This new innovation is the brainchild of the Soul City Institute known for its award-winning dramas on South Africa’s television since 1994. This time the institute has partnered with Ochre Media (known for shows like Zola Seven), Times Media Group and the National Department of Health.

To launch South Africa’s first dedicated health and lifestyle channel the Soul City Institute with its partners will be led by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa (in his capacity as chair of the South African National Aids Council) and minister of health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi in counting down to the channel’s maiden flight at a Switch On event in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.

The channel will go live at 6PM on 1 December, 2015 and will offer diverse, entertaining and original home-grown content around subjects such as nutrition, health and fitness, human rights, youth sexuality, HIV and TB, as well as consumer and gender rights.

In line with observing World Aids Day, GLN kicks off its bespoke health and lifestyle content with a revealing documentary Finding Others – a personal account of HIV activist Pholokgolo Ramothwala coming to terms with his HIV-positive diagnosis.

Other shows scheduled to air on GLN’s premiere include:

• Fit Life – Get into the world of kickboxing
• Food Police – Learn how to eat better and cook healthier
• Super Doc – All you ever wanted to know about cervical cancer
• Village Shrink – Therapy for the people focusing on mental health and wellness

GLN’s shows will be hosted by a mix of established and new local personalities selected for their immense experience and passion in their various fields of expertise. South Africa’s celebrated funny man Joey Rasdien headlines Health Busters a show debunking health myths while employing a dose of South African humour.

Other on-air presenters include popular African foodie Lazy Makoti (Mogau Seshoene) who serves up affordable and authentic budget meals on Cooks for Life; Dr Gau hosts Super Doc – advising on medical matters, especially those pertaining to critical lifestyle an sexual reproductive health; Fit Life’s Lumumba Medicine explores community-based fitness options; and the Village Shrink, which is a journey to better mental health, will be anchored by the popular therapist Mthetho Tshemese.

Core messages

The Good Life Network will launch as 24-hour pop-up channel for four months starting 1 December 2015 to 31 March 2016. The channel will be available to DStv customers on the DStv Access, Family, Compact, Extra and Premium packages.

FAQs

What is the The Good Life Network?
The Good Life Network is a health and development pop-up channel which will air on DStv channel 199 from 1 December 2015 to 31 March 2016. The channel 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.

When will the The Good Life Network launch on DStv?
The Good Life Network will launch on Tuesday, 1 December 2015.

What channel number will The Good Life Network be on DStv?
The Good Life Network will be on DStv channel 199.

Which DStv customers will have access to The Good Life Network?
The Good Life Network will be available on DStv Access, Family, Compact, Extra and Premium packages in South Africa and Lesotho.

Why is MultiChoice adding a health channel?
The Good Life Network is targeted at viewers who have limited access to health care information. The channel aims to promote lifestyle changes and wellness amongst all South Africans – in order to change behaviours and shift lifestyle attitudes.

What kind of programming is available on The Good Life Network?

• Health Busters - Breaking down health myths
• Food Police - designing healthier meals
• Super Doc - critical women’s issues
• Village Shrink - journey to better mental health
• Cooking Show - cooking healthy African meals
• Fit Life - staying fit outside gyms
• Get Up Stand Up - celebrating people making a difference
• Health Bulletins - citizen journalism combined with headline stories
• Straight Up - youth sexuality
• Shape Up - strategies for better relationships
• Icheke - check your health to promote routine health screening