Side-by-Side is a drama show about parenting: the highs, the lows, and the long roads between them. Side-by-Side is also about the people who walk alongside caregivers on their parenting journey.

Side by Side’s fourth season, which premieres in July 2024, follows Joyce’s journey as a wife to Sakhumzi, who is eager to try for a second child, and mother to an older toddler.  In Season 4, Joyce and Lerato, her closest friend, discover that they can give back by imparting their parenting knowledge to a newbie in their neighborhood. They manage everyday concerns such as mental health, choosing the ideal early childhood development center, taking care of their growing children, parenthood and navigating personal struggles. A 13-year-old schoolgirl named Imange is introduced to us in Season 4. At the age of thirteen, Imange finds herself in the position of being pregnant and must adjust to the new path her life has gone after being exploited by a trusted teacher. Aided by peers like Lumphumzo, who became pregnant at the age of 17, and community leaders such as Nurse Philiswa and Community Health Worker Mam Sindi, Imange can achieve success.

The Side-by-Side drama shows integrate health and development messaging throughout. Episodes cover the entire spectrum of care needed by growing children, as well as issues relevant to modern-day South Africa, such as HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, teen pregnancies, substance abuse, and unemployment. Side-by-Side, which is neither moralistic or pessimistic, entertains listeners by showing the joys of children, family, and friendship.

The Side-by-Side radio show is made possible through a partnership between SABC Education, the National Department of Health and Ilifa Labantwana.