What Would SABC Education And SABC Children Be Today If They Got Their Standalone Channels

As some of you already know the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has been going through a ruff patch for nearly a decade. From being the dominant player in the free-to-air market into a debt flooded corporation.

Before that whole mess came into affect both SABC and e.tv plotted to launch their own STB which included growing the number of FTA channels while SABC decided to wait for digital migration to take effect, e.tv on the other hand went ahead and launched their STB becoming an even more dominant player in the market.

SABC made the mistake of waiting, part of that may have to do with the whole debate regarding the encryption of the STBs. Even if this platform were to arrive in 2020 it would be very difficult for them to make a huge impact if they want TV licence holders and the fact that OpenView has lured potential customers with the last option being streaming services like Showmax and Netflix makes it kind of difficult.

The channels SABC plotted to have were 2 regional type channels, a sports channel, a movie channel and education channel with majority of those plans scrapped for a sports channel along with language based channels which also got scrapped for sports yet again, education returns then you have a health channel again, a parliamentary channel and a history channel. So far SABC Encore and News are the only additional channels they've managed to launch through DStv with the over delayed sports channel on a test phase through DTT platforms.

Two years after Encore's arrival, SABC signed a deal with an African online platform nobody heard off called Tuluntulu. That supplied a variety of online channels this introduced SABC Education and Children.

SABC Education, judging by the name you already know this channel was set to be an educational channel by now this brand shouldn't be new to anyone if you watch Uzalo and Skeem Saam you would have seen this brand name at the end of the show. This channel would have been no different to encore with it's lineup having educational elements and consisting of old reality, lifestyle and drama series. Two years back, there was some negotiation regarding this channel with other organisations so maybe part of the channel will be treated as Mindset if it ever comes to life.

SABC Children, this youth channel is used for both local and international content except the local content is not part of SABC Education and since SABC is staying true to their roots the kids lineup more likely consisted of American animated series dubbed in other South African languages. This would have been one of the few SABC channels with international programming.

Due to the pandemic, it's possible that SABC Education will materialize it's the only channel along with SABC Sports I can see a future off with the rest they kind seem like another future failed experiment. Even with e.tv they launched several of their own channels only to scrap some of them.

SABC Education and SABC Movies aren't bad ideas they have enough content in their vault for these channels with SABC Sports it's kind of complicated due to the pandemic and the last time I saw it on the DTT platforms it was being used for old matches.

Out of all the imaginary channels SABC plots to launch SABC Education and Movies are the only channels I can see on DStv the rest seem like an absolute failure to me and since MultiChoice signed a deal with Mindset for a spin-off channel it's possible they'll sign a deal with SABC for an education channel which SABC has been trying to get up and running.

MultiChoice Dumps TV Mall After 2 Years

MCG will no longer be carrying TV Mall on its DStv platform, as from on 30 April 2020. The business has opted to streamline its offering and continue its product sales online.

TV Mall has been a beacon of change in the African broadcasting landscape, being the very first live shopping mall in Africa. The channel was launched on the DStv platform in 2018 and performed very well in the local commerce industry.

At Multichoice Group, we constantly review our content and channel offering to ensure that we give our customers local content that resonates with them at great value. “It has been wonderful to work with the TV Mall team, being the first African live shopping mall, they have been a true milestone in Africa’s broadcast industry,” said Aletta Alberts, Executive Head of Content Strategy at MultiChoice Group.

Nicky Fintz, CEO of TV Mall says: “During this time, we need to understand the dynamics of the market we aim to please, and we’re cognisant of the state of the economy during this pandemic. With that said, it has been a pleasure to have had the opportunity of being on the DStv platform which enabled us to have a bigger footprint in South African homes.”

“MultiChoice remains committed to providing the best local and international content for its customers. We are proud and appreciative of our association with TV Mall and will continue to provide the most compelling and entertaining content for our customers,” concluded Alberts.

TV Mall viewers can continue to enjoy the live shopping platform on www.tvmall.co.za.

