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One of the most beloved faces of 1980s South African television, Janie du Plessis, is making a highly anticipated return to the small screen – this time as the host of kykNET’s brand-new reality series, In die Sop: Gastehuisrevolusie.
Premiering on Thursday 23 April at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144), the fourth season of the popular In die Sop franchise swaps struggling restaurants for guesthouses in need of rescue.
Viewers will remember Janie as the vibrant presenter of iconic youth magazine shows Teletien and Graffiti, and for her roles alongside Arnold Vosloo in the hit films Boetie gaan border toe (1984) and Boetie op manoeuvres (1985).
Over the past four decades, she has remained one of South Africa’s most recognisable television personalities – but there is far more to her than glamour and red carpets.
A savvy businesswoman with extensive first-hand knowledge of guesthouses, Janie has spent the past decade travelling the country for charity work, often staying in guesthouses up to three times a week. That experience now places her perfectly at the helm of this ambitious makeover series.
In die Sop: Gastehuisrevolusie will assist 13 struggling guesthouses stretching from Bethulie to Worcester and beyond.
The title says it all: “In die Sop” – literally “in the soup” – is an Afrikaans expression used to describe someone who is in trouble or facing a difficult situation, which is precisely where many of these guesthouses find themselves before Janie and her team step in.
Whether battling slow bookings, neglected maintenance or outdated marketing strategies, these establishments are often in desperate need of expert intervention – and a fresh start.
According to Janie, the show taps into a very real need within the Afrikaans community.
“Many people saw their guesthouse dreams fade due to the turbulence caused by Covid, politics and the economy,” she explains.
“The guesthouses we visited were truly in trouble.”
She believes the core challenges often lie in neglected maintenance, limited marketing knowledge and a lack of digital skills.
“Many owners, especially in rural areas, have never used online booking platforms and don’t know how to reach clients. People don’t realise how accessible and manageable their own marketing can be.”
Janie leads a formidable expert task team: familiar In die Sop member Misi Overturf, Cape Town interior designer Griki Lubbe, and experienced renovator and Maison Cape Town owner Willus Bosch. The trio rotate in assisting the guesthouses, supported by additional specialists offering business and marketing advice.
Before each intervention, a “spy” is sent ahead to investigate the underlying issues – ensuring that the team’s solutions are strategic and sustainable.
But Janie emphasises that there is no one-size-fits-all formula.
“Turning a business around takes much more than cosmetic improvements. Owners need to understand the changes and implement them themselves. Every guesthouse is unique.”
For Janie, however, the emotional impact is what truly stands out.
“The difference we make in people’s lives hits you deeply. Seeing hope restored within days is incredibly rewarding. I feel privileged to be part of this programme.”
In die Sop: Gastehuisrevolusie starts Thursday 23 April at 20:00 on kykNET.
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