The SABC had initially enthusiastically announced that it would produce a South African version of the TV game show Raid the Cage, scheduled to premiere on 27 May on SABC2. However, this launch has now been quietly postponed indefinitely.
At a programming event held in Johannesburg in late March, the SABC unveiled the hosts of Raid the Cage South Africa, podcasters Sol Phenduka and Mac G. This announcement, made in the presence of stakeholders, was a significant step towards the show’s anticipated debut on SABC2 at the end of May.
Insiders reveal that the SABC announced Raid the Cage and other shows without finalising various contracts.
Raid the Cage SA, a production of Primedia Studios for the SABC, is part of a series of localised format shows created by Anele Mdoda and Frankie du Toit’s Rose and Oaks Media. This production house, known for its successful shows like The Masked Singer SA and Ready, Steady, and Cook for SABC3, brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the South African adaptation of Raid the Cage.
Set to have 260 episodes, similar to Ready, Steady Cook and Primedia Studios’ Deal or No Deal SA, Raid the Cage SA has been unexpectedly removed from the SABC2 schedule. Initially planned for a 27 May premiere, the show has been postponed due to an unexplained schedule change.
Raid the Cage is originally an Israeli television series format, which has also been adapted for CBS in the United States.
Caroline Phalakashela, SABC’s publicity specialist, confirmed that Raid the Cage SA has been taken off the SABC2 schedule. When asked why the show would no longer air from 27 May and what the new start date might be, she responded that she would seek further information.
However, no response has been received as of yet.