RX Radio Rumoured To Be Added On Openview, No Word On Whether It Will Launch On DStv As Well

eMedia's Investments free-to-view platform Openview is rumored to add the youth based station RX Radio to help keep people updated with the coronavirus. On top of that eMedia recently launched a relief fund admist the pandemic.

MultiChoice on the other hand reserved a space in the test channel section for an untitled audio station most likely to help cope with Covid-19. Even though there's no official confirmation yet RX Radio has collaborated with Zibonele FM and SABC News in the past.

RX Radio is a radio station run by and for children operating from the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital. It is the first radio station in the world that trains child reporters to broadcast from within a hospital.

RX Radio ran as an online station for almost 3 years now it might be expanding the footprint elsewhere.

Coronavirus: Vierspel Vuurspel's Fate On eExtra

As some of you already know eExtra was set to introduce the Afrikaans dubbed Turkish series Vierspel Vuurspel (Içerde) on 6 April at 20:55 during Walker Texas Ranger instead viewers got reruns of another Afrikaans dubbed Turkish series Die Vreemdeling a series that ended on e.tv back in December.

e.tv remained silent on the fate on the fate of the series but according to one of the crew members, the reason for the sudden removal had to do with the lockdown that is currently implemented in South Africa due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

The crew had to shutdown work on the series temporarily as they wouldn't be able to keep up with the broadcast of the show in Afrikaans.

With that in mind the crew are still looking into airing the show later in the year probably after Die Vreemdeling or move to e.tv during Bittersoet and depending on the Impact of Covid-19.

If you think eExtra is the only one think again other channels affected by Covid-19 include Zee World, Glow and Star Life since India is also on lockdown along with several channels currently seen on DStv, OpenView and StarSat.

eExtra is available on OpenView channel 105, DStv channel 195 and StarSat channel 489.

May 2020 On Boomerang Africa | Kingdom Force S1 | Dorothy And The Wizard Of Oz S3 | Masha Stunt

BRAND NEW SHOW
KINGDOM FORCE
“Kingdom Force: unite!”
A hero’s work is never done, and the 24/7 Kingdom Force search and rescue team are dedicated to serving and protecting their fellow animals. The team of fve, diverse heroes and their all-terrain vehicles, serve and protect the citizens of their different kingdoms. At the same time, their massive, mobile HQ regularly patrols in search of action and adventure. When the danger gets too hot to handle, the team shouts their rallying cry of “Kingdom Force: unite!” and the vehicles fuidly transform into a massive, state-of-the-art rescue robot, combining all the strengths of the fve animal heroes of Kingdom Force. Through teamwork, cooperation, and embracing diversity, there is no challenge the Kingdom Force team can’t handle!

Premiere Date: Monday 04/05/2020
Tune-in: Mondayto Friday @ 15:10 CAT

FINAL SEASON
DOROTHY AND THE WIZARD OF OZ
Lost and found!
This May, travel back to the wonderful and magical land of Oz with the fnal season of the animated comedy fantasy series. The season kicks off with a 4-part episode that follows Dorothy as she tackles her royal duties. Find out what happens when Dorothy confdes in Ozma about the ruby slippers acting up - does the return of the Wicked Witch of the West have anything to do with this? Watch as Dorothy enters the mysterious, dark realm of the Wicked Witch’s castle, with Toto of course, to recover the ruby slippers and restore Oz to its peaceful state.
Sneak-peak: Saturday 09/05/2020 @ 17:20 CAT
Tune-in: Saturday 16/05/2020 @ 17:20 CAT

SCOOBY-DOO AND THE CURSE OF THE 13TH GHOST
The past comes knocking!
Never seen before on Boomerang Africa, this 72-minute-long movie brings lots of mystery to your screen. Tune in to see what sticky situation Scooby gets involved in this time around! When Vincent Van Ghoul contacts Scooby and his gang about an unfnished investigation from Daphne, Shaggy and Scooby’s past, they spring into action to fnish the job. The group, however, realises that the 13th ghost, the evilist of them all, outwitted and slipped past them eons ago. It’s now or never! Tune in to Boomerang to fnd out if the gang will be able to catch this fnal ghost?

