Cartoon Network Africa

Gumball is Back! New Series Premieres 6 October

Cartoon Network Releases New Opening Title Sequence and International Premiere Date for The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball Cartoon Network has announced the international premiere date for its eagerly awaited original animated series The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball.Produced by Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe, the series will launch on Monday, 6 October across EMEA, Latin America and APAC. In recognition of this announcement, Cartoon Network has also unveiled the vibrant main title sequence, which was designed by acclaimed Jack Sachs – who also created the new logo. Welcoming audiences back to Elmore – a place where the laws of reality are a joke and family life is anything but ordinary – The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball continues the surreal humour and wild storytelling of the multi- award winning The Amazing World of Gumball.  Created and executive produced by Ben Bocquelet, this quarter-hour animated comedy series blends an eclectic mix of media styles – including 2D & 3D animation, CGI, puppetry, photorealism and live action – into a wildly imaginative world defined by its vibrant visual style and sharp meta humour. Matt Layzell and Erik Fountain serve as Executive Producers and Series Directors. The Composer for the series is Xav Clarke and Joe Sparrow serves as Art Director. The stellar voice cast includes Alkaio Thiele as Gumball, Hero Hunter as Gumball’s younger brother Darwin, Kinza Syed Khan as younger sister Anais, Teresa Gallagher as his mother Nicole, and Dan Russell as his father Richard, and many more. Ahead of this premiere, Cartoon Network Africa will be celebrating all things Gumball by airing a The Amazing World of Gumball marathon.  Starting on Monday, 30 June for three weeks,   audiences can rediscover the joy in the dysfunction of the Watterson family –  Gumball, the dynamic and optimistic 12-year-old, his right-hand man, younger brother, and conscience, Darwin, the loveable stay-at-home Dad, Richard, the tireless overworked and yet resilient mum Nicole, and little sister and the smartest of the bunch, Anais. The Amazing World of Gumball is famed for its humorous depictions of the imperfect realities of growing up where everything ordinary becomes extraordinary. The animation was created in 2011 when Ben Bocquelet decided to take some rejected characters he had created for commercials and put them together in one series set inside a school!  Some of the characters in Elmore are based on Ben Bocquelet’s real family! With self-referential and meta comedic roots from Monday, 30 June @ 8:25 CAT audiences can follow the misadventures of Gumball, Darwin and the other quirky residents of Elmore, including; Gumball and Darwin’s classmates Tina, the scary T Rex, with anger issues; Carrie the Emo dressing depressed ghost, and Banana Joe the class clown who laughs at everyone, their teachers Miss Simian whose been teaching second graders for 300,000 years, and Principal Brown a big furry ‘slug’ in love with Miss Simian. Everything you need to know about The Amazing World of Gumball in Numbers:

July 2, 2025
Wingu Academy

Excellence in Action: Celebrating Wingu Academy’s Academic Achievers

Academic Success Isn’t Just a Goal at Wingu Academy — It’s an Expectation Backed by Results From learners achieving Top in South Africa in Pearson’s subjects, to consistent improvements across year groups, Wingu’s results prove that online and hybrid education can outperform traditional models — when the structure is right. Wingu students succeed because they are: This isn’t online learning as a shortcut. This is structured, supported, and outcome-focused education — designed to develop critical thinkers and global citizens. When learners are given the right tools and the right support, achievement becomes the norm, not the exception.

