Die Fakulteit

Die Fakulteit
Written by	George van Rooyen Augusta Zietsman Regardt Visser
Directed by	George van Rooyen
Starring	Bibi du Preez Carien Botha Abel Knobel Tabita de Jager Carl Trautman Leigh-Ann Fourie Tené Minderon Zoricke Snyman
Theme music composer	Zaan Sonnekus
Production
Executive producers	Marno Koen Michael van Zyl
Producers	Mark Reuben Mikhé Griesel
Production location	Boksburg, Gauteng
Production company	Coolerbox Brothers
Original release
Network	eExtra
Release	14 April 2024 (2024-04-14) – present

Die Fakulteit (Afrikaans: [di fɑkulˈtɛit], lit. The Faculty) is a South African television comedy series executive produced by Marno Koen and Michael van Zyl. It is an e.tv original series produced by Coolerbox Brothers for eExtra, and stars Bibi du Preez, Carien Botha, Abel Knobel, Tabita de Jager, Carl Trautman, Leigh-Ann Fourie, Tené Minderon and Zoricke Snyman.[1][2]

Plot

Set in the fictional Hoërskool Oos in Johannesburg, the series follows a group of typical students who have become adults. As they try to manage the high school, they encounter many of the same challenges they faced as students, now finding themselves in positions of authority but struggling with their newfound responsibilities.

Cast

• Bibi du Preez as Dr. Reinette Naudé, the eccentric principal of Hoërskool Oos.
• Leigh-Ann Fourie as Annetjie Kitshoff, the school secretary.
• Carl Trautman as Jan Gerber, the science teacher.
• Abel Knobel as Du Toit Meyer, the Rugby coach and Biology teacher.
• Zöricke Snyman as Amelia de Waal, the Afrikaans and drama teacher.
• Carien Botha as Susan Steyn, the Geography teacher and hockey coach, known for her competitive spirit both in and out of the classroom.
• Tené Minderon plays Sebine Kritzinger, the new Mathematics teacher.
• Tabitha de Jager as Naledi Makwena, the Home Economics teacher.

Recurring/guest appearances

• Black as himself.
• Zoe Jacobs as Cindy Swanepoel, the mean girl in the school
• Vrede, as themselves.
• Geraldine Pillay-Viret, as Moira Schoonhoven the principal of the neighboring school.

Production

Development

Executive producer George van Rooyen developed the concept for the series after directing SABC 1 reality competition series Reno Race. Van Rooyen was inspired by conversations with friends, many of whom expressed uncertainty about adulthood and its responsibilities. This prompted him to create a comedy series that explores the challenges young people face as they navigate life as adults. Van Rooyen has mentioned being influenced by the classic teen comedies of the 1990s, which often featured archetypal characters such as "the jock," "the nerd," and "the arty girl." He envisioned these characters ten years later, still struggling with adulthood but now working as teachers in a school setting. Despite their new roles, they continue to experience high school-like drama, reflecting their ongoing difficulties with maturity. Van Rooyen also revealed that it took approximately eight years for the series to make its debut on national television.[3][4]

The series was renewed for a second season.[5][6] At the time, Van Rooyen faced challenges with writing, producing and filming the season due to family issues.[7]

Filming

Filming for the series began in December 2023, during school holidays, on location in Hoërskool Oostelig in Boksburg, Gauteng. Several students of the school also were a part of the series.[8][9]

Broadcast

The series premiered on 14 April 2024 on eExtra. Episodes were added to stream ing service eVOD after their television debut.[10] [11][12]

Reception

The series has attracted over 500 000 viewers in its season premiere.[13]

References

1. "Die Fakulteit | e.tv". www.etv.co.za. 2024-03-20. Retrieved 2024-10-11.
2. "Die Fakulteit | TVSA". www.tvsa.co.za. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
3. Plaatjies, Razaan. "Humansdorp local launches comedy show on eExtra". News24. Retrieved 2024-12-19.
4. "Bell rings for local comedy on eExtra's Die Fakulteit | eExtra | TVSA". www.tvsa.co.za. Retrieved 2024-12-19.
5. "Tweede seisoen vir 'Die fakulteit'". Maroela Media (in Afrikaans). 2024-07-10. Retrieved 2024-12-19.
6. Content, Print (2024-07-15). "Die Fakulteit is terug vir 'n tweede seison". Boksburg Advertiser. Retrieved 2024-12-19.
7. Plaatjies, Razaan. "Season two of comedy show welcomes Eastern Cape talent". News24. Retrieved 2024-12-19.
8. Opperman, AJ (2024-03-27). "Die Fakulteit' eersdaags op die kassie". Netwerk24. Retrieved 2024-10-11.
9. "Oorspronklike Afrikaanse TV-inhoud binnekort te sien". Maroela Media (in Afrikaans). 2024-03-22. Retrieved 2024-12-19.
10. Opperman, A.J. (12 April 2024). "Prettige skoolreeks 'Die fakulteit' begin Sondag". Netwerk24.
11. "Oorspronklike afrikaanse TV-inhoud binnekort te sien". Maroela Media. 22 March 2024.
12. Opperman, A. J. "KYK | 'Die fakulteit' se 2de seisoen begin Sondag". Netwerk24 (in Afrikaans). Retrieved 2024-12-19.
13. Plaatjies, Razaan. "Season two of comedy show welcomes Eastern Cape talent". News24. Retrieved 2024-12-19.