Mzansi Wethu to debut IsiXhosa and IsiZulu news

Newzroom Afrika launches Nguni language news to debut on Mzansi Wethu.

The news will be in IsiXhosa as Indaba Zethu and IsiZulu as Izindaba Zethu, everyday at 19h00 from the 27th of February.

According to Newzroom Afrika, CEO Thabile Ngwato, “bringing the news to more people in their home language was consistent with the channel’s aim to put viewers at the heart of the news.

“From the beginning we’ve been clear that our purpose is to provide a reliable and trusted news service that truly reflects our country’s rich diversity, and we’re proud to offer the news in IsiZulu and IsiXhosa as we take another step forward on our journey,” Ngwato said.

These hot seats will be filled with seasoned journalists and anchors who are familiar with Nguni News in South Africa. The statement by DSTV also shared the broadcasters profiles who will be behind the mic:

Thabile Mbhele (Anchor) is a multi-award-winning journalist, TV News anchor and a seasoned Senior Health Reporter, reporting in both English and IsiZulu.

Dicksy Mdlalose (Weather Presenter) is an experienced weather presenter from Vryheid in KZN. He has more than 11 years’ experience presenting the weather for the public broadcaster.

Khethukuthula Makoatsane (Sign Language Interpreter), is one of the country’s most experienced translators. Her passion has always been to be the bridge between the deaf and the hearing community.

For isiXhosa News:

Lisakhanya Pepe (Anchor) is an experienced broadcaster that started in a community radio station Nkqubela FM as an English and Xhosa newsreader. She was Bay TV’s first newsreader before joining the public broadcaster as anchor of the Xhosa lunchtime bulletin in 2013, later taking on the prime-time bulletin.

Thabile Makapela (Weather Presenter) who realised her broadcasting dream when she joined the public broadcaster as Kids’ News anchor in 2009 – and cites her appointment as prime time weather presenter in 2012 as her big break.

Pumza Sikumba (Sign Language Interpreter) has worked as an interpreter since 2005, including stints as an educational interpreter for University of Johannesburg, University of Pretoria and Wits Language School. She has interpreted for Parliament’s SONA, NCOP and public hearings, for PanSALB National Language Board board-level meetings, provincial language committees, provincial government and national and provincial events as well as acting as sign language interpreter for South Africa’s presidents since the time of President Thabo Mbeki.

In true fashion style, DSTV has shared a new promo with legendary Nguni Newsreader, Noxolo Grootbom for the upcoming news on Mzansi Wethu.

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