The host of the talk show from KwaZulu-Natal, Denver Naicker, is launching a new phase of his project The Get Real Talk Show, moving it from a platform oriented towards an Indian audience to a predominantly African channel on DStv.
Naicker, who works in the retail sector and resides in Morningside, began his career in the media industry eight years ago. This transition marks a significant change for the show, which is now seven years old. According to Naicker, the program will retain its core concept but expand its reach among people of different generations and cultures.
During his time in the media, Naicker noted that the show was created to highlight the activities of influential figures, motivate viewers, and give them insight into the journey of successful people. The show regularly invites celebrities who share their professional and personal experiences, emphasizing that success is often the result of many years of hard work.
Naicker stated: 'We pay a lot of attention to celebrities, presenting their stories about how they started and how far they have come. It shows that success doesn't start at the top; you have to work very hard to achieve what you want.'
The move to a channel focused on African culture is expected to increase the program's audience beyond its initial Indian base. For Naicker, this step represents an opportunity to unite different cultures through television while presenting elements of his Indian heritage to a wider African audience.
He added: 'This is hugely important because we are moving into a diverse part of South Africa and marking so many years of democracy; the show has progressed significantly from where we started.' He also noted that reaching the African market would be an advantage for him, as he always wanted to bring a bit of Indian flavor into African culture, and he is proud to now move the show to a 'proudly African channel.'
Naicker reported that this step had been planned for some time and followed the completion of the show's previous chapter after seven years. He explained that the decision was not sudden but resulted from a long planning process, as his former path came to an end, and it was time for a new direction.
For Naicker, becoming the first host of an Indian talk show on a predominantly African channel is not just a personal achievement but a chance to inspire others to realize their ambitions. He said: 'It means if I can do it, anyone can.'
Naicker expressed hope that the new platform will allow him to become a voice for the residents of KwaZulu-Natal and all of South Africa, especially regarding motivation and empowerment. He emphasized: 'I will be a voice that advocates for empowerment and motivates people by saying that nothing is impossible.'
The program will also make a breakthrough in language on this channel, as The Get Real Talk Show will be the only show on the platform in English. Naicker reported that the new format will include more isiZulu language as part of efforts to connect with the expanded audience. He specified: 'We will use this to our advantage. Of course, there will be a lot of isiZulu spoken on the show now.'
Instead of focusing on one specific cultural group, Naicker stated that the new version will aim to appeal to South Africans from various walks of life and generations. He stressed: 'For us, it's not just being Indian or African; it's about showing that we can speak to anyone.'
He added that they are using this platform to communicate with both youth and older generations, showing them that there is nothing preventing them from living their dreams. The program will continue to encourage viewers to speak out about the issues that concern them instead of remaining silent.
The new format will also integrate more African culture, and Naicker promised changes in both presentation and content. The move to DStv, according to Naicker, was a goal he envisioned since the show's launch. He also gave credit to his faith, saying: 'I must thank God, as that is the main part of everything; God makes everything possible.'
Naicker described The Get Real Talk Show as a program with a strong presence in KwaZulu-Natal, noting that its influence has extended beyond the province over the years. He was proud that 'Get Real', from beginning to present day, has become the biggest talk show in KwaZulu-Natal.
However, this final stage does not mean starting from scratch. Naicker reported that the existing show team will remain in place, including the executive producer, although the program will receive a refreshed look and atmosphere.