Getting schooled in Arendsvlei

Heard the name “Arendsvlei” and not sure what the TV buzz is about? Binge your heart out on the first, second and third season, streaming now. New episodes of Season 3 land weekdays on Showmax.

The fictional town is a stone’s throw from Cape Town in the Western Cape and despite the community’s best attempts to find the good in life, there’s always someone and something trying to tear them down. The drama starts in episode 1 with the high school’s star athlete Vernon (Dillion Windvogel) being shot and forced to watch his Olympic dreams go down the drain.

“The shock slowly tears through the community as no one knows who shot Vernon and why,” explains series producer Roberta Durrant. “We are telling stories that affect real-life communities and our viewers will, on some level, be able to connect with our characters. There are stories ranging from hope and dreams of a better, safer life, through to tales of betrayal, scandal, guilt and worse.”

Work in progress

While Arendsvlei’s screen version is already a year old, it took a lot longer to develop, explains creator Theltom Masimila. “I began working on it in 2012 when I was 19. I originally planned it as a sort-of novel that I would submit to magazines for publication, but it never got that far,” adds the 27-year-old writer, who says that while he originally planned a 156-episode telenovela, he is overjoyed that the show has been renewed for a second season.

At the centre of Vernon’s shooting is Beatrice (Jolene Martin), the vice-principal of the high school. “The education facility is her baby. She has put blood, sweat and tears into building it and giving the community’s children a safe space to learn, but that is over now. She’s heartbroken, especially because she has a soft spot for Vernon,” explains Jolene.

What’s particularly nice about the show is that the high school students are all real-life students from the Axios School of Skills just outside of Cape Town.

And actual students aren’t the only element that gives Arendsvlei a real-life feel. “The language and grammar that we use in the telenovela is authentic,” says Theltom. “It’s easy for our viewers to follow and it will speak to the people and communities whose stories are included. It’s been a long time since we had a proper, real Afrikaans telenovela that’s set in the school environment and tells stories of the teachers and students, as well as the community they live in.”

Teaching stars

There are a couple of important faces to know at the school, like…

David (Oscar Petersen, Duan in Die Byl) is the high school’s self-indulgent headmaster who has a thirst for power. The more he gets, the more he wants – and he’s using it to hide a secret.

Thys (Sherman Pharo, Terrence in Die Spreeus) owns shares in Arendsvlei High School and is the maths teacher. The loving dad also enjoys playing music for anyone who’ll listen to his guitar strumming.

Ronel (Melanie du Bois, known best as Felicity Daniels in 7de Laan) is besties with Beatrice and has enrolled her children at Arendsvlei High where she can keep an eye on them as a mother and protect them from being bullied as a teacher.

Handsome school secretary Christopher (Ernest St Clair) is head over heels for one of the teachers and doesn’t mind that it puts his job on the line.

Community faces

Keep an eye on these people in the community…

Lionel (Jody Abrahams, who used to play Donovan Roux in 7de Laan) loves nothing more than riding his motorbike, getting drunk and fighting. He loves the ladies, but he’s also tormented by his past.

Janice (Crystal-Donna Roberts, Charmaine in Vallei Van Sluiers) is a hardworking mother who will do anything for her family. Her downfall is her desperation for acceptance by the community.

Wendy (Rehane Abrahams, Denise in Die Spreeus) owns the local restaurant Wendy House. She’s also the devious town loanshark and there are no lows she won’t sink to to get what’s due to her from her clients.

Aunty Gertie (Celeste Matthews, Debbie in Sara Se Geheim) is the Cupido family matriarch. She puts her children and grandchildren before her, but she does have an emptiness in her heart that needs attention.