Takalani Sesame also has a special focus on HIV/AIDS awareness and seeks to introduce HIV/AIDS safety while promoting tolerance and reducing stigma.

The show incorporates 11 of South Africa's 12 official languages: Afrikaans, English, Zulu, Xhosa, Swazi, Ndebele, Sesotho, Northern Sotho, Tsonga, Tswana and TshiVenda.

Season 13 featured guest appearances from celebrities like Jason and Nicholas Goliath, David Kau, Sho Madjozi and Holly Rey.

[2][7] In September 2024, the program was nominated for an International Emmy Award in the Kids Factual category for The Takalani Sesame Big Feelings special.

[8] The introduction of an HIV-positive Muppet, Kami, to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS was widely criticised by the U.S. political right, with such groups as the American Family Association seeing it as a means for HIV activists to influence young viewers.