Mzansi Magic turns 15 with a special Pop-Up Channel

Mzansi Magic is celebrating its milestone birthday with a heartfelt tribute to the shows, stars and stories that shaped a generation.

As part of the many celebrations, DStv is launching a Pop-Up Channel on Saturday, 12 July, available on Channel 196. Take a trip down memory lane for the viewers who have been part of the Mzansi Magic journey.

We are bringing the celebration to your screens with an unmissable special documentary, incredible birthday giveaways plus more exciting content to keep the party going.

Get DStv Compact Start Streaming

"Mzansi Magic has always been about stories that reflect who we are… real, raw and proudly South African. This pop-up channel is our way of saying ‘Siyabonga Mzansi’ for 15 unforgettable years. Our channel was raised by the audience, we are grateful for their commitment, and we want to celebrate with them. We’re throwing it back, remembering the icons and moments that shaped us yet still looking forward to the next chapter," says Shirley Adonisi, Channel Director for Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net.

What you can watch on the Pop-Up Channel:

• First original drama (2012): iNkaba, a gripping tale of fashion, family and betrayal.
• First telenovela hit (2013): Isibaya, which introduced unforgettable characters like the Zungus and Ndlovus.
• First bold drama series (2013): Rockville, a gritty, glamorous series that pushed boundaries and launched careers.
• First reality sensation (2017): Date My Family, where awkward dinners became national conversation starters.
• First female-led prison drama (2017): Lockdown, which broke stereotypes and won hearts.

"For 15 years, Mzansi Magic has stood at the heart of South African entertainment — a platform where authenticity meets ambition, and where themes of family, resilience, and identity are brought to life through bold storytelling and unforgettable characters. What sets Mzansi Magic apart is not just the stories we tell, but the scale and diversity with which we tell them. From intimate, niche productions that quietly become cult favourites, to large-scale, high-impact narratives that capture the national imagination — our storytelling continues to evolve and resonate," says Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment.

Whether you were there for the very first "Yoh!" or joined the journey along the way, relive the magic from Saturday, 12 July on Channel 196.