After a 12-year absence from South African television screens, the iconic drama series SOUL CITY is officially making its long-awaited return on SABC 1 from 30 August - 22 November 2026 @ 19h30.
Mindset Concept Production House founder Ms. Lungelo Dhladhla is proud to announce her company’s appointment to produce the highly anticipated 13-part drama series, marking a monumental milestone for the company and reinforcing its steadfast commitment to producing compelling, socially impactful African stories for television audiences.
At the helm of this ambitious production as Executive Producer is acclaimed, award-winning actress Lungelo Dhladhla, a proud daughter of KwaZulu-Natal whose celebrated career and contribution to the South African entertainment industry have established her as one of the province’s most recognisable creative voices. Born and bred in KwaZulu-Natal, Lungelo Dhladhla brings more than industry experience to the project — she brings a deep-rooted connection to the people, culture, landscapes, and authentic stories of the community.
“After 12 years, Soul City is returning to Television at a time when South Africa urgently needs courageous conversations about the realities facing young people, particularly girls and young women around violence, grooming, and vulnerability. LETS RISE carries forward Soul City’s tradition of telling stories that entertain, educate, challenge and inspire audiences, while giving a new generation the opportunity to see themselves, their dreams and their struggles reflected on the screen.”
The show is titled LET'S RISE, introducing a brand-new generation of Soul City. Through the lives of five leading young women, audiences will encounter different yet deeply interconnected journeys of growing up, discovering personal identity, and negotiating power and autonomy in contemporary South Africa.
Their storylines boldly explore ambition, sisterhood, family dynamics, love and education, social media pressures, mental health and emotional well-being, while confronting the urgent realities of intimate partner violence, coercive control, grooming, unequal relationships, social and generational expectations, faith, culture, and the vital power of collective community action.
“As a media businesswoman in South Africa, it’s an honour and privilege to be trusted with the return of Soul City production Let's Rise. The production journey of creating and bringing the new generation Soul City has been so fulfilling. I had the opportunity to work with amazing creatives: Adze Ugah, Pheello Mofokeng, Brent Quin and Kgomotso Matsunyane. I hope that South African audiences do not only watch the series but have the courage to Engage, Act and Rise to the occasion of addressing the socio-economic ills portrayed in the series.”
With Lungelo Dhladhla bringing her celebrated career, creative vision, and unmistakable KwaZulu-Natal identity to the production, audiences can expect a drama series driven by emotion, intrigue, complex characters, and stories that demand to be experienced and discussed across every living room in the nation.
Thirteen episodes. One powerful story. We invite you to Watch, Engage, Act and Rise!
Media Enquiries
Lungelo Dhladhla / Solomzi Kamlana
Mindset Concept Production House
Email: info@mindsetconcept.co.za
Email: Lungelo@mindsetconcept.co.za
Contact: 081 577 7263
Production Headquarters
39 Station Drive, Morningside
Durban 4001, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Company Reg No: 2012/077955/07
Social Platforms: @MCPH_SA