UPDATE ON SABC SERVICES FOLLOWING ONGOING POWER OUTAGE

Johannesburg – Wednesday, 11 November 2026 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) would like to update audiences and all stakeholders that, while power has not yet been fully restored by City Power in the Auckland Park area, programming across SABC television channels and radio has been restored.

The Corporation continues to operate on contingency power and technical teams are working around the clock to ensure the continued stability of services.

The SABC is regularly communicating with City Power regarding developments related to the restoration plan and apologises once more for the inconvenience caused.

ENDS

Issued By:                        Group Communications

Media Enquiries:            Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

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

Shaping the Future of Public Broadcasting in a Digital Africa

This article explores how public broadcasters can leverage technology to strengthen inclusion, accessibility and public value across Africa. Drawing on the SABC’s digital evolution, including the growth of SABC Plus and accessibility initiatives, the article examines five key trends reshaping the media sector which are mobile-first ecosystems, connectivity solutions, responsible and ethical AI use, accessibility-focused innovation and expanded digital content ecosystems.

The article argues that the future of African public broadcasting depends on balancing technological innovation with public trust, cultural relevance and social impact. It concludes with a call for broadcasters, policymakers and technology leaders to collaborate in building inclusive digital ecosystems that serve all Africans.

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The future of public broadcasting in Africa will not be determined solely by the content we create, but by how effectively we leverage technology to expand access, strengthen inclusion and deliver public value at scale.

In South Africa and across the continent, audiences are becoming increasingly mobile, connected and digitally engaged. At the same time, Africa continues to grapple with challenges such as uneven connectivity, affordability constraints and varying levels of digital literacy. These realities present both a challenge and an opportunity for public broadcasters. The challenge is to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving media landscape. The opportunity is to use technology to ensure that information, education and entertainment remain accessible to all citizens, regardless of geography, language or socio-economic circumstance.

This is one of the defining conversations shaping Africa Tech Festival 2026. As technology leaders, policymakers and innovators gather to explore Africa’s digital future, public broadcasters have an important role to play in ensuring that technological advancement serves broader societal objectives, including inclusion, accessibility and nation-building.

For the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), technology is not simply an operational enabler. It is a strategic capability that is reshaping how the public broadcaster serves audiences, strengthens engagement and fulfils its public-service mandate in an increasingly digital world.

As Chief Information and Technology leaders across Africa evaluate the next phase of media evolution, the focus must move beyond technology adoption alone. The priority should be building resilient, inclusive and future-ready digital ecosystems capable of delivering meaningful public value.

Public Broadcasting in Africa: A Shared Digital Journey

Public broadcasters across Africa operate within diverse markets, yet many face common challenges. Rising audience expectations, fragmented media consumption habits, infrastructure disparities and increasing competition from global digital platforms require new approaches to audience engagement.

At the same time, public broadcasters remain uniquely positioned to address challenges that extend beyond commercial objectives. They play a critical role in preserving cultural identity, supporting democratic participation, promoting linguistic diversity and ensuring equitable access to trusted information.

Technology provides an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen this role. By combining innovation with public purpose, broadcasters can create digital ecosystems that are more accessible, responsive and inclusive than ever before.

Collaboration between broadcasters, governments, regulators, telecommunications providers and technology partners will be essential to building an African digital media landscape that reflects the needs and aspirations of the continent’s diverse populations.

From Broadcasting to Digital Ecosystems

The media industry is undergoing a fundamental shift from traditional broadcast models towards integrated digital ecosystems that combine broadcast, streaming, mobile applications, social platforms and emerging technologies.

At the SABC, this evolution is demonstrated through the continued growth of SABC Plus, our flagship over-the-top (OTT) streaming platform. Since its relaunch in July 2024, the platform has recorded significant growth and currently serves approximately 3.2 million registered users. Together with the broadcaster’s websites and mobile applications, SABC Plus extends access to content while enabling deeper audience engagement across multiple channels.

This evolution demonstrates an important principle for technology leaders, which is that, digital capability should not exist as a standalone initiative. It must be embedded within organisational strategy and aligned with long-term public-service objectives.

As broadcasters expand their digital footprint, they must balance innovation with inclusivity, ensuring that technological progress does not widen existing social or digital divides.

Five Technological Revolutions Reshaping Public Broadcasting

  1. The Rise of Mobile-First Media Ecosystems

Mobile devices have become the primary gateway to content for millions of Africans. This shift is driving the transition from linear broadcasting towards integrated, mobile-first experiences that allow audiences to engage with content whenever and wherever they choose.

For broadcasters, success increasingly depends on creating seamless experiences across television, radio, streaming, mobile applications and digital platforms.

  1. Breaking the Connectivity Barrier

Connectivity remains one of the most significant barriers to digital participation across many parts of Africa.

Data efficient platforms, innovative content delivery models, strategic partnerships and zero-rated initiatives are helping to improve accessibility and affordability. Public broadcasters must continue exploring solutions that reduce barriers to access and ensure that essential information remains available to all citizens.

The future of public broadcasting cannot be truly inclusive if access remains limited by connectivity costs.

  1. AI-Driven Personalisation and Responsible Innovation

Artificial intelligence is transforming the global media industry. AI-powered recommendations, intelligent notifications and personalised content experiences are enabling platforms to better understand and respond to audience preferences.

However, for public broadcasters, the adoption of artificial intelligence must be guided by principles of trust, transparency and accountability.

While AI can improve operational efficiency and audience engagement, editorial integrity must remain non-negotiable. Human oversight (Human in the loop), ethical governance and responsible use, are essential to maintaining public confidence.

The objective should not be automation for the sake of automation, but the development of trustworthy, human centred systems that improve accessibility, enhance relevance and support informed public discourse.

For public broadcasters, trust remains the most valuable currency. Technology should not diminish that trust but should rather strengthen that trust.

  1. Accessibility as a Strategic Imperative

Accessibility is no longer a compliance requirement but a strategic measure of digital success.

The SABC’s partnership with Blind SA to develop voice-command navigation on SABC Plus streaming platform demonstrates how technology can be applied to remove barriers and create more inclusive digital experiences.

Future innovations, including multilingual interfaces that elevate African languages, will play an increasingly important role in ensuring that digital platforms reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.

True digital inclusion means designing technology for everyone, not merely the digitally connected majority.

  1. Expanding the Content Ecosystem

Public media is evolving beyond traditional broadcasting formats.

Podcasts, pop-up channels, interactive experiences and new digital content models are creating opportunities for audiences to engage with content in more meaningful ways. The distinction between broadcaster and audience is becoming increasingly fluid as participation, interaction and community engagement become central to modern media experiences.

This evolution represents a broader shift towards integrated digital ecosystems where audiences are not simply consumers of content but active participants within it.

Reimagining Radio for the Digital Age

Radio remains one of Africa’s most influential and accessible media platforms. Yet its future increasingly lies in its ability to integrate with broader digital ecosystems.

For example SABC Radio Stations such as Channel Africa, 5FM and Good Hope FM amongst other illustrate how radio is evolving beyond traditional broadcasting into a continuous, multi-platform experience that combines live programming, streaming, podcasts, social media and mobile engagement.

Several trends are driving this transformation:

Data-Informed Audience Engagement

Audience insights derived from digital platforms are helping broadcasters better understand listener behaviour and preferences. These insights support more relevant content strategies, stronger audience engagement and improved advertising effectiveness.

Integrated Media Solutions

Broadcasters are increasingly moving beyond traditional airtime sales towards outcome-driven solutions that combine on-air, digital, social and experiential elements. This creates greater value for advertisers while strengthening audience engagement across multiple touchpoints.

AI-Augmented Creativity

Artificial intelligence is also emerging as a powerful creative accelerator. From production support and content personalisation to workflow optimisation, AI offers opportunities to enhance efficiency while allowing creative professionals to focus on storytelling, innovation and audience connection.

The future of radio will not be defined by replacing human creativity, but by amplifying what the creatives does.

Shaping the Future of African Public Broadcasting

As the SABC participates in Africa Tech Festival 2026, it does so as an active contributor to conversations shaping Africa’s digital future not as an observer of change.

Through initiatives such as SABC Plus, accessibility-focused innovation and the exploration of responsible AI, the broadcaster continues to demonstrate how technology can strengthen public value while creating meaningful audience experiences.

Looking towards 2030, the most successful public broadcasters will be those that combine technological innovation with public trust, cultural relevance and social impact. They will operate as intelligent, data-informed and highly accessible platforms that serve audiences in the languages that the audience speak, through the technologies that they use and in ways that reflect their lived realities.

Technology alone will not determine this future.

Its success will depend on how effectively broadcasters, policymakers and technology leaders work together to ensure that innovation expands opportunity, preserves cultural heritage, strengthens democratic participation and promotes inclusion across the continent.

Therefore, African broadcasters should embrace innovation boldly, deploy technology responsibly and ensure that every advancement contributes to a more inclusive and connected digital future.

Ultimately, the true measure of progress will not be the sophistication of our technology, but the extent to which it improves lives, expands participation and delivers public value for all Africans.

SABC ALERTS THE PUBLIC OF TEMPORARY DISRUPTION IN TRANSMISSION FOR SOME OF ITS SERVICES

Johannesburg – Wednesday, 11 November 2026 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) would like to alert the public of the disruption in transmission affecting some of its broadcasting services. The disruption is caused by the prolonged power outage in and around Auckland Park area, since Sunday morning, 8 November 2026. The SABC has been operating with generator power and the extended use and reliance on this contingency measure has impacted the Corporation’s ability to maintain normal transmission operations across certain platforms and services.

On 10 November 2026, City Power communicated that restoration period could not be confirmed following a secondary explosion. The SABC’s technical teams are working around the clock to minimise interruptions and restore affected services as quickly as possible.

The Corporation is also engaging other relevant stakeholders to monitor developments and implement appropriate mitigating measures.

The SABC sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused to audiences and stakeholders.

Further updates will be communicated through the SABC’s official platforms as more information becomes available.

ENDS

 

Issued By:                         Group Communications

Media Enquiries:            Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

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

 

ANNOUNCEMENT: PUBLICATION OF PROGRAMS THAT HAVE BEEN REPEATED AND COMMERCIALLY EXPLOITED

FOR REPEAT FEES – If you are a PRINCIPAL Actor or Writer and your show has been repeated within the list below, please submit your query to repeatadmin@sabc.co.za. For COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION FEES- If you a PRODUCER, WRITER or PRINCIPAL ACTOR and your show is within the list, please submit your query to RoyaltyAdmin@sabc.co.za.

Follow this link to view all publishing notices – https://bit.ly/4Aep9LK.

For further queries the following email addresses can be used: Repeat Fees – repeatadmin@sabc.co.za Commercial Exploitation – RoyaltyAdmin@sabc.co.za

SABC CORRECTS INACCURATE REPORTING ON A RECRUITMENT MATTER

Johannesburg – Tuesday, 10 November 2026 – The SABC has noted an article by Thinus Ferreira (Mr Ferreira), published on 9 November 2026, about the recruitment of an employee and a CCMA award on the same matter. The article is inaccurate and misleading in material respects, and the SABC wishes to correct the record. The award as issued by the CCMA confirms that there was no unfair labour practice as claimed in the article.

 

In terms of the SABC’s recruitment policy, an interview panel’s recommendation must be approved one level above the recruiting manager, so that no manager approves an appointment on which they sat as a panel member. At the time of this appointment, the position of Group Executive: Human Resources was filled in an acting capacity by the line manager for the role concerned. The approval therefore moved one level up, to the GCEO, who signed off the panel’s recommendation as the policy requires. That signature was a governance step. It was not involvement in the recruitment itself.

 

The matter referred to in the article is being handled by the SABC’s Employee Relations team and is the subject of ongoing legal processes. The SABC will therefore not comment further on its merits.

 

The SABC was not approached for comment before the article was published. Had it been these facts would have been provided. While the SABC respects the role of the media in holding public institutions accountable, it is equally important that reporting remains accurate, balanced, and fair.

 

The SABC has asked Mr Ferreira to correct the article. The SABC reserves its rights in relation to this matter.

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 SABC IS PROUD TO BE NOMINATED AT THE TELKOM RADIO AWARDS FOR 79 AWARDS

The SABC is proud to be  nominated at the Telkom Radio Awards for 79 Awards under the General Categories Nominations, across the SABC’s radio portfolio.

 

The Telkom Radio Awards honour and recognise exceptional and innovative excellence in the Radio industry in South Africa. It sets a benchmark for Radio excellence. These Awards are dedicated to fairness and integrity and are focused on being a credible, well-judged and transparent programme.

 

At last year’s Awards, the SABC walked away with 27 Awards, with Lotus FM doing exceptionally well, winning 6 awards; Ikwekwezi FM, RSG and trufm each winning 3. 5FM, Radio 2000, SAfm and Ukhozi FM won 2 awards respectively. Ikwekwezi FM achieved 3 awards and the coveted Station of the Year Award – PBS.

 

SABC Radio also achieved two Hall of Fame inductee awards, going to Mr Johan Van Rooyen who is the GM: Strategy and Ms. Marietta Kruger from RSG. This honourary Award is given to individuals with a minimum of 30 years of indelible contributions to Radio in South Africa and is nominated by their peers in Radio; it is a special and non-competitive Award.

 

 

Below is the list of Nominees

 

Best Commercial Partnership Content Producer Music Entertainment Show Sports Show Cont.
5FM 5FM GoodHope FM Radio 2000
Best Talk Show 5FM Heart FM Radio 2000
Ligwalagwala FM TRUFM Ikwekwezi FM SAfm
SAfm Ukhozi FM Lotus FM Ukhozi FM
TRUFM Ukhozi FM TRUFM Umhlobo Wenene FM
Ukhozi FM Umhlobo Wenene FM Umhlobo Wenene FM
Umhlobo Wenene FM Umhlobo Wenene FM Umhlobo Wenene FM
Breakfast Show Day Time Show News & Current Affairs
Ligwalagwala FM GoodHope FM Umhlobo Wenene FM
Lotus FM Ikwekwezi FM Umhlobo Wenene FM
Radio 2000 SAfm TRUFM
Ukhozi FM TRUFM TRUFM
Umhlobo Wenene FM Ukhozi FM SAfm
Broadcast Journalist Umhlobo Wenene FM On-Air Personality
Lotus FM Umhlobo Wenene FM TRUFM
RSG Drama Programme TRUFM
RSG Ikwekwezi FM Ukhozi FM
RSG RSG Umhlobo Wenene FM
TRUFM RSG Umhlobo Wenene FM
Umhlobo Wenene FM RSG Radio Documentary
Community Impact Umhlobo Wenene FM 5FM
Lotus FM Drive Show RSG
TRUFM Lesedi FM Specialist Music Show
TRUFM Radio 2000 RSG
Ukhozi FM TRUFM Umhlobo Wenene FM
Ukhozi FM Ukhozi FM Sports Show
Umhlobo Wenene FM Umhlobo Wenene FM 5FM

A full list of nominees for the 2026 Radio Awards can be found on the link below:

 

Telkom-Radio-Awards-2026-Finalists.pdf

 

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our Nominees, and wish them all the best at this year’s Radio Awards, that will be taking place on Saturday, 28 November 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre.

 

ENDS

Issued By:                        Group Communications

Media Enquiries:            Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

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

SABC LAUNCHES SABC NEWS LIVE ELECTION POP-UP CHANNEL

Johannesburg – Saturday, 17 October 2026 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is bringing audiences closer to the elections with the launch of SABC News Live, a dedicated digital Pop-Up Channel that will provide live, minute-by-minute coverage of election related content.

Launching on SABC Plus, on the 19th of October 2026, SABC News Live will offer audiences access to election content, keeping them informed about the latest developments, key issues and stories shaping communities across South Africa.

The Channel will broadcast on SABC Plus, the SABC’s free digital streaming platform. The channel will provide audiences with an accessible digital destination for following election coverage across their preferred devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers and smart TVs.

Through this innovative platform, the SABC continues to fulfil its public mandate by expanding access to timely, relevant and credible news. SABC News Live will enable audiences to follow election developments as they unfold, wherever they are, while creating opportunities for more interactive and engaging ways of consuming news.

Recognising the importance of reaching younger audiences, SABC News Live will explore creative and innovative digital storytelling formats, including podcasts and other audience focused content, to encourage greater participation in electoral conversations and make election coverage more accessible to digitally connected communities.

The initiative reinforces the SABC’s commitment to keeping South Africans informed, connected and engaged through inclusive, relevant and accessible election coverage across multiple platforms.

 

Audiences are invited to tune in to SABC News Live on SABC+ from 19 October 2026 for live, minute-by-minute election coverage.

 

SABC News Live – Your elections, anytime, anywhere.

 

ENDS

Issued By:                        Group Communications

Media Enquiries:            Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

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

SABC AND MICT SETA ADVANCE YOUTH SKILLS DEVELOPMENT THROUGH INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Johannesburg, South Africa – Thursday, 01 October 2026 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and The Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) continue to advance youth employment and skills development through internship programme, providing graduates with valuable workplace experience while helping to meet the Corporation’s future skills needs.

During the 2026/27 financial year, the SABC will welcome 120 interns through its partnership with MICT SETA. The public broadcaster will also host an additional 34 interns through various stakeholder partnerships. This brings the total number of interns hosted by the SABC during the 2026/27 financial year to 154.

The programme has delivered strong results over the past two financial years, with a growing number of interns successfully transitioning into employment opportunities within the Corporation.

