Could Play Room Expand To More African Markets Perhaps In Place Of Nicktoons?

Play Room, a South African based children's channel operated by Ngwato Nkosi Group offering a mixture animated and live action shows. Unlike Newzroom Afrika and Movie Room which are available across Sub-Saharan Africa, Play Room is confined to South Africa.

Not long ago, Canal+ had finalized it's acquisition of MultiChoice and expressed the notion of telling Africa's story to the world. They have been distributing regional brands like Africa Magic Hausa and Yoruba to Canal+ Afrique subscribers, these channels were exclusive to DStv.

Nicktoons which serves as a contender to Play Room had also ramped up its local offering with Nick In Your Language and NickMusic. As seen with MTV Base and BET come December 2025, those are likely to be shuttered and Nicktoons faces the possibility of audience fragmentation.

In recent years, MultiChoice had widened the reach of Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. to its DStv Family and Compact consumers making Nicktoons obsolete. SpongeBob's Zulu accent and the house vibes on NickMusic is what attracted viewers to the network. 

Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Nicktoons form part of the Pan-European group but only Nicktoons comes with a local variation while the rest aligns with other regions. Even if Nicktoons were to close, it's less likely that Nickelodeon would distribute this content.

Play Room serving as a contender with its own lineup of content can bolster the lineup for consumers in these markets.

Discovery's Gold Rush: New Season, Unprecedented Stakes

With gold prices skyrocketing to an unprecedented $3,903 an ounce, the stakes have never been higher in Discovery’s hit series Gold Rush. This season, top bosses and rising underdogs collide in a high-octane race to claim new ground, move more dirt, and strike it rich. Channelling the spirit of America’s original gold rush, loyalties are tested, tensions run high, and fortunes hang in the balance. By the end of the season, the miners’ combined haul will near $100 million, marking the biggest payday in Gold Rush history.  

 

After the most disappointing season of his career, mining mogul Parker Schnabel is determined to reclaim his throne. Scaling up to a massive operation with over 60 machines, four wash plants, and a bold new team structure, Parker is burning through more than $100,000 a day in operating costs. If his gamble pays off, he could achieve the most lucrative season of his 15-year career.

 

Fresh off a record-breaking season, ‘King of the Klondike’ Tony Beets is chasing an even bigger goal this year. An early strike delivers $500,000 in just one week, but rising family turmoil and a record number of crew firings threaten to derail his empire. Meanwhile, eldest son and second-year mine boss Kevin Beets is determined to double last season’s gold total and prove he’s ready to lead his own operation.

 

After hitting the jackpot last season, Rick Ness faces a steep uphill battle this year. With no water license, no claim, and only half his crew, he takes a bold gamble on new ground for a shot at redemption. With mounting pressure, dwindling resources, and a skeleton team, every decision could make - or break - his fortunes, leaving millions on the table.

 

Don’t miss the high-stakes action and record-breaking fortunes. Catch the new season of Gold Rush on Monday, 17 November at 20:05 CAT on Discovery Channel (DStv 121).

NBA Returns To SuperSport And Makes Its Showmax Debut In Sub-Saharan Africa

The NBA has made a slam dunk return to SuperSport channels, bringing live coverage back across Africa for the first time since the 2015/16 season, fueling the continent's growing passion for basketball. Fans can immediately watch selected regular-season games and playoff games, plus the All-Star Weekend, featuring global superstars like MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Dončić. This NBA season marks the first time it’s available on Showmax Premier League.

MultiChoice, a CANAL+ company, is thrilled to announce the return of the National Basketball Association (NBA) to SuperSport and its first appearance on Showmax Premier League platforms.

For the first time since the 2015-16 season, SuperSport channels will once again carry live NBA games, marking a significant step as the sport's popularity continues its massive growth trajectory across Africa. This is a celebration of athleticism and star power, offering fans the chance to catch all the action from the NBA live on SuperSport. It is a notable moment for basketball fans across the continent as Showmax Premier League streams live NBA games for the first time ever.

With the NBA on SuperSport and Showmax, viewers can look forward to seeing the greatest talents in the world, including former MVPs Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets), the "Greek Freak" Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), reigning regular season and finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), global superstar Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers), and electrifying talent Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves).

A Landmark Deal for African Basketball

Viewers will be immersed in the league's drama, featuring selected live regular-season games and playoff games, as well as full coverage of the spectacular All-Star Weekend.

Rendani Ramovha, CANAL+ Director of Sport Content for English and Portuguese-speaking Africa, expressed his delight at the partnership :

"The return of the NBA to SuperSport is a landmark moment that underscores our commitment to bringing the best global sports to our audiences across the continent,” said Ramovha.

“This deal is massive for the growth of basketball in Africa. We are delighted to once again offer our viewers a front-row seat to the speed, skill, and drama of the world's most exciting basketball league."

The NBA games, featuring a fully produced English-language feed, will be available across multiple platforms in more than 50 countries, ensuring maximum accessibility for basketball enthusiasts: SuperSport linear Channels on DStv, DStv Stream, and GOtv, and Showmax (Premier League), while highlights will be on SuperSport's digital and social channels.

The NBA will be available on DStv Compact packages across Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as on GOtv Supa Plus.

The NBA is also already available in French language on CANAL+ platforms in Africa, enabling coverage of the competition across the group's entire African footprint.

BravoCon Live With Andy Cohen Lights Up The Night With A Star-Studded Lineup Of New Episodes Premiering On Bravo Africa

What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas when BravoCon Live with Andy Cohen premieres on Bravo Africa (DStv 124) on Wednesday, 19 November 19 at 10 PM, with new episodes airing every weeknight until Wednesday 26 November 2025. 

