October 2024 On Disney Channel And Disney Junior Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Primos | Returning Shows Including Firebirds | More

Disney Channel 

PRIMOS

Season Premiere

Monday – Friday from 21 -30 October at 16:30 CAT

“Primos” is a coming-of-age animated comedy that follows Tater Ramirez Humphrey, an eccentric girl with big dreams, determined to find what makes her extraordinary. When her 12 chaotic cousins (“primos” in Spanish) move in for the summer, they help her discover her true self.

Catch the brand-new series Primos from Monday, 21 October at 16:30 CAT on Disney Channel

HAMSTER & GRETEL

Season 2 Premiere

Monday- Friday from 7 -16 October at 14:50 CAT

The music-filled “Hamster & Gretel” introduces Kevin and younger sister Gretel, who are about to be bestowed super-powers by space aliens. But something goes awry, and it’s Gretel and her pet hamster (named Hamster) who suddenly have new abilities. Now, protective older brother Kevin must figure out how to work with both Gretel and her pet Hamster to protect their city from mysterious dangers.

Highlights of the Season 2 episodes include an episode where Gretel gets stressed out when Kevin returns from a relaxation camp with a laid-back attitude.

Catch Season 2 of Hamster & Gretel from 7 October at 14:50 CAT on Disney Channel 

Lego Star Wars Terrifying Tales

Disney Channel Movie Premiere

Friday, 25 October at 17:00 CAT

Just in time for Halloween - all-new scary special from Lucasfilm and the LEGO Group that will have fans ready for a frighteningly fun time. After the events of “The Rise of Skywalker,” Poe and BB-8 must make an emergency landing on the volcanic planet Mustafar where they meet the greedy and conniving Graballa the Hutt who has purchased Darth Vader’s castle and is renovating it into the galaxy’s first all-inclusive Sith-inspired luxury hotel. While waiting for his X-wing to be repaired, Poe, BB-8, Graballa, and Dean (a plucky and courageous young boy who works as Graballa’s mechanic) venture deep into the mysterious castle with Vader’s loyal servant, Vaneé. Along the way, Vaneé shares three creepy stories linked to ancient artifacts and iconic villains from across all eras of Star Wars. 

Catch the fun animated series Lego Star Wars Terrifying Tales On Friday, 25 October at 17:00 CAT

KLIK KLUB

Season 2 Stunt

Weekends, 26 & 27 October at 06:50 & 12:20 CAT

Wandi & Kabz, a live-action meets animation comedy series, is anchored by Ogadinma Ngobili (14) as Wandi and Marang Neo (10) as Kabz. These besties go on grand adventures together, meeting popular African historical figures, thanks to Wandi’s special antique, time-travelling pocket watch. After a quick and playful interaction, the historical figures whisk Wandi and Kabz off to the past for a light-hearted glimpse into significant scenes from their lives. From the bustling streets of gold rush-era Johannesburg to the epic battles of the Zulu Kingdom, Season 2 of Wandi & Kabz brings history to life with trademark humour and wit. Viewers can expect to learn fascinating facts while laughing along with the show's infectious energy from figures that include Queen of Sheba, King Moshoeshoe and Albertina Sisulu.

Catch 3 episodes on each day in the morning from 06:50 CAT and two episodes later both days from 12:20 CAT on Disney Channel.

Disney Junior

Firebuds

Season 2 New Episodes

Monday - Friday from 14 October at 10:00 CAT 

Set in a fantastical world where talking vehicles live, work and play with the humans who drive them, Disney Branded Television’s “Firebuds” follows a boy and his firetruck as they team up with their first responder friends to help others in their community with problems, both big and small. Whether rescuing a young car that’s stuck in a tree, tracking down lost Dalmatian puppies or helping their neighbours stock up on emergency supplies during a blackout, the Firebuds highlight the importance of teamwork and helping your fellow citizens. Each episode is comprised of two 11-minute stories and features at least one new original song.

Catch Firebuds Monday - Friday from 14 October at 10:00 CAT on Disney Jr.

Halloween Fun with Mickey

Halloween Themed Episodes & Shows

Saturday & Sunday 26 & 27 October from 08:30 CAT

Find all the Halloween fun kicking off with Season 1 of Mickey Mouse Spooky Stories on Saturday, 26 October at 08:30 CAT and again on Sunday, 27 October at 10:30 CAT.

Mickey and Friends: Trick or Treats is a stop-motion Halloween special starring Mickey and Friends on Saturday, 26 October at 11:00 CAT (and again on Sunday, 27 October at 10:30 CAT). Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy are trick-or-treating when Donald spies the spookiest mansion he's ever seen and assumes it has the best treats. After he convinces his friends to risk a visit, the owner, Witch Hazel, casts a spell that turns them into their costumes.  

