R225 million to support TV drama

During an official visit to South Africa, the Permanent Under-Secretary of State for International Development in the United Kingdom Gillian Merron said the funding will support Soul City and Soul Buddyz because of their ongoing work in sub-Saharan countries in addressing various health and development topics.

Sub-Saharan countries have adapted Soul City material, which is already reaching more than 60 percent of all young people.

Speaking at Soul City Institute on Tuesday, Merron said they were proud to be associated with such innovative edutainment.

“I am delighted that my government is going to support the rollout of Soul City and Soul Buddyz across the southern African region over the next four years as young people deserve to have access to the information that can save lives and Soul City does just that,” said Merron.

Soul City is a TV and radio show, its also used for advertising campaign and can be obtained in information booklets; all series address HIV and AIDS including issues such as maternal and child health, violence, rape and disability.

Soul Buddyz is aimed at eight to 12-year-olds and is designed to promote their health and well being.

It has a TV and radio show as well as accompanying booklets for children and parents, there are 3600 Soul Buddyz clubs spread throughout South Africa.

The department is the largest funder of the two series and more than 70% of the South African population tune into these programmes.

The UK government has been supporting Soul City for the past 13 years with a total spending of more than R200 million.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews