Edutainment TV for township

Initially the brainchild of Cherie Eilertson of Platinum Planet Real Estate group, Township TV will transmit DStv programming through a big plasma screen measuring 2.9 meters high and 4.8 meters wide every day between pm2 – 6pm. Diepsloot residents will be the first to experience this, with plans in the pipeline to roll out the programme to 15 Johannesburg City Parks in 2008 and to eventually implement Township TV across the whole country.

“Social responsibility initiative”

“Township TV's aim is to provide entertainment in a safe and secure environment to disadvantaged communities,” says Graeme Joffe, sports journalist and director of Township TV. “Through this social responsibility initiative we not only intend to offer innovative and educational programming to the people of Diepsloot but also to proactively assist in reducing crime, creating jobs and new sporting icons for South Africa.”

Managers from the Diepsloot community will be employed to ensure the smooth running of the progamme. Their responsibilities will include publicising the monthly TV programme in the community, maintaining the plasma screen and ensuring that the correct channel is broadcast.

“The safety and security of people watching the daily broadcasts is of paramount importance, which is why we have deployed 24-hour security and will take extreme public safety measures during broadcasts that will attract large crowds. No alcohol will be allowed on the premises. ” says Joffe.

Encourage entrepreneurship

There are also plans to launch a “Gogo” programme which will grant licences to women who are over 60 years of age to trade as hawkers on-site. This will encourage entrepreneurship in Dieplsoot while stimulating economic activity.

Fouch Fouche, marketing and communication executive at JCP is confident that Township TV will get children off the streets and allow Diepsloot residents to network and enjoy Diepsloot City Park while being educated and entertained. “Johannesburg City Parks is delighted to be part of this pioneering initiative which makes use of our green spaces and turns them into a safe place where people can watch and learn.”

Adine Strashun, key account and commercial sales manager of Multichoice Africa, says, “Township TV is evidence of local government's commitment to working together with the private sector to improve the lives of previously disadvantaged communities. DStv is proud to be associated with such a project that gives people access to satellite television and quality programming.”

The project will be sustained by funding from various corporate social responsibility budgets and a comprehensive feasibility study on this project will be conducted to ensure long term sustainability and profitability.

The Orlando Pitates vs. Ajax Cape Town Absa Premier League fixture to be played on 8 December will mark the official launch of Township TV in Diepsloot.