Gqeberha – Friday, 19 May 2023 – Umhlobo Wenene FM management is excited that the station is adding fashion to its frequency, as the station executes its first conglomerate diversification strategy that involves adding a new product that is significantly unrelated and with no commercial similarities. Umhlobo Wenene FM in partnership with Bathu is launching   a co-branded sneaker today. This sneaker captures the essence of Umhlobo Wenene FM but also embodies the unparallel level of quality and style that Bathu is renowned for.

The launch will take place at Hemingways Mall in East London at the Bathu store, and the limited-edition sneaker will sell for R1000.00 a pair.

This partnership is bringing something truly exceptional to both Umhlobo Wenene FM listeners and Bathu sneaker enthusiasts. Bathu will be the sneaker producer and distribution partner for this new co-branding offering that will be available for purchase on the Bathu e-commerce platform and Umhlobo Wenene FM website.

Umhlobo Wenene FM Business Manager, Loyiso Bala said, “The station is extremely proud to announce the collaboration with Bathu. This limited-edition sneaker perfectly combines our station’s innovative spirit with Bathu’s exceptional craftsmanship. It symbolizes our shared commitment to delivering a unique and unforgettable experience to our valuable listeners.”

“We are delighted to partner with SABC Radio Station, Umhlobo Wenene FM, to honour and show our gratitude to our customers in the Eastern Cape. Our mission as Bathu is to always celebrate and give gratitude to everyone who has supported us since 2015. We are always inspired to produce more shoes and seek such partnerships to help provide opportunities within our various communities,” says Cedrick Diphoko, Managing Director for Bathu.

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, 12 May 2023 – Umhlobo Wenene FM is excited to celebrate its 63rd birthday with a family day event that is themed “Impolo Yabahlobo”. The event is set to take place at Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium in East London on Saturday, 27 May 2023, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

The family day event will be packed with entertainment, including music performances by some of South Africa’s top national and local artists, kids’ entertainment, meet and greet sessions with Umhlobo Wenene FM presenters, food and drink stalls, and national DJs who will keep the audience engaged and energised throughout the festivities.

The line-up includes Vusi Nova, Betusile, Nathi, Ntando, Ayanda Jiya, Deep London, London Roots SA, and more. On the decks, the station is set to entertain its audiences with entertainment from DJs including Pastor the DJ, Slyso, Luckeez Mfowethu, Luks Gidane and Elvis.

The crowd will be hosted by Umhlobo Wenene FM’s hottest DJs including Mafa Bavuma, Lusanda Mbane, Amaza Ntshanga, Babe-Zee and Blaq Maci.

The tickets for general access are available at R200 and VIP access tickets will be sold at R800. Children under the age of twelve can enter the event or venue by purchasing a general access ticket for R100 or a VIP access ticket for R200. To get tickets, please visit Ticketpro.

Mr. Loyiso Bala, Business Manager, Eastern Cape Combo says, “the upcoming station event is much more than just an occasion for good food and great music. It is an opportunity for the station to fulfill its brand promise of fostering lasting connections with its listeners beyond the confines of the studio, in a way that is both meaningful and enjoyable. We hope to create a fun and engaging experience that strengthens the bond between the station and its audience, ultimately leading to a stronger and more loyal listener.”

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, 11 May 2023 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and Discover Digital are pleased to have been recognised at the 5^th Africa Tech Week Awards through the development of SABC’s live streaming platform, SABC Plus.  Discover Digital scooped an award in the category, Africa Tech: Public Sector Digital Innovator award on Thursday, 4 May 2023. This award is enabled by the development of SABC’s recently launched live streaming service, SABC Plus.

The Africa Tech Week Awards are aimed at recognising and celebrating game-changers and disrupters in the space of technology innovation on the continent, across a wide range of industries.

The now award-winning SABCPlus streaming service is a rich platform, which has further enabled the South African public to access SABC content wherever they want to.

Since its launch on 17 November 2022, SABC Plus has seen over 10 million page and screen views, with digital audiences exploring the platform for all it has to offer.

Mr. Merlin Naicker stated, “The SABC thrives in mutually benefitting partnerships that enable the Corporation to fulfill its public service mandate. This achievement bears testimony to the fact that through collaborative work, we can succeed. We are very proud of this achievement as SABC Plus has only been in the market for a short amount of time and it is amazing to see it’s growth and the impact it is having on South Africans. We are very thrilled that through this platform we are able to reach the millions of South African households.

Stephen Watson, Discover Digital, Managing Director commented “Being honored with the #SENTECHAfricaTechWeek Public Sector Digital Innovator Award showcases our commitment to innovation, creativity, and our ability to revolutionise the way businesses and the public sector embrace technology. It highlights our instrumental role in transforming public sector organisations. SABC, through the introduction of their OTT platform SABC+, was an essential innovation in the ever-evolving digital landscape which aided in fulfilling the SABC’s mandate of informing, educating, and entertaining South African citizens. As a proudly South African product, we’re thrilled that this is as much of an SABC win as it is a Discover Digital one!”

The SABC will continue to be innovative in the delivery of its public service mandate and the public needs to look out for more compelling content on SABC Plus.

