Cartoon Network Africa Partners With E-Waste Recycling Authority To Tackle Growing E-Waste Challenge In South Africa

Cartoon Network Africa, the leading kids' TV channel in South Africa, is partnering with the local E-Waste Recycling Authority (ERA) as part of its Climate Champions initiative. The collaboration aims to educate and empower children about the increasing challenge of electronic waste.

 

As a registered Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), ERA is dedicated to improving e-waste recycling in South Africa and is a leader in electronic waste management. The organisation facilitates and implements the country’s regulations on the proper disposal and management of electronic waste, as laid out by South Africa’s Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations, which came into effect in 2021.

 

The partnership comes at a crucial time as South Africa grapples with an escalating e-waste crisis. With only 10% of e-waste currently being recycled, it contributes to landfills quickly reaching capacity. E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream, growing three times faster than general municipal solid waste.

 

A research survey undertaken by Cartoon Network found that 70% of children aged 6-11 across the EMEA region had not heard of e-waste or were aware but not sure / had no idea what it means. Results from the study show that:

• Majority of kids aged 6-11 yrs. Claim to have heard of e-waste, but in reality, few (30%) know what it means

• Kids in Poland (47%), Turkey (37%) and South Africa (28%) are more familiar with e-waste than peers in the UK (19%) and France (17 %)

• Polish kids (81 %) are notably more likely to link e-waste with the correct definition vs other markets; South Africa (33%), the UK (26%) & France (19%) under-index

• Most kids (87 %) have at least one e-waste item at home, with South Africa being above the index at 97%, with kids’ toys, headphones, and tablets among the top three items

• 64% of kids in South Africa say they store e-waste items at home or throw them away, highlighting the need for education

Through the partnership with ERA, Cartoon Network will use its beloved characters and engaging storytelling to teach children about e-waste, its problems, and how recycling can be a solution. The aim is to inspire children to become e-waste warriors, advocating for recycling in their homes and communities.

 

"Understanding what happens to rubbish is good to learn from childhood. Technology is such a big part of kids’ lives these days and it’s crucial that they understand the importance of recycling e-waste from a young age,” says Ashley du Plooy, CEO at ERA. “Electronics can have a second life - even broken toys with cables or batteries can be transformed into something new! That's because they often have valuable materials. Recycling them correctly also safeguards the environment for future generations."

 

By combining education with entertainment, Cartoon Network Africa and ERA hope to cultivate a generation of environmentally aware children who comprehend the significance of responsible e-waste management.

 

Cartoon Network Climate Champions’ new e-waste video content will air on the Cartoon Network channel and includes a ‘Guide to E-waste’ video that explains what e-waste is, why it’s an important issue and the basics of how we can help tackle it. Cartoon Network will also air e-waste promos, explaining issues around e-waste with a call to action on how kids can get involved in tackling it, and share weekly uploads to its social and YouTube channels to help broaden the reach and drive key e-waste messages home.

 

Monika Oomen, VP of Brand, Communications, and Digital Content Strategy for Kids EMEA at Warner Bros. Discovery, expressed, "In our efforts to engage kids into climate action, the partnership with ERA is a vital addition to our Cartoon Network Climate Champions campaign, by combining Cartoon Network's commitment to engaging storytelling with ERA's expertise in e-waste management, we can reach kids on a platform they love while empower them to become environmental champions.”

 

This comes as annual electronic waste generation is on track to reach a staggering 82 million tonnes globally per year by 2030, including items such as mobile phones, laptops, MP3 players, plugs, and batteries.

 

Cartoon Network’s Climate Champions initiative empowers and inspires young people to act and help the environment. Kids aged 6-12 can become Climate Champions by taking up daily challenges and making a world of difference together. Among the many e-waste challenges available are the ‘Device Rescue Mission,’ where children check their homes for old electronic devices that can be recycled, the ‘No Crossed Wires’ challenge, which involves taking care of chargers by preventing damage from wire tangles, and the ‘Phone Numbers!’ challenge, where kids count the number of mobile phones in their homes, including unused ones.

