Urban Brew Studios also produces Soweto TV, the first successful community TV channel in South Africa, and ONE Gospel on DSTV. These are new initiatives in which the company is also continuing with its crusade of providing an environment for young talent to develop. Soweto
development. They will remain a central part of our strategy as we look forward to the next 25 years. Finally, the organisation could not have come this far without the people who have
TV now has more than a million viewers daily in Soweto alone, and certainly several more
worked for the company over the past 25 years. No entity of any sort could have survived and
elsewhere through the DSTV bouquet. The channel has become a training ground for several
flourished without the effort of its people, individually and collectively.
talented producers, journalists and presenters. During the past few years, Urban Brew Studios has also spread its wings to various African
In paying homage to what has been achieved, a special mention needs to go to the Founder and Managing Director of Urban Brew Studios, Danie Ferreira. His unflappable personality has
countries. Production capacity and offices have been established in countries such as
been the cornerstone of the success of Urban Brew. He and his young band at the studio have
Zambia, Kenya, Nigeria, Cameroon, among others. This is in keeping with the organisation’s
carried the mission of Urban Brew Studios high on their shoulders.
commitment to produce content that is a mirror through which its viewers see themselves.
There have been numerous luminaries who have served on the Board of the Company.
In those countries, Urban Brew Studios employs and develops local content in order to ensure
However, two individuals who stand out for special mention are Windsor Shuenyane, past
a correct reflection of that society in every production. In Southern Sudan, for example,
Chairman, and John Kani, who have been uncompromising custodians of all those things
Urban Brew took part in the establishment of Southern Sudan Television (SSTV) following
that make our country and our people so exceptional. To them all, I would like to extend my
that semi-autonomous region’s 21-year civil war, which rendered television infrastructure
heartfelt appreciation for all the selfless work and dedication they have displayed over
almost inexistent. This type of investment makes Urban Brew Studios an Africa-wide television
the years.
producer committed to the development of domestic content and the promotion of the continent’s culture and values. The future for Urban Brew Studios will be more of the past, but a lot more new. The
Lastly, a word of thanks to all the young people who over the years have put in so much effort to make Urban Brew Studios a shining example of what South African television is – and what it could be.
organisation will continue to render compelling programming for the broadcasting industry. The company will continue to train, mentor and nurture new talent in the independent
ZWELAKHE SISULU
television production sector. Urban Brew Studios will also continue with its innovation in local content programming, cutting-edge technology and its expansion into the African continent. Our good relationships with broadcasters have been key to our success. Thus, we will continue to maintain and constantly improve on these. Our technology suppliers are equally key to our success. It is through them that we can continue to stay ahead of technological
Celebrating the 25-Year Journey
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