‘Roomies’ entertain on kids show
Play Room combines education and entertainment and caters to children of all ages, from toddlers to tweens in a uniquely local package, featuring original South African and popular international content.
Former Uvongo resident Kanya Msweli is one of the new presenters of DStv’s Play Room.
South African kids of the 90s and 2000s grew up with TV presenters broadcasting into their lounges, and today’s youngsters have a new world of learning and fun thanks to the children’s channel Play Room on DStv Channel 300.
Play Room combines education and entertainment and caters to children of all ages, from toddlers to tweens, in a uniquely local package, featuring original South African and popular international content.
The well-loved faces (also known as ‘Roomies’) of the channel’s flagship daily homegrown show, Play Room Live, have shared some details about their lives, how they give back to their communities, and their love for the entertainment industry.
Originally from Mount Frere in the Eastern Cape, Msweli has lived around the country including in Uvongo.
“I spend most of my free time giving back by assisting in bible school facilities where I help with keeping the students’ rooms clean and also assist with the production of Braille books, which has been fascinating,” Msweli said.
The Play Room even has cartoons such as Cocomelon dubbed into isiZulu.
Presenter Thando Madondo can sing and dance, thanks to her performance and musical theatre background from the University of the Witwatersrand.
The actress has earned her stripes playing the lead in various theatre and TV productions.
“I have never liked avocado, and I recently discovered that I’m allergic to it – God works in mysterious ways,” said Madondo.
Another presenter, Kgaohelo Moloi, was raised in Daveyton and is a former activist for equal education.
“In my free time, I currently volunteer at the Artlehang Foundation, which aims to help the less fortunate in many ways.”
Meanwhile, Sifumene Mncube is the Roomie’s sign language interpreter.
She was born in Mandeni, north of KwaZulu-Natal. She retired from playing ladies’ soccer when she left school, but today she is most proud of her singing talent.
Ipeleng Malepe is also another presenter. He was born and raised in Daveyton, in the east of Johannesburg.
“I have cute freckles, I’ve won two pageants in my life, yet I don’t like modelling,” he said.
Next week, Play Room will add the locally produced Supa Strikas – the TV show animation will be dubbed in isiZulu and play on Wednesdays at 17:00.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Fever’s Facebook page
