Takalani Sesame’s beloved muppets, including Elmo, Basma, and Jad, are set to reach and teach more children than ever before with the show’s expansion to more channels, ensuring every child has a chance to learn.
Johannesburg, South Africa (15 August 2025) – The much-loved children’s educational show featuring all those fuzzy and friendly monsters, Takalani Sesame, is meeting SA children where they watch to learn!
In celebration of 25 years of helping kids become “Smarter, Stronger, and Kinder,” the Sesame Workshop International South Africa (SWISA) is teaming up with e.tv to reach even more children, now screening on both e.tv and eExtra.
“As we celebrate our successes over the last quarter century, it’s critical for us to continue to build momentum and broaden our reach to meet children where they are, whether that be through traditional television or video-on-demand. Our aim continues to be the promotion of early education and stimulation, and to educate on health and wellbeing, providing the children of our country with the best possible start,” explains Dr Onyinye Nwaneri, Managing Director of Sesame Workshop South Africa.
The partnership and expanded programming, aired in Zulu on eTV at 14:30 and in English on eToonz at 14:45, Monday to Friday, is super exciting because it’s helping Takalani Sesame reach more children in their home languages, which is awesome for their development.
“At e.tv, we are passionate about creating safe and fun educational spaces for children across South Africa. Expanding Takalani Sesame’s presence on our platforms means we can meet young viewers during their everyday viewing, whether they’re tuning in for entertainment, learning, or a bit of both. We’re proud to be part of a partnership that not only supports early childhood development but also promotes learning in home languages, helping every child feel seen, included, and inspired to dream big,” says Samatolo Sihlezana, Marketing: Kids Content, e.tv.
Tackling school readiness and gender stereotypes
The new seasons, 15 and 16, are all about getting kids ready for school by focusing on things like learning through play, storytelling, and tackling important topics like gender stereotypes.
South Africa’s favourite muppets, Elmo, Basma, Jad, and more, go on adventures that include storytelling from renowned poet, writer, and playwright Gcina Mhlophe, playing games, and exploring everyday topics that prepare them for school and life. Sing-along moments are woven into the show, and children are encouraged to get up and dance while learning all about colours, shapes, teamwork, and what makes them so special.
“Our programming is based on thorough research, and through these seasons, we are teaching children that they can play together no matter who they are. This sets a baseline awareness for harmful gender stereotypes and reinforces the thinking that all children can do and be anything they want: no matter if they are boy or a girl,” explains Dr Nwaneri.
“Our beloved muppets help with these important foundational messages, with episodes involving the muppets encountering a game or scenario that challenges their idea of what is okay for boys or girls to do.”
“We know that South African children start school with significant developmental delays, which is why seasons 15 and 16 have strong elements of School Readiness. We also know children are born ready to learn, we just need to help them meet their developmental milestones so they can thrive when they enter school,” says Dr Nwaneri.
“We’re pleased to be extending our impact with the help of eTV, having more episodes reaching our children helps us to ensure that no child is left behind,” she concludes.
Here’s to more muppet adventures and teaching more and more kids that they can be anything they want to be!
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