By Tiyiselani Precious Miyambu

Daily Thetha, a South African youth TV talk show serves as a vital platform for young people to openly discuss social, economic and political issues. This is according to Ofentse Ngake, a lecturer and researcher in the School of Communication at the North-West University (NWU).

Daily Thetha is an educational TV talk show that is screened on SABC 1 at 10:30, Mondays to Thursdays. Ofentse’s research shows that the TV talk show plays a critical role in addressing youth concerns on topics such as unemployment and inequality, providing a rare public space for young voices often overlooked in mainstream media.

“South Africa faces serious issues of youth unemployment and socio-economic challenges, making platforms for young people to exchange experiences and explore solutions essential,” he explains.

Daily Thetha leverages various engagement tools, including social media, live call-ins, emails and vox-pop segments, to foster youth participation across different backgrounds.

“The platform does not just allow young people to voice their concerns; it also provides a space for them to learn, explore solutions and acquire knowledge,” Ofentse says. By using a multi-platform approach, Daily Thetha promotes inclusivity and encourages a wide range of young people to participate in public conversations.

Young participants in the study expressed appreciation for Daily Thetha’s role in addressing critical topics in an accessible environment. Many described the show as a necessary platform to voice concerns around employment, education and social justice. According to Ofentse, the show actively combats what he terms the “spiral of silence,” which often prevents young people from engaging in dialogues on the challenges they face.

Ofentse believes that programmes such as Daily Thetha can serve as models for other media outlets to foster environments that support youth expression. He says emphasising youth perspectives could promote civic engagement and influence more responsive policies, contributing to deeper insights into South Africa’s most pressing issues.

He recommends further research to understand how talk shows as mass media platforms can drive youth involvement and encourage them to tackle issues impacting their lives. “This study confirms that Daily Thetha is not only giving young people a voice but also helping them gain knowledge and explore solutions through active engagement.”

Photo: Ofentse Ngake