July 2, 2025
Vital Baby

How Social Media is Changing the Way South African Parents Raise Their Babies

The impact of Instagram and TikTok parenting trends on real-life parenting It used to be that new parents turned to their own moms, a baby book, or the clinic sister for advice. Today? It’s more likely they’re scrolling Instagram or TikTok for tips on breastfeeding, sleep training, or that oh-so-perfect nappy caddy. While social media has opened up a world of support and information for new moms and dads, it’s also changing the parenting landscape – sometimes for better, and sometimes for worse. “We’re seeing a shift in how South African parents approach raising their babies,” says Sr Londe, independent midwife and spokesperson for Vital Baby, a brand focused on supporting real, everyday parenting. “Social media gives parents access to a global village of advice, hacks, and product recommendations – but it can also lead to comparison, pressure, and even confusion about what’s best for their baby.” Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are full of aesthetic nursery tours, toddler lunchbox ideas, and clever parenting hacks. Hashtags like #newmomlife, #gentleparenting, or #mumtok generate millions of views. While many of these videos are made by well-meaning parents sharing what works for them, they can unintentionally set unrealistic expectations. “There’s nothing wrong with watching other moms for inspiration,” says Sr Londe. “But every child – and every parent – is different. Social media doesn’t always show the tough moments: the sleepless nights, the tantrums, or the mental load of parenting.” Not all of it is negative. For many new parents, especially in isolated or rural areas, parenting influencers and online groups provide a vital sense of community. From breastfeeding tips to baby-led weaning videos and postpartum mental health discussions, social media has helped normalise many once-taboo parenting topics. It’s also allowed South African parents to learn from others around the world – and realise that challenges like colic, sleep regression, or picky eating are universal. “We love how social media has helped parents feel less alone,” adds Sr Londe. “With our monthly collaboration ‘Ask The Midwife Live’ on Vital Baby’s Instagram, we are creating a great platform for expecting and new parents to get reliable advice and support.”  The constant highlight reel of perfectly dressed babies and spotless homes can leave new parents feeling like they’re falling short. It’s easy to forget that behind every adorable baby milestone video, there may be a mountain of laundry, a crying fit, or a mom who hasn’t had coffee yet. Social media can also lead to information overload, with conflicting advice on everything from sleep training methods to first foods. “As a brand, Vital Baby always encourages parents to do what feels right for them,” says Sr Londe. “There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to raising babies. Trust your instincts and don’t let social media make you feel like you’re not enough.” So how can parents benefit from social media without letting it overwhelm them? Vital Baby, known for its award-winning range of weaning, feeding, hygiene, and sleep products, believes in supporting real parenting – messy, beautiful, exhausting, and rewarding. Whether you found them in a shop or saw them in a mom’s TikTok video, the focus remains the same: practical products for real families. “We believe there’s no right way to parent, just your way,” Sr Londe concludes. “And no matter what the algorithm says – you’re doing just fine.”  Catch Sr Londe live monthly on @vitalbabysa

July 2, 2025
Parenting Hub

A Guide to Winning the First Year & Reaching Baby’s Developmental Milestones 

Embracing fun from day one is easy when you’re focusing on key milestones and Winning the First Year. From the first giggle to those wobbly first steps, every moment in a baby’s first year is a building block for lifelong learning. Fisher-Price understands that play is more than just fun—it’s essential for development. With toys that support cognitive, sensory, and motor skill growth, parents can turn everyday moments into meaningful learning experiences. Because seeing little ones thrive is easy because the Happiest Childhood Starts Here: Fisher-Price Glow And Grow Kick & Play Piano Gym Baby Playmat (Age 0 – 36 months) Get your little one moving, grooving (and learning) with the Glow and Grow Kick & Play Piano Gym from Fisher-Price. This soft baby activity mat features a high contrast toy arch with 10 linkable toys. The removable piano with 5 light up keys features a multi-coloured light show and has 4 musical settings that grow with baby from newborn to toddler. With 3 Smart Stages learning levels, and a bonus freestyle mode with real piano notes, you can keep things fresh and fun as your little virtuoso goes from lay and play and tummy time to sitting up and making music! RSP: R 1489.99 Fisher-Price Soothe ‘n Snuggle Otter (Age 0+) The Fisher-Price® Soothe ‘n Snuggle Otter is a unique plush soother that helps comfort your baby just like you do. The soother’s soft textures, up to 30 minutes of calming music, sound effects and soft lights, and gentle rhythmic motion engage your baby’s developing tactile, visual, and auditory senses while helping to promote relaxation. The otter’s sweet face, calming motion, super snuggly fabrics, and satiny tail help comfort your baby, giving them a sense of security. RSP: R719.99 Fisher-Price Plush Smart Stages Laugh & Learn Puppy (Age 6 – 36 months) Say hello to your baby’s first best friend! Puppy is soft, cuddly, and he’s ready to make sure learning fun never ends. He responds to your baby’s touch with exciting sing-along songs and phrases that introduce more than 100 first words, parts of the body, colours, shapes and more! And because every baby develops at their own pace, Puppy comes with Smart Stages™ technology, so you can choose the level that’s best for your child. There are a variety of songs, sounds and phrases within each of the three levels of play. And Puppy’s light-up, multicolour heart even twinkles along to the music! RSP: R749.99 The Fisher-Price® Rock-a-Stack® This toy offers classic stacking fun for your baby. They will love grasping, holding, shaking and exploring the five colourful rings. This helps develop fine motor skills and gross motor skills as baby grasps, shakes, and stacks the rings. Babies can stack the rings on the post, then bat at the wobbly base to make it rock back and forth. Stacking helps them develop hand-eye coordination and introduces them to the concept of relative size as they learn to sort and stack from biggest to smallest! RSP: R219.99 Fisher-Price Baby’s First Blocks Set  Open a bucket of fun for your baby with the Baby’s First Blocks set from Fisher-Price. These chunky, colourful blocks help introduce colours and shapes as babies sort, stack and drop the blocks through the slots in the bucket lid. Empty the bucket to start the fun over again and again! And with an easy-carry handle, you can take Baby’s First Blocks wherever you and your tiny tot go! All that block-grasping and shape-sorting play helps strengthen your baby’s hand-eye coordination and dexterity while enhancing their problem-solving skills. RSP: R295.99 Winning the First Year is all about celebrating every giggle, every discovery, and every milestone, big or small. With Fisher-Price, parents can feel confident that they’re not just choosing toys but tools that nurture growth, spark curiosity, and make learning fun. Whether it’s tummy time, or those first steps, the right companion can turn every stage into a joyful achievement. Because when play leads the way, you’ll know that the Happiest Childhood starts here.

