Page 40 - FWG_Issue 10_2022

Today's Child

Takalani Sesame (‘be happy Sesame’ in
Venda) is the South African version of the
American children’s television programme,
Sesame Street, which premiered on
November 10, 1969. As of 2021, Sesame
Street has won 205 Emmy Awards and
11 Grammy Awards, more than any other
children’s show. Takalani Sesame, was first
broadcast on SABC in July 2000, at a time
when more than half of SA’s children lacked
access to preschool. The show is designed
to support children’s development through
playful learning.

Official Hashtags: #AllNewTakalani
#TakalaniSesame
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
takalani.sesame.edu
Twitter: https://twitter.com/takalanisesame
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
takalani.sesame/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/
channel/UCSOzE3-7BQn7GtiftoiIRsg
Website: https://takalanisesame.org.za/

that we’re doing something right – because selection of Takalani Sesame episodes. to our translation and dubbing teams – to
all children and adults believe in the magic “We already offered five of the current make sure that the language being used is
and the messages the characters are eleven official languages: isiZulu, English, appropriate for our young audience and that
putting across on screen.” Sesotho, isiNdebele and Afrikaans. This jargon used will be well received,” explains
was because our research showed that Nkata. “Importantly, children relate to other
HELPING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS locally produced educational media can children, which is why we are thrilled to have
For Lindani Nkosi, better known as Moshe, positively influence potential school two children with hearing impairments join
the collaborations with individuals, families success and child development, which us on some episodes.”
and societies in need are what make the includes learning in one’s mother tongue.
show so extraordinary. “It’s wonderful that We’re excited to now extend our offering “Takalani Sesame has brought together
we’ve been able to include people with and cater to those children with hearing children from all walks of life and promoted
special needs, adults and children alike,” impairments, reaching even more children the values of sharing and getting along
Lindani says. in our beautiful country,” adds Innocent with others. These efforts have focused on
Nkata, Managing Director of Sesame race relations, religious differences, gender
Nyanga Tshabalala points out that Takalani Workshop South Africa. attitudes, language diversity, and other
Sesame has also played a critical role in cultural contrasts. ‘Inclusivity’ is a crucial
helping South African society to integrate, In the South African Sign Language ingredient to the Takalani Sesame episodes.
especially as it first appeared on screens at episodes of Takalani Sesame, SASL on screen We are thrilled to extend our language
a time when we were searching for a way interpreter, Andiswa Gebashe, is featured on portfolio and make Takalani Sesame even
to create cohesion. “For the first time in the the bottom right hand side of the screen. more accessible and far reaching,” Nkata
history of South Africa, children and parents The show is fully signed from start to finish, concludes.
alike were able to watch the same show in including songs. If there is audible language,
their mother tongue languages and receive then there is sign language. “We worked As a new generation of South Africans gets
the same information,” he says. with both Andiswa and Dr Natasha Parkins- ready to sing along to Takalani Sesame’s
Maliko, the Sign Language Advisor, who theme song, one thing is for sure: the show
Recently, South African Sign Language made sure that everything being signed was will remain as much a part of local life as
was added as the sixth language to a spot on. They work together in a similar way shisanyama and biltong for years to come!

Fourways Gardens • 38 • November 2022