‘Sgudi ‘Snaysi (It’s Good It’s Nice) is a South African television sitcom created by Roberta Durrant and produced by Penguin Films which chronicles the misadventures of an unemployed man who is taken in by a family as a lodger and who, despite numerous money-making schemes, somehow never manages to pay his rent, getting by on his ability to charm the ladies.

The series originally aired on the SABC’s old TV2 channel (first five seasons) and CCV-TV channel (final season), from 1986 to 1993. There are 78 half-hour episodes in six seasons.

Starring renowned comedian Joe Mafela in his breakout role as S’dumo, a sloppy but lovable lodger, ‘Sgudi ‘Snaysi’ consistently achieved SABC’s highest viewing figures, becoming the most popular television series in South Africa.

Sharing a house with her widowed aunt Sis’ May (Daphney Hlomuka) is her niece Thoko (Thembi Mtshali), a beautiful young aspirant actress. To help make ends meet, Sis’ May places an advertisement for a lodger.

The successful applicant is S’dumo (Joe Mafela) who subsequently never manages to pay his rent, but manages to worm his way into the hearts of the two ladies with whom he shares a house.

Popping in from time to time for tea and a slice of cake is the Mfundisi (Israel Thabede), who at times is quite bewildered by S’Dumo’s antics.

A nosey neighbour, (Gloria Mudau), who loves nothing more than to participate in and spread a bit of gossip, sees right through S’Dumo’s numerous failed money-making schemes, and never really takes to him, though everyone else does.

The series starred the late Daphney Hlomuka as Sis’ May, a middle-aged woman living in Soweto; the late Gloria Mudau as Louise, Sis’ May’s neighbour; Thembi Mtshali as Thoko, Sis’ May’s niece; and Joe Mafela as S’dumo, an unemployed man who comes to lodge with ‘Sis May.

‘Sgudi ‘Snaysi’ was produced for the SABC by award-winning director/produced Roberta Durrant for Penguin Films.Best Drama

Roberta Durrant for ‘SGUDI ‘SNAYSI (IT’S GOOD, IT’S NICE)

Best Actor
Joe Mafela for ‘SGUDI ‘SNAYSI (IT’S GOOD, IT’S NICE)

Best Script
Richard Beynon for ‘SGUDI ‘SNAYSI (IT’S GOOD, IT’S NICE)