Hilda says goodbye to '7de Laan' after 19 years

Cape Town -  7de Laan actress, Annelisa Weiland has decided to exit the soapie after nineteen years on the small screen, portraying the beloved character of Hilda van Zyl. 

Hilda, a sweet, caring, albeit a bit naïve, middle-aged woman, was first introduced to audiences as a receptionist and has since held many jobs including a cashier at T&T, and has been a waitress and chef at Oppiekoffie amongst others.

A trusted friend, loving mother and grandmother, Hilda has always been known as loyal, supportive, understanding and forgiving to the people close to her heart. But even the most kind-hearted people can tolerate only so much, and Hilda has had her fair share of heartache and bitter disappointment over the years. 

Over the years her character has grown in leaps and bounds, and so has the public’s love and affection for her. 

READ MORE: Heavens! Hillside has a new Hilda!

"Hilda has been a part of my life since 2000 and what a privilege to have been part of the supportive environment that 7de Laan has provided," says Annelisa. 

"It has been a pleasure to have portrayed quirky little Hilda with her terrible dress sense, the unavoidable “serpies” and subjecting everyone to her terrible cooking," she added. 

"I have also enjoyed discovering the more serious and sophisticated side of Hilda, and I have been fortunate to have interacted with so many interesting characters over the years," she said. 

"Sadly, it is time to bid Hilda farewell and to discover new challenges, opportunities and horizons in my old stamping ground, the Cape where I was born," says Annelisa.

"Annelisa remains one of the most talented people I have ever worked with.  I have loved working with her and have always been impressed with her unique talent, commitment and consistency," said Thandi Ramathesele, Executive Producer of 7de Laan.

"Annelisa has, without a doubt, been a major contributor to 7de Laan’s success over the years and how South African audiences have received, loved and supported her is a testament to that. I wish her continued success and may God continue to bless her," added Ramathesele.

Viewers can expect to see Hilda until the end of September 2019.

The 70-year-old actress will next be seen in kykNET's, Lui Maar Op Belinda which airs in July. 

READ MORE: Brümilda van Rensburg and Annelisa Weiland to star in new kykNet sitcom