South Africa's first 24-hour TV news service, the eNews Channel will launch in June on DSTV, the channel said on Friday.

"A 24-hour news channel will contribute to keeping society abreast of what is happening and can play a critical role in informed debate and discussion," said CEO of e.sat Marcel Golding.

Editor-in-chief of eNews Debora Patta said the channel would offer "South African based and interpreted independent news".

The on-air team would be led by journalists Redi Direko and Jeremy Maggs, who will also host a prime time news show on the channel.

Sapa