by Thinus Ferreira
Media24's Afrikaans female lifestyle TV channel VIA (DStv 147) has added a new lowbrow reality fighting show with a nasty and profanity-laced title Moer 'n Boer, while the same utterance this week in a Tshwane council meeting could lead to a case at the South Africa's Human Rights Commission.
Media24's VIA bills itself as a female and family lifestyle TV channel yet decided to add a crass and extremely awfully titled new show Moer 'n Boer to its programme line-up as a new South African television reality TV low.
In this reality series, 12 South African farmers (boers) are trained by Versus Promotions, a mixed martial arts promotions company, to train as MMA fighters. Eventually they will physically fight each other in the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria.
Moer 'n Boer is produced by Versus Promotions president Janneman van den Berg with Cameron Saaiman as presenter.
"Moer" is an Afrikaans swear word, with VIA that says it has no problem adding a show with profanity in its title for MultiChoice's DStv subscribers because that is apparently VIA's type of audience.
TVwithThinus asked VIA why it is fine with Moer 'n Boer as a show's title.
VIA says "The competition
already existed as Moer 'n Boer when we found out about it."
"We think it captures the essence of the show's dynamic and unique blend of farming
and MMA training. The title is bold and reflects the exciting and high-energy
content of the show."
Strangely, Janneman van den Berg told Huisgenoot magazine something different, saying the show considered Klap 'n Boer , as well as a few other titles.
VIA was asked if VIA thinks a show like this and language like this will reflect negatively on VIA and turn off viewers and make them switch away from the channel and its content.
VIA says "The title and content sparks curiosity and engagement rather than offence and so
far the majority of our viewers enjoy content that is slightly different or
pushes the boundaries".
"The show aims to highlight the strength, and resilience
of farmers, and we believe it will resonate with our audience. While the title
is bold, VIA is confident that the show will attract and retain viewers who
appreciate innovative and compelling content."
VIA was asked who is the specific audience that VIA wants to watch Moer 'n Boer on the channel.
"This show
attracts quite a wide audience, for instance people who enjoy reality TV, and human
interest stories, fans of mixed martial arts who will be drawn to the unique
combination of farming and MMA training as well as viewers who are attracted to
dynamic, high-energy shows and are looking for fresh, innovative programming," VIA says.
VIA channel head Azelia Morkel says "Along with the rest of the country, we cannot wait to see how the farmers prepare and harvest success not only in the fields but also in the ring."
Janneman van den Berg says Moer 'n Boer "was an opportunity to establish MMA as a sport in the Afrikaans community. At first Cameron thought it could never work but he soon changed his mind when there was a flood of support from the Afrikaans community".
"The farmers loved the idea, and we were quite surprised ourselves, especially by the farmers who are tougher than tough."
On Thursday the EFF political party council member Obakeng Ramabodu during a council meeting said he "wants to moer 'n boer" because he "wants the blood of an Afrikaner".
Cilliers Brink, mayor of the Tshwane metro and a DA member, said South Africa's Human Rights Commission (HRC) will be approached over the alleged hate speech.
Mncedi Ndzawanana, speaker of the council, asked Obakeng Ramabodu to take back his utterance and to apologise for his "moer 'n boer" remark.
