The move follows the channel’s decision to amplify its prime-time schedule by broadcasting a fan favourite 7de Laan from Mondays to Wednesdays and Die Sentrum on Thursdays and Fridays at the same time-slot.
Die Sentrum is centred around a group of eight diverse councilors who work together in a helpline call centre and seek to help callers with their personal issues however each one of the councilors has their own challenges to overcome.
The series explores compelling social realism scenarios against the present times in South Africa. The callers’' stories provide another layer of social reality in each episode. The office, politics, foibles, friendships, fights and frissons create texture and humour in the story strands.
Alcoholism, domestic violence, a desperate search for love, and secret lifestyles are some of the subjects the counsellors need to deal with – not only over the telephone, but in their personal lives as well.
“Die Sentrum is a very unique concept as we haven’t had a dramatic series set in a crisis call centre before. The counsellors are there not to judge their callers but to assist them in whichever circumstance they find themselves in, this range from callers just needing someone to talk to, to life threatening situations. We are grateful that the SABC has given us the opportunity to produce this series.” Says director Mandilakhe Yengo.
Actor |
Character |
|
|
Carmen Maarman |
Kelly van Rensburg |
Chumani Pan |
Muzi Gadluma |
Keeno Lee Hector |
Darren Jacobs |
Esihle Mkosana |
Buhle Mahola |
Randy Januarie |
Naomi Beukes |
Zenobia Kloppers |
Lucinda Jackson |
Stiaan Bruwer |
Kobus van Deventer |
Dustin Beck |
Imaad Adams |
Thokozile Ntshinga |
Funeka Mdwaba |
Kim Sayster |
Rochelle Williams |
What viewers can look forward to in the premiere episode:-
Episode 1 – 8 April 2021
Muzi has a difficult call on his first day back at Die Sentrum but it turns out to be to his benefit. Darren’s life seems as if everything is in order, but he is struggling with his family relationships. Kelly takes a call from a battered woman who has locked herself in her bathroom to get away from her husband.