Okuhle Media partners with newcomers Dumile Films to tell new, better, black Cape Town stories in a new TV and film production partnership.

Okuhle Media has partnered with newcomers, Dumile Films, to eventually try and tell new and better, black Cape Town stories as part of a new TV and film production partnership, as well as to help with further, much-needed transformation of South Africa's and Cape Town's TV and film industry.

As the need for local South African TV and film productions continue to grow, Okuhle Media decided to partner with Dumile Films to help with the proactive development of black stories and story tellers in South Africa and Cape Town.

The partnership is starting out by including team members of Dumile Films into the Okhule Media-produced youth show, Hectic Nine-9, done for the SABC's SABC2 channel, as part of the core crew and content development teams.

Through this the Dumile Film's team gets consistent practical experience working on a daily TV production.

Okuhle Media and Dumile Films are looking to create a joint skills development programme, and are also making plans to try and partner with an institution of higher education within Cape Town.

Dumile Films produced Nkululeko for Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) that had its first season in 2018.

 The lack of thorough representation and executive transformation within South Africa's TV and film production industry has been an ongoing challenge faced by the industry for close to 3 decades, and while the call for various policies and talent amendments have been pointed out, limited focus has been placed on the sustainable transformation and meaningful skills transfer within the industry. 

"We started our production company to curb the accepted practice of 'guessed culture' when it comes to the creation and production of black stories, especially in Cape Town," says Sibulele Siko-Shosha, the founder and creative director and producer at Dumile Films. 

"The partnership with Okuhle Media provides us with the support, resources and opportunities to create and produce content that is authentic and of quintessential quality."

"The brain-drain within Cape Town's creative sector, especially TV and film production is a huge concern for us as most creatives end up opting to search for career opportunities in Johannesburg and Durban as those provinces have positioned themselves well as being friendly to the development and production of black stories," says Sibulele Siko-Shosha.  

Prejlin Naidoo, Okuhle Media's group managing executive says "Consistent hands-on industry experience is the most important ingredient to ensure that there is sustainable transformation in any industry."

"Authentic cultural representation in content does much more than just entertain – it instills a sense of pride and empowering sense of social responsibility in those being represented; this is why a partnership such as this is important. It encourages the owners of the stories to be responsible for telling them and become direct recipients from the various value chains within production."

"Transformation-influenced partnerships have a reputation of being taken at face value as it is seldom that the participants follow through," says Prejlin Naidoo.

"Our commitment with Dumile Films holds us both accountable to our promise and passion for transformation in the industry. Our promise to them is to provide them with access to resources and support to help them grow to become the production powerhouse that their potential indicates that they can be."

Hectic Nine-9 presenter Anomsa Vantyi leaves SABC2 after 7 years; Mpho Sibeko joins e.tv soap Scandal!.

The Hectic Nine-9 presenter Anomsa Vantyi (right) is leaving SABC2's youth afternoon show Hectic Nine-9 after being seen on it for the past 7 years, while actor Mpho Sibeko has joined e.tv's weekday prime time soap Scandal!, making his first appearance on 9 November.

Anomsa Vantyi is leaving the Okuhle Media produced show, 7 years after he made his first appearance in 2011 when he started as the Eastern Cape regional presenter. 

After four years of representing Port Elizabeth, Anomsa Vantyi joined Hectic Nine-9 as a permanent studio presenter in Cape Town in February 2015.

Okuhle Media says Anomsa Vantyi "has chosen to pursue other adventures, and the Hectic Nine-9 family is excited to see where his next adventure takes him".

"Hectic Nine-9 wishes Anomsa success in his future endeavours and will cherish his 'Hectic' presence from his time on the daily youth variety show".

Meanwhile actor Mpho Sibeko has joined the Ochre Moving Pictures produced Scandal! on e.tv and will make his first appearance on 9 November.

Mpho Sibeko plays the role of Samson Ngema, a nephew of Mlungisi Ngema, and is a seemingly charming young pastor and prophet who is going to cause havoc. 

