Mzansi Magic is set to bring a new dose of glamour, entertainment and South African culture to television with VIP Lounge, a lifestyle magazine show premiering on Friday, 2 October 2026 at 21:00 on DStv Channel 161.
Hosted by television personality and musician Zulu Mkhathini and presenter Pamela Mtanga, the show is positioned as an access-driven entertainment and lifestyle programme exploring the people, places, trends and stories shaping contemporary Mzansi.
The show will focus on Black South African excellence across television, film, fashion, music, art, culture, lifestyle and current affairs, while also connecting local achievements with global trends.
Zulu Mkhathini returns to television
For Zulu Mkhathini, VIP Lounge marks a return to the television screen and gives him an opportunity to combine his entertainment experience with a format built around culture, personalities and lifestyle.
The former musician and television personality has remained a familiar figure in South African pop culture, having worked across music, television, fashion and entertainment.
Speaking about joining the show, Mkhathini said he was excited about the opportunity to celebrate Black South African excellence.
“I’m excited to be part of a show that celebrates Black South African excellence. A lifestyle magazine show is what we need right now. It’s super nostalgic with a twist, and I’m excited to be back on screen. I’m also looking forward to sharing the platform with the super talented Ms. Pamela Mtanga,” he said.
His return also brings a sense of familiarity to a format that draws from the traditional lifestyle magazine show while aiming to give it a contemporary South African identity.
Pamela Mtanga returns after a television break
Mtanga will join Mkhathini as co-host, bringing her own experience in entertainment and television to the new programme.
The presenter has built a profile through work across South African media and entertainment, including television and digital platforms, and VIP Lounge represents her return to television after several years away from the screen.
Mtanga said the opportunity was particularly meaningful because of the kind of television the show aims to create.
“I’m really excited to be joining VIP Lounge. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been on TV, so that makes this opportunity all the more special. I’ve always wanted to be part of television that feels current, fun, and connected to what’s happening in Mzansi right now. I’m also excited to share the space with Zulu, we’ve already had so much fun putting it together, and I can’t wait for everyone to finally see it,” she said.
The chemistry between the two presenters is expected to be central to the programme as they move between celebrity interviews, entertainment stories, fashion, events and behind-the-scenes access.
Inside the world of Mzansi celebrities
VIP Lounge promises viewers access to spaces that are not always visible to the public, including television sets, celebrity homes, major events and creative spaces.
The show will take viewers behind the scenes of some of Mzansi’s favourite telenovelas, introducing audiences to the actors and creatives responsible for bringing popular productions to life.
It will also explore the fashion industry, with the hosts spending time with South African designers and examining the latest looks and trends.
Music will form another part of the programme, with the show promising closer conversations with some of the country’s prominent musicians and a look at their lives beyond their public personas.
The format will also extend into celebrity homes, offering viewers a glimpse into the lifestyles of personalities who are normally seen through the lens of entertainment media.
A celebration of contemporary Mzansi
At the centre of VIP Lounge is the idea of access – giving viewers a closer look at the people and stories behind South Africa’s entertainment and lifestyle industries.
The programme will combine celebrity interviews and profiles with coverage of major events, fashion, music and popular culture, creating a weekly snapshot of what is happening across Mzansi.
Its Friday night slot is designed to position the programme as a weekend kick-off, with the hosts taking audiences from the biggest entertainment conversations to exclusive spaces and personalities.
Major brands back the production
VIP Lounge is an advertiser-funded production sponsored by Rémy Martin and Glenfiddich, both part of the Edward Snell & Co. portfolio, alongside Sportingbet.
Edward Snell & Co. said the brands’ involvement reflects their connection to the show’s focus on South African talent, culture and achievement.
“Glenfiddich and Rémy Martin are proud to be associated with VIP Lounge, a celebration of South African talent, ambition and culture. Through exceptional craftsmanship and a shared commitment to excellence, both brands are honoured to help bring these stories to life,” a spokesperson for Edward Snell & Co. said.
Sportingbet also confirmed its partnership with the programme.
“Sportingbet is proud to partner with VIP Lounge, a premium lifestyle platform that complements Sportingbet’s position as a premier betting destination, thrilling fans in the moments that matter,” a spokesperson for Sportingbet said.
The involvement of the three brands makes VIP Lounge an advertiser-funded television production, with the programme combining entertainment content with commercial partnerships.
When and where to watch
VIP Lounge premieres on Friday, 2 October 2026 at 21:00 on Mzansi Magic, DStv Channel 161.
Produced by Homebrew Films, the show aims to offer viewers an all-access look at the people, places and conversations driving South African entertainment and lifestyle – with Mkhathini and Mtanga at the centre of the experience.
