Durban – Monday, 3 June 2024 – Lotus FM is sad to announce the retirement of Mala Lutchmanan, who began her stint at the station in 1995, as she also celebrates 28 years at Lotus FM. This excludes the one year that Lutchmanan spent teaching in England. Upon her return from England, she was offered a contract to continue working with the public broadcaster.

In addition to her regular programmes, ‘Inisai Mazhai’ and ‘The Best of Kodambakkam’, she stood in as a stand in presenter for programmes like ‘Sangeetha Nilaiyamu’, ‘Bakthi Sangeeth’, ‘LocalVocal’ and special programmes for ‘Sivaraathri’ and ‘Krishna Janmasthami’. Thus far, she has presented about 3000 programmes.

Qualified as an educator, Lutchmanan taught at an LSEN school until her retirement a year ago. Further, she has produced 22 publications to date (this include books and CDs). Included in these publications are the biography of Nelson Mandela in Tamil, Valliamma- a child soldier, 2 CDs on spoken Tamil and a set of readers for LSEN learners.

Luchmanan enjoyed a cordial relationship with her colleagues and management at Lotus FM. She acknowledges all of them who played a pivotal role in her journey at Lotus FM.

She has received many awards from India and South Africa. Lutchmanan said that it was a well thought out decision to leave and hand over the baton to someone else. She further said that she will now have more time to complete her PhD and invest more time to her other passion which is writing.

Alvin Pillay, Lotus FM’s Programme Manager stated that, “Mala’s presence at Lotus FM has been nothing short of invaluable. Her passion for radio and unwavering commitment to delivering quality content have left an indelible mark on our team and listeners alike. Through her knowledge and engaging broadcasts, she has enriched the lives of countless individuals and established herself as a beloved figure within our community. We wish Mala all the best in her future endeavours and thank her for her exceptional service to Lotus FM.”

End

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 May 2024 – Apart from your wedding day, your matric farewell is probably one of the most glamarous events of your lifetime, a fairytale evening that will be remembered for a very long time.

In 2023, RSG made the dreams of two matric learners, Alistacia Arendse and Athluano Stevens’ dreams a reality, by gifting each with a custom designed suit and dress specially made by 7de Laan’s wardrobe department. In addition a specialist photographer immortalized the evening on film and RSG’s Fran-Rico Lucas was there to add even more glamour!

David Muller Photography also came on board after hearing Athluano and Alistacia’s stories on air in 2023. He and Fran-Rico Lucas from RSG’s Intune and Jazz on RSG, ventured down to Worcester and Robertson to capture these two special people’s day.

This year, RSG has once againdecided to sprinkle some stardust on another two deserving matric students whose circumstances don’t allow for splurges on things like suits and dresses.

RSG is relaunching their Matric Farewell Dance Project – ENGELS , in collaboration with the Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion.

Amoré Swanepoel, RSG’s Marketing Manager says, “These learners’ stories are what really moved us so much, that we had no choice but to launch this project again.” .

The Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion will work closely with this year’s two winners so they can create the suit and dress of their dreams.

Fiona Abdo, Academic Director at the Academy says, “The Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion was founded from Elizabeth’s goal to empower and develop young women, and our ethos of educating, supporting, and growing the South African youth through Fashion remains a priority.”

She further comments “Fashion is such a great self-expressive tool, and we recognize the emphasis and importance the matric dance plays in the lives of our matric learners. It’s the platform that they get to present themselves through Fashion and styling to their peers and their community. The Elizabeth Galloway team are privileged and excited to be able to work together with RSG and the competition winners in making their matric dance fashion dream a reality.”

Starting 27 May 2024 up until 09 June 2024, the public will be able to email their nominations for deserving students, by following these instructions:

–       Include the name and surname of the person you want to nominate.

–       The date on which the nominee’s matric farewell dance will take place.

–       The gender of the nominee (so we know whether a dress or suit will be required).

–       Disclose whether you have the nominee’s permission to share their story and information.

–       Write a motivation on why you believe this specific individual deserves to win a special dress or suit to wear to their matric farewell.

–       You cannot nominate yourself and the nominated individuals’ matric dance must take place between 01 August and 31 December 2024.

–       Email all of the above information to info@rsg.co.za.

–       For additional information visit www.rsg.co.za.

–       Nominations close midnight on 9 June 2024.

Winners for this year, will be announced on Thursday, 20 June 2024 and Studio47 House of Fashion Fabrics in Somerset-West will sponsor the fabric.

