by Thinus Ferreira
MultiChoice is adding a third TV channel from the Ngwato Nkosi Group, with Play Room which will launch on DStv channel 300 on 6 November as a new kids channel with animation content dubbed into isiZulu and a live afternoon show aimed at a tween audience.
The Ngwato Nkosi Group already provides the Newzroom Afrika (DStv 405) channel as a South African TV news channel to MultiChoice, and also added the film channel Movie Room (DStv 113) a year ago.
"From a local content perspective, we're excited to expand on local representation in the form of content being dubbed in local languages. The launch of Play Room is an enhancement that we believe parents and children will have a strong affinity to," says Georginah Machiridza, MultiChoice head of general entertainment.
"We will also have a fresh Play Room Live offering every Monday to Friday from 15:00 until 16:00 which will see us bring back a tried and trusted format that audiences love."
The plan with Play Room is to combine education and entertainment through a mix of South African and international content like Paw Patrol and Game Shakers, together with animated titles dubbed into isiZulu.
"We are bringing dubbed content to parents who are eager for their children to learn their home languages," says Thabile Ngwato, CEO of the Ngwato Nkosi Group.
"The languages used will be conversational and accessible, with language switching taking place as we do in everyday speech. Watching titles such as Cocomelon and Akili and Me in isiZulu empowers children to explore the world and their feelings in their own language."
"For the pre-teen kid, our content re-affirms that the way they express themselves and experience the world is also valid. Our content will give kids the tools they need to create the world they want to live in."
Morning programming on Play Room will be centred around educational material for 4 to 6-year-olds, including interactive shows that encourage physical movement, as well as values-based and creative content designed to stretch children's imaginations.
Afternoons will feature live action and a local live show with high entertainment value for tweens.
The afternoon live show on Play Room which will follow the KTV and YO.TV mould, will "combine the world of television with social media to create an interactive, always-on world of fun and entertainment for teens and tweens".
Play Room will use a multilingual approach and there will also be sign language representation.
