UBS has made substantial investments in helping 1KZN TV to develop its capacity and skills to build a community station that creates a platform to enable to the community in KwaZulu-Natal. It worked with the 1KZN TV board to ensure a seamless transition and ceded all its obligations arising under the existing contracts to 1KZN, which has accepted this.
Urban Brew Studio’s CEO Trish Taylor says the investment into 1KZN TV has been extensive. “We are proud of the work that has been done within 1KZN TV and, together with the 1KZN board, this community channel has reached a peak viewership of 1.7 million. We’re confident that the channel will go from strength to strength.”
Taylor adds that Urban Brew has been instrumental in ensuring skills transfer between Urban Brew management and 1KZN TV staff. Prior to the recent amendments by ICASA, Urban Brew Studios had been instrumental in developing and growing South Africa’s community television landscape. Since 2008, it has been involved with three channels - 1KZN TV, Soweto TV and Bay TV.
Chairman of the 1KZN TV board, Themba Fakazi says they are looking forward to their future as an independent channel. “1KZN TV has grown from a community’s dream to a major community success in the last five years. We are confident that it will continue to be one of the most successful community channels in South Africa. 1KZN TV has dedicated and energetic staff, led by Edwin Mncwango as station manager, unique content and a very supportive community.”
