Zee Enterprises is set to make South African history by launching the country’s first TV channel dedicated solely to entertainment programming in isiZulu, the largest of the country’s 12 official languages.

The upcoming launch of the Zee Zonke channel, which translates to ‘Zee for All’ in isiZulu, has received significant approval and support from the Zulu monarch’s office, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, who has enthusiastically welcomed this initiative.

This historic development is expected to strengthen bilateral relations between India and South Africa, as well as the bond between the Indian and Zulu communities.

In a PTI report, Somnath Malakar, the CEO of ZEE Entertainment Africa, emphasized the cultural richness shared by both South Africa and India, highlighting their centuries-long history of art, music, and dance. He also underscored the shared values of hospitality, family, and community that resonate in both nations.

“Our vision at Zee Entertainment has always been to push the boundaries of innovation and deliver exceptional entertainment experiences,” noted Malakar. “The launch of Zee Zonke marks an exciting milestone for us as we aim to bridge linguistic barriers and provide a unique viewing experience that resonates with diverse audiences.”

Zee Zonke will be a 24-hour channel that will broadcast drama series and novellas in isiZulu, catering specifically to South African viewers.

Zee TV, a television channel owned by Zee Entertainment Enterprises, first aired in South Africa in 1996. This move came after India and South Africa re-established diplomatic relations, which had been suspended for nearly four decades due to apartheid sanctions.

The Hindi-only channel quickly became extremely popular among South Africa’s 1.2 million Indian-origin citizens. Subscriptions increased dramatically after the addition of English subtitles, demonstrating the appeal of variety.

IsiZulu, a member of the Nguni language family, is spoken by approximately 27.3 million South Africans, solidifying its position as the most prevalent and widely used indigenous language in the country.

The introduction of Zee Zonke represents a significant step towards cultural inclusivity and promises to deliver captivating entertainment while fostering cultural exchange and understanding in South Africa.