OpenView HD Launches Alex TV

OpenView HD, South Africa’s first free-to-air  digital satellite broadcaster introduces Alex TV, a channel that will focus on the community of Alexandra, Johannesburg. The year old channel goes on air on 5 May 2014.

Alexandra, commonly known as Alex, is the oldest township in South Africa, established in 1912.  It is located south of Johannesburg’s wealthiest suburb, Sandton, and yet it is one of the poorest urban areas in South Africa.

However, Alex has a rich history that supersedes its face value identity. It was one of the few urban areas in the country where black people could own land. It was home to legends such as musical genius Dr Caiphus Semenya, former state president Nelson Mandela, the current SA deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe, trumpeter Bra Hugh Masekela as well as Orlando Pirates boss Irvin ‘Iron Duke’ Khoza.

It is easy then to understand the caliber of the culture that is brewing in this picturesque setting. Lucky Siwela, co-founder and chief executive of Alex TV has enthused that the channel will carry rich content that is exclusive to Alexandra. 

“This will entail current affairs, entertainment, and education and in the near future we are hoping to have feature films that speak about life here in Alex,” added Siwela. 

This will add to the growth of South Africa’s tv and film industry, bringing local superstars into every South African home.

All the content that will be featured on this channel is local and locally produced. 

Shows to be featured on the channel include:

•  Icon, a celebration of the heroes and heroines that have been leading the quest to develop the township; from business owners to religious leaders. The show is presented by actress Nothemba Sulupha, known for her role as Nomsa in Yizo Yizo.

•  A talk show titled Girls Prerogative, presented by Thando Dahza, is a magazine show that allows women a platform to tell their inspirational stories, deals with lifestyle and trends. 

• Shirley Mthombeni presents Booty Curves, a show that debunks the myth that healthy lifestyle is beyond the reach of ordinary people.

According to Maxwell Nonge, Managing Director for OpenView HD, the aim is to bring digital satellite TV to people who cannot afford the regular satellite monthly instalments.

Alex TV channel goes on air on 5 May 2014 on OpenView HD channel 453.