A big plasma screen broadcasting education, sport, music, travel and dance will be erected on a permanent basis in the Diepsloot City Park on 8 December 2007. Township TV, in partnership with Johannesburg City Parks (JCP) and satellite TV network DStv, is set to change the lives of Diepsloot residents and will bring a unique form of edutainment at no extra cost to the community.
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 2-6pm. Diepsloot residents will be the first to experience this revolutionary form of edutainment 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.
“Township TV’s aim is to provide entertainment in a safe and secure environment to disadvantaged communities,’ says Graeme Joffe, renowned 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.
There are also plans to launch a “Gogo’ programme which will grant licenses 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.
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.