He previously appeared on e.tv'ssister soap Rhythm City, as well as e.tv's Gold Diggers telenovela.

The SABC's Hectic Nine-9 youth strand changes, expands: SABC2 show will now target teenagers as new Hectic on 3 block on SABC3 will be aimed at tweens.

The SABC is changing the focus of its afternoon youth strand Hectic Nine-9 by targeting an older skewing demo on SABC2 from today, and also expanding the brand to SABC3 with the introduction of a new afternoon block on that channel entitled Hectic on 3 aimed at a tween audience.

From today the SABC2 youth show Hectic Nine-9, as part of a revamp ordered by the channel and the SABC Children division, is targeting older youth viewers, specifically those between the ages of 14 and 16, although younger viewers can still watch the 30-minute programme between 16:30 and 17:00 on weekdays.

Hectic Nine-9 on SABC2 that launched in 2007, retains the established presenters of Chanelle Davids, Anomsa Vantyi and Esona Sogayise and have added Zintle Tunce, Clint Sawyer and Charnte Hartzenberg.

The show says its skewing older to adapt to kids who are more tech-savvy and socially conscious in the age bracket now dropping the tween audience on SABC2 and focusing on teens.

Tweens can tune in to SABC3 from today with the new Hectic on 3 strand that will play out on weekdays between 15:00 and 15:30 aimed at viewers between 8 and 12.

Hectic Nine-9 and Hectic on 3 are both produced by Okuhle Media.

Okuhle Media says Hectic on 3 will "address issues that affect our sophisticated tween audiences, as they navigate the changes from childhood to teenage years and discover who they want to be as their independence grows".

The Hectic on 3 presenter will be Boitumelo "Melo" Moloto.

"With over a decade worth of experience in children's television, we're extremely proud about the new shift for the Hectic brand," says Wilna van Schalkwyk, series producer.

"We can now focus specifically on our teen audience with Hectic Nine-9, and can now branch out and focus on a brand-new tween audience with Hectic on 3".

Teen variety show Hectic Nine-9 on SABC2 turns 10; will celebrate its decade-old anniversary with a new set and past presenters' reunion.

SABC2's youth variety programming block Hectic Nine-9 will celebrate its 10th anniversary today at 16:00 and reveal a new Cape Town set where the show is filmed by Okuhle Media, and include a reunion of current and former presenters.

"Hectic Nine-9 is, and always has been, for, by and about the viewers," says Noleen Nagel, Hectic Nine-9 producer.

"Hectic Nine-9 has, for years, been a place where South Africa's youth come together, and for the past 10 years, the show has produced content that has cemented its place as SABC2's flagship tween and teen program," says Zandil Nkosi, SABC Children commissioning editor.

"The birthday celebrations are SABC2's gift to the South African youth for continuing to tune into Hn9 and for making the show the success that it is today."

Hectic Nine-9 will unveil a new set today, completely rebuilt for the show's 10th anniversary. The show's audience will include Hectic Nine-9 friends and fans, with a old presenters' reunion included, as well as live performances from local South African artists.

The Hectic Nine-9 presenters Laurian Nortje and Ayanda Makuzeni, both of whom have been presenters since the first episode in 2007 say "viewers grew up with the show and are still loyal fans 10 years later. It’s an enormous privilege to be able to welcome some of them as VIP guests".

SABC warns again slew of fake audition scams for shows targeting the youth; asks public to check legitimacy of casting calls.

The SABC is warning people not to fall for fake talent seeking and audition scams targeting and using the names of the public broadcaster's shows.

The SABC took the step to try and stem the tide of fake audition calls flooding the industry, especially targeting kids and young people.

Scam artists are now going so far as providing fake SABC employees contact details to try and get access to venues like school halls for free to run bogus auditions where kids and parents who are asked to make cash payments upfront are conned out of thousands of rand.

