Johannesburg – Sunday, 3 December 2023 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Radio portfolio recorded yet another successful story following the announcement of the 2023 Radio Awards Winners last night at Sandton Convention Centre.
The SABC won a total of 20 awards for its cream of the crop on-air talent and content producing expertise in programming across various radio stations. In addition, Programmes Manager for Lotus FM, Mr. Alvin Pillay and Umhlobo Wenene’s former Veteran Presenter Nomthunzi Vuza were inducted into the Hall of Fame for their immense and meaningful contribution in the radio industry over the years. Ukhozi FM’s Neliswa Cele and 5FM’s Nick Archibald were also inducted as the Bright Stars for 2023.

The SABC’s biggest PBS Station with more than 7 million listeners, Ukhozi FM penned a brilliant tale by scooping the Station of the Year award in the PBS category and MyStation-Most Votes award.
The SABC Group Executive of Radio Ms. Nada Wotshela is delighted and stated that “The importance of SABC radio as a primary source of news and information for most South Africans can never be over emphasised, and it has been incredible witnessing how this is reflected by events of this nature where experts in the industry and our audiences duly recognise the great work that our teams are doing. It is more rewarding knowing that despite the difficult trading period that we are experiencing as a public service broadcaster, the quality of our service and commitment to delivering on a mandate bestowed upon us is not compromised”.
Wotshela added, “I am more proud by the consistency that SABC radio portfolio team displays every year to ensure that they keep the South African citizens captivated to our platforms”.
SABC Radio remains committed to inform, educate, and entertain the South African citizens with   meaningful and developmental content through a mix of programming genres including music, drama, documentaries, magazine, and variety shows.

A full list of the winners is available on www.radioawards.co.za.

Ends

Issued By:                              Group Communications
Media Enquiries:                   Ms. Mmoni Seapolelo (Acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)
Seapolelomv@sabc.co.za | T. 011 714 3057 | C. 073 688 1590

Durban – Saturday, 02 December 2023 – Ukhozi FM, South Africa’s leading radio station, proudly announces the highly anticipated release of the top 10 songs for the Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka campaign. As a powerhouse in promoting and celebrating local music, Ukhozi FM continues to showcase the best of South African talent through this esteemed annual initiative.

The Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka campaign has been a vibrant platform that honours and acknowledges the exceptional musical contributions from artists across the nation. This year’s top 10 songs stand as a testament to the diversity and richness of South Africa’s music landscape.

The top 10 songs that have captivated audiences, and earned their place in the prestigious list for the Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka campaign are as follows:

Ukhozi FM Business Manager, Ms. Sbongi Ngcobo, expressed, “Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka is a campaign that is close to listeners’ hearts and is a tradition that most of us grew up on. This campaign, like every other that the station implements relies strongly on listeners’ choices and participation. We all know that music is the soundtrack to our lives, and this is evident through the millions of listeners who participate in this campaign to decide which song takes us to 2024. Ukhozi FM is indeed the authority when it comes to crossing over into the new year, ABANYE ABATHULE.”

The announcement of the top 10 songs marks a pivotal moment in the Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka campaign, inviting fans, listeners, and enthusiasts to participate actively in determining the ultimate Song of the Year using the hash tag #IngomaEhlukanisaUnyaka2023. Voting channels will be open for the public to cast their votes for their favorite song on the Ukhozi FM sms line 33665, contributing to the final declaration of the Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka.

Ukhozi FM extends its gratitude to the artists, listeners, and stakeholders who have contributed to the success of the Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka campaign over the years. The station remains committed to promoting and uplifting musical talent, providing a platform for all genres to flourish.

Ukhozi FM remains the authority on NYE cross over song. ABANYE ABATHULE.

Ukhozi FM Luhamba Phambili.

ENDS

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Seapolelo (Acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs & Marketing)

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

Johannesburg – Friday, 01 December 2023 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) announces that it is making some changes to its trailblazing SABC+ app.  This may result in a temporary pause of services, but this is necessary to pave the way for an exciting new service offering. This will ensure that in future there is an enhanced and more robust digital content delivery for our valued viewers.

During this brief hiatus, which should not be more than 48hours, the SABC will be migrating the SABC+ service to a new technology system, which will result in the scheduled downtime. It must also be noted that services will be limited, so don’t be alarmed with the new offering, as it is part of the migration process. Audiences will still be able to stream their favourite SABC content once the migration is complete. New features and modifications will continue to be implemented post the migration as the SABC continually enhances the offering, and we ask that audiences please be patient in this transition period. This update underscores SABC’s dedication to continue providing audiences with an optimized and enriched SABC+ experience.

SABC+ assures its viewers that this interruption is temporary, and efforts are being made to expedite the transition process. Regular updates will be provided to keep our audience informed about the resumption of SABC+ services and the exciting improvements to come.

ENDS

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Seapolelo (Acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs & Marketing)

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

Johannesburg – Monday, 27 November 2023 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) a leading force in public broadcasting proudly announces the appointment of Ms Nomsa Chabeli, as its new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO).

