They are Sophie de Bruyn (16) from Cape Town, Aneeqah Sulaiman (16) from Cape Town and Enhle Ntombela (13) from Durban, who together will front the first-ever South African production on Disney Channel.

I Love Violetta is a brand new South African companion series that will launch on Friday, 11 September at 17:00 in a special preview episode, with the series kicking off every Friday at 17:00 from Friday, 25 September. The companion series will debut alongside the third season of the all-singing, all-dancing hit telenovela, Violetta, on Disney, channel 303 on DStv.

During the series, De Bruyn, Sulaiman and Ntombela will re-live the best moments of recent Violetta episodes, anticipate what will happen next, discuss favourite characters and showcase choreography, fashion advice and more.

De Bruyn loves acting and has featured in a number of TV adverts and many of the drama productions at Springfield Convent, where she goes to school.  “I have always loved Disney, and one of my dreams has been to appear on the channel. This is such an incredible opportunity” she says. She is equally passionate about singing, and is part of the choir and chamber choir at her school. In between she enjoys playing the flute, tennis and hockey, as well as chilling with her friends or reading a good book.

Fellow Capetonian Sulaiman has been a massive Disney fan for as long as she can remember. This has spurred her lifelong goal to be a successful TV presenter. “Being a presenter on this awesome show is an amazing step to me achieving my dreams,” she says. She adores drama, which she takes as a subject at school, and for the past four years has participated competitively in Latin American dancing. She also enjoys hip hop dancing and hockey.

Ntombela is passionate about presenting, both on stage and on screen. She has excelled in previous national TV presenter talent searches, and presented her school prize-giving event. She loves performing on stage, and is currently starring in her high school’s musical production. She considers herself the biggest Violetta fan, having been a devotee to the series since the very first episode. “I love the way Violetta is so determined to sing, and nothing will stop her. I feel the same way; I want to be a TV personality, and am determined to not let anything stop me either,” Ntomebla says.

The casting panel was blown away by the talent uncovered among South Africa’s teens. “We were so impressed with the entries we received. There is a pool of untapped performing talent in South Africa that is seeking a platform, and we’re delighted to be able to play a role in that by bringing I Love Violetta, Disney Channel’s first-ever South African TV production, to local audiences,” says Deirdre King, head of marketing, The Walt Disney Company Africa.

Violetta is a telenovela that tells the story of a musically talented teenager. After returning to her native Buenos Aires with her father from Europe where they lived for several years, Violetta must navigate the trials and tribulations of growing up. Each episode includes original musical numbers. Season three will air weekdays on Disney Channel from Monday, 21 September at 16:10.

For more information, visit www.disney.co.za. Alternatively connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.