SABC and Sun City Resort announce the first artist lineup for June event

Johannesburg – Friday, 20 March 2026 – The iconic Sun City Superbowl sets the stage for the second annual Ziyakhala Mo Sun City on Saturday, 27 June 2026, in the North West Province. This year, patrons should prepare for an eclectic celebration as some of Mzansi’s top artists ignite the stage in a captivating showcase of music, heritage, and national spirit. The 2026 edition promises another unforgettable cultural experience, bursting with the rhythm, energy, and soul of Mzansi.

In partnership with the South African Broadcasting Corporation and nine of its African Language radio Stations (ALS), proudly broadcasting in nine South African official languages, the event is set to celebrate cultural musical diversity and amplify indigenous knowledge. SABC’s mandate is to inform, educate, and entertain and now that mission bursts to life on stage. The sold-out inaugural edition of Ziyakhala Mo Sun City in 2025 delivered on all fronts, featuring a star-studded line-up and a diverse entertainment offering that delighted even the most musically discerning guests, while honouring music legends for their invaluable contributions to the industry.

The 2026 line-up is nothing short of spectacular, featuring Shandesh, the queen of lekompo; the legendary afro-pop duo Mafikizolo; Khuli Chana, the Motswak’originator; trailblazing maskandi star Khuzani; amapiano sensation uMashaya Young Stunna; reggae legend Dr. Colbert Mukwevho; Mr Vee Sholo oza ne gwijo; Setswana afro-pop trio Encore; tšepe lyricist Sannere; uNdzundza Neenkhali Zebhosa; DJ Mfundhisi Xikwembu ka Mic; uMafikizolo Mr Hit; and Swati afro-pop sensation Phumla Music, all coming together to celebrate music while honouring another living legend of South Africa’s vibrant industry.

Siphelele Sixaso, GM of SABC Public Broadcasting Service radio stations said, “One of the visions of SABC is to inspire minds and empower lives, radio plays an important role in doing that through our African Music. The African music is one of the cultural features that defines African identity as unique in the world. It unites Africans and provides them with shared cultural traits and a sense of collective identity. “

He further stated, “Ziyakhala Mo Sun City is more than just a celebration, it’s a movement. Its mission is to showcase our nation’s greatness and bring people together through the universal language of music. At its heart lies Ubuntu: the spirit of unity, connection, and shared joy”.

Brett Hoppé, Sun City’s General Manager said, “Last year was a resounding success and Sun City can’t wait to do it all again. We are thrilled to be bringing this event back for a second year and partnering with SABC again to give guests another stunning celebration of our culture.

Hoppe concluded stating “Over more than four decades, Sun City has welcomed many of the world’s most renowned performers to its stages, but it is equally special to celebrate the extraordinary talent found here at home. Our rich heritage and iconic venues make Sun City the perfect stage for artists whose music and culture speak to the heart of South Africa.”

Event Information

Date       :Saturday, 27 June 2026

Venue    :Superbowl, Sun City Resort

Time      : Doors open 14h00

Tickets from R350, VIP tickets at R1750 via Ticketpro Event ticket includes access into Sun City Resort.

Ends

SABC Contact: Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

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

Sun City Resort Contact: Zinhle Dlamini (PR & Communications Manager)

zinhle.dlamini@suninternational.com T. 014 557 1220 | C. 084 314 6245

Follow Sun City for news updates:

Facebook: @SunCitySA

Instagram: suncityresortsa

Lalah Hathaway joins Robert Glasper & Bilal, as Matt Hansen, Tigran Hamasyan and rising local talent Caleb Dlamini complete the line-up

Franschhoek, South Africa, 16 March 2026 – Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek has completed the programme for its historic inaugural edition with the announcement of internationally acclaimed artists Matt Hansen and Tigran Hamasyan, alongside exciting young South African ensemble Caleb Dlamini & Friends.

Adding to the excitement, organisers have also confirmed that Grammy-winning vocalist Lalah Hathaway will join Robert Glasper and special guest Bilal for a rare live collaboration when the inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek takes place in the valley of dreams later this month.  

From 27–29 March 2026, the legendary Swiss-born Montreux Jazz Festival makes its African debut in the beautiful Franschhoek valley in South Africa, bringing together almost 40 global icons, African innovators and emerging talent in a vibrant celebration of musical discovery.

The final additions further enriches a programme that celebrates musical excellence in all its forms.

