Last week, I attended the launch of SABC1’s new reality show called Holiday Swap KZN, which took place at the Balalaika Hotel in the heart of Sandton. Now, what makes this reality show different from the plethora of reality shows currently on SA television? Well, first off, this is what is called an Advertising Funded Programme (AFP) which means that the entire show is sponsored by Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and the Thebe Tourism Group. One of the aims of the show, is to make a holiday affordable for anyone, while simultaneously promoting the treasures that can be found in the Zulu Kingdom.  This is achieved by introducing what is called the Thebe Travel card, which allows you to use a pre-paid or travel now-pay later credit plan.

Here is a quick explanation of how the show works:

The first episode is a celebrity show – here’s a sneak peek:

Sponsors, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Thebe Tourism Group, have created holiday packages featuring places visited and activities undertaken during the TV show.

It was a fun launch with the speeches kept to a minimum, and laughter filled the room when pictures were taken in front of the Holiday Swap KZN step and repeat. I met the ever-vibrant Chef Benny Masekwameng (a guest), presenter of the show, Nomzamo Mbatha, as well as some of the contestants, Leigh-Che and Cindy.

Chef Benny Masekwameng & I

Contestants Cindy and Leigh-Che

Can you say Holiday Swap KZN #GottaluvKZN

I also could not resist snapping a selfie with Supervising Producer, Nikki Maistry and Chef Benny.

Nikki, Benny, Mishkah Selfie

Nomzamo Mbatha (Presenter) and I

Nomzamo had the audience in the palm of her hand.

Group Shot of the contestants

My husband, Siraaj Cassiem (Editor) on the show

Siraaj Cassiem (Editor & Hubby) and Warren Bleksley (Reality Series Director)

Warren Bleksley (Director) and I. Warren is one of South Africa’s most well respected reality show directors.

My husband, Siraaj Cassiem, was one the editors on the show, so look out for his series of blog posts on www.siraajcassiemsa.com, where you will be able to get a behind-the-scenes look at what happened in most episodes.

Catch Holiday Swap KZN from Monday, 9 February 2015 on SABC1 at 18h00.

For more info, check out:

Social media links for Holiday Swap KZN:
Website: http://www.holidayswapkzn.co.za/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holidayswapkzn
Twitter: @HolidaySwapKZN
Instagram: @HolidaySwapKZN
Hashtags: #HolidaySwapKZN and #gottaluvKZN
Social media links Tourism KwaZulu-Natal:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KZNTourism
Twitter: @TourismKZN