RSG’s matric farewell project was also launched on Monday 27 May 2024 on Morning Expresso on S3.

For more information, visit www.rsgo.co.za or RSG’s social media platforms.

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 – Sunday, 26 May 2024 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has noted the allegations by former President Jacob Zuma stating that the SABC has banned him from expressing his views.

The SABC would like to state that the allegations are not true, as from the onset of the formation of Mr. Zuma’s political party, Umkhonto weSizwe, the public broadcaster has covered the party’s activities. In other instances, the SABC has contacted Mr. Zuma’s team for interviews and there was no positive response, and this did not derail the team from trying and even adhering to the invite from his party to cover its activities, including its rally on 18 May 2024.

On 22 May 2024, Mr. Zuma’s team contacted the SABC’s Political Editor to cover the party’s announcement in Durban. The SABC duly responded to the invitation to cover the story, the team was only allocated less than 10 minutes and was told not to ask any questions. In this coverage, Mr. Zuma repeated everything that he said at the rally on 18 May 2024, which the SABC covered extensively. In this regard, the team was not able to explore any new angle that would have deemed the story newsworthy. Following the normal editorial processes to broadcast the story, the editorial team decided that there was no new angle to broadcast it.

It is therefore disingenuous to suggest that the SABC has banned Mr Zuma or his views.  The SABC’s Editorial Policies are anchored on the highest editorial standards, incorporating the values and principles of the Constitution, the requirements of the law including the Broadcasting Act of 1994 and its Charter which stipulates that the SABC must offer a plurality of views and a variety of news, information and analysis from a South African point of view. In its coverage, the SABC is also enjoined to comply with the ICASA regulations.

Group Executive of News and Current Affairs Mr. Moshoeshoe Monare stated that “The SABC always exercises absolute independence and impartially in all its editorial decisions and will not any point suppress anyone’s views. All editorial decisions are based on what is newsworthy and the SABC will always cover stories but the final decisions for final broadcast rests with Editors. In this instance, SABC News Editorial team stands firmly by its decision as there was nothing new that was offered in the interview in question”.

The SABC is committed to ensuring that it continues to execute its public interest obligation of with providing news that is fair and void of ethical drifts in editorial decision making.

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 – Tuesday, 7 May 2024 – Get ready for an unforgettable family day out, as Umhlobo Wenene FM proudly announces the return of its signature event, ‘Impolo Yabahlobo’, set to take place on 1 June 2024, at the iconic Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium from 09h00 to 19h00.

Following the overwhelming success of its inaugural launch in 2023, ‘Impolo Yabahlobo’ Family Day is back, promising an even grander experience for Umhlobo Wenene FM listeners and the Eastern Cape community at large. Last year, the event was sold out with 7,000 attendees and gained national attention after being featured on Vusi Nova’s reality TV show, “Vusi Nova: Unprovoked” currently airing on SABC 1.

This year’s edition aims to surpass all expectations with a venue that can accommodate 15,000 attendees and exciting new features, including a fully-fledged secured kiddies area with supervised activities and entertainment dedicated to the kid’s zone.

The entertainment lineup for ‘Impolo Yabahlobo’ includes Mandisi Dyantyis, Cairo CPT, Moneoa, Ikhona, Amawele ka MamTshawe, Butho Vuthela, while Umhlobo Wenene FM DJs Luckeez, DJ Zeed, and trufm truTalent 2024 winner, Mmthiz Reloaded, will keep the energy high.

They will be complemented by local talents such as Groovy Christ, Missser & Nhunhuza, 98%, GQ, Mist, Mjazz, Yoba, and Reezyville, The event will be hosted by Moshe Ndiki, and Umhlobo Wenene FM’s Mafa Bavuma, Lusanda Mbane, Amaza, Reggie Solani, Blaq Maci, Yarees, and 5FM’s Zanele Potelwa.

Tickets are available at TicketPro for R250 and R500 for VIP. Children up to 12 years old can enter for R100.

Loyiso Bala, Business Manager for the Eastern Cape Combo, said, “I am thrilled to announce our excitement for the upcoming ‘Impolo Yabahlobo’ Family Day event. This year promises to be even more spectacular, as we introduce surprise guests and performances, adding an element of anticipation and excitement for our attendees.”

