Noeleen vs.Oprah: Whose the Queen of Talk?

The global playing fields that were impenetrable owing to sanctions that were imposed to our cherished country, pre-democratic South Africa pertaining to entertainment, were in 1992 open for all to exploit. With the release of prominent iconic leaders such as Nelson Mandela and the now late, Walter Sisulu, (that were incarcerated in Robben Island for twenty seven years). This life altering political exploitation led to freedom of expression thus, enabling international media, both print and broadcast to influence our programming and dissemination of information by the public broadcaster, SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation), owing to the lack of local programmes that would have suited our new political dispensation. These programmes incorporated soapies, comedy, dramas and specifically talk shows, which were all, except for a few, derived from American broadcasting networks.

Our patriotism, in particular black pride, relied solely on the America talk show queen, Oprah Winfrey, shown on SABC 3 weekdays at five-thirty to six-thirty p.m. Who is thought of by many as the ultimate queen of talk show television, in America and abroad thus, penetrating an overseas market that view her as a gospel of truth that has dawned to eradicate the mediocrity of the world therefore, bringing a notable revolution to all that needs it in their tawdry delicate lives. Oprah Winfrey is an inspiration to many who seek solace and escapism from their brawny pursuits of happiness that overwhelm them in their daily ambles. Her show is full of colourful camaraderie derived from many topical issues within the peripheries of America culture and global wisdom.

Miss '0', as Oprah is affectionately known, focuses mainly on the spiritual health of individuals and societal enhancement through education, healthy-living, exercise, entertainment, celebrity interviews and personal enrichment. The Oprah Winfrey talk show is one of the tools that Oprah utilizes to get across her ambitions and devotions to the world apart from her six year old baby, the 0 Magazine and her year-old talk radio station dubbed, "Oprah and friends".

Around the world, particularly in South Africa, (during the 1990’s) pretenders of talk show television such as Felicia Mabuza Suttle, who dandled viewers about her experiences in America, with her famous line; "When I was in America" were, I think it is already noted, Miss 0 is from. Struggled, (struggle, being the imperative word), to keep viewers locked to their sits with imitations from the Oprah Winfrey show. With poor quality editing in visuals and sound, which ultimately led to Felicia's bowing out of South Africa and our screens, uncelebrated, departing back to her adopted land America. Leaving some adorable fans bemused by her inapt exit.

Noeleen Mahulwana Sangqu, I believe is no pretender at all. Those who hate her must love her. As South Africa's newly crowned Queen of Talk on television in her show, 3 TALK, broadcast live weekdays from four to four fifty-five on SABC 3. Noeleen is as innovative, entertaining and informative as they come, of cause perceived in relation to the South African context, although there are a few topical issues to draw from in our environment. Noeleen tries unremittingly to blend pressing matters that reflect and shape our public opinions, within the South African culture and traditions, regardless of colour or race, focusing on the immediate issues affecting our society. The show does not copy from overseas programming, however accommodates international luminaries, as it does local celebrities, in if and when the need arises.

In her interview with True Love magazine, for the August issue of 2006, conducted by Thando Pato. Our Queen of Talk, Noeleen relates her views on turning forty and the road ahead beyond forty. She talks about her life experiences during her earlier years, and how she overcame obstacles in her path. Down playing her role in our society she jokingly state; "I don't understand why you guys want to put me on the cover. I'm so boring! I work on television, what else is there about me? I don't have any scandals and I haven't done anything that interesting. What else in there to know? What you see on TV is what you get. I'm no different,"

In contrast Noeleen Mahulwana Sangqu, does not measure up to the Queen of Queens, Oprah Winfrey, whose show is unquestionably the best the world has to offer ,with viewers from all around the globe and with financial backing that is beyond diminutive production houses as Urban Brew, that produces 3 TALK. In spite of this, Noeleen holds her own in South Africa and the African continent. She might not be the queen of talk in countries such as America, China and the United Kingdom but propels a revolutionary talk show that has placed its stamp in the South Africa archives for future generations to reflect on.

3 TALK is not only a show for the elite in South Africa, resembling the Oprah Winfrey show it generates most of its viewership from the needy, both emotionally and culturally, in our country. With Oprah ending her reign sometime in 2010, it remains to be seen who shall takeover her reign as queen in the states. Miss Oprah Winfrey, demonstrates the potential that South Africa can offer to the world with our Queen of talk, Noeleen, showing us the way.

WORD TO A NEW TALK QUEEN REVOLUTION

By Linda Sakazi Thwala