 

In addition to helping kids understand the extent of the e-waste problem, ERA has a comprehensive list of e-waste recycling drop-off points around the country. Living sustainably with technology means ensuring all ageing and failed electronic products are discarded using trusted e-waste recycling points that prevent the materials from ending in landfills.

For more information on how to become a Cartoon Network Climate Champion, you can visit the Climate Champions website or download the Climate Champions app and discover facts and trivia about e-waste, new quizzes, new voting cards, and new videos featuring real kids talking about the issue of electronic waste, and new e-waste challenges that can ‘Make a World of Difference.’

Paramount Global Is In Talks For A Streaming Merger

Paramount Global is currently in discussions with other entertainment companies about merging its Paramount+ streaming service with an existing platform. If successful, this could trigger a wave of similar partnerships across the media sector and strengthen the industry as a whole.

The leadership at Paramount Global is actively exploring potential structures for merging Paramount+ with another streaming entity, potentially leading to a co-owned platform. These discussions, which are private, involve various media and tech company executives.

Warner Bros Discovery Inc has shown interest in such a deal, which could strengthen both services by allowing them to better compete with Netflix Inc and Disney’s suite of platforms (Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN) for audience and future content.

Earlier this year, preliminary merger talks were held for a complete deal with Paramount Global, but these discussions did not progress.

Paramount Global is also considering a potential partnership with a technology platform, as revealed by the company's co-CEO Chris McCarthy at an employee town hall on June 25.

A merged streaming service could offer more diverse programming, reducing customer churn and potentially removing Paramount+ losses from Paramount Global’s balance sheet by introducing new ownership.

While the structure for a potential joint venture with Warner Bros. Discovery hasn't been discussed in detail, it is likely that ownership wouldn't be evenly split due to the current nature and finances of the streaming assets.

Max, Warner Bros. Discovery's direct-to-consumer business, boasts about 100 million global subscribers, with 52.7 million based in the U.S. Meanwhile, Paramount+ ended its first quarter with 71 million subscribers.

NBCUniversal, owned by Comcast Corp, has also shown interest in a joint venture with Paramount+. However, these discussions did not progress significantly.

Since late 2019, traditional media companies including Paramount Global, Disney, NBCUniversal, and Warner Bros. Discovery have all launched streaming services, resulting in billions of dollars in losses. The industry consensus suggests there are too many streaming services relative to the number of total paying customers.

If Paramount finalizes a joint venture with either Max or Peacock, it could put pressure on the remaining service to seek a similar deal.

Media companies are now focusing on better monetizing streaming content through bundles and partnerships. For example, Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery have recently become more willing to license some of their content to rival streaming services, such as Netflix, to better monetize shows that aren't adding a lot of new subscribers to their streaming services.

Important Notice Dated 1st July

We're currently reviewing our offering and after much consideration we decided to infuse both Regular Nick: Games (70%) and DStv Flex (30%). From this point on, Insidus Plus will be more mobile with its offering as we look into more content to the site.

Development Alert: Zee World's Upcoming Show Gouri Is Now Titled Hearts Crossed, Gangaa Added To Zee One

Initially announced as Gouri, Zee World will be changing the name of the name of the upcoming series to Hearts Crossed when it launches tomorrow. The series will play daily for half an hour as it replaces the second half of Un...fortunate Love at 19:30.

Synopsis for Heart Crossed

Dr. Ishan does not believe in God, but Gouri believes in God in her heart. With the arrival of Gouri, the gate of the temple is opened automatically, the veil of Goddess Kali's head is raised at the first sight of Gouri. As per the plot of the story, the doctor believes worship is superstition, to which Gouri replies, "Maybe from tomorrow you will trust the most".

Prior to its rollout, Heart Crossed will also be accompanied by another half hour series, My Journey To You. It serves as another ongoing series on Zee TV alongside Radha Mohan, Twist Of Fate and Un...fortunate Love. 

In other developments, Zee One had acquired rights to &TV series Gangaa after being made available on Zee TV channels years prior. The series is also gearing up to debut from 1st July replacing the supernatural drama, Can You See Me.

Synopsis for Gangaa 

Ganga, a child widow, undergoes many difficulties as she lives in a locality consisting of ultraconservative people. But, in an endearing yet courageous way, she questions obsolete traditions.

