ZNews is a satrical puppet-driven programme within the entertainment genre. The programme consist of sketches that comprise a weekly parody of issues circulating in the public domain. It is a humourous take on South African society that engages with daily life in South Africa and incorporates stories in the international arena, ranging from celebrity spoofs to comedic takes on current affairs and popular culture. In a young democracy like our own, discussion and debate are critical to its development. There are topics that are in the public domain that are too diffi cult to be discussed seriously. Comedy and satire in particular, allows us to openly laugh at ourselves and one another in a non-harmful manner. Humour allows us to take on a “sacred cows” in healthy debate. Satirical comedy in particular allows us to engage with authority allowing us to find ways to air our issues and have them heard. The public broadcaster is the place for this programme because as the voice of the citizens/people, it houses citizens’ dessenting opinions. Furthermore, humour allows civil society a critical perspective. ZNews is intergral to this endeavour. Social satire is the vehicle that will drive ZNe