Payments for auditions is never something that happens at a legitimate casting and audition session.

Last week the SABC's Venda soap, Muvhango, yet again had to warn people about another new fake audition scam.

The SABC's audition scam warning comes a week after MultiChoice warned against fake recruitment ads and agencies and said that DStv will never send a chauffeur to pick someone up to drive them to a job interview to work in a call centre.

Similar to audition scams conning people out of money, fake recruitment ads and cons have flooded social media in South Africa, using the brands of big-name companies like MultiChoice, Telkom, FNB, Absa and others to prey on naive and unsuspecting victims and desperate job seekers.

The SABC says its issuing its alert to "all children and caregivers to be careful of bogus casting agencies which are claiming to come from SABC shows like YO.TV, Hectic Nine-9, Muvhango, Generations, Skeem Saam and Isidingo".

"These fraudulent agencies are charging children and parents money for 'shoots', and then disappear with the victims' money."

The SABC says the South African public should always verify the authenticity of any TV auditions for SABC shows by making contact with Thando Matshalilanga on 011 714 5759 and email matshalilanga@sabc.co.za; or Thabile Makgobotlwana at 011 714 7507 and makgobotlwanati@sabc.co.za

Hectic Nine-9 producers and presenter Samora Mangesi apologise for racist remarks, 'what I said on live TV was very ignorant and extremely childish'.

The producers and a presenter of the SABC2 afternoon youth timeslot Hectic Nine-9 are apologising for the racist comments the presenter Samora Mangesi made last week, saying his behaviour on live televsion was "distateful, insensitive and completely unacceptable".

The SABC2 youth presenter will now undergo formal tolerance counselling.

Samora Mangesi on Wednesday on SABC2 mocked coloured people's pronunciation of the word "Pac-Man" on-air, similar to eNCA anchor Andrew Barnes who was suspended and given a disciplinary hearing earlier this year after mocking the minister of basic education, Angie Motshekga's pronunciation of "epitome" during a news broadcast.

In a recorded message, Samora Mangesi who joined Hectic Nine-9 in mid-2013 is now apologising, saying "I was talking about old-school gaming and I made a joke regarding coloured people's pronunciation of the word Pac-Man".

"I know that my remarks were grossly distateful and very inappropriate and I know that I offended a lot of avid fans and avid viewers of the show as well and I'd like to apologise wholeheartedly for that".

"I know that what I said was very ignorant and extremely childish. I regret what I said and it was never my intent to hurt anyone's feelings or make anyone feel bad about themselves. It was sincerely just a joke between two colleagues and two friends," said Samora Mangesi.

"I have since learnt that anything that I say, even if it's in jest, can impact people's lives in a negative or positive way. I am extremely sorry and I promise to do better next that I'm on air."

Shelly Scheepers from Okuhle Media says  the production company doing the show for SABC2 wants to sincerely apologise for the racial comment made by Samora Mangesi during the live broadcast.

"The producers of Hectic Nine-9 fully acknowledge the severity of his comment and we are taking it very seriously."

"As we are a live show it is not always possible for us to have 100% control over what happens while we are on air, this is the one unfortunate thing about the live television environment."

"We agree that what Samora said in jest was distasteful, insensitive and completely unacceptable, and wish to distance the show from this view."

Samora Mangesi will now undergo formal counselling in tolerance, says Shelly Scheepers.

Samora's Apology
We would like to sincerely apologise for the racial comment made by our presenter Samora Mangesi on the live broadcast of Hectic Nine-9 on Wednesday, 3rd February 2016.The Producers of Hectic Nine-9 fully acknowledge the severity of his comment and we are taking it very seriously. As we are a live show it is not always possible for us to have 100% control over what happens while we are on air, this is the one unfortunate thing about the live television environment.We agree that what Samora said in jest was distasteful, insensitive and completely unacceptable, and wish to distance the show from this view.We are in discussion with Samora and he will offer a more formal apology to our viewers. He will unreservedly retract the statement and undergo formal counsel in tolerance.RegardsHN9 TEAM
Posted by Hectic Nine-9 on Tuesday, February 9, 2016

SABC2's Hectic Nine-9 from Okuhle Media reaches its 2000th episode on Tuesday; will feature Freshlyground and fans to help celebrate.