Ms Nomsa Chabeli whose career path spans over two decades, has amassed a wealth of experience from diverse organisations including MTN and Multichoice where she was the Marketing Director of SuperSport and subsequently the DStv portfolio. In addition, she has served at SAB, Brand South Africa, GCIS and Edcon. She also has a credible history of developing persuasive and highly influential brand messaging that attracts a diverse customer population while also being adept at overseeing market intelligence activities to identify market trends, customer behaviours and emerging technologies.

In her role at MTNSA, she has been instrumental in driving MTN to become the most valuable brand in South Africa and being named the 2022 Brand of the Year, by the Brand Finance South Africa 100 report. From envisioning groundbreaking marketing innovation to fostering a culture of creativity, Ms Chabeli has not only elevated the brands she has nurtured but has also left an enduring impact on the industry.

Some of her career highlights include leading the marketing and communications for the successful 2010 World Cup Bid that resulted in South Africa’s confirmation as the host country, Marketing Director of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 and the development and execution of South Africa’s communications and marketing strategy for various Davos World Economic Forums. She holds an MBA from Henley Business School and is currently completing a Masters in Digital Business at Wits Business School.

The SABC Board of Directors has confidence in Ms Chabeli’s ability to drive revenue generation, strategic growth, innovation and uphold the values that have defined SABC’s legacy. In this pivotal role, Ms Chabeli will spearhead the strategic vision and operational excellence across the entire SABC Group. This appointment reflects SABC’s commitment to maintaining excellence in broadcasting and meeting the evolving needs of its diverse audience.

Ms Chabeli stated, “I am truly honored and excited to join the SABC as its new GCEO. This organisation holds a rich legacy of public service through broadcasting, and I am committed to advancing its mission and intensifying efforts to significantly improve revenue generation and lay the foundation for enduring success. Faced with the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape, together we will embrace innovation, foster meaningful connections and ensure that our content continues to inspire, inform and resonate with diverse audiences in this dynamic media landscape.”

SABC extends its warmest welcome to Ms Chabeli, and the entire organisation looks forward to achieving new milestones under her leadership.

ENDS

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Seapolelo (Acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs & Marketing)

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

Gqeberha – Friday, 10 November 2023 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), would like to announce that the Corporation had to make the difficult decision to cancel the inaugural ‘SABC Half Marathon’, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday, 18 November 2023, in Gqeberha Eastern Cape.

The marathon was in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and hosted by Vukani Multi Sports Club.

The decision follows extensive consultation process with various other key stakeholders on the planned event and due to competing national priorities, one of them being the Voter registration weekend, which would have put a tremendous strain on the municipality’s safety and emergency resources, the SABC saw it fit to cancel this year’s edition.

The Corporation is looking forward to an exciting relaunch of the SABC Half Marathon next year.

The organisation would like to thank the runners and participants who had already registered for the half marathon and apologises for the inconvenience caused. The Corporation will ensure that all the registered entries are duly refunded.

Ms Ayanda Makaula, the SABC’s Eastern Cape Regional Operations Manager said, “The decision to cancel the event is regrettable and we know that many people were looking forward to the inaugural ‘SABC Half Marathon’ and we truly apologise for the cancellation. This decision was also made in the interest of the public and we look forward to hosting a world-class half marathon event, which will have maximum impact in the near future”.

The following refund process has been put in place:

• Online credit card and EFT entries refunds will be processed from Friday, 24 November 2024.
• Manual entries refunds will be done at Brian Bands Sports from Monday, 13 November 2023.

ENDS

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Seapolelo (Acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs & Marketing)

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

Johannesburg – Friday, 3 November 2023 – METRO FM is proud to announce the newest addition to its team of renowned on-air presenters, Ndivho Makhwanya. Ndivho will take on Radioactive every Saturday and Sundays from 00h00 to 03h00. The show proposes to keep listeners company throughout the early hours of the morning with specially curated inspirational music as they prepare for daybreak.

In just four years, Ndivho has managed to carve out a name for herself through the exponential growth she has demonstrated as one of the youngest voices in the commercial radio landscape. Hailing from Limpopo’s Capricorn FM, she hosted and produced her previous radio show which is testament to her dynamism.

Despite housing some of South Africa’s most talented and recognisable on-air presenters, Metro FM is equally committed to identifying talent that is notable and set to impact the industry. Through its latest addition, the station will continue to position itself as South Africa’s number one urban radio station, delivering on fresh and compelling content as well as on trend music. The station is confident that through her star quality, energy and dynamism, Ndivho will resonate with its listeners.

Ends

Issued By:                       Group Communications

Media Enquiries:            Ms. Mmoni Seapolelo (Acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)

      seapolelomv@sabc.co.za|C. 073 688 1590

Gqeberha – Wednesday, 1 November 2023 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is excited to announce its inaugural ‘SABC Half Marathon’ in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in the Eastern Cape and the Vukani Multi Sports Club, who are the official race organizers.

