South Africans interested in improving their overall health will have a new trusted
source through The Good Life Network, a health and development pop-up channel
which will air on DStv channel 199 from 1 December 2015 to 31 March 2016.
A first of its kind in South Africa, the channel is spearheaded by Soul City and Ochre
Media in partnership with the National Department of Health. The Good Life Network
is focused on producing and broadcasting content that contributes towards positive
individual and societal health outcomes. Viewers can look forward to shows that
cover nutrition, health and fitness, human rights, youth sexuality, HIV and TB, as
well as consumer and gender rights.
Joe Maila, spokesperson of the National Department of Health explains the
Department’s support of the initiative: “The Department of Health has a long history
of partnership with Soul City and have supported the production of Soul City’s award
winning dramas that have influenced social norms in Southern Africa and have
addressed critical health issues in South Africa. The National Department of Health
(NDOH) is concerned by the growing epidemic of Non Communicable Diseases
(NCD) and wants to promote lifestyle changes and wellness strategies as key
preventative options. Our association with mass media initiatives like The Good Life
Network offers a powerful platform for health communications and our strides
towards a vision for “A Healthy Life for All’.
Soul City Institute for Health and Development Communication (SCIHD), a leading
social behaviour change communication NGO sees The Good Life Network as a
powerful first for South Africa, one that will highlight the Primary Health Care (PHC)
approach. “The Good Life Network is not only a TV channel. It is a call to action for
all South Africans to make small changes in their lives to live a healthier life. We
will be inviting South Africans to pledge to live a Good Life,’ comments Lebo
Ramafoko, CEO of Soul City.
The Good Life Network programming is diverse and original, including offerings
such as Health Busters (breaking down myths), Food
Police (helping you design healthier meals), SuperDoc (critical
women’s health issues), Village Shrink (your journey to better mental
health), Cook for Life (cooking up delicious and healthy African
meals), Get Up Stand Up (celebrating those making a difference),
Fit Life (inspired fitness outside the gym), Health
Bulletins (citizen journalism combined with headline stories), Straight
Up (youth sexuality) and Icheke (check your health), which will
promote routine health screening.
“In keeping with the successful edutainment model, The Good Life Network will
service a consumer appetite for entertaining health related content and services,
which ultimately empower individuals and communities to take greater control over
their own health and development,’ says Krisen Pather, head of Edutainment for
Ochre Media.
The Good Life Network will be available to DStv customers on the DStv Access,
Family, Compact, Extra and Premium packages on DStv channel 199 from 1
December 2015 to 31 March 2016.