July 2, 2025
Yummy Cakes

Beat the chill with these fun, easy and yummy winter holiday treats

It’s that time of year again when South Africans haul out their winter wardrobes and cosy up with their families. With winter school holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start planning indoor fun for young, old, and everyone in between.  More time with family, more time entertaining, and generally just more time for fun; it’s the season for board games, movie marathons, and warm afternoons and evenings with friends. But none of these magical moments will be complete without yummy snacks to go along with them, which is why we’re sharing easy-to-make treats that the whole family can create together.  Whether it’s a day in the kitchen with the kids, playdate fun for school friends, or even a dinner party delight, there’s a sweet treat that’s perfect for any and all winter occasions! Forget complicated recipes and long hours in the kitchen. We’ve compiled a list of fun, delicious, and incredibly easy-to-make winter treats, using one main ingredient – cake! We’ve used Yummy Cakes, but any left over cake will do.  Winter warmers for a toasty treat When the temperature drops, nothing beats a warm dessert. These simple recipes will give you comforting winter warmers in minutes. Mug Pudding – This is the ultimate quick comfort food. Simply crumble your cake into a mug, whisk in an egg and a splash of milk, and for the chocolate lovers, throw in a few chocolate chips. A quick spin in the microwave, and you’ll have a warm, gooey pudding-style dessert ready to be devoured.  Warm Apple Crumble Cups – For a twist on a classic winter dessert, these apple crumble cups are a must-try. Layer crumbled vanilla cake with microwaved cinnamon apples in a cup or bowl. Top it off with a spoonful of creamy yoghurt or warm custard for a truly decadent treat.  Toasty Cake & Custard Pots – Simplicity at its most delicious. Gently heat up some cake chunks and pour warm, velvety custard over them. A final dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg will fill your kitchen with the warmest, most inviting winter aromas.  South Africans will never miss the opportunity to light the fire, so when the winter sunshine is out, these “Fireside Toasties” are a fun and gooey treat. Make a sandwich using cake as the “bread” and fill it with marshmallows or banana slices. Toast your creation until it’s golden brown, and the filling is melted and delicious. Whether done on the braai or just around the fireplace, the fun is in the making, while the joy is in the snacking! Fun frozen & chilled delights Who says chilly treats are only for summer afternoons around the pool? These frozen and chilled ideas are a great way to have some hands-on fun with the kids, no matter the weather outside. Frozen Cake Sandwiches – A guaranteed hit with the little ones. Take two slices of cake and fill them with a big scoop of your favourite ice cream. Roll the sides in colourful sprinkles or chocolate chips for extra crunch and flair. Pop them in the freezer for a bit, and you have your very own mini ice cream sandwiches.  Cake Sundae Jars – Unleash your family’s creativity with DIY sundae jars. Get a few glass jars and set up a creation station with cubes of cake, custard or ice cream, a variety of fruits, and a selection of toppings like sauces and sprinkles. Everyone can have fun layering and building their own personalised dessert masterpiece.  Party-style snacks for indoor entertaining When friends come over, these party-style snacks are perfect for sharing and will definitely impress guests with their yummy flavours and clever creativity. Cake Pops – The ever-popular cake pop, made simple. Mix crumbled cake with a bit of cream cheese to bind it together. Roll the mixture into balls, insert a stick, dip them in melted chocolate or sprinkles, and let them chill. They’re a perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion. Microwave Cake S’mores – Enjoy the classic taste of s’mores without the need for lighting the fire. Sandwich a piece of chocolate and a marshmallow between two slices of cake. A few seconds in the microwave is all it takes to melt them into gooey perfection.  Cake and Berry Skewers – For a lighter, fresher option, these skewers look good and taste even better! Simply alternate cubes of cake with fresh, juicy berries like strawberries, grapes, or blueberries on a skewer. For an extra touch of sweetness, you can add a little drizzle of honey.  Yummy Banana Sushi Rolls – This is a truly inventive and fun snack. Flatten a slice of cake with a rolling pin and spread a thin layer of chocolate or peanut butter on top. Stick a banana in at one end and roll it up tightly. Slice the roll into “sushi” rounds and finish by rolling them in desiccated coconut or crushed cereal for added texture.  Who says winter can’t be fun? This winter, you can make your home the ultimate go-to place for family-filled, heart-warming deliciousness. With a little imagination mixed with a lot of fun, you can transform any day into a yummy day!

July 1, 2025
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