Zandile Nkonyeni, SABC2 publicity manager, said, "It is unfortunate that this coincides with the phasing out of the qBase28 continuity presenters. After becoming familiar faces on our screens, Raphael Griffiths, Tshego Malepe, Tshiamo Thebe and Arye Kellman will be bidding us goodbye on Monday, 20 February as they present their last links from the studio in Johannesburg."
"As our flagship youth program, we've kept a close eye on Hectic 9 from the start. After almost five years, we know that a key factor to the program's success is the audience being able to relate to and determine the content of their show. We are looking forward to seeing what the audience response is to the 1 hour show," said SABC commissioning editor, Mpumi Ngidi.
The show's production house, Okuhle Media, believes that the key to the continued success of the program is to incorporate the additional time seamlessly into the existing successful format.
Said Wilna van Schalkwyk, Hn9 series producer, "While Hectic 9 has always included a variety of topics in its content line-up, the additional time will enable us to really get to grips with the topic being covered as opposed to merely providing a perfunctory overview. A selection of topics, including maths and science, health, life skills and entrepreneurship will now get the attention that they deserve and, more importantly, that our audience demands."
The production house has been searching for three new regional presenters, who will add to the South African voice of the program. In studio, the existing five presenters have recently welcomed another two young people into the show, following their selection by audience vote. They will appear in future shows.
