Learn about leadership, business, science and technology
A 21st century curriculum designed to introduce pre-teens (ages 9-12) to the ideas and concepts they will need to make sense of a rapidly changing world. A set of 15 episodes that branch from the main storyline draw on the characters, events and environments to sketch scenarios for introducing the topics. Using the Harvard Case Study method, these topics, often considered too complex to explain to children, are made presented in a natural, practical and relatable manner.
Education Show
Follow the crew of the Mzansi Four on their journey to Mars
Vuyo, the energetic and outgoing leader of the Mzansi Four, has big dreams — not just of surviving the Mars mission, but of becoming a global celebrity and influencer. Vuyo convinces the rest of the crew that they should launch a YouTube channel and share their Mars journey with the world. He pitches the idea to Sizwe Tafane, the charismatic CEO of Rossum, who at first is skeptical. But Vuyo argues that it's great public relations for the mission, it can inspire millions of young viewers back on Earth and they could even make some money on the side!
Sizwe agrees, on one condition: the talkshow must also serve as a live mission log with an educational purpose, helping schools and families understand the science, teamwork, and challenges of life on Mars. The Mzansi Four : Mission to Mars show is hosted by the Mzansi Four crew, covers their adventure as it unfolds, first on earth and then from space, and includes special guests, fun facts, audience engagement and educational challenges.
​
The weekly show features a number of fixed segments which include a Mission Update, Discussion Topic, Workshop, Guest Interview and a Quiz.
Mission Update
In the Mission Update segment, the Mzansi Four crew checks in with viewers to share the latest news from their training and preparations for the Mars mission. They talk about what they've been learning at the Rossum Space Academy, the challenges they’re tackling, and the progress of their assignments and team projects. It’s a fun and informative way to follow their journey and stay connected to the mission each week.
Workshop
In the Workshop segment, Dirkie invites viewers into his creative space to show what he's building, designing, or fixing. Whether it’s a brand-new robot, a clever gadget, or a machine upgrade for the mission, Dirkie explains how it works and what problem it solves. With plenty of sparks, tools, and trial-and-error, this segment inspires young inventors to think like engineers and tinkerers.
Guest inteview
The 15 main story episodes form a linear narrative arc, while an additional 15 learning episodes branch out from the story context to explore curriculum-aligned themes in a more focused way. Each learning episode is short, engaging, and built to be modular for easy integration into classrooms. The learning episodes are not standalone lessons but micro-narratives or character-driven explorations that use elements of the story’s world to make academic content tangible, relatable, and cross-curricular.
Quiz
In the Quiz segment, the Mzansi Four go head-to-head in a fast-paced, game show-style challenge based on a school curriculum topic. With fun questions, buzzer sounds, and a little friendly competition, it’s an exciting way to test their knowledge. Viewers are encouraged to play along from home, making learning feel like a game everyone can win.
