Cell C and etv introduce a business competition show for entrepreneurs looking for investment

Etv's new reality television show called Hangman, aims to uncover South Africa’s greatest innovator.


The simplest way to look at Hangman is by comparison to the popular business show Shark Tank, but Hangman offers the viewers some uniques selling points.

A global first in interactive, immersive entertainment, Hangman puts viewers in the driver’s seat. By “investing” in a virtual Stock Exchange, they can help determine the outcome of the show, while standing in line to win great viewer prizes including a car.

This new reality show also gives wings to the aspirations of entrepreneurs who have identified a gap in the market and have come up with an innovation that fills that space and want to bring it to the market.

Hangman consists of two different content streams. The first is the actual reality series, which will be broadcast on e.tv as well as being streamed live online.

A final group of 10 contestants, selected from a group of 45, will have to prove their mettle through a series of gruelling challenges but their fate is determined by more than performance alone. They will have to win the approval of ‘Backers’, captains of industry and investment with keen business acumen and ruthless standards.

These include celebrity economist Iraj Abedian; self-made billionaire Quinton van der Burgh; Bonang Mohale, chairman of Shell South Africa Energy Limited and businesswoman and entrepreneur Connie Mashaba.

The second stream comes in the form of a Stock Exchange called ‘The Exchange’. Viewers can  immerse themselves in the show, meet the Backers, be inspired by successful innovators and get expert business insights.

To take part in the outcome of the show, win great prizes and rewards, viewers can become virtual investors by trading on The Exchange. They will also help drive the outcome of the competition.

All customers that download the Cell C Reality App automatically receive 100 000 points which they can use to participate in the ‘The Exchange’. Points are allocated to play the game. Customers win a variety of prizes by playing the game, including a car, smartphones, data, cash and vouchers.

The innovator who succeeds in garnering the support of the Backers, while rallying viewer/‘investor’ sentiment, could walk away with a R1 million cash prize and everything needed to succeed in a 21st century market.

Contestants and viewers do not need to be a Cell C customer to play or download the App but Cell C customers will receive bonuses for participation and watching the show.

The Cell C original series, which is hosted by Maps Maponyane, will also be streamed online.

Hangman starts on e.tv (DStv channel 194) on Sunday, 8 October at 12h00 with a repeat on Saturday, 14 October at 13h00.