by Thinus Ferreira
Media24's Afrikaans lifestyle TV channel VIA (DStv 147) is adding a new morning show in English and Afrikaans, Goeiemôre, Good Morning from Monday 14 April.
Goeiemôre, Good Morning, produced by CoolerBox Brothers with Barry Pretorius as executive producer and director George van Rooyen, will run with four episodes per week from Mondays to Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30, and will repeat 10:00 to 11:30, and again in the afternoons at 14:00.
As a bilingual breakfast show, Goeiemôre, Good Morning is joining a very crowded TV market.
The timeslot is already over-subscribed with other shows like perennial timeslot ratings leader Morning Live (SABC2), Expresso (SABC3), The Morning Show (e.tv), Die Groot Ontbyt (kykNET), The South African Morning (eNCA) and AM Report (Newzroom Africa).
Goeiemôre, Good Morning will cover entertainment, lifestyle, world events, sports highlights and entrepreneurship with presenters Rozanne McKenzie, Elsa Esterhuizen and kykNET's former Kwêla presenter Pieter Koen who left for the United States with his family but has returned after just a few months. Thys van Zyl will give financial tips.
George van Rooyen says "I have worked with Rozanne and
Pieter before and know them as extremely hard workers with great personalities,
and Elsa will round off our trio perfectly. This dynamic team is ready to make
a lasting impression."
Elsa Esterhuizen says "Goeiemôre, Good Morning is an
interesting and fresh take on a South African breakfast show – especially
because both Afrikaans and English viewers will be able to join us in the
mornings".
"I remember immediately wanting to be a part of it when the team
approached me and told me that their idea was similar to the concept of my
favourite television series, The Morning Show."
She references the Apple TV+ drama series with Jennifer Aniston, not e.tv's breakfast show.
"It's also a
first for VIA and I'm therefore looking forward to building on this exciting
and fresh concept and being part of its development in collaboration with a
phenomenal, dynamic team."
Barry Pretorius says the show's "approach, concept and content
are from the outset totally focused on our people, who they really are, what
they love and the absolute inclusivity of Afrikaans".
"As our language celebrates
its centenary this year, this breakfast programme is a clear beacon that
Afrikaans will continue to exist inclusively."
Pieter Koen who is back in South Africa four months after emigrating to the United States, says the presenters' team "bring our unique style and personality to the programme and we hope that viewers will find it appealing".