In the 2024/25 financial year, the SABC welcomed 110 interns through its partnership with MICT SETA. Of these, 103 successfully completed the programme, with 23 subsequently absorbed into various employment contracts within the organisation.

The positive trajectory continued in the 2025/26 financial year, during which 108 interns joined the programme. Of these, 85 completed the internship successfully, while 70 secured employment opportunities within the SABC.

The increase in intern absorption highlights the programme’s success in developing talent for key business areas.

Business areas such as Technology and News & Current Affairs have consistently recorded strong intern absorption rates, demonstrating the value of practical workplace experience in supporting the Corporation’s operational needs.

In addition to its partnership with MICT SETA, the SABC has hosted 40 interns over the past two financial years through collaborations with a range of external stakeholders.

These partnerships provide aspiring professionals with valuable industry exposure and support broader efforts to improve youth employability and workplace readiness.

Commenting on the programme’s impact, Rachel Masuku, the SABC’s Group Executive for HR said: “For many years, the SABC and MICT SETA have partnered to create opportunities for young South Africans to enter the world of work and develop careers in broadcasting and media. Today, we proudly have employees across the organisation who first joined the SABC as interns more than two decades ago and continue to make valuable contributions to our public service mandate. Their journeys demonstrate the lasting impact of investing in young talent and providing meaningful career opportunities.”

She further stated: “The growing number of interns securing employment within the SABC reflects the success of the programme in opening meaningful career pathways for young South Africans. It also demonstrates the important role the programme plays in building skills for the future workplace.”

ACEO of MICT SETA, Ms Bontle Mokoena said “Our longstanding partnership with the SABC reflects a shared commitment to empowering young South Africans through skills development and workplace learning opportunities. The programme continues to deliver meaningful outcomes by equipping graduates with practical experience and improving their prospects of securing sustainable employment in the broadcasting and media industry. MICT SETA remains dedicated to strengthening industry partnerships that support job creation and build the talent pipeline required for the future economy.”

As the SABC continues to invest in young talent, the Corporation remains committed to providing aspiring media professionals with valuable industry experience and supporting skills development, employment creation and the long-term sustainability of the broadcasting sector.

Ends

Issued By:                        Group Communications

Media Enquiries:            Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

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

RFQ/LOG/2026/10251882/44:PROVISION OF PEST CONTROL & HYGIENE SERVICES FOR SABC, WESTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL OFFICES FOR A PERIOD OF THREE (3) YEARS

RFQ ISSUE `DATE 14 SEPTEMBER 2026

CLOSING DATE & TIME 29 SEPTEMBER 2026 AT 12H00PM

Submissions must be electronically emailed to RFQSubmissions@sabc.co.za on or before the closing date of this RFQ.

For queries, please contact Porcia Ntozini via email: Tenderqueries@sabc.co.za

SABC NEWS WELCOMES HEIDI GIOKOS AS A PRESENTER FOR WEEKEND EDITION OF FULLVIEW

Johannesburg – Monday, 31 August 2026 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Heidi Giokos as a Presenter of the weekend edition of Fullview, further strengthening the public broadcaster’s commitment to delivering credible, insightful and impactful journalism to audiences across the country.

Heidi Giokos is an award-winning journalist, television presenter and broadcaster with an established reputation in business, financial and current affairs reporting. Throughout her career, she has built a strong track record of excellence founded on credibility and a passion for telling stories that matter.

Known for her ability to translate complex economic, business and social issues into accessible and engaging content, Giokos has become a trusted and respected voice within the South African media. Her journalism is characterised by a commitment to accuracy and balanced reporting which is meaningful to the audience.

As a presenter, interviewer and facilitator, she brings a unique combination of journalistic truth, authenticity and a confident on-air presence. Her ability to connect with audiences and the people are at the at the heart of every story and that has earned her recognition across the broadcasting industry. Her experience and expertise will further enhance the SABC’s mission of serving the public with trusted news and information.

Heidi holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Journalism and an Honours Degree in Communications, providing a strong academic foundation to complement her vast professional experience.

Deidre Uren, Group Executive for SABC News said; “We are delighted to welcome Heidi Giokos to the SABC family. Her extensive experience, professionalism and commitment to impactful storytelling align strongly with our mandate of informing, educating and empowering South Africans. We look forward to the contribution she will make across our news platforms.”

The SABC welcomes Heidi Giokos and looks forward to her continued contribution to South African journalism and public broadcasting.

 

Issued By:                         Group Communications

Media Enquiries:            Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

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