“The Bravos” Awards Show makes its dazzling debut on Bravo Africa as the network pays tribute to the upcoming 20th anniversary of The Real Housewives next year. 

Jump into the holiday spirit with “BravoCon Live with Andy Cohen’s Holiday Spectacular”, featuring performances by Countess Luann, Jesse Solomon, Shamea Morton, Lisa Barlow and more. 

See the full schedule below: 

• 19 November, 10 PM – The Bravo’s. Join Andy and the stars of the Bravoverse for the biggest, brightest and most glamourous night on Bravo, featuring tons of shady awards categories, the Wifetime Achievement Award and more surprise guests than you can count. It’s Bravowood’s biggest night. 

• 20 November, 10 PM – The Days of Our Wives. 20 Years of The Real Housewives. Housewife historians, rejoice! Get ready for an iconic celebration as we ring in 20 years of The Real Housewives! We’re packing two decades of Housewife history into the full hour for a star-studded walk down memory lane that you won’t want to miss. 

Andy Cohen will be joined by Cynthia Bailey, Lisa Barlow, Shannon Storms Beador, Gizelle Bryant, Dolores Catania, Mary Cosby, Ashley Darby, Adriana De Moura, Luann de Lesseps, Heather Dubrow, Heather Gay, Teresa Giudice, Vicki Gunvalson, Lisa Hochstein, Tamra Judge, Dorit Kemsley, Erin Lichy, Meredith Marks, Dorinda Medley, Sonja Morgan, Alexia Nepola, Marysol Patton, Larsa Pippen, Carole Radziwill, Kyle Richards, Jessel Taank, Sheree Whitfield and Porsha Williams. 

• 21 November, 10 PM – The Reading Room. Watch out! Bravo’s most legendary shade assassins are gathering in the Reading Room for a night of sharp-tongued comedy and clapbacks that only Bravo’s most clever wordsmiths can deliver. 

Andy Cohen will be joined by Guerdy Abraira, Kate Chastain, Reza Farahan, Erika Jayne, Tamra Judge, Angie Katsanevas, Dr. Heavenly Kimes, Angela Oakley, Phaedra Parks, Stacey Rusch, Emily Simpson and Quad Webb.

• 24 November, 10 PM – The #1 Guys & Gals. Prepare to be activated as Andy Cohen hosts the #1 Guys & Gals in the Group, featuring an all-out battle of the sexes (and a few exes?) with the casts of Summer House, Southern Charm, Southern Hospitality and The Valley. 

Andy Cohen will be joined by Venita Aspen, Amanda Batula, Leva Bonaparte, Joe Bradley, Salley Carson, Brittany Cartwright, Kyle Cooke, Kristen Doute, Lindsay Hubbard, Austen Kroll, Madison LeCroy, Ciara Miller, Michols Pena, Carl Radke, Maddi Reese, Shep Rose, Tom Schwartz, Jesse Solomon and West Wilson. 

• 25 November, 10 PM – Bravo’s Holiday Spectacular. ‘Tis the season for a very merry hourlong holiday extravaganza, stacked with tons of gifts for diehard fans, from Yuletide Bravolebrity performances to surprise special guests. Get ready to sleigh, Queen!

Andy Cohen will be joined by Lisa Barlow, Britani Bateman, Captain Jason Chambers, Craig Conover, Adriana De Moura, Luann de Lesseps, Heather Gay, Melissa Gorga, Kathy Hilton, Austen Kroll, Meredith Marks, Shamea Morton, Whitney Rose, Scheana Shay, Drew Sidora, Jesse Solomon and Jennifer Tilly.  

26 November, 10 PM – BravoCon: All Access. An all-access look-back on BravoCon 2025. 

Bravo Africa is available on DStv 124. 

BravoCon Live with Andy Cohen is produced by Embassy Row with Michael Davies, Deirdre Connolly, John Jude Schultz and Andy Cohen serving as executive producers. 

BravoCon Live with Andy Cohen premieres on Bravo Africa on 19 November at 10 PM, with new episodes airing weeknights until 26 November.

Channel Premieres: How To Train Your Dragon 1, How To Train Your Dragon 2 & How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World And Flushed Away

Play Room, a South African based children's channel operated by Ngwato Nkosi Group offering a mixture animated and live action will be airing 4 movies from DreamWorks: How To Train Your Dragon, How To Train Your Dragon 2, How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World and Flushed Away.

How To Train Your Dragon

A Viking breaks all rules and befriends a dragon he is supposed to kill. He decides to call him Toothless and they join forces to put an end to the terror that wreaks havoc in their respective worlds.

How To Train Your Dragon 2

Hiccup and Toothless explore several unmapped places. They come across a dragon rider who turns out to be Hiccup's mother. Hiccup and Toothless protect the village from a dangerous warrior, Drago.

How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

Hiccup aims to unite the vikings and the dragons in order to bring peace on the island of Berk. However, he must stop the evil Grimmel and his devious plans to wipe out all dragons.

Flushed Away

In the film, a pampered fancy rat named Roddy St. James is flushed down the toilet in his Kensington apartment by a sewer rat named Sid, and befriends a scavenger named Rita Malone in order to get back home while evading a sinister toad and his hench-rats.

Not long ago, it was reported Play Room would be adding Blippi and Shaq's Garage to the lineup both of which are dubbed in Zulu. This will be accompanied by two other shows already seen on the channel: Barbie's Dreamhouse Adventures and Rainbow Rangers.