South Africa's longest-running children's educational programme, “Takalani Sesame”, is celebrating a great milestone following its nomination at the 52nd International Emmy Awards.
The cherished show, which has been leading the way in intelligent, influential preschool programming for more than 20 years, has earned a nomination in the Kids: Factual category for its “Big Feelings” special.
“Takalani Sesame” joins kykNET’s “Die Brug” as the second South African production to receive a nod at this year’s prestigious awards. “Die Brug” will be completing in the Best Non-scripted Entertainment category.
Mari Payne, deputy managing director and senior director Education and Outreach, Sesame Workshop International South Africa (SWISA), thanked the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for the nomination, as well as the South African and New York ISI teams for their hard work in creating the show.
“This nomination is a testament to the dedication of our team, in our quest to help children grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.
“‘Takalani Sesame’s Big Feelings Special’ is a labour of love, focused on teaching our strategic goal of emotional wellbeing to children and parents and folks of all ages across South Africa,” said Payne.
During the 14th season special, furry friends Reporter Elmo, Reporter Zuzu and Reporter Zikwe embark on a mission to find out how South Africans of all ages experience and cope with “big feelings”.
Along the way, they meet notable South Africans like comedian David Kau and Banyana Banyana soccer players, to learn strategies to cope and thrive while experiencing big feelings.
Aside from the Emmy nod, “Takalani Sesame” has also earned a nomination at the 2024 South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) in the Best Children's Programme category.
Winners for the 2024 International Emmy Awards will be announced at a grand ceremony on Monday, November 25 in in New York City.