e.tv Press

The final episode of the hard-hitting investigative current affairs programme, 3rd Degree with Debora Patta, will air on South African free-to-air channel e.tv and its sister company eNCA on Tuesday 14 May 2013, as Patta departs to freelance for international news companies.

According to an e.tv statement, the rest of the 3rd Degree team will be re-assigned to current shows, while some will work on a revamped current affairs offering. No final decision has been made about the future of 3rd Degree as e.tv is currently considering its options.

Said group head of News, Patrick Conroy: “After 15 years of service, Debora, who was the executive producer and anchor of 3rd Degree, wants to explore other options. We’ve been in discussions about the future of 3rd Degree for several months. In the end Debora felt she wanted to try something new working as an independent freelancer and resigned. We are now exploring a different on-air offering.”

Conroy confirmed that Justice Malala’s show The Justice Factor is scheduled to air on both eNCA and e.tv in coming months.

“We’d like to thank Debora for her 15 years of service and wish her well with her new business venture,’ stated Monde Twala, head of e.tv Channels.

South African free-to-air commercial broadcaster, e.tv, has released a statement confirming that e.tv, the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) and the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) committee have positively addressed concerns raised by e.tv in 2012 around the SAFTAs.

The statement reads: “e.tv is in support of the 2013 SAFTAs and is willing to be part of collective efforts aimed at building strong, transparent and credible South African Film and Television academy which will genuinely celebrate South African talent across all genres.

“Production companies in charge of e.tv’s local content have been encouraged to participate in the awards. The channel will, however, not be able to carry a live broadcast of the awards in March due to prior broadcasting commitments.

“We wish all nominees the best of luck for the upcoming event.’

South Africa’s first and only commercial free-to-air channel, e.tv, will unveil its re-imaged brand identity on 1 January 2013, to commemorate 14 years on air. Designed by e.tv’s Creative Services, the refreshed brand reflects not only of the channel’s origins, but entrenches the channel’s future vision of pioneering local content.

The re-imaging includes a facelift for the logo, as well as a thematic overhaul of all channel material including on-air imaging, website, print, outdoor and all other communication material. This new look is inspired by the kaleidoscope of cultures that make up South Africa’s identity, and is accompanied by the new pay-off line: “Free your imagination’.

The new pay-off line is reflective of e.tv’s aim to bring viewers an array of local and international programming that will allow for interactive entertainment that will foster free thinking. Viewers will be encouraged to engage, open up their imagination and to view content that will broaden opinions and social perceptions. The channel will also unveil a completely refreshed online presence, with the e.tv website receiving a major restructuring and facelift.

Since its launch in 1998, e.tv has grown from six hours a day of broadcast into a 24-hour channel that has catered to the exact needs of its audience, and thus grown into the second largest channel in the country. The channel prides itself on having pioneered the terrestrial broadcast platform and bringing local content to the forefront of the industry.

“e.tv has been an innovator in the industry for the last decade, and as the dynamics of who we are as South Africans has grown and evolved, so has that of the channel,’ says Monde Twala, e.tv Channel Head. “The channel will reveal a refreshed and rejuvenated, young and urban brand presence to our viewers, and this facelift will reveal a brand that holds true the sentiments of who we are as South Africans in every element.’

The channel’s previous brand refresh took place in 2008, and since then the channel has further developed and matured to grasp a clearer competitive edge.

“The objective with the new imaging was not to create a completely new identity for the channel, but rather to tap into the essence of who we really are and to invigorate our current brand to reflect that,’ notes Twala. “We took into account the future of television in South Africa and have made the necessary tweaks to ensure that we will remain relevant and dynamic for any future growth that exists.’

The brand refresher serves as a clearer reflection of the brand’s DNA rather than a complete overhaul of the channel’s fundamental building blocks.

“Expect the same content that you have grown to love along with some exciting additions in 2013. The e.tv brand re-imaging is a crisp, fresh extension of the brands personality and we trust that it will be warmly embraced by all,’ notes Twala.

South African free-to-air commercial broadcaster e.tv has announced that one of the dramas from Season 3 of its popular eKasi: Our Stories series has been selected to screen at the 20th Mix Brasil Festival Culture of Diversity, which runs in Sao Paulo from 8 to 18 November 2012.

Imfihlo (The Secret) is a 45-minute drama that premiered on e.tv in November last year. It tells a story about family, sex, betrayal and secrets and explores the consequences of loving someone who is forced to conform to the rules of society.

