TV News South Africa

New site for Township TV opens in KwaZulu-Natal

The 22nd site of Township TV has been erected in Ezakheni Park in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal. The sites have become 'fan parks' 365 days a year, as kids and adults continue to enjoy the free entertainment in a safe, secure environment.

"Five years ago, I would never have believed we would have 22 permanent big screen televisions in the townships, giving free DStv entertainment to the people," says Township TV co-founder, Graeme Joffe.

But it's a reality and another proud milestone for the social responsibility project, sponsored by DStv.

It erected its first big screen in Diepsloot back in 1997, thanks to the partnership with Joburg City Parks and today, there are 22 sites across the country. The PSL games continue to draw big crowds to the parks and AFCON 2013 is reportedly going to be a big plus for the local residents, being able to watch all the games in their own backyard.

Getting kids off the street

It's a 2010 World Cup legacy that has been dependent on the goodwill of corporate South Africa and DStv, which have thrown their weight behind the project that not only provides free entertainment but also assists in getting kids off the street, reducing crime and uplifting the communities.

More kids also now have greater opportunities to see their sporting icons live on television and this will hopefully create more sporting champions for South Africa.

"I will never forget the kids in Ivory Park all shouting 'go Oscar' during a DStv mini Olympics activation during the Olympic Games. It was very special," says Zuko Kwatsha, MD of Township TV.

The company has now been granted the rights to set up three more big screens in Cape Town in Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain and Delft. For more, go to www.townshiptv.co.za.

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