Development Alert: People's Weather To Become People's Planet From 1st July On Openview

After being known as a weather service throughout its existence, People's Weather will dumping the iconic trademark for ⁰something more earthly known as People's Planet. The channel is set to go live on Openview channel 115 from the 1st of July.

People's Planet is described as the definitive destination for nature, adventure, eco sport, wildlife, science and sustainability enthusiasts. It will basically be rivaling with BBC Earth, National Geographic and Curiosity Channel all of which are on MultiChoice's DStv. 

Details of the content have yet to be announced but if we had to guess SafariLIVE will be on People's Planet alongside most content from People's Weather. Any weather related shows like Today's WX and Waking Up With Nature will likely fall out of the schedule. 

Despite People's Planet distancing themselves from anything weather related on Openview. People's Weather will continue as an online service and if anything will likely appear on People's Planet for promotional purposes. 

The news of People's Planet comes months after the channel was axed on MultiChoice's DStv. It joined over 11 channels to have exited the platform in under 4 months including SafariLIVE's parent company WildEarth, Ginx TV and B4U Movies. 

Maisha Magic Vs. ZACU TV: Who Is Likely To Survive The MultiChoice/Canal+ Merger?

As some readers are aware, Canal+ intends to merge their operations alongside MultiChoice which would create an African powerhouse. This would need approval from local legislation including the Competition Commission and ICASA.

Since then, there's been a lot of concern of the implications awaiting this deal should it move forward. Canal+ serving as the new owners of MultiChoice would likely decrease the workforce on top of minimizing production and licensing agreements. 

One of the topics that up for discussion since the year started was the fate to some of their local offering seen in the market. Although, KykNET and Mzansi Magic don't have a suitor their sister channels in neighboring markets like Kenya and Nigeria do.

In Nigeria, this offering is referred to as Africa Magic which boosts over 3 channels with Canal+ ROK only consisting of 2 channels. All of which could be a subjected to a merger as to not create friction amongst their stable with iROKO being the only reminisce of ROK.

In Kenya or more frankly East Africa, MultiChoice operate the Maisha Magic channels and although Canal+ doesn't have a channel to beef up with most parts of the region they do have for Rwanda, ZACU TV. 

Unlike ROK and Africa Magic, is there a chance these two entities could just co-exist - we believe so. Mzansi Magic already caters to consumers in South Africa with Zambezi Magic catering to other Southern African regions like Zambia, Botswana and Malawi.

We don't envision Maisha Magic dying down but perhaps just reducing their focus to avoid competition. If we had to be honest, there wasn't much competition between these two brands as there was not much Rwanda coming to Maisha Magic to begin with.

July 2024 On Mzansi Magic & Mzansi Wethu | Returning Shows Including Kings Of Maskandi | Finale Alert: I'm With Your Ex | More

Pick of the month 

Queen Modjadji

Mzansi Magic| Sundays | 20:00

Born to the throne and blessed with a unique gift, Queen Modjadji tells the story of a matriarchal dynasty with the ability to summon the rain, placing the Balobedu royalty among the most revered African dynasties. Watch the season premiere of Queen Modjadji on Sunday, 14 July 2024 at 20:00 exclusive to Mzansi Magic channel 161.

PREMIERES

Sibongile & the Dlaminis Season 2

Mzansi Wethu| Mondays - Wednesdays | 18:30

A potent secret destroys a relationship and despite Sibongile trying to move on and achieve her life-long dream, she is thrust back into the Dlaminis world through a very compromising situation. Hope, love, loyalty, survival and betrayal are at the centre of Sibongile & the Dlaminis Season 2, catch the explosive new season premiere on Monday, 29 July 2024 at 18:30.

Kings of Maskandi Season 2

Mzansi Magic| Tuesdays | 20:00

Bahubhe finally decides to do right by his fiancée by proceeding with lobola. Abafana baka Mgqumeni let us in on their life in Joburg, and Khulekani is at peace with his relationship with his father. Catch all that and more in the first episode of Kings of Maskandi Season 2 on Tuesday, 16 July at 20:00 on Mzansi Magic channel 163.