Tune-in: Saturday23/05/2020 @ 10.10 CAT

MASHA AND THE BEAR SONGFEST
A stunt filled with song filled episodes

Just like Cartoon Network even Boomerang hasn't issued out dates so tune into the channels or this blog for more info.

May 2020 On Cartoon Network Africa | ThunderCats Roar S1 | Apple & Onion S2

BRAND NEW SHOW THUNDERCATS ROAR
Rebuilding an empire!
The iconic ThunderCats return in an all-new WarnerBros animated series specially created for Cartoon Network, flled with fresh designs and all-new adventures on a distant planet known as Third Earth. After the destruction of the peace-loving planet THUNDERA, six noble warriors and their young leader, Lion O, crash land on a mysterious and exotic planet. If they stick together, like the feline family they are, the ThunderCats might just have a chance at rebuilding the precious empire they lost. Bursting with over- the-top action, and razor-sharp comedy, ThunderCats Roar promises to reignite the passionate fanbase of these iconic characters, introducing the legacy of the ThunderCats to a whole new generation!
Sneak peek: Saturday 16/05/2020 @ 08:40 CAT
Premiere:
Monday 25/05/2020 @ 15:05 CAT
Tune-in:
Monday – Friday @ 15:05 CAT

DRAGON BALL SUPER
Universe Survival Arc!
This May, Cartoon Network is bringing you the Universe Survival Saga, arc 5 Part 1, which is the fifth major saga of the Dragon Ball Super anime, and the fourth major saga of the Dragon Ball Super manga, aptly entitled Tournament of Power Saga. The Tournament of Power, planned by Zeno, begins with multiple universes participating – with each universe having gathered a team of 10 fighters who battle alongside each other on a stage. However, will this prove to be the beginning of universal destruction? If a team were to lose, will their universe be destroyed immediately? Tune in to Cartoon Network this May to follow the battle.
Premiere: Monday 11/05/2020
Tune-in: Monday– Friday @ 16:45 CAT
Repeat: Monday – Friday @ 06:10, 12:30 CAT, Weekends @ 07:40, 15:40 CAT, Marathon every Saturday from 19:00 CAT (10 episodes)

APPLE & ONION S2 (SEASON PREMIERE)
Set in a world populated by anthropomorphic food, Apple and Onion, a pair of childlike newcomers to the big city, attempt to fit in to their new surroundings.

Premiere: Saturday30/05/2020
Tune-in: Weekends@ 16:30 CAT

May 2020 On Nicktoons Africa | Dorg Van Dango | Stunts

Dorg Van Dango
New Show
Episodes: #101-112 | Half Carts
Premieres: Weekdays at 15:05 WAT / 16:05 CAT / 17:05 EAT between Monday 4th - Tuesday 19th May 2020

This comedy examines life through the thick-lensed glasses of a 13-year-old boy named Dorg Van Dango. After discovering a motley crew of supernatural beings who escaped while being transported to a secret holding facility (Area 51), Dorg disguises them as teenagers and befriends them. Under his wing, the creatures quickly learn there is more to life than haunting and scaring unsuspecting humans.

Mum's The Word
New Stunt
Airing: Weekdays at 14:00 WAT / 15:00 CAT / 16:00 EAT between Monday 4th - Friday 8th May 2020

Despite the often embarrassing moments, being overprotective and tempers sometimes flaring. At the end of the day there is no relationship that compares to the one you have with your mom. Join us as we celebrate this very special and irreplaceable person in your life.

