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Zola might be the answer to SABC’S lost viewers. Mzanzi’s once beloved son, Zola 7, might be returning to the SABC.

Zola, real name Bonginkosi Dlamini, is best known to television audiences for hosting his popular reality show, Zola 7, from 2002 to 2010.

Reliable sources at the public broadcaster confirmed that several meetings took place last year where management raised concerns that SABC1 has experienced a drop in viewership of reality shows, which excludes Khumbul’ekhaya.

“For the past five years, SABC1 management had turned a blind eye to the channel’s viewership as far as reality shows are concerned,” claimed one source.

Another source alleged: “Zola 7 was called in to have a meeting last year to discuss his return but there were great concerns over things he had done in the past. Overall, his behaviour never dented the show but his personal life has been terribly dented.”

The source continued: “As the channel is left with one reality show, now it seems it’s getting boring. The creative team has been instructed to resuscitate the channel by bringing back good old shows, and top of the agenda is bringing back Zola 7.”

It’s rumoured that Zola was spotted in the SABC corridors and when he was contacted by the SunTeam, he said:

“What I can say is I’m aware that management at the SABC wants me back, but I wasn’t aware that there are meetings taking place about bringing back my show.

“I thought the news made rounds on social networks only. This is great news. My biggest concern is bursaries in the five years I’ve been off air. I can imagine how many kids who passed matric with flying colours were left out in the cold with no funds to take them to varsity.”

SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago dismissed claims of talks with Zola. He said: “The SABC isn’t in any talks with anyone regarding the programme you’re referring to.” – Daily Sun.