It all begun with a search to find South Africa’s freshest talent – a new face that would win the hearts of female soapie lovers and the guy that all the other guys wish they could be – S’khumbuzo ‘Ace’ Nzimande played by the ever charming PE lad, Sisa Hewana.

The 10th of May 2010 marks Sisa’s TV debut, where he will take on the role of Ace on SABC3’s flagship soapie, Isidingo. Only months ago Sisa was one of thousands of hopefuls who auditioned for the nation-wide search to find Isidingo’s newest star. He dazzled the judges, won the viewers votes and was crowned The ‘Ace’ of hearts.

“We’re excited to finally see Sisa in action. He has been working really hard, shooting scene after scene since he was voted as the winner,” explains SABC3 Brand Manager, Mpotseng Lebentlele. “Sisa’s a natural at this game, considering that he has no previous acting experience. The soapie’s directors find him a joy to work with and we as SABC3 are certain that he will excel at his new trade.”

About the character:

Ace is an ex-soccer star who has played both nationally and overseas. He joins the Isidingo cast as the new presenter of ONTV’s sports show. Ace is a playboy with considerable charm and possesses a dynamic personality. He’s very articulate, has a lightning-fast mind, always in trouble but manages to worm his way out of it at all times. Women find him irresistible and when he transgresses you can’t stay angry with him for long. Mr Nzimande will certainly be a hit with many of the Isidingo fans.

Be sure to diarise the 10th of May and see Sisa in action.

After 14 weeks of non-stop action, the time has come to announce the winner of SABC3’s BAR-ONE Manhunt reality show: Johannesburg salesman Clint de Beer!

Clint (34) pipped fellow finalists Kabelo Thathe, Quinten Coetzer, Collin Allin, Brandon Sacks and Gareth Brauteseth to the post in a dramatic, action-packed studio finale, before a live audience.

“When Ursula (Stapelfeldt, the show’s host) announced my name as the winner I almost fainted, because I was up against some tough competition – and I knew that there were a couple of finalists who really had the public backing them for the win,” confesses an elated Clint.

It’s been quite a ride since Clint and 13 other aspirant 25-hour-a-day men took on the BAR-ONE Manhunt in January. In that time they have climbed Africa’s tallest peak, Kilimanjaro, skydived and done aerobatics, made their own action movies, gone off-roading, raced camels in Dubai, completed an obstacle course, jumped into thin air above the Victoria Falls and gone white-water rafting, among other adventures.

They’ve shown their genteel side, too, by hosting their own cocktail party, and their caring side, when they renovated a home for children with special needs.

“Being a part of the show was a life-changing experience, because I was able to do things that I would probably never have had the opportunity to do – and I also found out that it is possible to achieve anything that you put your mind to,” says Clint, who has long struggled to find his niche in life.

“I have done many different things in my life in search of my big moment and have struggled to find out where I fitted in and what career path to choose. I have worked in retail, as a salesman, a casting director, an airport shuttle driver and now reality TV show contestant, which is by far the best choice that I have made.

“Being crowned as the first BAR-ONE Man is a privilege and an honour, and I cannot wait to find out what the future has in store for me. One thing is for sure: I’m going to grab each and every opportunity with both hands!”

Clint says his wife, two sons and his family, who have supported him all the way and are largely responsible for him winning because they are his biggest fans, are “extremely proud” of his achievement.

“I dedicate this win to everybody who believed in me, and to everyone who put up with my constant campaigning and endless requests for more votes,” he says.

Clint also pays tribute to his fellow contestants and the BAR-ONE Manhunt crew: “I would welcome the opportunity to do this all over again because even though I have won the competition, I will miss being around such talented and professional individuals. There were times when I thought that  I would not make it, and there would always be somebody who would encourage me to dig a little deeper and find the strength to push even harder – and that is what got me to the end.”

BAR-ONE Manhunt producer Francois van Wyk says Clint is a deserving winner, having shown his mettle throughout the series.

“Having worked so closely with the guys all throughout the show really gave me the inside scoop as I got to see them grow, change and develop. Every one of them was a potential winner, but Clint really showed that he had what it took to take top honours. He’s determined, rock-solid and straight down the line – and he captured the public imagination. That’s why he is a worthy BAR-ONE Man, and I am thrilled for him.”

The BAR-ONE Manhunt is one most exciting activities she has ever undertaken, but it was also a major leap of faith, quips relieved BAR-ONE brand manager Monique Koning.

“It is scary when you really have no guarantee that things will be a success, but I must say that looking back, the show has exceeded all my expectations and turned out to be more successful than I could have ever imagined.

“In hindsight, there is only one thing that I would change about the show – and that is that it could have been longer!”

ENDS

After months of auditioning thousands of hopefuls throughout the country, SABC3 is proud to announce that the Ace of Hearts has been found. Sisa Hewana who hails from the friendly city of Port Elizabeth is the newest cast member of the award winning soapie, Isidingo. He will take on the role of Ace an ex-soccer player who joins the ONTV! crew as their new sports anchor – who will certainly be a hit amongst the ladies.

SABC3 is excited with the outcome of the result, “We were looking for a new face, fresh talent someone that is willing to learn and grow in this industry – and Sisa is the man for this job. He’s naturally talented and determined to harness his skill even further,” explains Mpotseng Lebentlele, SABC3 Brand Manager.

SABC3 would also like to congratulate the other four finalists Mothusi Letlaka, Solomon Ngapi, David Bule and Bonga Dlamini for an outstanding performance and wish them all the best on their future endeavours.

Ace’s screen debut will be in mid-may – so tune in and experience our newest talent.

For more info contact collisk@sabc.co.za

LOS ANGELES, CA…Tuesday, March 23, 2010 will mark the 23rd anniversary of THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL’s premiere on the CBS Television Network. 

Since the its premiere on March 23, 1987, the critically acclaimed series has received 143 Daytime Emmy® Award Nominations and 41 Daytime Emmy® Awards, including their first for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series in 2009, by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Additionally, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL has garnered worldwide acclaim, and in 2009 was named the recipient of the Golden Nymph Award at the International TV Audience Awards in the “Telenovela/Soap Opera” category at the Monte Carlo Television Festival awards ceremony for the fourth consecutive year, confirming that in its genre, with an estimated 35 million daily viewers, it remains the most watched daily drama in the world.

Created by the late daytime drama legend William J. Bell and his wife, Lee Phillip Bell, their son Bradley P. Bell took the helm of the show in 1992.

“Twenty-three years on television is an incredible collaborative achievement,” said Bell.  “I’m grateful to the many talented artists and professionals who labor tirelessly to bring THE BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL to life.  I give heartfelt thanks to our loyal viewers, and to CBS, for their steadfast support.”

For more information visit: www.boldandbeautiful.com.