Die Fakulteit
South African Comedy series
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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]
- George van Rooyen
- Augusta Zietsman
- Regardt Visser
- Bibi du Preez
- Carien Botha
- Abel Knobel
- Tabita de Jager
- Carl Trautman
- Leigh-Ann Fourie
- Tené Minderon
- Zoricke Snyman
| Die Fakulteit | |
|---|---|
| Written by |
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| Directed by | George van Rooyen |
| Starring |
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| Theme music composer | Zaan Sonnekus |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
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| Producers |
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| Production location | Boksburg, Gauteng |
| Production company | Coolerbox Brothers |
| Original release | |
| Network | eExtra |
| Release | 14 April 2024 – present |
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
Reception
The series has attracted over 500 000 viewers in its season premiere.[13]