When the cameras roll tomorrow, Tuesday 25 August, the youth focused afternoon programming block Hectic Nine-9 on SABC2 will reach its 2000th episode

Since 2007 Hectic Nine-9, also abbreviated as Hn9, has seen a revolving door of teen presenters come and go as the show grew not just its timeslot ratings but also its timeslot duration to an hour from the beginning of 2012.

As the production changed studios a few times over the past 8 years, incorporated social media and tackled current youth issues, it also incorporated the highly successful and well-liked teen drama mini-series Signal High.

Former Hectic Nine-9 presenter Danilo Acquisto who moved behind the scenes as producer, transitioned earlier this year to SABC3's weekday afternoon variety and talk show Afternoon Express.

The Hectic Nine-9 studio hosted not only local bands and celebrities but saw soccer teams, dance crews, horses, a cheetah and even a 45 member choir visit.

Hectic Nine-9, currently broadcasting Mondays to Fridays at 16:00 on SABC2, is produced by Okuhle Media in Cape Town and is currently being done live daily from MagnaTude Studios in Observatory, sourcing content from all of South Africa's provinces.

"I am incredibly proud of the growth of the show," says executive producer Louise McClelland. "Hectic Nine-9 touches lives every day, in a way we never expected.”

"2000 episodes is a milestone most TV shows only dream of reaching," says Wilna van Schalkwyk, series producer. "What a proud moment to see this incredible show grow into one of the biggest and most successful youth shows produced in South Africa."

"Eight years of Hectic Nine-9 means that a person who started watching the show when they were 12 is now 20 – a significant leap – and our interaction with this viewer shows us a fun, creative, determined and independent thinker who has his or her future firmly in their hands," says Mpumi Ngidi, SABC commissioning editor of the show.

Tuesday's 2000th episode will celebrate the milestone in style on-air with band Freshlyground making an appearance and performing. Hectic Nine-9 will also have fans in the studio.

At the moment Hectic Nine-9 producers are working on a technological treasure hunt celebrating South Africa's diversity. From there the show goes into planning episodes for the upcoming festive season at the end of the year and then brainstorming the new season.

Local teen high school drama, Signal High, returning to SABC2's Hectic Nine-9 for a second season.

The locally produced high school drama set in Cape Town, Signal High, is returning to SABC2's afternoon youth programming block Hectic Nine-9 for a second miniseries season.

The second season of Signal High produced by Okuhle Media will start on SABC2 in Hectic Nine-9 on Tuesday, 16 September and continue dealing as an educational dramatic show with issues like bullying, deceit, lying, homosexuality and cheating.

"At the heart of the show are topics ranging from prescription drugs, sexuality, disability and even initiation," says Noleen Nagel, the content producer of Signal High's second season.

"Not only are the youth able to be represented, but they also gain insights into the circumstances affecting the lives of other young South Africans across the traditional and cultural spectrum".

"I felt a real sense of intensity on set in this year," says David Stein, Hectic Nine-9 producer. "I believe that this was because the issues we were addressing are so real and cut so close to the vein for many young people in this country".

David Stein says Signal High is made as great drama and entertainment, but that the show is committed to dealing with real issues in a responsible and sensitive way.

The second season of Signal High was shot at Delia Sainsbury & Paul Griffiths' Waterfront Theatre School with last season's cast which returned to set.

"The Waterfront Theatre School is once again delighted to be associated with Signal High and the creative team from Okuhle Media," says Paul Griffiths. "The benefits for our students of having this opportunity to work closely with an experienced production team on such an exciting project cannot be underestimated".

