by Thinus Ferreira
In a new deal between Sesame Workshop International and MultiChoice, several seasons of its educational kids' show Takalani Sesame will be added to the Showmax video streaming service during July and August.
Seasons 12 to 18 of Takalani Sesame will now become available as on-demand content on Showmax, with seasons rolling out over the next two months.
Season 12 of Takalani Sesame was released on Showmax on Wednesday 2 July, with a new season released weekly on Wednesdays. Season 13 will be added on 9 July, season 14 on 16 July and season 15 on 23 July.
Seasons 17 and 18 of Takalani Sesame will be added to Showmax during August. Season 17 has a focus on critical school readiness skills, with 13 five-minute episodes titled "Watch Play Learn Science".
Season 18 will continue the school readiness theme, exploring processing skills including creative thinking, task persistence, and problem-solving.
Both seasons feature social-emotional learning, and include original songs about colours, shapes, affirmations, seasons, and the days of the week. Takalani Sesame will be available on Showmax in Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Sotho, and Zulu.
"We need to adapt to the changing media landscape by expanding access to our educational programming beyond traditional TV," says Dr Onyinye Nwaneri, Sesame Workshop International South Africa managing director.
"Children are consuming content in new and diverse ways, and in order to continue playing a meaningful role in their development, we are evolving to meet them where they are - across platforms and formats."
"This expansion allows us to reach more children, support their early learning journeys, and help close the developmental gaps that affect nearly half of children entering school."
"As an organisation, we want to be a child's trusted friend and a parent's valued partner, and by embracing digital expansion, we can ensure that no child is left behind."
Tracy-Ann van Rooyen, Showmax executive head of content, says "Nine out of 10 of the most streamed titles on Showmax last year were local content, but for children, that figure was reversed".
"Partnering with Takalani Sesame is a step towards addressing that imbalance and responding to the need for our children to see and hear themselves on our screens, in Afrikaans, Ndebele, Sotho and Zulu."
