This April, SABC3’s local weekday talk show 3Talk with Noeleen – with host Noeleen
Maholwana-Sangqu – came to an end after 12 years on air. SABC viewers were
eager for something fresh and a little more edgy.
On 4 May at 16h00, 3Talk’s successor Afternoon Express premiered, hosted by some
of TV’s reigning royalty, the vivacious trio that is Bonang Matheba, Jeannie D and
Bonnie Mbuli. While Matheba and Jeannie D are no strangers to SABC3 audiences,
with both ladies currently co-hosting Top Billing, it is actress and author Bonnie
Mbuli’s first time trying her hand at presenting. SABC3 channel head Aisha
Mohammed said that the idea was to have a panel of well-known personalities, with
whom the audience already had a relationship, host the show.
The 45-minute show is aimed at women aged 25 to 35, bringing together elements
of talk, magazine and current affairs to provide an all-encompassing entertainment
and lifestyle show. The vibey, cosmopolitan programme features celebrity guests,
in-studio musical performances and book reviews. Additionally the hosts will take
viewers through an array of topics from fashion to cooking, health and some DIY for
women.
“Viewers should expect an entertaining lifestyle daytime show where they can
relax, receive information and “tips’ on how to make their daily lives easier with
regard to cooking, fashion, health and the happenings in the world,’ says
Mohammed. “It’s a breather and a preparation period before the busy early evening
period that most households experience. A key strategy of SABC3 is for the channel
to celebrate all things local. So this show will play host to a myriad of local
personalities, achievers, talent and other interesting individuals.’
Something exciting for Afternoon Express viewers to look forward to is the addition
of a fourth presenter in the near future. SABC3’s Presenter Search on 3 television
show will be coming to an end with the top three contestants winning hosting gigs in
the channel’s lifestyle and breakfast shows, including Afternoon Express. “The
approach is to grow more local presenting talent and have them host SABC3
content,’ explains Mohammed.
Produced by Cardova/Tswelopele Productions, Afternoon Express is set in a
contemporary apartment block in trendy inner-city Cape Town, with a modern-living
and urban look and feel.
“Afternoon Express is a first for South Africa and for SABC3. To combine fun
interaction, practical advice as well as engaging conversation into one show is
definitely taking the quality of programming to the next level and we are proud to
have this kind of uplifting and empowering content for women as part of our
offering,’ concludes Mohammed.
Written by Chanelle Ellaya