The shoot schedule for this season was significantly longer and more elaborate with a more extensive narrative and an epic and dramatic ending, including the much anticipated Signal High talent show".

Hectic Nine-9 on SABC2 continues to capture viewers, growing as the most popular local South African youth magazine block on television.

Hectic Nine-9, SABC2's weekday, live magazine block programming strand says it continues to be "the most popular local youth and children's programme" on South African television.

"Hectic Nine-9 continues to remain relevant and fresh," says Nokuthula Khumoetsile Msimang, the SABC's head of children's content.

"It has managed to find the perfect balance between keeping our young viewers informed and entertained at the same time".

With international programmes generally taking the lead when it comes to audience viewing figures, Hectic Nine-9 has see an increase in younger viewers watching between 16:00 and 17:00 on weekdays.

"No two days are ever the same on Hectic Nine-9," says Mpumi Ngidi, SABC commissioning editor. "It's all about giving the viewers what they want to see".

TOLDJA! SABC2's Hectic Nine-9 becomes an hour from tomorrow as SABC2 dumps all the qBase28 presenters.

Earlier in the month RIGHT HERE I said big changes are coming to SABC2's youth slow Hectic Nine-9 before this month is over and that the show is turning into an hour slot before the end of the month - SABC2 just confirmed that Hectic Nine-9 will become an hour show from tomorrow and the channel is dumping all of the qBase28 presenters who's last day on SABC2 was today.

Hectic Nine-9 will start at 16:00 from tomorrow, Tuesday 21 February and run until 17:00 while Raphael Griffiths, Tshego Malepe, Tshiamo Thebe and Arye Kellman who've been qBase28 presenters have been dumped.  ''It is unfortunate that this [the longer Hectic Nine-9 timeslot] coincides with the phasing out of the qBase28 continuity presenters,'' says SABC2's publicity manager Zandile Nkonyeni.

Hectic Nine-9 has been on the air on SABC2 for almost five years and is being produced by Okuhle Media. ''We are looking forward to seeing what the audience response is to the one hour show,'' says Mpumi Ngidi, SABC commissioning editor.

''While Hectic Nine-9 has always included a wide variety of topics in its content line-up, the additional time will enable us to really get to grips with the topic being covered as opposed to merely providing a perfunctory overview,'' said Wilna van Schalkwyk, Hectic Nine-9's series producer. ''A selection of topics, including Maths and Science, Health, Life Skills and Entrepreneurship will now get the attention that they deserve.''

The existing 5 Hectic Nine-9 preseners in studio is adding two new female presenters and is still looking for a third new presenter to join the show through regional auditions across South Africa currently taking place.

The current Hectic Nine-9 presenters are Ayanda Makuzeni, Danilo Aquisto, Danine Naidoo, Laurian Kabongo and Loyiso Mdebuku.

BREAKING. Hectic Nine-9 on SABC2 set to celebrate its 1 000th episode this coming Monday with a special hour long episode.

SABC2's youth show HN9 (previously more known as Hectic Nine-9) will turn 1 000th episodes old on Monday, 26 September and will celebrate the programming achievement on the day with a special hour long episode starting at 16:00 on SABC2.

''A definite must see will be the five-tiered chocolate celebration cake, very kindly provided by Lindt. Dripping with 1 000 Lindor chocolate balls, it's going to get everyone's mouths watering,'' says HN9 producer Wilna van Schalkwyk. HN9 will get an additional half hour this coming Monday from SABC2's youth afternoon block qBase28.

HN9's special episode will feature the reappearance of some old presenters, performances by Mathew Moolman, Hot Water and the electric dance crew, Africa Ablaze.

''Hectic Nine-9 has for years been a place where the new-age youth come together and for the past 1000 episodes, the show has produced content that has cemented its place in the qBase28 youth slot,'' says Zandile Nkonyeni, SABC2 publicity manager. ''The one hour long episode is SABC2's gift to the South African youth for continuing to tune into HN9 and for making the show the success that it is.''