Zee Zonke launches on DStv today with isiZulu-dubbed shows

Zee TV, a Hindi language general entertainment channel with English subtitles launched in Africa in 1996 on the DStv platform, and on Monday will launch a new channel.

Zee Zonke – the first exclusive isiZulu television channel in Africa.

The plethora of similarities between the African and Indian cultures have resulted in the content resonating with African audiences which has inspired the launch of Zee Zonke.

Both South Africa and India are home to a rich and diverse culture, with centuries-long history of art, music and dance. Both countries also have a strong tradition of hospitality, with a focus on family and community.

The isiZulu language from the Nguni family is spoken by approximately 27.3 million South Africans making it the most significant and widely spoken local language.

And a significant amount of Zimbabweans who speak isiNdebele, which is an offshoot of isiZulu, will be delighted to consume this content.

Zee Zonke, 24/7 television channel, will offer drama series/novellas fully dubbed in isiZulu catering for South African audiences. Zee will further contribute to the visibility of on-air Indian and African cultures by commissioning hybrid cast local productions to be produced in South Africa for broadcast on Zee Zonke, going forward.

The channel will help grow the language and culture sentiment while investing back in the country by creating local sustainable employment across a range of activities from management to marketing, PR, and sales to finance and operations. The channel is envisaged not only to aid to improve the Indo-South African bilateral relationship culturally and community-wise but will encourage trust and inclusion at a different level altogether. Apart from showcasing entertainment programs, the channel also promises to highlight achievements and initiatives of the Zulu community at large from time to time. It will enable both our corporate brand as well as our Indian heritage to be included in their daily lives.

With the many years Zee has been in South Africa, it’s localisation efforts and job creation, the brand has become a household name, one of South Africa’s very own.

“Our vision at Zee Entertainment has always been to push the boundaries of innovation and deliver exceptional entertainment experiences. The launch of Zee Zonke marks an exciting milestone for us as we aim to bridge linguistic barriers and provide a unique viewing experience of resonance and connect with diverse audiences, and we feel we have done that with this channel offering in isiZulu” says Somnath Malakar, CEO: ZEE Entertainment Africa.

“We continue to strengthen our partnerships, which in turn strengthens our content offering, therefore, we are extremely excited to introduce Zee Zonke to our viewers. What is special about this channel launch is that we get to bring great entertainment in isiZulu. As Africa’s most loved storyteller, we are always looking to offer diverse entertainment to our DStv customers and the Zee Zulu offering aims to do just that,” says Georginah Machiridza, Executive Head of General Entertainment Channels at MultiChoice Group

Zee Zonke will give DStv customers never seen before series, seven days a week.

It is on channel 169.

With information from the Zee Enterprises press release