Bala further stated, “What sets this event apart is our dedication to showcasing diverse talent, particularly from the rich pool of isiXhosa talent and celebrities across South Africa. As a national radio station, Umhlobo Wenene FM takes pride in representing various cultures and regions, and ‘Impolo Yabahlobo’ serves as a platform to celebrate this diversity.”

The decision to bring the event back to the city of East London, was driven by the overwhelming response Umhlobo Wenene FM received last year. Additionally, the station aims to solidify its presence in one of its strongholds in the Eastern Cape, further connecting with its loyal listeners and supporters in the region.

Umhlobo Wenene FM looks forward to welcoming everyone to this unforgettable celebration of talent, culture and community.

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 – Tuesday, 30 April 2024 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) would like to respond to the recent allegations that its Group Executive for News and Current Affairs, Mr. Moshoeshoe Monare is coerced to embark on a second vetting process or is targeted by the Presidency. The SABC has no evidence to suggest that it is being targeted by the Presidency, nor any of its Group Executives as reported by the media.

The SABC would like to state that the Corporation is classified as a national key point area, and it is a procedural requirement for the public service broadcaster as an accountable institution operating in South Africa to initiate a vetting process on all Group Executives. Consequently, when Mr Monare was appointed in 2022, the SABC would have made the request to the SSA for Mr Monare to be vetted.

All top-level executives at the SABC are subjected to vetting and obtaining security clearance as part of their conditions of employment. This requirement is standard for all executives, and those who complete the process receive a certificate of clearance. The details of this vetting process are outlined in the SABC HR policy, ensuring no surprises, or misunderstanding for executives who have agreed to these terms upon signing their contracts.

For clarity, we would like to confirm that vetting is a normal process for executives at the SABC and there is nothing sinister about it. The newly appointed GCEO, Nomsa Chabeli is also undergoing this clearance as a requirement of her employment contract. To this end, the SABC is not involved in scheduling such vetting, management of the timeframes nor is the SABC involved in any aspect of this process. The SABC Legal Office is available to support any employee should they feel that their rights to free expression have been infringed upon.

The SABC Group Executive for News, Moshoeshoe Monare as stated by the Presidency did not complete the process of vetting as stipulated in his contract. He submitted the Z204 (Security Clearance Form) in October 2022. He has not been asked to go through an unfair second round of vetting and security clearance. It is important to confirm that Mr. Monare consented to the vetting by the SSA when he signed his contract of employment which clearly spells out the requirements as a condition of employment.

The SABC Board of Directors and the Group Chief Executive Officer uphold the Charter of the SABC which enshrines the journalistic independence of SABC news staff. In addition, their freedom of expression is protected by the constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

The SABC values the independence of its newsrooms and is able to draw on the experience of talented journalists reporting in all the official languages to provide consistent, relevant and high-quality content, including information and analysis. Editorial staff are required to understand that with the legislated and constitutional protection of the SABC’s independence comes the responsibility to serve the public with the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

It must also be noted that the SABC’s elections broadcasts are regulated by various prescripts of legislation. During an election period, the SABC is bound to comply with additional ICASA guidelines on equitable coverage of political parties, that are applicable during an election period. Given the upcoming elections, the SABC’s is guided by the commitment to editorial independence, impartiality, transparency, and balance.

The SABC occupies a distinct position of trust in the lives of its audiences. It is the most extensive, all-inclusive and diverse news organisation in South Africa. The SABC considers it a duty to provide compelling, independently produced, bias-free, credible, and useful top-quality news, information, and analysis, which the public can trust in their daily decision making about their lives.

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 – Tuesday, 16 April 2024 – METRO FM is excited to announce Tebogo “Proverb” Thekisho and Luthando “Lootlove” Shosha as the main hosts for the upcoming METRO FM Music Awards 2024 (MMA24). The awards are taking place on Saturday, 27 April 2024 at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga.

Proverb says, “It is an honor to host the METRO FM Awards 2024. The SA music scene is constantly filled with rich, vibrant stories of our ever resilient and evolving country and the nominated artists are testament to this.”

Luthando Loot Love Shosha will bring a distinct flair to the program, as the radio and television presenter recently returned to METRO FM to co-host ‘The Touchdown’ with Thabo “Tbo Touch” Molefe.

Luthando “Lootlove” Shosha says, “I’m thrilled and deeply honored to be hosting the 2024 edition of the METRO FM Music Awards. It’s also a monumental career moment, as I step into the role of hosting my first awards ceremony. I’m eager to bring joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments to the awards show, alongside Proverb. Here is to creating magic together on screen. ‘Black To The Future’, indeed!”

