All you need to know about kykNET’s new drama, ‘Niggies’

Some of the best-known names in theatre, film and TV in South Africa are part of the cast of Niggies, the new drama series that starts on March 25 on kykNET (DStv channel 144). 

Niggies is based on true events and tells the story of two twelve-year-old cousins, Issie Fourie and Petro Nel, who are kidnapped and murdered in the quiet town of Odendaalsrus in the Free State in 1965. Issie’s brother, André, then vows to do everything in his power to bring the culprit to justice, but it would take him almost 20 years. Niggies therefore begins in 1965, but the series spans the 1960s and 1980s. 

Beer Adriaanse, known for movies like Wonderlus and Kanarie, as well as series like Hotel and Taktiek , plays the role of the older André. Talented newcomer Janru Steenkamp plays the young André. 

Carel Nel is Captain At van Wyk who leads the investigation. Tinarie van Wyk Loots and Jacques Bessenger play Issie’s parents, Marie and Dries Fourie. 

Neels Clasen and Erica Wessels are Petro’s parents, Henning and Ousus. Petro’s older sister, Henda, is played as a 17-year-old by Anja Taljaard and as a 35-year-old by Cintaine Schutte. 

Albert Pretorius and Roeline Daneel are Gustaff and Maks Fouché – close relatives of the victims. 

Other players include Jana Kruger, Liam Bosman, Wessel Pretorius, Daneel van der Walt, Stian Bam, Ludwig Binge, Mbulelo Grootboom, Neels van Jaarsveld, Melissa Myburgh, Deon Lotz and Michele Burgers. 

The director is the multi-award winning Jaco Bouwer, who is not only known for his groundbreaking theatre work, but also for the international hit series Spinners , which was filmed in and around Cape Town. Niggies is produced by Wolflight Films, with Roelof Storm as executive producer. The award-winning Saartjie Botha and Philip Rademeyer wrote the screenplay. 

Niggies airs on Tuesdays at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144) and is also available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.