Catch Mickey's Monster Musical on Saturday, 26 October at 12:00 CAT - a Halloween special of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. It is a parody of the 1970s cult classic musical film The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

On Sunday, 27 October, catch Mickey's Tale of Two Witches at 12:00 CAT. On Halloween, Mickey tells Pluto a story about two witches-in-training, Minnie the Wonderful and Daisy Doozy, who must pass four tests to graduate from the Witch Academy in Happy Haunt Hills. While Daisy isn’t confident about passing, she and Minnie join forces, along with Count Mickula and the gang, to defeat a mischievous ghost. Minnie and Daisy learn that working together makes their magic and their friendship stronger.

Catch all the Halloween fun with Mickey and friends on Halloween weekend, 26 & 27 October from 08:30 CAT on Disney Jr. 

"The Bollore Effect": Could SABC News, eNCA And Newzroom Afrika Also Be Impacted By Canal+ Possible Takeover Of MultiChoice?

MultiChoice is technically insolvent a position in which the liabilities weigh more than their assets meaning the company won't be able to cover most of their expenses and could go bankrupt. So they're reliant on Canal+ transaction in order to remain afloat as they take the matter to legislation.

As some readers are aware, there was reports going around about the potential owners Canal+ and Vivendi that similar to MultiChoice would buy up shares in a company before staging a hostile takeover. But most of the attention was pointed toward the editorial staff and the effects this transaction had on them.

eMedia Investments' Openview and StarSat already package the French news channel France24 alongside MultiChoice's DStv in the Eastern and Western parts of Africa. This channel has been subjected to "editorial interference" or as the media would brand this situation "corporate bullying".

The owners in question would force a channel like France24 to express certain views about a topic and failure to abide by those policies would risk that individual their job. Corporate would go about hiring someone who is willing to follow guidelines which is why France24 looks the way it is now.

With Canal+ obtaining almost half of MultiChoice shares there's fear lurking around that SABC News, eNCA and Newzroom Afrika heading down a similar route. Although Canal+ wouldn't own these channels they would own MultiChoice which in turn owns France24 and would want to level the playing field.

With Canal+ already prioritizing C8 and BFM alongside France24 in Africa another fear surrounding these channels would be budget cuts. The first thing that will happen once the transaction concludes would be corporate downsizing with lower to upper management seeing cuts with branches closing down.

BBC Brit Brings South African Talent And Wilderness Adventures To Screens This October

BBC Brit (DStv Channel 120) is turning up the excitement this month with two must-watch additions to its lineup: Tempting Fortune and Strictly Come Dancing. These family-fun entertainment shows are set to captivate audiences across the country, and the best part? They come with a unique Mzansi twist, showcasing the best of South African talent and landscapes.

 

Tempting Fortune, which premieres on 02 October 2024 at 21:00, takes viewers on a thrilling adventure deep into the heart of the South African Wilderness. Twelve strangers must resist lavish temptations and endure a gruelling 18-day trek for a shot at winning an epic cash prize.

 

With Top Gear’s Paddy McGuinness as the host of this social experience, viewers will get to see stunning local landscapes across the Eastern Cape – showing off South Africa’s breathtaking beauty.

 

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC Brit for its glittering 20th anniversary, airing every Sunday at 19:00 on DStv Channel 120. Hosted by the dynamic duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, celebrity contestants take to the Strictly dancefloor with their professional partners, aiming to deliver show-stopping performances that will impress the judges and keep them in the competition until the very end.

 

The show’s glittering new season promises even more spectacular performances, featuring South Africa’s very own Motsi Mabuse and Johannes Radebe returning to their roles as judge and professional dancer, respectively. Their presence on the stage brings international recognition to South African talent while also adding to the legacy of one of the world’s most beloved entertainment formats.

When asked about how she feels about the new season’s contestants, Mabuse said, “The class of 2024 is shaping up to be something extraordinary! Each year brings new personalities and new dynamics, and I’m excited to see how they’ll all evolve throughout the season. There’s so much potential, and I can’t wait to see the stories unfold on the dance floor. It’s going to be a phenomenal year!”

Catch all the wild adventures of Tempting Fortune and the sparkle of Strictly Come Dancing only on BBC Brit, DStv Channel 120, this October.

 

As well as South African personalities and locations, BBC Brit, BBC Lifestyle (DStv Channel 174) and BBC UKTV (DStv Channel 134) offer a feast of local programming.

 

Joining BBC Lifestyle’s local line-up in October is the brand-new show Listing Mauritius. This follows the success of Listing Cape Town and Listing Jozi, showcasing the island’s breathtaking properties with familiar South African agents. The 10-part property reality show starts on Wednesday, 16 October at 20:00 and is produced by South African production company PD Production.

Get Ready For Matshai Sisters, Mzansi Magic’s Bold New Reality Show Coming In November

Mzansi Magic is about to shake up your reality TV experience with Matshai Sisters, a trailblazing new show that dives deep into the lives of five unforgettable sisters.

