Get ready for the future of youth TV! SABC 2 has just confirmed details on presenters and programming for its new teen slot, q-base28, which goes live from next Monday, 25 May at 16:00.

q-base28 replaces Tube in the afternoons, Monday-Friday (16:00–17:30) with the hottest, freshest, most cutting-edge content available today – tailormade to keep the nation’s 8-17 year-olds entertained in the 21st century & beyond. “SABC 2 is very excited about the launch of the q-base28 brand! Our intention is to provide the essential 1-stop guide to what’s hot, and what’s not, to our audience of teen/tween viewers. Launching the slot is just the first phase in our focus on giving our audience what they’ve been asking for, and much much more!” explains SABC 2 publicity manager Zandile Nkonyeni.

The slot launches with a team of 4 brand new kids on the block – live from the q-base28 studio every weekday starting next Monday. None of these girls and boys have ever been on TV before, after having been discovered by SABC 2’s nationwide auditions last year. Get introduced to Raphael, Tshiamo, Arye and Tshego in an an exclusive interview with SABC 2’s Hectic Nine 9 this Thursday, 21 May from 16:00:

Raphael Griffith
This 19-year-old hails from the South of Johannesburg; he"s the epitome of style, charisma and personality. He lives the brand and what it stands for! A dynamic young “star in the making”, he was headboy at Hoërskool Die Fakkel and has also served as President on various student councils, and performed as vocalist alongside local music icons such as Rebecca Malope and Da Les (from acclaimed local act Jozi). Raphael envisions that “fifteen years from now I see myself with my own TV programme, heading up my own successful production house, furthering my career in music, or maybe focusing more on PR/marketing or starting my own record label or clothing business. Diversity is the spice of life!”

Tshiamo Thebe
This 18-year-old "Little Lady" from Bloemfontein loves her books as much as she loves the limelight; your typical girl next door. Her interest in sport, dancing, acting, modeling and the stage led to many accolades while still at school. Tshiamo is currently studying for a degree in accounting and explains that she has “always been an independent young person. I love being around people who know who they are and what they stand for. My drive in life is seeing people getting along and building each other into better beings.”

Tshegofatso Malepe
This is our trendsetter extraordinaire! At age 19, she has participated in many dance competitions including the annual “Dance to Las Vegas” hip hop dancing competition. Hailing from the Vereeniging, she is currently busy with a BA degree in brand management and has also started her own T-shirt business that is slowly but surely gaining momentum. "I"ve got plenty memories of me and my older sister standing in front of our bathroom mirror pretending to be TV stars. And now I am swopping that bathroom mirror for a proper camera in real live TV studios!” says Tshego.

Arye Kellman
Arye describes himself as a philanthropic young soul! At age 20 he has already undertaken a large scale initiative, recognized as an official member of the Proudly South African campaign, which seeks to support Childline through raising funds. He has a theatrical background having participated in debating, public speaking and acting projects throughout his school career. Arye recently also performed songs at the official South African movie premieres of Disney’s High School Musical 3 and Camp Rock. “I believe this nation will become a great, when each and every South African recognizes their role as nationbuilder. My hope is to inspire the youth of our wonderful nation to always be their absolute best!” states Arye.

When you hear q-base28, you are in the company of young minds with an attitude; they are fresh, fun and original. q-base28 is synonymous with quality entertainment that stands out above the rest – yet aware of issues that are affecting our teen generation in South Africa. “Trendsetting”, “socially conscious”, “inspirational” and “aspirational” are just some of the words to describe the q-base28 persona.

Content and shows scheduled for SABC 2’s new q-base28 slot are centered around entertaining though uplifting genres such as comedy, animation/cartoons, music & general entertainment as well as fashion, pop culture & lifestyle. Some of the shows confirmed for broadcast within q-base28 include:
Hectic Nine 9 (Mon-Fri; 16:00)
Hip2B2 (Mondays; 16:30)
Keeping It Real (Tuesdays; 16:30)
Iketsetse (Wednesdays; 16:30)
Hack Shack (Thursdays; 16:30)
Bush Radar (Fridays; 16:30)
Spongebob Squarepants (Mon-Fri; 17:00)
Ed, Edd & Eddy (from 17 July 2009; 17:00)
Yugi Oh GX2 (from 3 August 2009: 17:00)
Whip The Chef (from 20 August 2009; 16:30)
Treasure Hunt (from February 2010)