In a surprising twist, SABC made the decision to cancel Kids News Room (KNR), the only children's news show in Africa. The show was pulled off air in May, despite reportedly securing funding from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, which was intended to support the show.
FUNDS
An insider has revealed to ZiMoja that instead of using the allocated funds for the children's show, the public broadcaster opted to redirect the money towards other projects. The last episode of KNR aired in May this year and funding was given afterwards for it to return. "Since then, there has been a lack of clarity surrounding its future despite having received funding,' the source said. "The show has completely been removed from the programming schedule and has left many people disappointed, especially as it was the sole program of its kind on the continent,' added the source.
REVAMPED
KNR catered to young people and provided them with news tailored to their needs. KNR first aired in 2004 on SABC2 as a kid's news show and migrated to SABC1 two years later. The SABC said at the time that the show sought to provide children with a platform to express themselves on how they see the world around them whilst encouraging learning, participation and an inquiring mind. The show was anchored by Bonolo Moahludi (13), Leavante Sheba (16), Ruvarashe Marumo (16), Ayanda Masango (16), Thabelo Makhode (13) Kago Mavunda (15), and Mhlontlo Geleba (22). "The absence of the show is undoubtedly being felt by the viewers who keep asking about its return,' the source said. The insiders said the decision to cancel KNR raised questions about the future of children's programming on SABC. "As the channel reallocates resources, it remains to be seen what new projects will take precedence and whether they will be able to fill the void left by KNR's departure," he added. The SABC had not responded to the query at the time of publishing. The publicity specialist at the SABC, Caroline Phalakatshela, acknowledged receiving the query but did not respond.
