# TVSA

> independent online South African television database

**Wikidata**: [Q110823539](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110823539)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tvsa-q110823539

## Summary
TVSA is an independent online database dedicated to South African television content. Launched in 2006, it serves as a centralized encyclopedia for television series and is recognized as the country's first dedicated TV website.

## Key Facts
- **Nature:** Independent online television database and website.
- **Inception:** Founded in 2006.
- **Location:** South Africa.
- **Language:** English.
- **Website:** https://www.tvsa.co.za/
- **Alternate Name:** South Africa's TV Website.
- **Twitter Handle:** @officialtvsa (Joined March 8, 2010).
- **Wikidata ID:** Property P10415.
- **Social Reach:** Approximately 17,300 Twitter followers (as of February 2023).

## FAQs
### Q: When was TVSA founded?
A: TVSA was founded in 2006. It was launched as an independent resource for television information.

### Q: What type of content does TVSA host?
A: TVSA functions as a television series database. It catalogs information related to South African television shows and series.

### Q: Is TVSA an official broadcaster website?
A: No, TVSA is described as an independent online database. It is distinct from official broadcaster platforms, though it serves as a comprehensive resource for the industry.

## Why It Matters
TVSA plays a significant role in the South African media landscape by filling a gap in the documentation of local television history. Prior to its launch in 2006, there was a lack of dedicated, centralized online resources for the country's television industry. By providing a structured database of series and related data, TVSA serves as an essential archive for researchers, fans, and industry professionals.

Its establishment marked a digital milestone, referenced in academic and news sources as the launch of South Africa's first TV website. As an independent entity, it offers a distinct perspective from commercial broadcasters, focusing on the aggregation and preservation of television metadata. Its continued operation and social media presence demonstrate an ongoing relevance in keeping audiences informed about local television productions.

## Notable For
- Being cited as **South Africa's first television website**.
- Operating as an **independent** database, separate from specific broadcast networks.
- Maintaining a specific **Wikidata property** (P10415), indicating its recognized status in the knowledge graph ecosystem.
- Serving as the **"South Africa's TV Website"** (alias).

## Body
### Overview and Classification
TVSA is classified as a website and a television series database. It operates primarily in English and is geographically focused on South Africa. The platform is designed to host information related to television series, serving as a digital encyclopedia for the medium within the region.

### History and Development
The project was inceptioned in **2006**. According to academic sources and news references, such as an article from the University of Cape Town (UCT), the launch was notable for being the first of its kind in the country. The site has maintained an active online presence for over a decade.

### Digital Presence and Metrics
TVSA maintains an active social media footprint, which serves as a metric for its audience engagement.
- **Twitter:** The official account (@officialtvsa) was created on March 8, 2010. As of February 2023, the account recorded a follower count of 17,300.
- **Facebook:** The platform maintains an official page under the handle "OfficialTVSA."
- **Technical Integration:** The entity is integrated into semantic web structures, evidenced by the Wikidata property `P10415` and the usage of the `Template:TVSA name` on knowledge platforms.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2006-06-13-alumni-launch-sas-first-tv-website)
2. [Source](https://www.quickread.co.za/tvsa/)
3. [Source](https://www.independent.ie/business/tv-is-on-the-move-as-south-africans-switch-to-new-trend-26377917.html)