[imagesource:Tienerliefde/Facebook]

Veteran TV producer Danie Odendaal, creator of SABC2’s 7de Laan, died at 77 in Langebaan.

Tributes have been pouring from the South African television community praising Odendaal’s creativity, kindness, and significant contributions to South African television.

The cause of his death on Wednesday evening remains unknown, but Odendaal experienced a stroke in December 2019 while at home in Pervillac, France, and later returned to South Africa. His health has worsened during the three months.

His family confirmed his passing yesterday, saying “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Danie Odendaal, who died peacefully on 30 October 2024 in Langebaan, where he resided for the past 6 years, with his beloved wife, Annie Odendaal.”

“His contributions to television and theatre in South Africa paved the way for countless others, and his legacy shines brightly through 7de Laan, a beloved soap opera that captured the hearts of so many. It stands as a lighthouse to his artistic spirit and people-first approach.”

“Danie will forever be remembered for his kindness, humour, and creative spirit. You were all, in some shape or form, his family.”

In addition to 7de Laan, the producer, director, and writer also created the TV series Saartjie and Dennekruin 12 and wrote the script for the film Galery. He directed Dennekruin 12, Gallery; Die Man met ‘n Lyk om sy Nek, Beelde, Saartjie, Okavango: The Wild Frontier, and the miniseries Veldslag.

Odendaal attended the University of Stellenbosch, Sorbonne University in France, and Trinity College in Cambridge, UK. When television first became available in South Africa, he became a director for the SABC.

Odendaal was named lead writer for M-Net’s Egoli (DStv 101) in 1992 when Franz Marx established it. After eight years in this job, he brought to reality 7de Laan, a concept he had been developing for several years, for SABC2, which debuted in 2000. Odendaal was executive producer for 15 years until leaving 7de Laan to become co-producer.

RIP Legend.

[source:news24]