Disney Jr. is taking another meaningful step towards making children’s entertainment more accessible for South African families by expanding its local-language programming on DStv.
From 13 July 2026, young viewers can enjoy Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends in isiZulu, with Sofia the First set to follow on 17 August 2026. Both series will be available on Disney Jr. (DStv Channel 309) as well as DStv Catch Up, giving families even more opportunities to experience some of Disney’s most-loved stories in one of South Africa’s most widely spoken languages.
The latest additions continue Disney Jr.’s commitment to delivering magical storytelling in local languages, allowing children to connect with familiar characters in an even more meaningful way.
TONY STARK
Team Spidey Swings into isiZulu
The first series to receive the isiZulu treatment is Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends, which begins airing from 13 July to 14 August.
The preschool favourite can be watched:
- Monday to Friday
- 08:10 CAT
- Daily repeat at 15:05 CAT
As Marvel’s first full-length animated series created specifically for preschool audiences, the show follows Peter Parker, Gwen Stacy and Miles Morales as they join forces as Team Spidey.
Together with heroes including Hulk, Ms. Marvel and Black Panther, the young superheroes protect their city from villains such as Rhino, Doc Ock and Green Goblin, while learning that teamwork is the greatest superpower of all.
A Proudly South African Voice Cast
The isiZulu version features an accomplished local voice cast bringing the iconic Marvel characters to life.
The cast includes:
- Nolwazi Mfeka as Spidey / Peter Parker
- Thandekile Mzaca as Spin / Miles Morales
- Senzeka Mnguni as Ghost-Spider / Gwen Stacy
- Monde Msutwana as Hulk
- Sipho Mdingi as Black Panther
- Frankie Lukhele as Ms. Marvel
- Lwazi Pinyana as Green Goblin
Their performances introduce a uniquely South African flavour while remaining true to the heart of the beloved series.
Sofia the First Arrives in August
The localisation effort continues on 17 August, when the first season of Sofia the First premieres in isiZulu.
The Emmy® Award-winning series follows Sofia, an ordinary young girl whose life changes when she becomes a princess in the Kingdom of Enchancia.
As she adjusts to royal life, Sofia discovers that being a true princess is defined not by crowns or castles, but by qualities such as honesty, loyalty, compassion and grace.
The series originally premiered in 2012, introducing Disney’s first little girl princess to audiences around the world.
Disney has also confirmed that Sofia the First: Royal Magic, a brand-new series set within the same world, will arrive on Disney Jr. across Africa in the future.
Building on Disney Jr.’s Local Language Journey
The new isiZulu dubs build on Disney Jr.’s growing catalogue of local-language programming.
Previous localisation efforts have included:
- Doc McStuffins in Sesotho
- Doc McStuffins in isiZulu
- The Lion Guard in isiZulu
The addition of Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends and Sofia the First further strengthens Disney Jr.’s mission of making its content accessible to more families across South Africa.
More Than Entertainment
For many children, Disney Jr. provides their very first introduction to the world of Disney.
Beyond entertaining young audiences, the channel places a strong emphasis on:
- Social development
- Emotional learning
- Imaginative play
- Positive values
- Music and storytelling
Its programming combines Disney’s signature sense of adventure, magic and heart with lessons designed to support preschool development.
Alongside classics such as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First, today’s Disney Jr. lineup also includes popular titles like SuperKitties and Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends.
Making Disney Magic Feel Even Closer to Home
Language has the power to transform storytelling, especially for young children learning about the world around them.
By expanding its isiZulu programming, Disney Jr. is giving South African families the opportunity to enjoy globally loved characters while hearing stories told in a language that feels familiar and personal.
As Team Spidey swings into action and Princess Sofia prepares to welcome a new generation of viewers, Disney Jr. continues to make magical adventures accessible to even more households across the country—one story at a time.
Broadcast Information
Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends (isiZulu)
- Premiere: 13 July 2026
- Schedule: Monday to Friday
- Time: 08:10 CAT
- Repeat: 15:05 CAT
- Available on: Disney Jr. (DStv Channel 309) and DStv Catch Up
Sofia the First (isiZulu)
- Premiere: 17 August 2026
- Available on: Disney Jr. (DStv Channel 309) and DStv Catch Up
English audio will also be available for both series.