Directed by Fanney Tsimong and produced by the late Senele Nkosi from Puo-Pha productions, Imfihlo has also screened at the Out in Africa festival as well as the Q!film Festival in Indonesia.

MiX Brasil is a massive celebration of sexual diversity in Latin America. The event begins in Sao Paulo, then tours Brazil. An estimated 25,000 viewers enjoy the 200 films, shorts and videos on offer from around the world, plus accompanying cultural events.

“e.tv is proud to be able to develop and provide a platform for up and coming directors, actors and writers. Imfihlo has received magnificent global interest from the film industry and we are thrilled to be taking such strides,’ says Keshni Rajoo, manager: Local production and programming

The eKasi series has grown enormously over the years and e.tv continues to provide a platform for ordinary South Africans to tell socially relevant stories which are uniquely South African. e.tv is currently airing a brand new season hich consists of 22 dramas.

In the second series of Rolling With…, e.tv charts Kelly Khumalo’s rise to reclaim her crown as the queen of South African popular music. Rolling With Kelly, which premiered on Sunday 16 September at 18h30, captures interesting moments of the superstar trying to turn her life around.

e.tv Head of Channel Monde Twala says: “We are excited to bring our viewers the second season of the Rolling With… series, which gives viewers an opportunity to zoom into the lives of our local celebrities. Kelly Khumalo has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, and the Rolling With series aims to reveal the real Kelly Khumalo as she makes amends with her past. Kelly is not only a musical diva but a mother, daughter, friend and business woman. We are confident that our audience will be intrigued by Kelly and her journey.’

Mention the name Kelly Khumalo in a conversation, and chances are the words drugs, abuse, and Jub Jub will be part of that dialogue. The name has become synonymous with the whole idea of the good girl gone bad. Since being nominated as the Best Newcomer of 2005 on the Afro Pop Music Circuit, the public has witnessed Kelly’s life spiralling down. Since her fall from grace and her very public split from musician Jub Jub Maaronyane, Kelly has had to move back home to her mother’s house in Spruitview and pick up the pieces of her life.

Produced by Red Pepper, Rolling With Kelly reveals the real Kelly behind the persona, as she interacts with family and friends, confronts her fears and insecurities, and deals with life’s obstacles and challenges. Viewers will also see Kelly and her manager, Sarah Shongwe negotiate a new record deal with Universal, Kelly empowering people through her experiences, as well as her attempts to confront the past and make amends.

The 13-part series begins with the viewer getting to know who Kelly Khumalo is and what made and destroyed her. In the series, Kelly handles misfortune as she tries to navigate her life, both personal and professional, to conquer her demons – but the question is will she find success?

Ultimately, Rolling with Kelly Khumalo is a story about second chances. With enthusiasm, passion, laughter and tears, Kelly lives life true to who she is… and it is for that reason, above all others, that viewers will identify with her, share her struggles and triumphs and ultimately fall in love with her. Kelly Khumalo is a real honest to goodness ‘come back’ story and South Africa will be behind her every step of the way.

After a successful and nail-biting auditions phase, reality show SA’s Got Talent will launch on commercial free-to-air channel e.tv on Thursday 30 August at 20h30. Produced by Rapid Blue, SA’s Got Talent is a country wide talent search for South Africa’s next great talent act, featuring a variety of acts and talents of all ages. The season comprises of 10 episodes.

Monde Twala, e.tv’s channel head says: “e.tv is proud to provide a platform where South Africans are able to live out their hopes and dreams, and we are delighted to share this with the rest of Mzansi. We’ve had a resounding response thus far, the audition leg of SA’s Got Talent was truly remarkable as many enthusiastic hopefuls came out to show off their talent. It’s about to heat up, the stage is set and the search is on.”

From comedians, line and fire dancers, rope skippers, impersonators, rappers, yoyologists, trumpeters and pole dancers – judges Shado Twala, Ian von Memerty and Kabelo “Bouga Luv’ Mabalane have had their hands full at the auditions, and are ecstatic about the new pool of talent that they’ve seen.

Says Mabalane: “The auditions have reminded me how awesome it is to be a South African. Viewers can expect to cry, laugh and most of all be entertained.’

Seasoned judges Twala and Von Memerty are also impressed about this year’s talent.
“I fell in love with South Africa again. People can expect more variety, from all over the country – they will see things they have never seen before. The show is billed as the biggest talent show in the world – and when that show hits the rainbow nation – the dazzling fireworks display of talent is nothing short of fantastic,’ says Von Memerty.