Samukeleni

Mzansi Magic| Wednesdays | 20:00

We first saw them on Forever Thina, when couples went against all odds and married without their families’ approval now the couples are back seeking blessings for their unions post the wedding. Catch the first episode of Samukeleni on Wednesday, 17 July at 20:00 on Mzansi Magic channel 161.

Short & Sweet Season 2

Mzansi Magic| Thursdays | 20:00

Follow the lives of Shota, Thandazani and Vovo as they navigate life and seek to prove that just like age, height is nothing but a number. Watch the season premiere of Short & Sweet Season 2 on Thursday, 25 July 2024 at 20:00 exclusive to Mzansi Magic channel 161.

Vuka Mjita

Mzansi Wethu| Sundays | 20:00

A hard-hitting reality series taking men on a therapeutic journey to break down their inner walls and unlock the doors to the other side of healing as they reflect on the men they are becoming. Catch the first episode of Vuka Mjita on Sunday, 14 July at 20:00 on Mzansi Wethu channel 163.

Fixing the Game: Junior Khanye

Mzansi Wethu| Sundays | 20:00

A hard-hitting reality series taking men on a therapeutic journey to break down their inner walls and unlock the doors to the other side of healing as they reflect on the men they are becoming. Catch the first episode of Fixing the Game: Junior Khanye on Sunday, 14 July at 20:00 on Mzansi Wethu channel 163.

FINALES

I’m with Your Ex Season 2

Mzansi Magic| Sundays| 19:30

What if the love of your life is someone you shouldn't want? What if they used to be with someone close to you? How would you tell them the truth? And how would they react? Every week has been jaw dropping and extremely dramatic, the season finale is no different, catch the dramatic end to I’m with Your Ex Season 2 on Sunday, 28 July 2024 at 18:00 as another person learns that someone close to them is in love with their ex 

TELENOVELAS

Sibongile & the Dlaminis Season 1

Mzansi Wethu | Mondays - Wednesdays | 18:30

Vuma urges the youth to steer clear of adult matters as Nomalanga's plot hits a snag and Kwenzo surprises everyone. Velephi and Sangweni embark on a mission while Kwenzo faces a verbal lashing. Vuma tries to mend family ties, sparking a connection between Nomfundo and Njengaye. Deliwe attempts to win Vuma's heart amidst revelations, and Nomalanga's plans backfire, pushing Sibongile to defend her designs.

Thulisile and Wenzeni confront their demons, and Sis Mavis seeks a fresh start. A wedding looms as Phetheni and Vusi consider legal action against Sibongile, who finds unexpected support from Kwenzo. Nomalanga's fake baby bump creates chaos, and as Sibongile's venture is celebrated, Njengaye and Vusi's world begins to crumble. The season finale sees emotional farewells and new beginnings, with secrets unveiled and alliances tested.

Champions Season 1

A person with a football ball in front of a person

Mzansi Magic | Weekdays | 19:00

Sinesipho quickly realises the new chairman will be impossible to control. Philemon basks in the glow of victory, but Washington bursts his bubble. In the heat of the moment, Ferrari makes a life-changing decision. A mother worries that she is losing her son and in the heat of a moment a life-changing decision. Lebo's sees himself as deserving of a girlfriend upgrade and he makes a surprising investment.

Sinesipho is shattered when the people she believes in turn their backs on her life an important event at the Modise household is riddled with major hurdles. A celebratory event ends with an indecent exposure. Lebo’s romantic encounter earning him and Ferrari faces the consequences of betraying Sne. Nkele receives great news for her business. Lesibana is accused being a father and he eventually struggles with his new role. Two star-crossed lovers can't fight their connection anymore and a scorned Didintle wants to make sure that someone pays for how she's feeling .

My Brother’s Keeper Season 2

Mzansi Magic | Weekdays | 19:30

Drama and intrigue reach new heights as the DNA results of Nqubeko's baby shake his household, while Donga grapples with the allure of Nkosazana's promises of wealth. Ndumiso stumbles in his presentation, leading to regret. Tensions flare between Nqubeko and Fakazile over the baby, while Donga uncovers the reasons behind his missed opportunities. Strange encounters leave Fakazile bewildered, and confrontations escalate as Donga exposes Mshengu's sabotage. As Fakazile and Nqubeko move towards reconciliation, Nomsa falls for Baby Ndyebo.