Select Repeats:

SAT 9th MAY AT 10:55 WAT / 11:55 CAT / 12:55 EAT
SUN 10th MAY AT 09:50 WAT / 10:50 CAT / 11:50 EAT

Girls Vs Boys
New Stunt
Airing: Weekdays at 16:40 WAT / 17:40 CAT / 18:40 EAT between Monday 18th - Friday 29th May 2020

Let's face it, anything can happen when trying to save the world - Aliens, evil twins, bullies, Popcorn Monsters, Shredder, best friends and sometimes it's even you that gets in the way! The question is, whose team would you want to be in? For the girls we have Mysicons, Felicity, Jenny, Sandy and Kitty Katswell. For the boys we have Jimmy, The Turtles, Henry, Po and Chop Chop Ninjas . We will let you decide.

International Days Of...
Programming Stacks
Airing: Friday 1st - Saturday 23rd May 2020

FRI 01st - SPACE DAY - 10:55 WAT / 11:55 CAT / 12:55 EAT
SUN 10th - MOTHER’S DAY - 09:50 WAT / 10:50 CAT / 11:50 EAT
SAT 23rd - TURTLE DAY: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES - FROM 17:40 WAT / 18:40 CAT / 19:40 EAT

Sunday Marathons
Airing: Sundays at 15:00 WAT / 16:00 CAT / 17:00 EAT between 3rd-31st May 2020

03rd - DUDE PERFECT
10th - DORG VAN DANGO
17th - SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS
24th - CHOP CHOP NINJA
31st - ALVINNN!!! AND THE CHIPMUNKS

Disney XD And Junior Seen On DStv Had To Pull Out New Episodes Of Certain Shows Due To Covid-19

Disney has been forced to change the channel schedules of Disney XD (DStv 304) and Disney Junior (DStv 309) with the final set of episodes of the second season of the animation series Big Hero 6: The Series and new episodes of Fancy Nancy Clancy that have been delayed and pushed out.

The final set of episodes of the second season of Big Hero 6: The Series on Disney XD that was meant to premiere from 27 April 2020 to 1 May at 17:00 has been delayed, Disney says.

Instead Disney XD is scheduling a Toon Festival with Phineas and Ferb episodes as well as various other animation series on weekdays until 1 May from 09:00 to 17:00.

On Disney Junior new episodes of Fancy Nancy Clancy which would have premiered episodes on weekdays from Monday 20 April at 17:00 has been pushed out as well.

Instead Disney Junior will now do stacked repeat episodes on weekends of Fancy Nancy Clancy, PJ Masks, Vampirina, Sofia the First and T.O.T.S.

Zombies 2 Coming Soon To Disney Channel Africa (SPOILER INCLUDED GO TO THE BOTTOM TO AVOID)

In the earlier days of Seabrook, settlers fought off a group of werewolves from a moonstone that they have since kept hidden underground. In the present, time has passed since Seabrook and Zombietown settled their differences. Zed plans to ask Addison to the prawn, while Addison works to become the new cheer captain when Bucky steps down to become president. Due to a road incident caused by Zed's prawnposal, the bus carrying the cheerleaders crashes into the nearby forbidden forest; Addison and the cheer team see the werewolves. When they get back to Seabrook, the whole town freaks, and the mayor reinstates the anti-monster laws. This notably means that the zombies cannot go to prawn. Zed realizes if he runs for president, he can change things for both the zombies and werewolves.

Meanwhile, the local werewolves are getting sick. They have moonstone necklaces which give them the werewolf abilities; without them, they can die. These moonstones are losing their power, so they need to find the moonstone in order to recharge their necklaces. Prophecy states that a girl with white hair, called the Great Alpha, will show them where this moonstone is. They begin to suspect Addison is the Great Alpha, so they enroll at Seabrook High to get closer to her, which Addison welcomes with open arms. As the werewolves are in Zombietown, Zed tries to rally the wolves to help him win the election, but they do not see the point of changing who they are to fit in. At cheer practice, the werewolves join in; as Zed and Eliza walk in, they suspect that Wyatt, one of the werewolves, has a thing for Addison, which makes Zed jealous. Addison follows Zed out into the hall, and they get into a little argument.

