Established in 2003 and originally covering only Windhoek, Rehoboth and Okahandja, One Africa Television grew significantly, with its signal broadcast via 29 analogue transmitters across Namibia. In 2013, One Africa Television joined the digital age, and the channel is since then available on the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation's digital terrestrial television network as well as on MultiChoice's DStv Namibia platform as well as MultiChoice's GoTV digital terrestrial television network. One Africa Television founder and group chairman, Paul van Schalkwyk, was killed in a plane crash on the 10th of March 2014. On 2 November 2016, One Africa Television confirmed that, due to economic circumstances and significant changes in the media revenue landscape, One Africa Television had no choice but to enter into a restructuring process. The company had to lay off one third of its workforce in Namibia and closed down its local news format that has been running for the past 14 years. 15 December 2016 was the station's last day for the broadcast of local news in the traditional format. In line with a strategy to connect with a new generation of viewers, One Africa produced popular daily News Flashes on its social media platforms from this date. In October 2017, the channel launched TODAYOnONE, a daily feature broadcast from Mondays to Fridays at 19:00, bringing its viewers local news and current affairs stories and curated Namibian social media commentary.
Focus on Local Content
In addition to TODAYonONE The Channel also started to reintroduce locally produced shows in 2017 and is actively working to further increase its local production content. Locally produced shows currently aired include: - "It's a Wrap", a One Africa Television production, the presenter Erica Gebhardt comments on a weekly wrap up of Namibian current Affairs with a satirical twist. Fridays at 20:00 - "Master Your Destiny" a half hour talk show with inspirational icons from within Namibia and beyond, who share their journeys and insights on life. Hosted by our National Talk Show Queen, Kirsty Watermeyer, Master Your Destiny is a successful talk show both on television and radio. Tuesdays at 20:00. Also broadcast as a radio show on 99FM and available as podcasts on www.99fm.com.na. - "One Exclusive" - Interviews with influential Namibians discuss topical issues affecting the nation. Mondays at 20:00 - "Afrospace", a Namibian magazine television show produced by a young and enthusiastic local team. Featuring Namibian celebrities with insightful discussions on the different celebrity journeys and Namibian urban trends, AfroSpace is an engaging local entertaining show. Fridays at 21:00 OATV continues to broadcast popular Africa productions including 7de Laan, Isidingo and a number of BBC features. It is the home in Namibia for BBC Africa Eye, BBC Sport Africa, Life Clinic, #TheSheWord, Smart Money, the What's New? children's current affairs show and My World, a co-production between the BBC, Microsoft Education and Angelina Jolie. As well as movies, a Tellanovella and a number of Series' carefully selected to cater for its audience.
New leadership
Celebrating 15 years of existence in 2018, the station appointed Stefan Hugo as Chief Executive Officer in January 2018, signifying a new era of leadership and innovation set to catapult the media platform into the digital age of media transformation. Stefan, is a former PwC Namibia Partner. Before joining One Africa, Stefan executed dual responsibilities as PwC Namibia's Operations Partner, as well as Tax Leader for the firm's local tax practise. Talking about the future of One Africa, Stefan said: "We believe that One Africa Television must play a crucial role to empower Namibians through independent news, real Namibian stories, education and entertainment. Our main focus will be to curate and create local content that resonates with the people in this country and our continent."
New Offices
On 1 February 2018, in a continuous effort to improve service to its viewers and clients and streamline operations, One Africa Television Ltd moved offices to new premises at Hyper Motor City 44, Maxwell Street, Windhoek. Its telephone number changed to +264 61 383450.
Smart Partnerships
With co-location as a first step in smart partnerships aimed at generating quality Namibian content for multiple media platforms and expanding exposure for its clients, One Africa now shares its premises with Namibia's first commercial radio station, 99FM and Venture Media.
Distribution
In line with Namibia's Digital Terrestrial Television Policy, One Africa's analogue transmission via antenna was switched off on 20 October 2017. One Africa now broadcasts digitally on GoTV Channel 90, DSTV Channel 284 and the NBC platform Channel 301.
