Get Real

Get Real is a programme that strives to capture the raw energy and attitudes of South Africa's young people. Get Real is brave, humorous and honest programming that brims with the energy of youth. Get Real has no “professional” presenters; the programme recruits its reporters from focus groups held nationwide. The emphasis is on issue drive, investigative stories where young people have to take on the adult world, and win. By exploring contentious issues Get Real encourages youth to challenge the decisions and issues that impact on their lives. From a young reporter in the Western Cape who exposes 'Taxi Queens' (young girls who have sex with taxi drivers in exchange for a free ride to school) to a reporter whose school has no textbooks; the programme invites those under investigation to 'get real'. In 2000 Get Real was awarded the prestigious Japan Prize sponsored by UNICEF for effecting reconciliation amongst children within the context of racial conflict.