The station has lined up a dynamic team to hold down the entire awards night. TV personality and co-host of ‘The Penthouse Sessions’, Lamiez Holworthy and 5FM’s Afternoon Drive presenter Zanele Potelwa, will co-host and capture all the winners thrill from the ‘Green Room’.

The ‘Best Mornings’ host DJ Sabby and SABC 1 presenter, Nomalanga Shozi will bring all the action from the Motsepe Foundation sponsored ‘Black Carpet.

This year’s event takes place against the backdrop of 30 years of South Africa’s democracy. The station is honoring this with the theme ‘Black To The Future’, which is a celebration of the achievements and contributions of black artists in the music industry.

Kina Nhlengethwa, METRO FM’s Business Manager states, “SA music is thriving, attracting new audiences globally and inspiring black excellence. It was only fitting that this year’s theme be carried by some of the industry’s best presenters, who bring a wealth of knowledge about diverse facets of the SA arts and entertainment scene.”

The awards will be broadcast live on SABC 1 and streaming service SABC Plus, at 20:00.

The METRO FM Awards 2024 are hosted by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, and proudly sponsored by Motsepe Foundation. In an effort to add more value to the awards, each category will receive R50 000 and the Song of the Year winner will walk away with R150 000, courtesy of the Motsepe Foundation. In addition, Santam is sponsoring the Best New Artist category.

Voting lines remain open and listeners can vote on*120*45787# with USSD rates charged at R1.50 per minute. T’s and C’s apply.

Tickets for all METRO FM Music Awards 2024 official events are available on Computicket. General Admission is currently selling at R300 and Golden Circle at R800.

Metro FM Official Events Program

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 – Saturday, 13 April 2024 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) News and Current Affairs division will broadcast one of its brand-new flagship Current Affairs programme, Elections 360 on Sunday 14 April 2024 at 19h00.

This show comes at the time when the country is getting ready for the upcoming national elections set to take place on 29 May 2024, and will be presented by two seasoned journalists with wealth of experience, Sakina Kamwendo and Blain Herman.

The Group Executive for News and Current Affairs, Mr. Moshoeshoe Monare said that Elections 360 will be highly interactive, audience driven, fast paced and will encapsulate robust debates that will allow ordinary citizens an opportunity to voice their opinions and express themselves”.

The first broadcast of Elections 360 will take place at the SABC’s M1 Studio in Auckland Park and will kick off with tackling the issue of immigration and border management in the country. As part of showcasing the SABC’s wide footprint and ensuring that the voice of the people is heard, Elections 360 debates will be rolled out in other townhalls across the country with special Outside Broadcasts.

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, 5 April 2024 – SABC Sport, host broadcaster for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in South Africa, is proud to announce that the second leg of the quarter final match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Young Africans at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, will be the very first production by SABC Sport, to incorporate Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the presentation of the match.

SABC Sport will broadcast the match live today at 20h00 on SABC 3. The usage of VAR is a key milestone for SABC Sport as this is a technology enabled match official in association football who assists the referee by reviewing decisions using video footage and providing advice to the referee based on those reviews. VAR system keep a record of reviewable incidents and communicate the outcome of a review to broadcasters.

Ms. Keletso Totlhanyo, Head of SABC Sport stated, “This is a very exciting development for SABC Sport and will add a whole new dimension to this league. SABC Sport continuously explores thrilling and innovative ways to present football matches to our diverse audiences. Our teams have been trained to incorporate VAR in the presentation of the match and we promise great entertainment to our viewers”.

Follow SABC Sport and on X , Instagram, and Facebook for updates.

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 – Saturday, 30 March 2024 – As the country gears up for the General Elections and celebrates 30-years of democracy, SABC News fuses experience and youthful energy in its new line-up. SABC News proudly stands tall as the trailblazer, the trendsetter and the country’s news leader as it retains its top position in both the satellite and free to air news market.

This leading news service produces and continue to be the training ground for the country’s top talent who continue to excel and contribute to the industry.

The Group Executive for News and Current Affairs, Mr. Moshoeshoe Monare stated that “In our latest triumph, we’re thrilled to introduce a stellar lineup of programs and anchors that undoubtedly keep the SABC News as a credible source of news. Millions of South Africans trust and rely on our content and information”.

The audiences will be treated to a brand-new hard-hitting show, ‘Face the Nation’ with the incomparable Clement Manyathela, where tough questions are tackled, and leaders will be held accountable. In addition, SABC News is thrilled to announce the launch of the new feature, ‘Explain and Verify’, a fact-check show. ‘Explain and Verify’ will delve deep into critical issues, providing in-depth analysis, verification, and clear explanations to ensure our audience is well-informed. This will help decipher any misinformation and disinformation that have become a global phenomenon.

The compelling young and dynamic Ayanda Nyathi will set the agenda in the mid-morning show ‘The Agenda’, weekdays. Additionally, the dynamic and knowledgeable Mfundo Mabalane joins the prime-time ‘Full View’ team, which is the SABC News’s premier daily show. ‘The Late Edition’, the news wrap show, will provide late-night breaking news with the captivating Mpho Sithole to cap off the news day.

Mr Monare further stated that “‘We are excited to introduce ‘Democracy 30’, a special initiative to celebrate our nation’s democracy. Through this program, the vibrant Oliver Dickson will take stock of our journey, reflecting on where we come from as a nation and providing platforms to South Africans to express and reflect on their experiences. We are also bringing viewers rolling coverage of the general elections through town Halls from all corners of the most remote village to the bustling Metros of South Africa in all indigenous languages. On the ‘Election360’ special, Sakina Kamwendo and Blain Herman will host the political party debates”.

SABC News remain committed to ensuring that its programming adhere to the values as encapsulated in the SABC’s Editorial Policy and continue to l provide fair coverage and remain independent and impartial.

End

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, 28 March 2024 – RADIO 2000 is pleased to announce its lineup effective 1 April 2024. RADIO 2000 has established itself as the premium national urban adult contemporary radio station in South Africa. The station has recorded audience increases of over 170 000 listeners from March 2023 to date, whilst entrenching itself in the hearts of its listener.

With a lineup that boasts some of the most notable household names in the industry, the station keeps on delivering on their mandate which has seen it achieve and surpass the two million audience mark.

RADIO 2000 is excited to launch a new breakfast show to be anchored by one of the most revered personalities in South Africa, radio host, media personality, philanthropist, and businessman Sibusiso ‘DJ Sbu’ Leope. DJ Sbu is back on radio after almost a decade away and he promises that South Africa’s mornings will never be the same again as we usher in a new breakfast show together with the current team of Nathi Ndamase as co-presenter and Lelo Mzaca as the sports anchor. As part of the show’s introduction, listeners will have an opportunity to give the show a name with prizes up for grabs. Until then the #NoNameBreakfastShow airs weekdays, 06h00-09h00.

RADIO 2000 is also happy to announce that award winning producer, artist, businessman, DJ and hitmaker Tlou Cleopas Monyepao aka ‘DJ Cleo’ will be joining the station. The winner of several music awards – DJ Cleo with his wealth of musical knowledge will host a brand-new dance show ‘The Eskhaleni Party’ Fridays, 22h00 – 00h00. The  Look forward to starting your weekends with DJ Cleo on RADIO 2000 as well as his mixes on selected station shows.

The rest of your favourite weekday daytime lineup remains unchanged with the vibrant Ntombi Phiri on Better Together, 09h00 – 12h00, David Mashabela returns with another season of The Royal Playground, 12h00 – 15h00 while Paul Mnisi drives you home together with his team Isaac Gampu and Lonwabo Nkohla on sports duty on The Drive Connection, 15h00 – 18h00.

The station bids farewell to radio legend Lewis Mpotseng Tshinaba aka Glen Lewis, whose journey with RADIO 2000 comes to an end after hosting the breakfast show in the past year and afternoon drive show in 2022-23 lineup. The much-loved talent will present his last show on 29 March 2024. The station management thanks Glen for all his work and being part of the team that has grown the station and wish him all the very best in his future plans.

Fortune Combo Business Manager, Mr Anthony Soglo said ”RADIO 2000 is blessed to have a team of passionate professional broadcasters and talent who understand the vision of being a listener centric station targeting our iYouth Endala listeners. We welcome our new talent and know that they fit our presenter profile who understand our target audience and will assist in further creating an environment for our commercial stakeholders to thrive. As part of our offering in the new radio year, we look forward to the launch of our brand-new bespoke RADIO 2000 website and APP to keep us even closer to our listeners”.

The rest of the lineup remains unchanged.

For more information visit www.radio2000.co.za or our social media platforms @Radio2000_ZA.

 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