DStv expands children’s programming as schools break for August holidays

ZIMBABWEAN schools breaking for the August holidays this week, DStv Zimbabwe has refreshed its children’s programming schedule with a range of new and returning animated series aimed at pres-choolers, older children and family audiences.

The seasonal line-up, spread across channels including CBeebies, Disney Junior, Cartoonito, Cartoon Network, DreamWorks, Nicktoons and Nick Jr, reflects broadcasters’ efforts to cater for increased family viewing during school breaks, when children spend more time at home.

MultiChoice Zimbabwe Head of Corporate Affairs and Public Relations Gerald Ngonyamo said school holidays traditionally see families placing greater emphasis on shared entertainment and age-appropriate programming.

“School holidays are a time for increased attention to family viewing and for content that keeps young people entertained during their break from school, studies and sport,” he said.

“On DStv there is a recognition of this and there’s a wealth of great programming set up to make sure the holidays have a measure of added fun.”

Among the new additions for younger viewers is My Friend Maisy, an animated adaptation of Lucy Cousins’ popular children’s books. The weekday series follows Maisy the mouse on imaginative adventures ranging from moon missions to dreamlike explorations.

Fantasy continues in Magicampers, where young adventurers Darly and Loomis embark on magical quests through a fictional camp inhabited by unusual creatures. The programme centres on themes of friendship, exploration and teamwork.

Returning for a second season is RoboGobo, which follows a group of rescue pets equipped with upgraded robotic technology as they help animals in distress.

Evening viewing for preschool audiences includes Bedtime Stories, in which actor Ryan Reynolds narrates a selection of classic and contemporary children’s books accompanied by animated storytelling.

Comedy remains a prominent feature of the holiday schedule.

Masha and the Bear Song Fest brings together marathon episodes centred on music and humour, while Mr & Mr pairs two well-known animated comedy characters – Mr Bean and Mr Magoo – in an afternoon programming block built around slapstick and misunderstandings.

Long-running cartoon favourites Tom and Jerry also return in the animated feature Tom and Jerry: Blast Off to Mars, which places the iconic rivals aboard a space mission that unexpectedly leads to an extraterrestrial encounter.

Older children are catered for through a selection of adventure-based programming.

Goat Girl follows Gigi, a teenager raised by mountain goats, as she attempts to adjust to life at boarding school, combining comedy with themes of identity and belonging.

Another newcomer, Lego City: No Limits MAX, introduces viewers to a fast-paced animated world where characters encounter everything from zombies and cowboys to mysterious creatures in a series of unpredictable adventures.

Fans of the Madagascar franchise can also follow King Julien in Game of Crowns, a spin-off that chronicles the challenges of ruling a kingdom while navigating a cast of eccentric rivals.

Family relationships and friendship also feature strongly in the August schedule.

Wylde Pak centres on half-siblings Lily and Jack, who spend the summer working together in their family’s pet grooming business while adjusting to their new family dynamic.

Meanwhile, Deer Squad returns with another season of rescue missions, introducing a new antagonist, Baron Bite, while Dora makes a comeback at the end of the month with fresh adventures featuring the young explorer and her companion Boots.

Ngonyamo said the programming had been assembled to provide children with a diverse range of stories and characters throughout the school holiday period.

“From heroic rescue pets and adventurous explorers to comedy favourites and brand-new animated worlds, August’s children’s line-up is packed with entertainment for young Zimbabweans who want to enjoy added entertainment these school holidays,” he said.

The schedule combines educational storytelling, fantasy, comedy and adventure, illustrating how children’s television continues to evolve by blending familiar characters with new productions that explore themes such as friendship, resilience, family relationships and curiosity.

Competition among broadcasters and streaming platforms for younger audiences intensifies and seasonal programming remains an important strategy for engaging families during school holiday periods.

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