Umkhokha: The Curse Season 2

A group of men standing together

Mzansi Magic | Weekdays | 20:30

Difa receives distressing news from the hospital, while Mabusi struggles to help those she loves most. Ndlovu's deceitful ways catch up with him, causing chaos within his family and community. Zisebenzele gets entangled in a love triangle, and Difa makes sacrifices to protect his loved ones. The Mthembu family is thrown into turmoil by illness. As power struggles ensue, Mabusi faces heartache, and new leaders emerge amidst the chaos.

Gqeberha: The Empire Season 2

A person in a suit standing in a hallway

Mzansi Magic | Weekdays| 21:00

Funeka's argument with Msimelelo takes a shocking turn, while Ntando and Nomaflower's first date is full of excitement. Hlumelo is drawn back to Yoliswa, and Nozuko fiercely marks her territory. A breakthrough occurs in Stokkie's case as the Makwethu family takes a step forward, but Nomaflower faces a mind-over-heart dilemma involving Ntando. Nozuko's renovation plans stir conflict with Nobomi and Thulani, and Lulama is shaken by a mysterious letter.

Anda threatens Lulama to expedite marriage plans, and despite Funeka's despair, Msimelelo manages to reach her. Lulama's drastic actions reveal her true self, and despite upheaval, hope emerges for the Makwetus. Zimkhitha investigates Ntando's new love, while Funeka and Msimelelo's future brightens as they decide to marry. Amidst Lulama's dramatic flair and Zimkhitha's scheming, love and resilience prevail.

DRAMAS

Ha Molefi

Mzansi Magic | Mondays | 20:00

Episode 03 | Monday, 01 July 2024

Thabang bonds with Sipho. Ntokozo gets in deep trouble with Mam'Thuli.

Episode 04 | Monday, 08 July 2024

Ntate goes on a mission to find out who scratched his car. Joy and Spice set Thabang up for failure. Joy makes a play for Sipho.

Episode 05 | Monday, 15 July 2024

Joy and Spice get their comeuppance. Ntokozo finally scores a date with Amo. Thabang plans to join the House of Nkoli.

Episode 06 | Monday, 22 July 2024

House of Dolls declares war on House of Nkoli. Thabang finds a way to make extra cash. Joy's date with Sipho is sabotaged.

Episode 07 | Monday, 29 July 2024

Thabang's booming business takes a wrong turn. Abhuti Ofee takes Ntate's love life into his own hands. Sipho confesses his feelings.

REALITY

Themba My inked Life Season 2

Mzansi Wethu | Thursdays | 19:00

Episode 08 | Thursday, 04 July 2024

Themba's sisters seek answers about the mysterious new woman in his life. The return of Mpho Wabadimo brings unexpected revelations that threaten to shake the foundation of their lives.

Episode 09 | Thursday, 11 July 2024

Nqobile and her sister engage in a long-overdue heart-to-heart conversation, hoping to mend their fractured relationship. Tulz embraces the challenges of his first day at a new job.

Episode 10 | Thursday, 18 July 2024

Two families collide as Themba and Mpho's loved ones finally meet face-to-face for a tension-filled conversation. Long-buried secrets are unearthed, and harsh truths are spoken.

 

Married at First Sight Mzansi

Mzansi Magic | Sundays | 18:00

Episode 04 | Sunday, 07 July 2024

The newlyweds embark on their honeymoons, but not all is smooth sailing. Thabang and Khumo travel back to Johannesburg as Khumo's work takes precedence.

Episode 05 | Sunday, 14 July 2024

As things unravel, Boitshepo and Sebenzile deliberate on Khumo and Thabang's marriage. Zithobile pays Sebenzile a visit to catch up and discuss the highs and lows of her marriage.

