Monica Breed

Children’s series in which rabbit Haas Das brings the daily news from the animal kingdom. He is assisted (or hampered) by Piet Muis, the rather neurotic mouse who brings in the late bulletins and reads the weather. Haas Das was known for his sense of style: every week he sported a new tie, and as the series became more popular, viewers would send him ties to wear. (His name translates to “Hare Tie”). The newsworthy characters from Diereland (“animal land”) included Koning Leeu, king of Diereland; Skillie Skilpad, chairman of the sportsclub; Stinkie Muishond; the meddling, bellyaching Moeder Raaf; wrestling champ Die Gemaskerde Wonder; Grootoom Flapoor, the old elephant in charge of the crèche; and Dokter Karools Krap, the golf-loving, pill-peddling local doctor. Haas Das and Piet Muis were puppet characters, and the news stories were presented in animation.

Haas Das se Nuuskas was the first series to be shown on the opening night of SABC TV on 5 January 1976. Soon it became one of South Africa’s most popular programmes, not just among its intended audience, but especially with adults, due to the humour and social and political satire. Indeed, newspaper cartoons often commented on the series’ popularity and how even church and political leaders had become engrossed. Haas Das se Nuuskas was created by Louise Smit, who was behind many of South Africa’s most beloved children’s series such as Wielie Walie, Pieriewierepark, Mina Moo en Kie, Pumpkin Patch and Kideo.