Sentech proudly congratulates 1KZN TV on the official launch of its state-of-the-art studio and control room, a significant milestone in the station’s 16-year journey as a pillar of community broadcasting. This launch not only marks a technical evolution for the station but also stands as a powerful testament to the impact of collaborative partnerships between broadcasters, enablers, and public institutions.
As KwaZulu-Natal’s only community television station, 1KZN TV has consistently championed the values of inclusive, culturally grounded media. Today, it reaches more than 3 million viewers across South Africa through Free-to-Air, DTT, DTH, DStv, and Freevision Play, Sentech’s free streaming platform that has further expanded 1KZN’s digital footprint.
Sentech is honoured to host 1KZN TV on Freevision Play, enabling the station’s rich, language-diverse programming to reach audiences via mobile, web, and connected TVs — without the barrier of subscription fees. This partnership is part of Sentech’s broader commitment to bridging digital divides and creating sustainable platforms for community-driven content in the digital era.
The successful studio upgrade at 1KZN TV was made possible through funding support from the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) — a long-standing partner of both Sentech & 1KZN TV. MDDA’s investment into technical equipment, automation systems, and infrastructure renovation has enhanced the station’s capacity to produce, manage, and schedule high-quality local content.
“This moment encapsulates what is possible when industry partners and public institutions work together to uplift the community media sector,” said Kopano Thage, Chief Commercial Officer at Sentech. “We applaud the efforts of MDDA and 1KZN TV in transforming local broadcasting into a more future-ready, inclusive space. It aligns directly with our work in accelerating the digital transformation of community broadcasters across the country.”
Sentech and the MDDA are actively exploring a long-term partnership aimed at accelerating the digitisation of community broadcasters across South Africa. This includes potential collaboration in areas such as infrastructure upgrades, digital skills development, platform access, and revenue support. The success of 1KZN TV offers a compelling example of what such initiatives can achieve when aligned with the needs and aspirations of the community media sector.
“Together with the MDDA and broadcasters like 1KZN TV, we are building the future of inclusive media — where every voice has a platform, and every community can tell its own story,” added Thage.
As 1KZN TV celebrates its 16th year, Sentech reaffirms its commitment to supporting the growth of community media through innovation, collaboration, and the expansion of public access to free to air, digital content.
