The Good Life Network – South Africa’s First Dedicated Health Channel

South Africans interested in improving their overall health will have a new trusted source through The Good Life Network, a health and development pop-up channel which will air on DStv channel 199 from 1 December 2015 to 31 March 2016.

First of its kind in South Africa, the channel is spearheaded by Soul City and Ochre Media in partnership with the National Department of Health. The Good Life Network is focused on producing and broadcasting content that contribute towards positive individual and societal health outcomes. Viewers can look forward to shows that cover nutrition, health and fitness, human rights, youth sexuality, HIV and TB, as well as consumer and gender rights.

Mr Joe Maila, spokesperson of the National Department of Health explains the Department’s support of the initiative. The heartbeat of NHI is primary health care, the strength of which lies in prevention of disease and promotion of health as well as community participation: “The Department of Health has a long history of partnership with Soul City and have supported the production of Soul City’s award winning dramas that have influenced social norms in Southern Africa and have addressed critical health issues in South Africa. The National Department of Health (NDOH) is concerned by the growing epidemic of Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) andwants to promote lifestyle changes and wellness strategies as key preventative options. Our association with mass media initiatives like The Good Life Network offer a powerful platform for health communications and our strides towards a vision for ‘A Healthy Life for All’.

Soul City Institute for Health and Development Communication (SCIHD), a leading social behaviour change communication NGO sees The Good Life Network as a powerful first for South Africa, one that will highlight the Primary Health Care (PHC) approach. “The Good Life Network is not only a TV channel. It is a call to action for all South Africans to make small changes in their lives to live a healthier live. We will be inviting South Africans to pledge to live a Good Life,” comments Lebo Ramafoko, CEO of Soul City.

 The Good Life Network programming is diverse and original, including offerings such as Health Busters (breaking down myths), Food Police (helping you design healthier meals), SuperDoc (critical women’s health issues) , Village Shrink (your journey to better mental health), Cook for life (cooking up delicious and healthy African meals), Get Up Stand Up (celebrating those making a difference), Fit Life (inspired fitness outside the gym), Health Bulletins (citizen journalism combined with headline stories), Straight Up (youth sexuality) and Icheke (check your health), which will promote routine health screening.

“In keeping with the successful edutainment model, The Good Life Network will service a consumer appetite for entertaining health related content and services, which ultimately empower individuals and communities to take greater control over their own health and development,” says Krisen Pather, Head of Edutainment for Ochre Media.

The Good Life Network will be available to DStv customers on the DStv Access, Family, Compact, Extra and Premium packages on DStv channel 199 for four months starting 1 December 2015 to 31 March 2016.

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb