Johannesburg – Wednesday, 03 June 2026 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), through SABC Plus is proud to be a media partner for the 2025–26 FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup, taking place at Hartleyvale Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa, from 11 to 20 June 2026.

The FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup is an international tournament sanctioned by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and serves as the official qualification pathway to the prestigious FIH Pro League. The South African men’s national team has qualified for this prestigious tournament, and SABC Sport will be there every step of the way to bring audiences all the action.

With 24 matches and eight (8) international men’s national teams participating, SABC Plus, the Corporation’s streaming platform and terrestrial television channel SABC 2, will deliver world-class production and coverage. Local and international hockey fans will enjoy a front-row seat to the exhilarating excitement the tournament promises.

Wandile September, Acting Head of SABC Plus said, “The SABC is honoured to partner with the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup and to bring this world-class international tournament to South African audiences. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to making premium sporting content accessible to all South Africans, while also showcasing the country’s ability to host global events of this calibre. We are particularly proud to support the national team on home soil and to provide fans across the continent with comprehensive, high-quality coverage on our platforms.”

ENDS

Issued By:                       Group Communications

Media Enquiries:            Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590

Johannesburg – Wednesday, 03 June 2026 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) welcomes the ruling of the Press Council of South Africa in relation to its complaint by the SABC against The Sunday Times and TimesLive.

The complaint related to articles and associated promotional material which reported that the SABC had decided not to renew the talk show Face the Nation as a result of pressure from the ANC and government officials.

Following its consideration of the matter, the Press Council found that The Sunday Times and TimesLive breached key provisions of the Press Code. In summary, the Press Ombud found that the publications breached:

• Clause 1.9, which requires the media to supplement reporting when important new information becomes available; and
• Clause 10.1, which requires headlines to provide a reasonable reflection of the contents of an article and not mislead the public.

In the ruling, the Ombud found that the publications’ headlines presented allegations as facts, including the assertion that the “ANC muscles SABC” into making an editorial decision. The Ombud further found that the publications failed to report material information subsequently provided by the SABC regarding the programme’s performance and audience figures.

As part of the sanction imposed, The Sunday Times and TimesLive have been directed to apologise unconditionally, retract the offending statements, publish the figures provided by the SABC explaining its decision not to renew the programme, and further explain the basis for the claim that the programme drew “millions of viewers”. An additional requirement is that the apology appears on the front page of the Sunday Times and across all platforms where the articles were published.

The SABC welcomes this outcome as it reinforces the importance of accuracy, fairness and accountability in journalism. As South Africa’s public broadcaster, the SABC remains committed to editorial independence, transparency and serving the public interest with integrity.

Rulings by the Press Council of South African can be found on the following website once published: www.presscouncil.org.za

ENDS

Issued By:                      Group Communications

Media Enquiries:           Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590

Johannesburg – Monday, 25 May 2026 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) wishes to update the public regarding the status of the programme Pimville on SABC 2.

Following a thorough review process and careful consideration, the SABC regrets to announce that Pimville will be discontinued from tonight, due to unresolved contractual obligations and breaches identified and communicated formally to Bakwena Productions.

This outcome is deeply regrettable, particularly considering the dedication and hard work demonstrated by the cast, crew, as well as the unwavering support received from audiences, partners, and all stakeholders who contributed to the programme’s success.

As part of the Corporation’s contingency plans, the 21:00 timeslot previously occupied by Pimville will now be playing repeat episodes of the brand new Season 2 of the telenovela Amalanga Awafani.

Further updates will be communicated regarding the future of Pimville.

The SABC would also like to assure the public that the acquisition and commissioning of Pimville followed the Corporation’s standard approval and commissioning processes applicable to SABC productions. These processes included the necessary editorial, operational, commercial, and governance approval mechanisms.

Following concerns that emerged during the production process, the SABC implemented enhanced oversight and risk mitigation measures aimed at strengthening production monitoring and governance controls.

As previously communicated publicly by the Corporation, it was subsequently identified that certain approved oversight mechanisms were not implemented consistently and to the required standard. Consequently, an internal consequence management process has been initiated in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and labour law requirements. In addition, a legal process is currently underway regarding the production company, including the issuing of a notice of breach in April 2026. Any further action will be guided by ongoing contractual, legal, and governance processes.

The SABC has also engaged with cast and crew representatives regarding concerns raised. The Corporation remains committed to stabilising the production environment, ensuring continuity of content, protecting the interests of affected stakeholders, and exploring all appropriate operational options relating to the future of the production.

The Corporation extends an apology for the inconvenience caused by the disruption in the schedule.

The SABC remains dedicated to delivering meaningful, high-quality content to its audiences and appreciates the understanding and continued support of viewers and stakeholders during this period.

ENDS

Issued By:                         Group Communications

Media Enquiries:            Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590

Johannesburg – Wednesday, 6 May 2026 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) wishes to provide an update regarding the production of Pimville, currently broadcast on SABC 2.

The SABC wishes to confirm that the broadcaster has duly fulfilled its contractual obligations to Bakwena Productions. The corporation is therefore up to date with payments, underscoring its commitment to the smooth running of productions. It must be noted, that in this case the production company concerned is in breach of the contract with the SABC.

In response to the current situation, the SABC is:

• Actively engaging the production company to remedy the situation.
• Implementing contingency plans to ensure continuity of content on SABC 2
• Exploring alternative production solutions, should this become necessary.
• We have engaged the cast of Pimville today.

The SABC became aware of concerns regarding the production company following the commissioning of Pimville and the contracting of Bakwena Productions. Following this, a set of risk mitigation measures were put in place. While these interventions were intended to safeguard the production and protect the SABC, recent developments indicate that further action is required.

We remain committed to ensuring that all productions adhere to the highest standards of governance, accountability, and fair treatment of all industry professionals.

The SABC will not be providing further detailed comment at this stage as the matter is subject to contractual and legal processes.

ENDS

Issued By:                        Group Communications

Media Enquiries:            Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590

Johannesburg – Friday, 01 May 2026 – The SABC News Channel is proud to announce the launch of a new legal current affairs programme Case In Point. Anchored by seasoned journalist Joanne Joseph, Case In Point will premiere on Thursday, 7 May and air between 20:00 to 21:00 on Thursdays.

The legal show’s addition to the SABC News line-up, is designed to unpack the complexities of South Africa’s legal landscape. At a time when news coverage is increasingly dominated by high-profile court cases and intricate legal rulings, the programme seeks to bridge the gap between legal processes and public understanding. The show will also bring viewers compelling voices and inserts of ordinary citizens’ access to justice.

It will go beyond the headlines, interrogating the implications of major legal decisions while also creating space for ordinary South Africans whose experiences with the justice system often go unheard. Case In Point aims to challenge the perception that justice is reserved for the powerful, by bringing forward voices of citizens who feel marginalised.

The introduction of Case In Point forms part of the SABC News Channel’s broader strategy to strengthen its focus on issues that directly impact everyday South Africans.

In line with this strategy, the Channel has also refreshed its weekend programming. Seasoned broadcaster Thabiso Kotane now anchors the expanded and analytical midday current affairs block, The Week In Review and The Week Ahead, airing Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 to 15:00. These programmes provide in-depth analysis of the week’s major stories while setting the agenda for the days ahead.

Further strengthening its continental perspective, the Channel introduces UnWrap Africa, a dynamic mixed-content show anchored by Thembekile Mrototo. Airing Sundays from 20:00 to 20:30, the programme brings viewers compelling stories from across the African continent, reinforcing the SABC’s commitment to a broader, more inclusive narrative about the continent.

Collectively, these current affairs initiatives reaffirm the role of SABC News as a public media platform with a strong national footprint re-committed to relevance and empowering all South Africans.

ENDS

Issued By:                         Group Communications

Media Enquiries:            Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has reaffirmed its commitment to transformation by maintaining its BBBEE Level 3 Contributor Status for the past two financial years. This achievement reflects the organisation’s ongoing efforts to embed equity, inclusion, and development across its operations and value chain.

The broadcaster is measured on key BBBEE elements, including Employment Equity and Management Control, Skills Development, Socio-Economic Development, and Enterprise Development. Significant strides in these areas highlight the SABC’s role as both a public broadcaster and a catalyst for national socio‑economic progress.

Driving inclusive leadership

Under Employment Equity and Management Control, the SABC continues to promote representative leadership structures that mirror South Africa’s racial, gender, and ethnic diversity.
This includes steadily increasing the participation of black people, particularly black women, across its Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and top management levels.

These efforts ensure decision‑making structures that reflect the communities the SABC serves, while advancing transformation across the media sector.

Investing in Skills Development

Skills development remains a major focus area for the organisation. The SABC aims to significantly enhance the productivity and capabilities of its employees through targeted training initiatives.

In line with BBBEE requirements, the Corporation continues to invest in the development of:

• Black professionals;
• Black women; and
• People living with disabilities.

Although the organisation made notable progress, it did not fully meet the minimum threshold under this priority element. As a result, while its overall score stands at 96.97 points, qualifying it for Level 2, it was discounted to Level 3 based on the Skills Development criterion.

Nevertheless, the SABC remains committed to increasing investment in this area as a strategic priority.

Supporting Communities through ICT ‑ Focused Projects

As the country’s only public service broadcaster, the SABC is uniquely positioned to drive impact across local communities. Under the Socio‑Economic Development element, the organisation supports initiatives that benefit at least 50% black beneficiaries, focusing specifically on ICT‑related needs.

A flagship initiative has been the annual computer handover programme, which provides laptops to several 100% black schools across three provinces each year. Delivered through the SABC’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) department, this programme strengthens digital literacy and access to technology in underserved communities. For the 2025-2026 financial year the SABC procured 60 laptops to the underprivileged school focusing on information technology in Western Cape, Free State and Limpopo Provinces.

Boosting Small Enterprises and Supplier Development

Enterprise and Supplier Development, remains a critical part of the SABC’s transformation agenda.
Given financial pressures in previous years, the organisation introduced an initiative called the Radio Feature, where ICT SMMEs were interviewed across SABC radio stations at no cost. The airtime provided was converted into a quantifiable financial value that contributed to BBBEE scoring.

The SABC has also implemented a highly successful Incubation Programme, in partnership with GIBS, targeting:

• Black-owned SMMEs;
• Youth-owned businesses;
• Black women-owned enterprises; and
• Entrepreneurs living with disabilities.

Launched in October 2024 and concluding in June 2025, the programme enrolled and graduated 15 SMMEs, offering them training, mentorship, action learning, and pitching opportunities.
Participants gained insights into compliance, funding, market access, and business growth strategies, all aimed at preparing them to become competitive suppliers within the SABC procurement system.

Looking Ahead: A Stronger Commitment to Transformation

The SABC remains steadfast in its mission to drive transformation, not only within the Corporation but, across the broader broadcasting and media ecosystem.

In light of the Level 3 rating, influenced by the Skills Development threshold, the SABC’s near‑Level 2 score reflects a significant commitment to empowerment, enterprise growth, and inclusive economic participation.

Going forward, the Corporation aims to enhance investment in employee skills, expand support for emerging black‑owned businesses, deepen partnerships that strengthen its supply chain and continue uplifting communities through ICT‑based interventions.

The SABC remains dedicated to building an equitable, representative, and economically inclusive organisation that supports South Africa’s transformation agenda.

Johannesburg, Tuesday, 31 March – A new chapter unfolds on the SABC News Channel. From 1 April 2026, viewers can expect a refreshed, high-energy line-up that signals a clear shift in both form and focus built around strong, credible anchors and a renewed commitment to quality journalism.

At the heart of the change is a deliberate investment in trusted, experienced voices and compelling on-air talent.  This year’s editorial focus also aligns with major national and global moments. The channel will place a sharper spotlight on legal and constitutional issues, as the Ad Hoc Committee processes and the Madlanga Commission reach their final stages. Through expert analysis and deeper reporting, viewers will gain clearer insight into the legal debates shaping the country and the world.

In May the new legal programme Case in Point will unpack the legal complexities dominating national discourse from high-profile trials and cold cases to commissions of inquiry with clarity and purpose.

Our news day now begins earlier and stronger. Sakina Kamwendo and Leanne Manas take the reins of Morning Live from 05h30, setting the tone for the day with authority, experience, and a sharp editorial edge.

Mid-mornings evolve into a more expansive and engaging space with The Agenda (09h00 – 14h00), where Ayanda Nyathi and Mfundo Mabalane bring depth, pace, and explainers to the stories shaping the day.

Business coverage also receives a sharper identity. OnPoint makes way for The Business Agenda, a power hour of markets, money, and company results anchored by Mpho Kubayi from 13h00 to 14h00 a clear signal that economic storytelling is taking centre stage.

Afternoons are reimagined with SA Today moving earlier to 14h00 – 17h00, led by the dynamic pairing of Unathi Batyashe and Thembekile Mrototo, bringing a balance of breaking news and stories unfolding across the country and the globe.

Prime time sees a bold injection of new energy as Thulasizwe Simelane joins Bongiwe Zwane on Full View (17h00 – 21h00). The dynamic duo anchors the channel’s evening slot with authority, insight, and presence.

The Late Edition, anchored by Oliver Dickson, closes the news day through to 23h00 midweek, guiding viewers through the final developments of the day with clarity and perspective. On weekends, the show takes a youthful and engaging approach with Mxolisi Masango and Lopang Alamu, bringing a fresh voice to late-night news.

With 2026 marking a major year in global sport, the channel has also strengthened its sports coverage. Dedicated sports anchors will feature across each news bloc, including weekends, delivering in-depth reporting, sport documentaries, feature stories, and the top headlines from the world of sport as the build-up to the FIFA World Cup gathers momentum.

Weekends are equally strengthened, with Thabiso Kotane bringing his probing style to The Week In Review and The Week Ahead, ensuring audiences remain informed, reflective, and prepared for the stories shaping the days ahead.

Lifestyle and culture continue to have a vibrant place on the channel. Trendz Live moves to Saturdays at 20h00, while UnWrap Africa returns with renewed focus, celebrating the stories, rhythms, and realities of the continent.

This is more than a schedule change. It is a strategic reset that places quality, wider-footprint storytelling, and meaningful audience connection at the centre of the SABC News Channel’s evolution.

As the media landscape continues to shift and audiences demand greater immediacy, depth, and authenticity, the SABC News Channel is responding with clarity, confidence, and renewed purpose.

Ends//

Issued By:                              Group Communications

Media Enquiries:            Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590

Johannesburg, Tuesday, 24 March 2026 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) notes the ongoing public discourse regarding recent programming changes on the SABC News Channel.

As a public broadcaster, the SABC operates under a clear mandate to inform, educate and entertain, while ensuring that its services remain relevant, responsive to audience needs, and financially sustainable. In line with this mandate, the Corporation periodically undertakes comprehensive reviews of its content offering and channel strategy to ensure alignment with public value and long-term sustainability.

The current programming changes form part of a broader channel and schedule review, which considered multiple factors, including audience performance data, content relevance, scheduling optimisation, programme costing and the evolving needs of South African audiences.

It is important to emphasise that these decisions are not centred on any individual, but rather on the overall performance and strategic fit of programmes within the channel’s refreshed content approach.

USE OF AUDIENCE DATA IN DECISION-MAKING

Over a 12-month period (April 2025 – March 2026), Face the Nation recorded the following performance indicators, benchmarked against the SABC News Channel’s primetime performance targets:

*Source: BRC TAMS, April 2025 – March 2026

The programme’s average audience rating reflects a material and sustained underperformance against the channel’s primetime target. Comparative programmes in this time slot typically achieve share levels of approximately 1% to 2%.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE CONTEXT

Across the broader local news environment, top-performing programmes are predominantly live, rolling and event-driven formats.

Importantly, the SABC operates within a competitive environment. While fulfilling its public service mandate, the Corporation derives more than 80% of its revenue from commercial activities with the government funding about 4% and TV Licence fees covering about 16%. In this context, programming decisions must balance public mandate with audience behaviour and commercial sustainability.

The SABC emphasises that this decision forms part of a broader strategic realignment of its news portfolio, spanning both free-to-air and pay-TV services, and should not be interpreted as an isolated action relating to any individual programme or personnel.

The SABC has, in this instance, provided audience performance data in response to significant public interest. Such disclosures are not standard practice due to commercial considerations and have been made in the interest of transparency, without establishing a precedent for future decision-making processes.

The Corporation unequivocally confirms that this decision was free from any political interference and was guided strictly by internal editorial, strategic and performance criteria.

The SABC remains committed to delivering high-quality, credible and relevant content in service of the South African public.

ENDS

Issued By:                         Group Communications

Media Enquiries:            Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590

With the SABC embracing the social objectives of broadcasting and amplifying Human Rights broadcasting, this is not just a technical exercise, it is more of a social commitment. There has been a lot of innovations and new technology that have shaped a new way of people consuming TV/radio broadcasting or even content at large. The public broadcasting media still needs to keep its true essence of broadcasting which lies in its ability to create participatory spaces where citizens can express their views, engage in public debate, and remain informed about their society. Other mediums might offer entertainment and the SABC still carries a role of educating and informing over and above entertainment.

This year the SABC’s mission is interlinked with the celebration of 30 years of South Africa’s Constitution under the theme “Bill of Rights at 30: Making Human Dignity Real.” SABC, as the public broadcaster, is at the forefront of strengthening this milestone by ensuring that the principles of democracy, equality, and human dignity are not only remembered but actively lived through its programming. This is not just a celebration it’s a true commemoration that SABC is proud and honoured to be a part.

The SABC continues to maintain its mandate of providing content that is accessible to all South Africans, regardless of socioeconomic or geographical background. The organization has 19 radio stations, five television services, and the SABC Plus streaming app. This way SABC plays a critical role in ensuring that every citizen has equal access to information, this being a fundamental human right.

Guided by its values of respect, trust, integrity, and quality, SABC demonstrates that broadcasting is not just about technology but about the people. All the programmes of the SABC are carefully commissioned and designed to uphold dignity, foster inclusivity, and strengthen democracy. The scheduling of programmes is also in line with these principles. Additionally, a lot of research goes into exploring what do people need and what content would be able to reflect and represent their realities.

Channel Africa as the radio station also plays a vital role in advocating human rights. The SABC extends its human rights support across South Africa’s borders, broadcasting across the African continent and strengthening unity with African nations in their own struggles for justice and equality.

Over and above the normal programming that advocates for Human Right. This year the SABC will be covering events that mark Human Rights Month, based in the Sharpeville massacre of 1960, the SABC reminds citizens of the sacrifices made for freedom and the ongoing responsibility to protect those rights.

 In order to restore human dignity, the SABC programming continues to highlight the plight of vulnerable groups such as women, children, and poverty-stricken communities while mobilising resources to support everyone affected. This alone echoes the broadcaster’s commitment to turning awareness into action.

With regards to educational and civic engagements there are documentaries, debates, and youth-focused shows that emphasise the importance of the Bill of Rights, this is to see to it that younger generations understand their role in sustaining democracy. It’s not only the youth that benefits from this educational aspect of SABC pertaining to Human Rights, but the wider public also gets educated on these issues of major importance.

 Radio stations content regarding Human Rights Day and Human Rights Month

Ukhozi FM has been running weekly expert interviews on water and environmental issues, educating listeners on sustainable management and government programmes. The interactive call-in sessions have allowed communities to share water challenges and get live responses from officials. There is still ongoing short public service announcements have reinforced awareness with water-saving tips, reporting leaks, and protecting infrastructure. Together, these activities aim to promote responsible water use and community engagement. Access to water is a basic human right, and the radio station plays a vital role in bringing attention to and advocating for this essential need.

Thobela FM’s Human Rights Day 2026 programming highlights debates on the Bill of Rights, healthcare, and youth socio-economic struggles, alongside music’s role in democracy and African human rights issues. Weekend shows commemorate the day with poetry, disability rights discussions, GBV awareness, and interviews with activists and musicians. The plan blends talk shows, interviews, sports, and cultural reflections to honour past struggles and current challenges.

Motsweding FM’s Human Rights Month programming centres on the theme Human Rights & Responsibilities. The station commemorates 21 March as Human Rights Day; honouring sacrifices made for democracy and reminding citizens that all rights are equal and interconnected. Content will explore 30 years of democracy, ongoing human rights violations, public awareness of rights and responsibilities, socio-economic factors limiting rights, and the role of ethical leadership in protecting them. The aim is to educate, reflect, and engage listeners on both the progress and challenges of human rights in South Africa today.

Ikwekwezi FM’s Human Rights Month 2026 content features a mix of interviews and listener interactions highlighting key rights issues. Programming covers children’s rights to food, relationship dynamics and consent, GBV protection, rights of children after divorce, consumer rights, and human rights in education. Discussions also explore social media’s impact on opportunities, disability rights, and cultural, religious, and linguistic freedoms. The month culminates with Human Rights Day celebrations, including a national address by President Cyril Ramaphosa and reflections from social workers and activists.

Ligwalagwala FM’s Human Rights Day content blends poetry, talk shows, and interviews to highlight key themes. Programming includes a special poem for World Poetry Day, a talk show on respecting disability rights, and interviews on music’s role in preserving human rights. Further features address GBV awareness, the history and meaning of Human Rights Day, and reflections from a freedom fighter. Short promos run throughout the day, reinforcing messages of liberty, responsibility, and protecting the rights of others. Total dedicated content amounts to 56 minutes.

Lotus FM has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at celebrating and commemorating human rights. The station emphasises the importance of recognising that every culture and language matters. One of the station’s talents, Krsna Priya Dasa, spoke about the significance of inclusivity, highlighting that everyone’s voice matters. She stated, “We all come from different backgrounds and have different stories to tell, but as a nation we are one.” She further explained how Lotus FM celebrates the diversity that makes South Africa strong during Human Rights Month.

Lesedi FM’s Human Rights Month 2026 programming covers a wide range of issues tied to democracy and rights. Weekday shows feature interviews on the Sharpeville Massacre, service delivery challenges, parental rights of unmarried fathers, freedom of speech vs social media responsibility, and police brutality. Weekend and evening segments highlight music’s role in the liberation struggle, peace-making in communities, global conflicts, and children’s rights education. Additional content explores the Bill of Rights, inclusion of disabled athletes, contract rights, race relations in sports, and dramatized features on human rights. Overall, the schedule blends history, law, social issues, and culture to engage listeners in reflecting on rights and responsibilities

As South Africa reflects on three decades of constitutional democracy, the SABC stands as a trusted institution that not only informs but empowers. By embracing the social objectives of broadcasting, the SABC amplifies human rights, restores dignity, and ensures that every citizen has a voice in shaping the nation’s democratic journey.