Twala adds: “The SA’s Got Talent auditions have brought more variety. They came from the smallest village to the big cities of SA, all with a story to tell. Some acts were weird and wonderful, some unique and daring. Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson are remembered in song and dance, the yo-yo makes a come-back, the saw makes music, and whistling can be a full time job. Only on SA’s Got Talent, it’s fantastic!”

Says Rapid Blue’s executive producer, Kee-Leen Irvine: “SA’s Got Talent 2012 is off to a rocking start! From the fantastically entertaining to the jaw-droppingly delusional, we have applauded with excitement, laughed with enjoyment, gasped in disbelief and cried with pride at the mind-blowing talent and perseverance that many of our contestants have displayed. This year SA’s Got Talent is a veritable feast of entertainment – it’s appointment viewing at its best.

South Africa’s greatest talent gets underway in the first five episodes. Viewers will witness the search to find the best talent in the country during auditions.

It’s the big reveal in episode six as viewers will see who of the hopefuls makes it through to the semi-finals. Episodes seven to nine are live semi-finals. The performance shows, which airs on Thursdays at 20h30 comprises of seven acts. Then, in the half hour results show, two acts are selected to go to the finals.

In the grand final episode, six acts will pit against each other for the ultimate prize of R250,000 and the title of being crowned the most talented South African this season.

In an effort to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer, e.tv has joined forces with the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) Relay For Life and Bokomo Weet-Bix to organise 11 unique events around the country.

Relay For Life is recognised as the world’s largest global movement to fight the disease. Each year, volunteers in 21 countries worldwide, including South Africa, gather to take part in this global movement. CANSA’s adopted the Relay campaign in 2005, when it recognised communities as strategic drivers in the spread of cancer awareness to those not affected with the disease as well as equally spreading a message of hope to every South African family affected by the disease. Last year alone, CANSA hosted 79 events consisting of approximately 80,000 people in attendance.

“Our partnership with Bokomo Weet-Bix and e.tv helps to increase awareness and will encourage more South African communities to participate and host Relay events. The more people participate and the more Relay events are hosted, the more funds are raised for our CANSA Care Centres where the respective Relay events are hosted. This allows CANSA to continue to provide a life-saving service to the community’, says CANSA CEO, Sue Janse van Rensburg.

Since cancer does not discriminate, through its involvement in the CANSA Relay For Life campaign, e.tv hopes to spread a message of hope to a much broader audience which will include everyone from all walks of life regardless of their age, race and gender. A host of e.tv actors and presenters will pledge their support to the nationwide CANSA Relay For Life walks. Television personalities such as Club 808’s Dineo Ranaka, Rhythm City’s Tebogo Khalo (Puleng) and Amo Chidi (Reneilwe); Kaelo Stories of Hope presenter Joel Zuma as well as Morena Sefatsa and Kriya Gangiah from Craz-e will all unite in spreading awareness and hope.

e.tv Head of Channel Division Monde Twala says, “Following our successful partnership with Bokomo Weet-Bix with the Angel’s Walking campaign, the tremendous momentum gained at the 2011 event inspired the channel to broaden its reach beyond Johannesburg. We identified the CANSA Relay For Life as the perfect catalyst to spread national awareness not only to big urban areas but also to the smallest and most remote communities.’

Corporate companies are invited to register their team of 10 to 15 co-workers, family, colleagues and/or friends online at www.cansa-corporate-relay.co.za for a fee of R2,500 per team for the Corporate Relay For Life taking place on the 1 September 2012 at the Denel Property Group in Irene, Pretoria. Community members are invited to also register their teams to the various CANSA Relay For Life events taking place countrywide, for a fee of R500.

The campaign will kick off at the Glenwood Boys High School in Durban from 25 August 2012 at 18h00 to 06h00, on 26 August 2012 gaining momentum in various other hosting cities, namely, Polokwane in October 2012; Bloemfontein in November 2012; Mosselbay in November 2012; George in February 2013; East London in February 2013; Potchefstroom in February 2013; Upington in March 2013; Nelspruit in March 2013 and wrapping up in the Vaal Triangle in March 2013.

For further information, visit www.relayforlife.co.za .

e.tv held a press junket for the finale of Step Up or Step Out season 2. The event detailed the route each dance crew had taken to reach the finals. It was also a chance for the media to meet the dance crews before Sunday’s showdown.

e.tv’s channel head, Monde Twala was visibly pleased saying, “I would like to thank all our partners for the support and belief in our vision to deliver a world-class production particularly our sponsor KFC, the judges, the presenter, Universal Music for the beats and the creative team at Endemol.’

In what came as a pleasant surprise, KFC announced that each member of the four dance crews would receive R2 500 for making it to the final.

The talent on show from WeDfy, Tembisa Revolution, Psychotics and Vintage was undeniable. Judging from their performances at the press evening it will be tough for viewers to decide on a winner come Sunday 22 July.

In the live finale, the top four will showcase the variety, individuality and amazing talent alive in South Africa. The crews have been tasked with unifying local music flavour with international flavour to create a truly outstanding “Celebrity Performance’. The groups will be given a chance to highlight each of their own distinctive street dance styles. “People can expect a whole lot of bang from four groups who are all individually talented in unique genres’ added Lorcia Cooper, this year’s dance director and guest celebrity mentor.

A number of top South African acts including DJs Mahoota vs Vetkuk, Qness and last year’s winners Stunners are scheduled to perform at what has been called “the live battle of the year’.

The finale of Step Up or Step Out season 2 airs on Sunday, 22 July at 6:05PM, exclusively on e.tv.

Launching a business with minimal resources can often seem like a formidable task, but help is on its way with a new season of It’s My Biz premiering on e.tv on Thursday 12 July at 17h30.

In the small-business reality series a new small business owner opens up his or her business to the scrutiny of the It’s My Biz panel of experts every week. An in-studio panel of experts help to unpack the strengths and weaknesses of the business and then provide practical advice to help the owner improve their business.

“e.tv is proud and excited about the launch of Season 3. It’s My Biz not only encourages the spirit of enterprise amongst thousands of unemployed South Africans, it is also a perfect platform to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with business solutions needed to help them on their journey as they venture into the empowering world of business”, remarked Monde Twala, Group Head of e.tv Channels Division.

Each week, presenter Andile Masuku takes the viewer on a 23 minute journey which begins with an on-site visit where he helps identify various challenges faced by business owners in the daily running of their businesses. The journey ends with an in-studio discussion by a panel of experts who provide the profiled business with an implementation plan.

The series is sponsored by Nedbank Small Business Services and the bank’s involvement in the series forms part of its ongoing commitment to the development of South African enterprises, in particular small-sized businesses.

Sibongiseni Ngudze, Nedbank’s Retail Relationship Banking Managing Director says, “Employment from the small business sector is key to our economic growth and Nedbank understands its importance in our local economy. This is why we are committed to enabling the success of small businesses through various practical initiatives, like It’s My Biz. Through such initiatives, Nedbank is making things happen for small businesses.’

Season 3 kicks off with Ntokozo, owner of KwaMashu-based printing company, Nto’s Printing. Ntokozo’s is operating in a very competitive environment and needs to attract new clients and maintain interest around her products. Her company is currently very chaotic and requires re-branding in order to distinguish itself from other similar businesses.

For more information on forthcoming episodes, visit http://www.etv.co.za/.

The Creative Services team at South African commercial free-to-air channel e.tv has scooped a Bronze Award at the 2012 PromaxBDA Global Excellence Promotion & Marketing Awards for the integrated marketing campaign “e is for everyone”.

Throughout the world, the PromaxBDA Awards competitions stand for marketing excellence in the media marketing space and collectively, through its numerous regional and sector-specific competitions, are regarded as the most prestigious awards for creative endeavour in this field.

The interactive campaign from e.tv saw thousands of everyday South Africans participate across various platforms including social media, outdoor, print and TV.

“We are proud to have a world-class creative team that continues to produce work that gains international recognition,’ says Monde Twala, Channel Head.  “The channel is committed to drive content that appeals to all South Africans, this means our brand position needs to be relevant, fresh and exciting. e.tv continues to strive for innovation across all levels, including our marketing endeavours.’

Every year, the industry’s most accomplished executives, creatives and production professionals vote online and from that decide and recognize the best work the industry has created within that year.

This year, the e.tv campaign was judged alongside international giants such as TV Deutschland GmbH’s Gold-winning Prosieben Superheroes Campaign and the 2011 NHL ALL STAR campaign from NBC Sports Agency, which scooped Silver.

e.tv has been on a winning streak at the Promax BDA Awards since 2002, continuously bringing home these sought-after accolades.

“To be placed among the top creative minds worldwide once again is a no small feat, and we salute our talented team of individuals who deliver only the best each year,’ concludes Twala.