The werewolves eventually bring Addison to their den, where they tell her the prophecy, and Addison is excited to be a part of something spectacular. The werewolves give her a full charged moonstone necklace, which they have saved for the Great Alpha. If she puts it on and is truly a werewolf, she will transform into one; shortly thereafter, Zed, Bree, Eliza, and Bonzo find Addison in the wolf den after tracking her, thinking she was in trouble. Zed attempts to save Addison from the werewolves, but Addison tells him she wants to be there and that she has finally found her pack. Zed gets defensive and says that she does not want to be a monster and tells her not to put on the necklace. The werewolves agree to give her one day to decide. They feel an explosion, and it is said that they are destroying the power plant which created the zombies. Addison notes that the building is fueled by a mysterious energy source. If the power plant gets destroyed, it will crush and destroy the moonstone along with it. The next day, Addison shows Zed the necklace and tells him that she is going to put it on, and Zed tells her not to and discretely takes it when she is not looking. When Addison finds the werewolves, she realizes it is missing. Zed goes to his presidential debate against Bucky. He wins over the humans, but when the Z-band shorts out due to Addison's moonstone. Zed becomes a full zombie and everyone runs away screaming, which causes Zed to lose the election.

Meanwhile, the werewolves head to Seabrook Power, where the alarm immediately goes off and the Zombie Patrol shows up. Addison and Bree also hear the alarm from school and realize that they need to help the werewolves. The werewolves get arrested at the demolition site when they release silver gas, their one weakness. Addison arrives with the cheerleaders and zombies, who get the adults to agree not to destroy the building. They all go outside to celebrate, when Zed reveals to Addison that he took the necklace from her. She gets mad at him and puts on the necklace, but finds out that she’s not a werewolf. One of the men in control of the device controlling the demolition shorts out and causes the whole building to be destroyed. The werewolves get very sick and retreat back to their den. Zed heads to the den to find them sick and dying, when he tells them that he is proud that they do not change who they are and they embrace that they are monsters.

Prawn night arrives and Zed as well as the rest of the zombies and werewolves show up to crash the prawn. Everyone dances and Zed and Addison make up; however, the ground starts shaking and splits in half with a blue glow from the hole. The werewolves realize that the moonstone is not destroyed and go in the hole to find it; the humans and zombies follow to help. They find the moonstone. They try to get the moonstone out when a huge boulder blocks their exit. Zed removes his Z-band and uses his zombie strength to lift the boulder and allows the others to bring the moonstone out safely. They all go back to prawn and sing and dance and have fun, with Zed and Addison having their first kiss.

Later, a blue glowing rock falls from the sky at night, causing a blue explosion. This causes Addison’s radio to briefly short out; later, after waking up, her hair glows bright blue for a short moment.

Premieres Friday 4, May at 15:40 CAT/14:40 WAT/16:40 EAT with repeats scheduled on 8th and 11th May at 17:25 CAT and 9th of May at 10:40 CAT

Admist The Coronavirus Outbreak, Mindset Pop-Up Channel Mindset Pop

Ever since the launch of Mindset second TV channel, the channel hasn't stopped trending across social media. This is first time in a long while that a channel trends at such an alarming pace.

With this in mind it's possible that MultiChoice and Mindset will make it permanent considering the huge impact it made to the community compared to the WWE channel.

Mindset Pop (Pop Primary) puts its focus on Grade R to 9 while Mindset also caters for that market but overtime their main focus was on Grade 10-12 with a little bit of Grade R-3, 8 and 9 something which was unnoticeable for a while now on the channel which in turn makes this one useful.

At launch the channel was said to broadcast 15 hours a day and now broadcasts an extra hour. The channel was at first launched with a large lineup of material that was still accessible on Mindset overtime that changed.

The one thing that remained was the constant inaccuracies from Mindset TV like just the other day Grade 8 Natural Science was scheduled to air at 21:00 instead it was Mathematics I don't see that ever getting fixed.