 

“While Mzansi Magic has explored many family themes, Matshai Sisters is a game-changer with its focus on an all-female household,” says Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Entertainment Channels. “This show offers a unique perspective on how women navigate family dynamics without male figures and is sure to strike a chord with our viewers.”

 

This groundbreaking reality show takes you inside a whirlwind of family drama, fierce battles, and a chilling curse that threatens to tear them apart. These bold sisters are anything but shy! Their candidness and clashes promise to deliver a viewing experience that’s as riveting as it is relatable.

 

Meet the Matshai Family:

Thoko (43): The fiery eldest who’s convinced their family is cursed and is on a mission to heal their fractured bonds.

Phumzile (41): She feels like she sacrificed for the family and raised herself. It’s her time now!

Twins Zanele & Zandile (35): The spirited duo whose close-knit bond creates both unity and chaos.

Busi (25): The youngest sister, whose arrival has only fueled the family’s explosive conflicts.

 

And at the center of it all is their mother, Ntombi Matshai (68), forever caught in the storm of her daughters' relentless disputes.

 

The series kicks off with Thoko’s firm belief that their constant bickering stems from a family curse. Determined to find resolution, she calls a long-overdue family meeting, hoping to bring them together for the first time in years. Deep-seated resentment towards their late father also lingers, as they believe his failure to honor traditional customs, like ‘ukuhlawula’ for four of the five daughters, may be contributing to the misfortunes that plague their lives.

 

Will the Matshai sisters manage to break the curse and rebuild their bonds? Tune in to Matshai Sisters and follow their journey towards healing and self-discovery, premiering in November.

Various Changes Made By MultiChoice And Canal+ Ahead Of The Merger

Below is some of the developments that occurred during the takeover bid between MultiChoice and Canal+

Sanlam acquiring 60% stake in NMS Insurance Services 

A registered South African composite micro-insurer and authorised financial services provider, licensed to underwrite non-life and life insurance products. It has been writing insurance for the past 20 years under the DStv brand of MultiChoice, focusing on device, installation, funeral, subscription waiver, and debt waiver insurance products.

It had been outlined on several occasions that Canal+ is only focusing on core assets being DStv, GOtv, M-Net and SuperSport so it's no surprise that Sanlam would have acquired interest in NMS Insurance Services. With MultiChoice being financially constraint, they need funding in order to sustain their operations and the French doesn't want a hand in this.

Canal+ closing off its branch in Ethiopia 

After partnering up with Bruh Entertainment to launch a rivalled offering to MultiChoice's DStv in Ethiopia, the French broadcaster had announced its exit from the market by 31 December 2024. Since it's launch, the platform has built a local offering with Canal+ Gebeta, Canal+ Novelas and Canal+ Discover with international brands like FilmBox and NBA TV.

Canal+ serves as a dominant player in the French market while MultiChoice caters to the English speaking parts of Africa and these came with various clashes with Ethiopia being one of them. If anything, the question now focuses what fate awaits other rivalled offering in the stable such as ROK Studios and Africa Magic.

DStv losing channels

Within a year, MultiChoice has managed to have lost 12 channels which is the most the pay-tv platform has lost within a decade and only 1Magic was substituted by another TV channel, 1Max. Emmanuel TV, WildEarth, DW and likely PBS Kids had exited their platforms voluntarily meaning MultiChoice cut 8 channels like 1Magic, Me, People's Weather, B4U Movies, One Freestate Televisual, NWTV, Africa Magic Urban and Ginx TV.

MultiChoice hadn't been concrete with consumers on what led to the dismantling of these brands but from what WildEarth suggests it could have been a money problem. Earlier in the year, they were ranting on about how MultiChoice refused to pay for WildEarth despite promises to implement funding.

Let's remember throughout the year, they haven't added any new channels aside from 1Max and prior to takeovers companies tend to cutback.

The end of DStv Premiership 

A few months ago, it was reported that DStv would be cancelling their sponsorship for the PSL a year before it's expiration due to MultiChoice's financial problems which sent shockwaves. It had been alleged that a board member's exit from the company had led to them losing those rights as Betway replaces DStv as the official sponsor with SuperSport holding TV rights. 

Canal+ consolidates it's operations within three segments 

• Canal+ Europe – encompassing the Group’s subscription-TV (including OTT) and advertising-supported free-to-air (FTA) TV businesses across France, the French Overseas and adjacent territories, Poland, Central Europe and Benelux (through its wholly-owned subsidiary M7) as well as telecommunication services in the French Overseas territories;

• Canal+ Africa & Asia – encompassing the Group’s subscription-TV and advertising-supported FTA TV businesses, GVA and CanalOlympia venues across French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa as well as subscription-TV business in Vietnam, Myanmar and Pacific territories, this is where MultiChoice would reside if given the greenlight;

• Content Production, Distribution and Other – encompassing Studiocanal, Dailymotion, Thema1 as well as L’Olympia and the L’Œuvre theater.

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