MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has launched a new general entertainment channel - Zee World - in South Africa. The channel was unveiled at an event in Johannesburg and is the first offering from ZEEL for mainstream viewers in Africa.

Zee World is a customised channel for mainstream audiences in Africa and will be available from 3 February on DSTV Premium, Extra, Compact and Family pack in South Africa and the Access pack within the rest of Africa. It will also be available on the Multichoice Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) GO TV platform. 

Essel Group and Zeel chairman Dr Subhash Chandra said, “The corporate positioning of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ meaning ‘The world is my family’ is the driving force that enables us to bring authentic and entertaining content to global audiences, with a vision to reach a billion viewers by 2020.”

Zeel Middle East and Africa CEO Mukund Cairae said that the channel will launch with four series namely Saloni, Laali, Married Again, and The Promise. It will also introduce other genres such as world drama series and shows on kids, food, reality and health before the end of the year.

The channel will showcase content that will connect with the masses - from television series to Bollywood movies, from reality shows to action packed content. All content that will be aired has undergone extensive research and customization including editing and dubbing with most of the channel’s content dubbed in South Africa using local talent.