Friend For Life - South Africa

As part of the first phase, 40 community radio stations participated in a training workshop in August 2002 on the content of the programmes. The workshop was also designed to encourage stations to produce further programmes using children as their main inspiration.

The 6 mini dramas in 6 different languages formed the basis for the second phase of the project. All research, storylines, and scripts were already completed and approved by Eskom. ABC Ulwazi proposed the translation and production of the 5 additional languages in Ndebele, Venda, Tsonga, Tswana and Swati. As in the first phase, the themes were:

• Low hanging power lines
• Broken power lines, lying on the floor
• Objects on or over power lines, such as kites or ladders
• Buildings under power lines
• Substations and mini-substations
• Unsafe connections, plugs and sockets
• The dangers of stealing electricity
• The danger of tampering with substations or electricity meters

The production process was carried out in two phases. Five translators were employed on a freelance basis. Their scripts were scrutinsed and then edited to reflect vernacular changes designed to help the stations understand. A team of language advisors made sure that the messages were clearly understood. The languages Ndebele and Swati were recorded at the SABC, Ligwalagwala FM studios in Nelspruit. The recordings took place on weekends to enable the kids to get into their characters and to help them maintain a longer attention span.

The recorded material was edited then mixed with sound effects, background music and stings gathered during the first phase. Eskom had already commissioned - for other purposes - the composition of a kwaito song about electricity; this music was again used.

Radio stations were asked to broadcast the drama during Child Injury Prevention Week in August. The stations were encouraged to discuss the themes and messages with their listeners.

Children, Health.