The ‘SABC Half Marathon’ will take place on Saturday 18 November 2023 at Kings Beach, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape and will compromise of a 21km, 10km run and a 5km fun walk or run and will be broadcast live on SABC radio stations Umhlobo Wenene FM, trufm and Radio 2000. This all-exciting half marathon race serves as another opportunity for the SABC to engage with its audiences.

Registration fee for the race is R120 for a 21km and R80 for participants over 60 years old. The 10km run is R80 and the 5km is R50. The theme of this year’s race is ‘PHAKAMA’, which means to ‘stand up’. The SABC regards this theme is a clarion call for all participants to rally behind any because they believe in.  In establishing this event, the SABC and its partners are cognisant of the existence of the social ills that the South African citizens are facing and registering for this half marathon, one can run to raise further awareness and stand up against Gender-based Violence, the rising numbers of crime and unemployment.

A portion of the proceeds from registration fees will go towards the Thuthuzela Rape Crisis Centre which is a centre for rape victims at Dora Nginza Hospital precinct in the Nelson Mandela Bay/ Gqeberha and Tree of Joy; an initiative that aims to provide a Christmas gift to those in Port Elizabeth who otherwise would not receive one.

The overall prize money for the race, spread across all categories is R50 000, and is sponsored by Nedbank.

Ms Ayanda Makaula, SABC Eastern Cape Regional Operations Manager stated, “With the inaugural theme of the ‘SABC Half Marathon’ being ‘PHAKAMA’, we are encouraging the public to participate and come walk or run to promote a cause they believe in. Phakama and come show your support and run for it!”.

Makaula further said, “The SABC has a history of being a dominant player in the space of marathons, having served as the official broadcaster for many years for top South African track and field championships such as the Comrades and Two Oceans Marathons, as well as the Soweto and Cape Town Marathons. In acknowledging the power and impact of sports and enjoining it with the power of SABC broadcast platforms, the inaugural ‘SABC Half Marathon’ will serve as another platform to allow our audiences voices to be heard”.

“It remains our collective responsibility as a community, to take a stand and take action to support the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign by registering for the SABC Half marathon in aid of the Thuthuzela Rape Crisis centre, situated at the Dora Nginza hospital precinct”, says Nelson Mandela Bay Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe.

The registration details for the race are as follows:

• Online entries can be accessed at www.zsports.co.za/sabchalfmarathon or you can get your manual entries at the SABC offices in Gqeberha and at Brian Bands in Newton Park, Eastern Cape.
• The manual entries at Brian Bands will close on Wednesday, 15 of November. Online entries will NOT CLOSE.
• Late entries will also be done at the venue on the 17 November between 15h00 – 19h00 on Friday and late registration will also be available at the race venue from 5am.
• Everyone will get a MEDAL and a FINISHERS certificate when they complete the race.

ENDS

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Seapolelo (Acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs & Marketing)

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

Polokwane – Tuesday, 24 October 2023 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation’s Limpopo based radio station Thobela FM, has learnt with heavy hearts the passing of its presenter Johanna Seboishi Seloga (JJ Menu) who passed away on Monday 23 October 2023.

JJ Menu joined Thobela FM in 2007 and presented many shows including ‘Thoba Matswalo’, and ‘Re mmogo’. JJ was quite popular with the Sunday Show ‘Lesang bana’ and was also producing the programme ‘Moremogolo’.

Her presence on-air and at the station will be sorely missed.

Limpopo Combo Business Manager Madikana Matjila says, “We all are hurt by JJ’s passing and wish to send our heartfelt condolences to the family and all our listeners. We hurt also that millions of children and families have lost a servant, as JJ delivered with passion our children’s religions programming, as well as our all-time favourite ‘Moremogolo’ where she served as a producer. We wish to lastly thank all our listeners for sending us their messages of support in this difficult time.”

The SABC extends its condolences to the family and colleagues at large.

ENDS

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Seapolelo (Acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs & Marketing)

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

Johannesburg – Thursday, 12 October 2023 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is pleased to announce that the Radio Park Building has been declared safe by Johannesburg Emergency Services following a fire incident that occurred earlier today. Electricity supply has also been restored.

The SABC would like to express gratitude to the Johannesburg Emergency services and all the role players who ensured that this unfortunate event was dealt with promptly while prioritising the safety of employees.

ENDS

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Seapolelo (Acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs & Marketing)

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

Johannesburg – Thursday, 12 October 2023 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) can confirm a fire incident at its headquarters, in the Radio campus in Auckland Park.

Staff members have been evacuated from the affected building and an investigation into what caused the fire is also underway. Contingency measures are being implemented and the safety of all employees is prioritized.

The Corporation will provide a further update once the emergency services have surveyed the situation.

Ends

Issued By:                                Group Communications

Media Enquiries:                      Ms. Mmoni Seapolelo (Acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)

Seapolelomv@sabc.co.za | T. 011 714 3057 | C. 073 688 159