Episode 06 | Sunday, 21 July 2024

Sebenzile and Boitshepo are committed to presenting a perfect image, but beneath the surface, cracks begin to show. Khumo and Thabang continue to grapple with work-life balance, Dee and Khutso's passion flares, and Thami and Zithobile seek to understand their insecurities.

Episode 07 | Sunday, 28 July 2024

Thami's upbringing and black tax affect his self-esteem, Zithobile's body image issues come to the forefront, Sebenzile and Boitshepo face unresolved feelings, and Dee and Khutso's long-distance relationship is put to the test.

Izingane zeS’thembu Season 2

All I can say is drama' - What to expect when 'Izingane Zesthembu' returns  to screens | The Citizen

Mzansi Magic | Sundays | 19:00

Episode 10 | Sunday, 07 July 2024

Tirelo confronts Mpumelelo about his breakup with Vuyo meanwhile things fall apart after dinner. While Mpilo tries to keep everyone together Sne has a breakdown and blames Abongwe for ruining the night, while Vuyo regrets coming onto the trip.

Episode 11 | Sunday, 14 July 2024

It’s a beautiful day of fun and waves in Suncity and the siblings soak up the sun until a surprise guest joins the trip. The siblings are labelled fake while Mpumelelo’s secrets are brought to light. Mpilo and Abo struggle to contain their emotions and things get heated.

Episode 12 | Sunday, 21 July 2024

The siblings gather for the finale dinner and Sne confronts her family about their hidden dynamics. Lwandle gets heated and demands Sne for facts while Mpilo tries to calm things down. The dinner unravels leaving some siblings isolated.

Disney XD Might Be Coming An International Comeback After Being Spotted On Eutelsat 9B Satellite For The Cosmote TV Platform In Greece

Disney XD was an international children's channel targeting boys aged 7 to 14 years old. Operated by The Walt Disney Company, it was home to shows like Gravity Falls, Marvel's Spider-Man, Big City Greens and Kick Buttowski: Surburbian Daredevil. 

Following Disney+ inception in 2019, most of the international feeds of Disney XD had been closed with remaining feeds residing in America, Netherlands, Canada and Poland. This was part of Disney's attempt on prioritizing Disney+ which led to more cord cutting.

Although Disney XD continued to have a presence in these regions no original content had been commissioned with the latter residing from Disney Channel and Disney+.

According to the information obtained from KingOfSat, DigitalBitrate and Parabola.ca, Disney XD has appeared on Eutelsat 9B satellite for Cosmote TV platform in Greece. This endeavors had led some to wonder if Disney were to be reviving the channel. 

Disney Channel had been operating under a unified feed in parts of Europe and Africa. During the year, these endeavors were minimized as Scandinavia and Nordic opted for a localized feed to Disney Channel which led to cancellation of Disney Junior. 

New Series Alert: Gouri Coming Soon To Zee World

Not long ago, it was reported Zee World would be rolling out a new Hindi drama series My Journey To You in the coming weeks in place of Undercover Love. Now the channel is gearing up to accompany it with another program titled Gouri.

Synopsis for Gouri:

Dr. Ishan does not believe in God, but Gouri believes in God in her heart. With the arrival of Gouri, the gate of the temple is opened automatically, the veil of Goddess Kali's head is raised at the first sight of Gouri. As per the plot of the story, the doctor believes worship is superstition, to which Gouri replies, "Maybe from tomorrow you will trust the most".

It starred Mohona Maiti as Gouri Ghosh Ghoshal, Biswarup Bandyopadhyay as Dr. Ishan Ghoshal, Rishita Nandi as Tara Ghoshal, Samata Das as Sujata, Arindol Bagchi as Nibaron and Sinchana Sarkar as Tiya.

Known in India as Gouri Elo, it premiered on Zee Bangla from 28 February 2022 and ended on 24 November 2023. Since its inception, two remakes have already been filmed one in Odia titled Maa Jahara Saha and the second in Punjabi titled Shivika.

Gouri will air daily at 19:30 from 1st July with My Journey To You airing an hour later at 21:30. Both these series will only run for a 30 minute duration with Gouri that is set to limit Un...Fortunate Love's duration to 30 minutes (including ad breaks).