The other thing has to be the branding for this channel even though it is labelled as Mindset Pop through its ads they label it as Pop Primary with the actual channel logo is labelled as Mindset without the Pop. Yes, the name Pop is short for pop-up channel. If you visit this channel it also recycles bumpers and indents from the regular Mindset channel so there's no telling if they ever plan to update this in order to try and seperate the two.

Regardless the channel is doing well you may see some negative reviews but only due to the schedule and lack of subjects either way the channel is running smoothly. If MultiChoice and Mindset decide to keep it open there's a high chance it won't be available 24/7 like your regular Mindset channel due to the strong resemblance between these channels.

May 2020 On Nickelodeon Africa | Best Escape Ever | The Loud House Stunt | Kids Day Marathon

BEST ESCAPE EVER
MARATHON
SATURDAY 16 MAY AT 12:00 | 226 AT 14:40
ENCORE SUNDAY 17 MAY AT 16:15
A three and a half hour marathon of SpongeBob’s Best Escape Ever leads up to the premiere of the new half hour special, #226 Escape from ‘Beneath Glove World’
Will SpongeBob and Patrick escape from jail in the underground tunnels of Glove World? Tune in to find out!

THE LOUD HOUSE STUNT:
TEAM LINCOLN
WEEKDAYS 25 TO 29 MAY AT 16:40
In The Loud House, despite the chaotic, insane, and stressful antics from his sisters, Lincoln loves them deeply, and really cares for them. For the most part, he has fun being a part of their chaos,and doesn't mind being the only boy. This week will be dedicated to the most iconic “friendships” Lincoln and Ronnie Anne are total BFFs! Clyde is Lincoln's best friend, both are very close with each other, like brothers. Lori and Bobby are totes in love and Lincoln and Liam are school best friends.

KIDS DAY MARATHON
SUNDAY 31 MAY AT 12:00
Celebrate Kids’ Day with your favorite Nickelodeon characters.Enjoy this day together with your best friends from GameShakers, The Loud House, SpongeBob and many more!

Limpopo TV Unveils The Lineup As Viewers Await The Launch

Limpopo TV is shaking up its channel line-up and Programmes to giving viewers the opportunity of Familiarizing with Different Programs set to hit the Screens from Monday.

On Monday, Limpopo TV will run soaps back-to-back between 18:30 until 22:00 at night on weekdays.

Glow TV is also starting children's programming on weekday afternoons and introducing what it calls premium lifestyle content on Saturday mornings and "family viewing" on weekend evenings.

The soap Tefeletso – Revenge at 18:30 will now be followed by Secrets and the new soap Madi Aka will start at 19:30 until 20:30. Bitter Truth follows at 20:30 and NEW DRAMA at 21:30.

"In the feedback that we've received, across all demographics, our soaps are some of the most loved shows. It made sense for us to dedicate a chunk of the weekday evenings to this genre of entertainment," says Mr. Larry Matlala, Limpopo TV Channel head.

Limpopo TV is starting children's programming from Monday on weekdays at 15:00, with programming like Maru Apula, Young Minds; Meet my Career and More New Shows.

On Saturday mornings Limpopo TV will have food programmes Dilo Stofong at 08:00 and Zwiyatifha at 09:00. This is followed by the wedding show Kholo Gray Ko Manyalong in which brides are given five star treatment in the build-up to their big day.

On Saturday evenings Limpopo TV will show My Township at 19:00 with Limpopian at 19:30 and a movie at 20:00.

Sunday evenings will now be dedicated to reality programming, with the Music show Limppo Has Talent, Music Lap at 19:00, followed by the magazine style talk show SistersHood at 20:30 and African Content Exchange Programmes at 21:30 till 00:00.

Sundays Will be Dedication to Inspirational and Spiritual Delicacies Ranging from Local Churches with a Zest of Potters House with Bishop TD Jakes, Steven Futtrick from 06:00 in the Morning. Motivational Shows like My Spirituality & Faith starting 14:00 -14:30. Clapchorals following at 15:00 then Followed by More Churches Content till 21:00.