Programming-wise, MTV is introducing a host of brand new features, including four localised music shows offering exposure to South African rock, pop and dance artists. For the first time on MTV, South African talent will feature alongside international artists via the Rock Chart, which airs Tuesdays at 16:40; the Pop Chart, which airs Mondays at 16:40; and the Dance Chart, which airs Thursdays at 16:40 CAT. South African artists will also feature in daily music strand, New S**t, the breaking music show that promises to premiere a brand new music videos to the African continent every single day at 17:30.

Commented Alex Okosi, senior vice president and managing director, Viacom International Media Networks Africa, “An investment in strong new shows, more localised content and flexible scheduling sensitive to the local audience will ensure that MTV connects even more closely with our South African viewers and gives them a more satisfying and rounded entertainment experience.”

To highlight the new South African flavour of the channel, well-known local celebrities such as Sade Giliberti, Rob Forbes, DJ Fresh and Anele Mdoda will be popping up all over MTV during short, lighthearted programme inserts in which they debate choices such as: 'Men or shoes?', 'Women or cars?' and 'If you could pick two celebrities to be your parents, who would they be?'

Starting Wednesday, 3 July, MTV will also be running 'Art Beat', a competition for wannabe designers and creatives to design short form content for the channel showcasing the best local talent. For more details, click here.

Other changes in the pipeline include a new weekly interactive magazine show, MTV Choice, to be presented by a well-known SA celebrity. More details of the format and the presenter will be revealed at a later date.

Key shows brightening up the channel from July will be The Valleys, a new reality show that takes the spirit of MTV hits Jersey Shore and Geordie Shore and translates it to the city of Cardiff, Wales - with spectacular results. It premieres on Monday, 15 July at 23:10.

Also continuing to delight and entertain will be the regular Friday night editions of World Stage, MTV’s global 'front row' music experience recorded at the biggest concerts, festivals and music events around the world. July editions of World Stage include the hotly anticipated premiere of World Stage: Snoop Lion & The Africa All Stars, on air on Friday, 26 July at 23:00.

Well-known MTV favourites rounding out the schedule in July include: Catfish; Ke$ha: My Crazy, Beautiful Life; Snooki & Jwoww; Young & Married; Teen Mom 2; and Ridiculousness.

For further information about MTV programming or events, visit www.mtv.co.za. Alternatively, visit the Facebook page or follow @mtvza.