SA youth show wins international award

Image source: Bona Retsang on Facebook

The award recognises excellence in television programming made especially for young people. The annual summit brings together TV producers from participating countries to discuss youth-related issues and media innovations.

A panel of young people and TV producers attending the summit votes for winners. The theme was 'Children deserve to know' and the South African entry focused on the theme 'Children deserve to know that they can be heroes in their communities' and used Mandela Day as a means of exploring the topic.

In the winning short feature, three young girls from the children's home Girls and Boys Town took up the challenge to be of service to others and uplift the lives of fellow humans. They baked cupcakes and wrote inspirational cards based on the teachings of Mandela; dressed up as superheroes they took to the streets to hand out their gifts and messages of support.

Bona Retsang executive producer Shane Potgieter said, "'Super Madiba' is a powerful and heart-warming story about three young children who don't have much but are nonetheless filled with hope and goodwill they want to share with others."

Series producer and anchor presenter Phethile 'PK' Khuzwayo said, "Being voted as the winners by our peers and colleagues from around the world was a humbling experience."

Hanyani Sono, commissioning editor at SABC Education is over the moon, "We are so proud of the recognition; Bona Retsang is beating to the pulse of the young South African culture."

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