Gqeberha – Tuesday, 12 December 2023 — Umhlobo Wenene FM, the SABC’s multi-award-winning radio station, has successfully concluded its drama competition, aimed at discovering and promoting fresh talent in the world of radio storytelling. The competition launched on October 28, 2023, and received a record 281 submissions from producers, actors and writers across South Africa. Over 9,000 votes were cast for the voter’s part of the competition. On 4 December 2023, the announcement of the three (3) winners and a voter was made by Member of the Executive Committee: Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Ms. Nonceba Kontsiwe and Business Manager: Eastern Cape Combo Mr. Loyiso Bala.

The competition sought to open new avenues for creative minds and elevate their storytelling abilities, providing a platform for the development and nurturing of emerging artists. The theme for all submissions centered around the critical issue of drug abuse under the hashtag #UWFMSafaZiziyobisi with entrants challenged to create content that is not only entertaining but also informative and educational. The actor category was the only category open for public voting, while the writer and producer categories were judged by an esteemed panel that included high-ranking executives from Eastern Cape Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC). The competition brought in 8,000 votes in a space of 2 weeks.

After meticulous evaluation, the winners have been announced, each standing out for their exceptional contributions to the competition:

Drama Writer: Monwabisi Khininda

Producer: Charlie Dyasi

Actor (Voted for by Listeners): Khanyiswa Mingo

Each of the above winners will receive a substantial cash prize of R20,000 in recognition of their outstanding creativity and dedication to addressing social issues through storytelling. They will not only enjoy cash prizes but will also be contracted and cast in an upcoming ad-hoc drama series for Umhlobo Wenene FM. The details of this series are set to be announced in the second quarter of the 2024 SABC financial year.. Additionally, the winning voter, Zilindile Christopher Notiki, who garnered the most votes for the actor category only, will be awarded a generous cash prize of R15,000.

The drama competition, from its inception, aimed to contribute to the growth and development of the creative and entertainment industry.

Eastern Cape Combo Business Manager, Loyiso Bala, expressed his excitement about the success of the campaign, which was in partnership with the Eastern Cape DSRAC stating, “Dramas are a creative outlet that not only entertains our listeners but informs them while building their language skills. Our goal is to be able to play the role of an incubator for the creative and entertainment industry by bringing creatives together and providing them with tools and support to thrive in their own language. We are grateful to Eastern Cape DSRAC for sharing in our vision to develop creatives through the language of isiXhosa, particularly because 2023 marked a 100-year celebration of isiXhosa in its written form”.

Umhlobo Wenene FM remains committed to fostering a vibrant community of storytellers and looks forward to witnessing the continued success and growth of the winners in their future endeavours.

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, 11 December 2023 – Following a migration to a new technology platform and changes to its streaming APP SABC+, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is pleased to announce that the popular catch-up service is once again available on the platform. The catch-up service at this stage will however, only be accessible via the web through www.sabc-plus.com.

Audiences will be able to access the latest episodes of these flagship and new shows:

• Skeem Saam
• 7de Laan
• Generations
• Uzalo
• Muvhango
• The Gumbis
• Music Connect
• The Sauce
• Colours
• Derech Eretz
• The Smzee Show
• Latest Premier League fixtures

New features and modifications will continue to be implemented as the SABC enhances the APP’s offering. These updates underscore the SABC’s dedication to continue providing audiences with an optimised and enriched SABC+ experience.

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, 9 December 2023 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) will unfortunately not broadcast the upcoming SA vs India Cricket Tour this December and January taking place in South Africa.

The SABC’s Chief Operations Officer, Ian Plaatjes stated “The public broadcaster is aware that Cricket is a loved sport in our country, but with the withdrawal of the sponsors due to the broadcasting rights not being timeously finalized, the SABC was faced with withdrawal or suffering financial losses.

The SABC relies on sponsorship revenue for the acquisition of sports rights and with just three (3) days before the start of the tournament and the withdrawal of sponsors, the SABC had to make the difficult, but financially prudent decision to not broadcast the 2023/24 India Tour to South Africa”.

Plaatjes added that “the SABC values the relationship with CSA and remains committed to find a solution that is mutually beneficial to both parties.  To this end, the SABC remains available to broadcast the India Tour at a rights fee commensurate with the projected revenue should CSA be amenable to this”.

Follow SABC Sport on SABC Sport channel, sabcsport.com, and Twitter, 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

Nominee: Nomthunzi Vuza

Number of years in broadcasting: 33 years

Station: Umhlobo Wenene FM

Nomthunzi Vuza, known as “Mama ka Ma-Asi,” spent 33 years with Umhlobo WeneneFM, starting when it was known as Radio Xhosa. She joined the SABC in 1989 as the host of Eyentsatshana until 1990, and later presented Ezamakhosikazi in 1991. Over the years, she became a vital figure in the station’s success and touched the lives of many listeners. Nomthunzi played a key role in structuring the women’s programs unit and implementing systems to fulfill the station’s mission of informing and educating the nation while nurturing talented female presenters. Her show, LelikaYehova Ihlabathi, achieved historic audience figures, surpassing two million in 2016. She also contributed to notable shows like Hlala eThembeni on Mondays and Omama nelizwi on Thursdays. On Fridays, the show transformed into an in-studio kitchen with support from well-known sponsors. Even in retirement, she continues to passionately guide and mentor staff at Umhlobo WeneneFM, deserving recognition for her contributions.

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