Singer-songwriter Matt Hansen, whose emotionally resonant music and storytelling have earned him a massive global following –including millions of fans across TikTok and streaming platforms –brings a fresh contemporary voice to the programme. His performance at The Arches stage on Friday night promises to connect with a new generation of music lovers discovering Montreux for the first time.

At the Jazz Village stage on Friday, located in an historic church in the town, audiences will experience the extraordinary artistry of Tigran Hamasyan, winner of the 2003 Solo Piano Competition of the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation (MJAF). Since then, the Armenian pianist and composer has established himself as one of the most innovative musicians of his generation. His appearance at Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek reflects the foundation’s philanthropic mission to support and accompany jazz talents throughout their artistic journey.

Completing the announcement is Caleb Dlamini & Friends, a dynamic young collective from the host town of Franschhoek. Led by 17-year-old drummer prodigy Caleb Dlamini, the ensemble represents the next generation of South African musicians shaping the country’s evolving jazz landscape.

Dlamini’s inclusion carries particular resonance. Supported in his musical journey through education and access to instruments by the festival’s legacy partner, FRANCO, he is both a remarkable young bandleader and a powerful symbol of the festival’s commitment to nurturing future talent.  Some of the valley’s talent is also currently being incubated through Franschhoek’s Uncorked Music Academy, such as 13-year-old saxophone player Graigan Papier, also part of the band line-up and who will make a cameo appearance with Kesivan Naidoo’s amaBig Band Experience.  

For Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek, placing emerging artists on the same stages as internationally celebrated performers is central to its vision: creating a space where musical heritage and future innovation meet.

Festival co-founder Raffaella Goedvolk says the final announcement perfectly captures the spirit of Montreux. “What excites us most about this final programme is the meeting of generations – from globally celebrated artists to young musicians like Caleb Dlamini who represent the future of South African jazz.

“That has always been the magic of Montreux: extraordinary artists, unexpected collaborations and the feeling that something special can happen at any moment.”

Buli Ndlovu, Executive Head of Personal and Private Banking Marketing, Nedbank, agrees, saying the festival also represents an important cultural milestone. “Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek is more than a music event, it is a cultural moment.”

“It celebrates creativity, connection, and the extraordinary depth of talent we have in South Africa and across the world. As Nedbank, we are proud to support an initiative that brings global artistry to our shores while creating meaningful opportunities for emerging musicians who represent the future of our creative economy. We curate these moments for our clients to connect with them through their passion, offering experiences that resonate with their appreciation for artistry, culture, and excellence.”

Across the weekend the festival will unfold across stages and spaces in the Cape winelands valley, blending world-class live performances, DJs and vinyl selectors with exceptional food, wine and immersive cultural experiences.

The full programme now features an extraordinary mix of international icons, African innovators and emerging talent.

Park and Ride transport options from various destinations in Cape Town and the Winelands make the festival accessible and a dedicated website run by travel partner Tourvest assists festival goers with seamless accommodation and transfers. Please visit https://www.tourvestdm.com/mjf/ for more information on these options as well as for details about the festival’s private chauffer offering.

Please see website: http://www.mjfsa.com/ for further information including details about the un-ticketed Sunday Slowdown.

For media enquiries – hi-res images, expanded biographies, interviews etc:

Kaz Henderson | Networx PR | kaz@networxpr.co.za | +27 (0)82 339 1199

Jeni Fletcher | Networx PR | jeni@networxpr.co.za

Social Media:

Instagram: @mjffranschhoek

Facebook: Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek

X (Twitter): @mjffranschhoek

TikTok: @montreuxjazzfestivalsa

Editor Notes:

About Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek (MJFSA)

The Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek (MJFSA) is a jazz-inspired, lifestyle experience that brings the iconic Montreux spirit to Africa for the first time. Taking place 27–29 March 2026 in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley – one of the world’s most celebrated food, wine, and art destinations – MJFF will see global artistry meet African soul in a celebration of connection, creativity, and excellence across music, art, and culture.

As part of Montreux’s global family, MJFSA is defined not by scale but by curation: exceptional performances, immersive experiences, and the unmistakable magic of Franschhoek. www.mjfsa.com

The festival is supported by several partners including Nedbank, SABC, Sunday Times, Heineken, and Franschhoek Wine Valley.

About the Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland)

Held each summer on the shores of Lake Geneva, the Montreux Jazz Festival was founded in 1967 by Claude Nobs and has been directed by Mathieu Jaton since 2013.  It attracts around 250,000 visitors each year and has hosted legends including Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Prince, David Bowie, and Elton John.

Organised by the Fondation du Festival de Jazz de Montreux, the festival is renowned for its creative collaborations, legendary performances, and global spirit of artistic exchange. www.montreuxjazzfestival.com

About Nedbank Group

Nedbank Group is a bank holding company listed on the JSE Limited, with a market capitalisation of R118bn as at 30 June 2025. Nedbank is one of Africa’s largest banking groups, with operations in South Africa, Namibia, Eswatini, Mozambique, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, and offshore in the Isle of Man and Jersey. It also has representative offices in other Africa countries, including Kenya, and has key global financial centres to provide international banking services for SA-based multinational and high-net-worth clients in London and Dubai. The group is a diversified financial services provider, offering a wide range of wholesale and retail banking and financial services. Nedbank has maintained its level 1 BBBEE status for the past 7 years and rates in the top quartile of local and international banks on ESG scores.  group.nedbank.co.za

Artists on the line-up:

By Themba Gwejela

In debates about South Africa’s media future, two claims often surface at the same time: that the future of broadcasting lies entirely in streaming, and that “nobody watches the SABC anymore.”

Both arguments overlook something important. They fail to recognise how the public broadcasting ecosystem actually works, and the role it continues to play in South Africa’s media landscape.

Public broadcasting exists to fulfil a public service mandate. Unlike purely commercial media organisations, its role is not only to generate revenue or chase ratings. Public broadcasters exist to inform, educate and entertain, while reflecting national culture and serving audiences across languages and communities.

This mandate fundamentally shapes how public broadcasters operate.

Across the world, public broadcasters are typically funded through a mix of sources, including licence fees, public funding and limited advertising. Very few rely primarily on commercial revenue.

The SABC is unusual in this regard. More than 80% of its funding comes from commercial activities, making it one of the most commercially dependent public service broadcasters globally.

What is often overlooked is that this funding model does not only sustain the broadcaster itself, it also supports an entire creative economy.

Every commissioned programme, whether a drama series, documentary, children’s show or entertainment format, creates work across a wide creative value chain. Independent production companies, writers, directors, actors, presenters, technicians, editors and composers all form part of this ecosystem.

Public broadcasting therefore remains one of the largest investors in local storytelling and creative talent in South Africa. Each production helps sustain jobs while ensuring South African stories continue to be told by South Africans.

Yet the funding model that supports this ecosystem has come under growing strain.

South Africa’s television licence fee currently stands at around R265 per year and has remained largely unchanged for about 14 years. Over that period, the cost of producing content has risen significantly. Production budgets have increased, technology infrastructure has become more expensive, and audiences increasingly expect content to be available across multiple platforms.

At the same time, licence fee evasion remains high, further reducing the available funding pool.

The result is a system that is increasingly expected to deliver more with fewer resources.

Audiences expect high-quality local dramas, trusted news coverage, children’s programming, sports broadcasting and digital platforms that allow them to watch content wherever and whenever they choose. Meeting those expectations requires significant investment.

Sport provides a useful example of how this ecosystem functions. Major sporting events do not simply appear on television – broadcast rights must be purchased, and globally those rights have become increasingly expensive. In fact, broadcast rights revenue is a major source of funding for professional leagues, national teams and development programmes across many sporting codes.

In South Africa, certain sporting events are designated as events of national importance, meaning they must be available on free-to-air television. However, those rights still need to be purchased using the same revenue pool that funds news, local productions and digital platforms.

Understanding this ecosystem also helps explain another widely repeated claim: that nobody watches the SABC anymore.

The reality is that South Africa’s television landscape is structured around two types of platforms: free-to-air broadcasting, such as the SABC and e.tv, and subscription television services such as DStv.

The key difference between these platforms is access.

Free-to-air television is available to any household with a television set and the ability to receive a signal. Subscription services require a monthly fee. That difference significantly shapes audience reach.

Because free-to-air television remains the most accessible platform, it continues to deliver the largest audiences in the country.

This is why many of South Africa’s most watched programmes regularly appear on SABC and eTV channels. Shows such as Skeem Saam, Generations and Uzalo have remained among the most widely watched programmes in the country for years.

Another detail often overlooked is that South African broadcasting regulations require Pay-TV operators to carry the free-to-air channels. These “must-carry” rules ensure that public broadcasting services remain widely accessible across platforms.

Public broadcasting, therefore, is about far more than television channels.

It is a national media ecosystem that supports local storytelling, sustains thousands of jobs and ensures that a country can see and hear itself reflected in its own media landscape.

In a rapidly evolving digital environment, recognising and sustaining that public value has never been more important.

About the author
Themba Gwejela is the Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing at the SABC.

Johannesburg – Monday, 09 March 2026 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) will broadcast an exciting international football spectacle, as German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig travels to South Africa for the first time to face Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns in a blockbuster friendly match. As the official broadcaster, the SABC will bring the highly anticipated clash live to audiences across the country.

The historic encounter forms part of RB Leipzig’s “RE KAOFELA” Tour meaning “all together”, which will see the RB Leipzig club based in Johannesburg from 26 to 30 May 2026. The tour marks a significant milestone for the German club as it expands its global footprint and engages with one of Africa’s most passionate football markets.

The highly anticipated match will take place on Friday, 29 May 2026, at the iconic Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00. South African audiences will be able to experience the action live on S3, ensuring fans across the country have access to this exciting international football showcase.

The clash brings together two football powerhouses known for excellence, talent development, and exciting styles of play. It also represents a meaningful moment of sporting exchange between South Africa and Germany, celebrating the global appeal and unifying power of football.

Speaking on the significance of the broadcast, SABC Head of Sport, Keletso Totlhanyo, said: “As the public broadcaster, the SABC has a responsibility to ensure that South Africans have access to world-class sporting moments that inspire and unite the nation. Broadcasting this international friendly between Mamelodi Sundowns and RB Leipzig gives local fans the opportunity to witness a top European club competing on home soil, while celebrating the strength and global competitiveness of South African football. Moments like these are important because they connect our audiences to the global game, while also showcasing the quality of our local champions on an international stage.”

RB Leipzig General Manager Johann Plenge, highlighted the significance of the tour for the club’s international ambitions:

“South Africa is a particularly exciting football market and a culturally impressive destination for RB Leipzig and the Bundesliga. The passion with which football is lived here aligns perfectly with our ambition to inspire fans around the world through our dynamic style of play.

After successful tours in the United States and Brazil, we are excited to travel to South Africa for the first time and to face Mamelodi Sundowns, a club that has shaped African football for many years and enjoys strong international recognition.”

Mamelodi Sundowns Ambassador and former captain Hlompho Kekana also welcomed the opportunity for local fans to experience a global football spectacle:

“We look forward to welcoming a formidable side like RB Leipzig to Pretoria. Having captained Mamelodi Sundowns against Barcelona in South Africa in 2018, I know how special these moments are for players and supporters.

This match gives us an opportunity to showcase South African football flair, the country’s hospitality, and the rich football heritage of Atteridgeville. We cannot wait to display our style of play – shoe shine and piano – to the world once again.”

The match will be played at the historic Lucas Moripe Stadium, a venue deeply rooted in South African football heritage. The venue also carries international significance, having served as a training facility for the German national team during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, further highlighting its global football credentials.

Through the broadcast of this landmark fixture, the SABC continues to deliver premium sporting content while ensuring that major sporting moments remain accessible to audiences across South Africa.

Football supporters across the country can catch the thrilling showdown between Mamelodi Sundowns and RB Leipzig live on S3 on Friday, 29 May 2026 at 20:00.

About SABC Sport

As the home for universal access to sport and football, SABC Sport champions South Africa’s passion for athletic excellence. Through free-to-air broadcasting on television, radio, and digital platforms, SABC Sport delivers live coverage of premier football alongside rugby, cricket, athletics, and more ensuring every South African can enjoy the sporting moments that unite us all.

ENDS

Issued By:                         Group Communications

Media Enquiries:            Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

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

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://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GZYC9XT08xrn4VcQ7CDFonrFiajvxm29?usp=sharing.

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

Gqeberha, Eastern Cape – Tuesday, 20 January 2026 – Umhlobo Wenene FM and Black Mobile will officially hand over the R25,000 cash prize to the winner of the 2025 Ingoma Yonyaka competition, “Umalume” by Mr Vee Sholo, at a dedicated handover ceremony taking place on Friday, 23 January 2026 in Gqeberha.

This ceremony marks the third official handover of the Ingoma Yonyaka competition with Black Mobile, reinforcing Umhlobo Wenene FM’s commitment to recognising and celebrating South African music through meaningful, audience-driven platforms

On 1 January 2026, Mr Vee Sholo was officially congratulated during the 2025/2026 crossover on-air by veteran Luks Gidane, and later that morning, welcomed on i-Breakfast Eyondlayo Ekuseni following his win. During the interview, Vee Sholo shared that part of the prize money would be used to buy school uniform for children at a school he has adopted in Gqeberha, a gesture that resonated deeply with listeners and reflected the shared values of community upliftment that define Umhlobo Wenene FM. He profoundly highlighted that the song is reflective of most South African households that are single mother led, where umalume (uncle) takes on the pivotal father figure. The song portrays oomalume as unsung heroes, and in this catchy strophic song, it basically says “we see you”.

Ingoma Yonyaka remains one of the station’s most listener-centric flagship properties, driven by public participation, shared sentiment, and collective celebration. It recognises not only artists, but also the listeners whose votes, passion, and loyalty shape the moment, memory and soundtrack that defines the year. Mr Vee Sholo’s campaign was simple: he was booked for events and ceremonies such as weddings and imigidi where his music or genre would have been sung as igwijo (chant). He would then urge all attendees to vote for him at those events.

Speaking on the significance of Ingoma Yonyaka, Umhlobo Wenene FM Business Manager, Loyiso Bala, said:

“Ingoma Yonyaka is powerful because it belongs to the listeners. It reflects what people have lived, danced to, and celebrated throughout the year. This handover is not only about the prize money; it is about honouring the cultural moments that unite our communities and ensuring that the artists who give us that soundtrack feel seen, supported, and valued.”

Loyiso also added that “The popularity of Umalume reflects South Africa’s growing embrace of isiXhosa cultural sounds. The prominence of imigidi and wedding ceremonies during December amplified public excitement around ceremonial music, illustrating how cultural moments can expand the reach and relevance of indigenous sound.”

The Handover Ceremony will include the presentation of a symbolic cheque and live performances, headlined by Mr Vee Sholo performing the winning song Umalume. He will be supported by a line-up of respected and emerging local artists, including runner up for this leg of the competition, Aypee Soundz, Nomabotwe, Joliza BhacaSoul, and other local artists, reinforcing the spirit of unity, celebration, and cultural pride.

The ceremony will be broadcast and live-streamed during iDrive Enochatha (15:00–18:00), allowing listeners across the province to be part of this landmark moment in real time. Listeners will be able to view the entire ceremony on Umhlobo Wenene FM’s Facebook page on @Umhlobo Wenene FM 88-106 and YouTube.

ENDS

Media Enquiries:

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

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

Johannesburg – Wednesday, 07 January 2026 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) proudly welcomes Jason Olifant to the organisation. Olifant is a well-seasoned legal executive and admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa, with over 15 years of experience spanning across telecommunications, media, technology, insurance, sales, and digital space.

Mr Olifant’s career kick started at Schindlers Attorneys. This is where he built a great foundation in labour law, tax law, corporate and commercial law, and litigation. Transitioning into in-house counsel roles, Jason advanced through leading organisations including Dimension Data (NTT Group), MultiChoice Group, Showmax, NMS Insurance, DStv Media Sales, Naspers/Prosus, and recently Vodacom Group. His role at Naspers included an international assignment in Hong Kong, where he navigated complex legal matters across multiple territories.

He has expertise in areas such as:

• Legal risk analysis and mitigation.
• Complex commercial and technology contracting.
• Mergers and acquisitions.
• Litigation management.

The most recent position he held is that of Executive Head of Legal Affairs – Technology and Commercial Operations, where he provided strategic leadership on high-value matters impacting enterprise-wide risk and commercial operations.

Academically, Jason holds an Executive MBA from GIBS (University of Pretoria), two LLM degrees in Commercial Law and Labour Law, an LLB, and a Higher Diploma in Taxation. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Law. His achievements include recognition as one of Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans, alongside contributions to thought leadership through published legal articles.

Nomsa Chabeli, GCEO of the SABC says, “The Group Executive: Legal, Governance and Regulatory is a critical leadership appointment for the SABC. Jason Olifant brings deep legal expertise, strong governance credentials, and extensive experience in highly regulated and technology-driven environments. His appointment strengthens our ability to uphold sound governance, navigate regulatory complexity, and protect the long-term sustainability and integrity of the public broadcaster”.

ENDS

Issued by:

Group Communications

South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

Media Enquiries:            Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

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

Johannesburg – Friday, 12 December 2025 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) welcomes the findings of the 2025 South African Reconciliation Barometer (SARB), which affirms the SABC as the most trusted public institution in the country.
According to the report, 54% of South Africans express confidence in the SABC, the highest rating among all institutions measured.
The SABC remains committed to public service broadcasting, editorial independence, and providing credible information to all South Africans.

ENDS

Issued By: Group Communications Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

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