Johannesburg – South African kids of the 90s and 2000s grew up with TV presenters broadcasting into their lounges.
Today’s youngsters have a new world of learning and fun thanks to the children’s channel Play Room, on DStv Channel 300.
Play Room combines education and entertainment and caters for children of all ages, from toddlers to tweens in a uniquely local package, featuring original South African and popular international content.
The channel even has all your favourite cartoons such as Cocomelon dubbed into isiZulu.
The well-loved faces (also known as Roomies) of the channel’s flagship daily homegrown show, Play Room Live, have shared some details about their lives, how they give back to their communities, and their love for the entertainment industry.
Presenter Thando Madondo can sing and dance, thanks to her Performance & Musical Theatre background from the University of the Witwatersrand.
The actress has earned her stripes playing the lead in various theatre and TV productions.
“I’ve never liked avocado and I recently discovered that I’m allergic to it – God works in mysterious ways,” Madondo said.
Paballo Koza started acting at the age of five and is putting his schooling at the National School of the Arts to good use as a Play Room Live presenter.
“I majored in Dramatic Arts and it was so fascinating to learn more about the creative industry through theory and practical exercises,” he said.
“I love every second of my job on the channel.”
Ipeleng Malepe was born and raised in Daveyton, east of Johannesburg.
“I have cute freckles, I’ve won two pageants in my life, yet I don’t like modeling,” said the presenter and aspiring director.
Kgaohelo Moloi was also raised in Daveyton and is a former activist for equal education.
“In my free time, I currently volunteer at the Artlehang Foundation which aims to help the less fortunate in many ways.”
Some interesting facts about Moloi include that he can type a 250-word essay without looking at the keyboard, hold his breath for five minutes, and play the drums and marimba – just not all at once.
Kanya Msweli was born in the Eastern Cape in Mount Frere but has lived around the country including in Uvongo on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
“I spend most of my free time giving back by assisting in bible school facilities where I help with keeping the students’ rooms clean and also assist with the production of braille books, which has been fascinating,” Msweli said.
Thato Benani grew up in Sasolburg and Harrismith and is now pursuing his acting and modeling dreams.
This Roomie almost played soccer professionally but because of injuries swapped out the sports field for a place on camera.
Shudu Mathegwe’s childhood was split between Polokwane and Pretoria.
She uses her influence as an actress and TV presenter to raise awareness of a youth empowerment NGO focused on giving back to the community called Youth Make A Difference Day.
A fun fact about Mathegwe is that the May election falls on her birthday.
Sifumene Mncube is the Roomie’s sign language interpreter.
She was born in a small KwaZulu-Natal town called Mandeni.
She retired from playing ladies’ soccer when she left school but today she is most proud of her singing talent.
