramatically the country has changed over the past 30 years and explores themes such as migration and people’s roots. Interviews have been conducted with South Africans from all walks of life – from a chef in Sandton to a tribal chief, a street artist to an elderly orchestra leader, and from a lawyer to a taxi boss.

kykNET&kie

Sê Jou Sê

When you are warned at the beginning of a programme that the opinions expressed are those of the participants, you know something is coming your way that is bound to ruffle some feathers. And that’s how kykNET&kie’s popular talk show Sê Jou Sê kicks off its third season with Cape Town broadcaster Aden Thomas as host.

“This season, you’re in for something,” Aden promises, and by now loyal viewers know that on this programme, there are no holds barred.

“Sê Jou Sê is where we discuss everyday problems. Audience participation is extremely important. It’s almost like conversations that would take place on the train or in a taxi. Everyone wants to get involved, even when conversations get a bit heated and emotions are running high,” he says.

The Sê Jou Sê field presenter and journalist Chrislynn Sias will once again talk to the man in the street to get opinions from members of the public on certain issues. Spirited Nathan Castle returns as the bailiff in black.

Sê Jou Sê will also be at this year’s Suidoosterfees, where Aden and Chrislynn will talk to previous guests of the series on Saturday 27 April at 10:00 to hear how they are doing now. They will also share stories about the strange and funny things that happen behind the scenes sometimes.

Sê Jou Sê starts on Sunday 14 April at 19:00 on kykNET&kie (DStv channel 145) and will also be available on DStv Stream.

Arendsvlei

Cupid is working overtime in the Vlei this month. There are love birds wherever you look. And Janice doesn’t hold back regarding Desmond and his new plans.

Sasha still only has eyes for Devon, but the harder she tries to get his attention, the more she realises he has his eyes on someone else. While Lionel talks to Lee-Roy, he accidentally lets slip that Devon loves him. This changes Lee-Roy’s entire perspective on Devon. Will Lee-Roy find true love this time?

Desmond doesn’t realise that the illicit romance between Bompie and Rachel is far from over. But Audrey has other plans. She warns Rachel about Bompie’s anger issues, and Rachel starts having second thoughts.

Desmond is back in charge, and this time it’s Arendsvlei’s shopping centre. He and Audrey are targeting Janice, and it has an impact on all the owners. But Janice doesn’t back down. When Desmond starts with his dirty tricks, she rallies everyone together to stand up against him. This time, Janice must be careful because Audrey is by his side and ready to fight.

kykNET NOU!

On Monday 1 April, your favourite music channel – kykNET NOU! (DStv channel 146) – gets a brand-new look. So, sit back, tune in, enjoy the public holiday and let us know what you think of the new look and feel.

kykNET NOU! also has a new music block starting on 1 April: Klankbaan will play iconic music videos from movie and TV series. Everything from “Ballade vir ’n enkeling” to “Binnelanders” is on the menu. Come and watch and hum or sing along.

Time slots: