Hazel Friedman
A MILESTONE in educational programming on television and radio has been reached with the SABC’s new Learn `N Live initiative, giving independent producers an unprecendented opportunity to make their mark by replacing the SABC’s traditionally stodgy fare.
Learn `N Live, a joint initiative between the SABC and the Department of Education, not only aims to “forge a nation of critical thinkers, but also provide a forum for new talent, creativity and vision among independent producers”, says Nicola Golombik, manager of SABC educational television.
Golombik is spearheading the project with Dr Teboho Moja, general manager of educational television, and Fakir Hassan, manager of educational radio.
Learn `N Live was initiated in November 1996, with about R22-million at its disposal, courtesy of the Department of Education.
“The process was transparent”, says Golombik. “More than 50% of available programme space was commissioned to independent producers and we’ve received more than 300 proposals from independent producers from around the country.
“More importantly, we are creating work opportunities at a time when jobs for independent producers are scarce, and providing a platform for new talent that can identify with our target audiences,” she says.
Officially launched on SABC2 on March 1, the education project’s prime attractions will be youth programmes which explore issues ranging from rave and kwaito culture to health and the environment.
For example, Take 5 – a daily magazine programme targeting audiences aged five to 20 – includes in its lineup Spider’s Place, a pioneering production by the Handspring Trust for Puppetry in Education, which teaches science through the adventures of Spider the street child and her equally street-smart mates.
Another first for South Africa in the Take 5 lineup is Rena Thina which explores socio-cultural and lifestyle issues using a mix of drama and documentary.
And lest you believe that education means exploring only the mind, in Private and Confidential former Miss South Africa Jacqui Mofokeng goes (wo)manual in a programme dealing with issues ranging from make-up to masturbation. And while women take time off to get in touch with their sexual selves, the international versions of Sesame Street and Channel 4’s Fourways Farm will be screened for toddlers.
Not to be outdone, radio will provide programmes in all 11 official languages, focusing particularly on lively educational chat shows.
“We have been charged with the task not only of using our public broadcaster to support the development of a culture of learning”, says Moja, but “we will begin to create a nation of people who are able to think critically. This is a necessity if South Africa is to flourish into the next century.”