SABCPlus is accessible on the following platforms:

• www.sabcplus.com
• Twitter: @SABCPlus  https://twitter.com/SABCPlus
• Facebook: @SABCPlus https://www.facebook.com/SABCPlus
• Instagram: @SABCPlus https://www.instagram.com/sabcplus/
• TikTok: @sabcplus

#ATW23  #SENTECHAfricaTechWeek  #AfricaTechWeek

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

Discover Digital Contact Person

Taryn Uhlmann | Executive Head: Product and Entertainment

Taryn@discoverdigital.co.za |T. 010 045 0000

Johannesburg – Monday, 08 May 2023  – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) would like to alert the public of a fake media statement which is circulating on various social media platforms titled “INTRODUCTION OF RADIO LICENCES AS PART SABC’S DRIVE TO GENERATE REVENUE”.

The SABC has not issued any media statement making such public pronouncements regarding licences for car radios.

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 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is thrilled to reveal more hosts of the star-studded and esteemed METRO FM Music Awards 2023 (MMA23), which will take place on Saturday, 06 May 2023 at Mbombela Stadium, Mpumalanga.

Further to announcing Lerato Kganyago and Katlego Maboe as the presenters of these prestigious awards, the radio and television personalities will be joined by Somizi (somGAGA) Mhlongo, Mpumi Mlambo, Sipho (Alphi) Mkhwanazi and Zanele Potelwa. This team of energetic and charismatic talent was carefully selected to deliver the most impactful awards ceremony South African audiences have seen in five years!

SomGAGA and Mpumi will be holding it down behind the ‘Black Curtain’, while Alphi and Zanele give us the blow-by-blow action and the glitz and glam of the ‘Black Carpet’.

“METRO FM has always been a part of my DNA and hosting the awards after a five-year break, gives me the greatest joy! South Africa has been waiting for this prestigious event and I’m honoured and grateful to be able to share it with music fans all over the country. Local music and artists have evolved and come so far in the past five years, and this is a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate that,” states Somizi Mhlongo.

Mpumi Mlambo says, “I cannot express how excited I am to be selected as one of the METRO FM Music Awards 2023 hosts! It is a huge honour to be part of such an incredible event that’s well loved and known not only in South Africa, but globally. I can’t wait to celebrate our local talent along with my co-host Somizi as we hold it down and welcome the winners behind the ‘Black Curtain’.”

The awards will be broadcast live on SABC 1, SABC Plus and METRO FM’s YouTube channel at 20:00! The public is encouraged to tune in, to witness some of today’s biggest South African music acts on stage, as well as see their favorite A-list South African celebrities walk the ‘Black Carpet’ and participate in the awards.

Sipho (Alphi) Mkwhanazi says, “I think I share South Africa’s sentiment in expressing how excited we are for the return of the METRO FM AWARDS. I’m thrilled to be a part of this star-studded event and absolutely cannot wait to celebrate our local talent.”

“It is such a great honour to be part of this incredible event. Our local artists have come such a long way in the past five years and what better way to bring back the MMA’s than now. We’re incredibly privileged to live in a country that embraces and celebrates diversity in music, art, fashion and culture,” concludes Zanele Potelwa.

Voting lines remain open and to vote: Dial *120*45787# and follow the prompts.

USSD rates charged at R1.50 per minute.

Voting lines are open as from 31 March 2023 to 30 April 2023 at midnight, except for song of the year that closes at 9pm on 6 May 2023.

Tickets for all official METRO FM Music Awards 2023 events are available at Computicket:

https://tickets.computicket.com/event/metro_fm_music_awards_2023/7215601/7215688/37771

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, 21 April 2023 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is excited to announce METRO FM On-Air Personality, Lerato ‘LKG’ Kganyago and Katlego Maboe as the hosts of the star-studded and esteemed METRO FM Music Awards 2023 (MMA23), which will take place on Saturday, 06 May 2023 at Mbombela Stadium, Mpumalanga.

The decision by METRO FM to appoint Ms Kganyago and Mr Maboe is based on their skills as sought after hosts, who are able to carry events of this caliber. The two presenters exude class and high energy, elements that embody the prestigious METRO FM Awards.

Lerato Kganyago states “I am absolutely thrilled and deeply honored to be entrusted with the role of co-hosting the prestigious METRO FM Music Awards 2023 alongside the incredibly talented Katlego Maboe. As a long-standing member of the METRO FM family with seven years of experience, and with a solid background in live television and broadcasting, I understand the significance of this event and I am confident in my ability to deliver an exceptional experience for South Africa’s music fans. The MMAs are a true highlight of the year for music lovers, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it all. Together with Katlego Maboe, we promise to bring an unparalleled level of class, energy, and excitement to the stage. Get ready for a night that will leave you mesmerized and craving for more, as we celebrate the very best of South African music with the industry’s leading artists and producers”.

Katlego Maboe says “I am absolutely thrilled to be chosen as the host of the METRO FM Music Awards 2023! It is an incredible honour to be part of such a prestigious event, and I am super excited to be hosting alongside the talented Lerato Kganyago. I am looking forward to celebrating the best of South African music with all the amazing artists, producers, and fans. I can’t wait!”

The awards will be broadcast live on SABC 1, SABC Plus and METRO FM’s YouTube channel at 20:00! The public is encouraged to tune in, to witness some of today’s biggest South African music acts on stage, as well as see their favorite A-list South African celebrities walk the ‘Black Carpet and participate in the awards.

Voting lines remain open and to vote: Dial *120*45787# and follow the prompts.

USSD rates charged at R1.50 per minute.

Voting lines are open as from 31 March 2023 to 30 April 2023 at midnight, except for song of the year that closes at 9pm on 6 May 2023.

Tickets for all official METRO FM Music Awards 2023 events are available at Computicket:

https://tickets.computicket.com/event/metro_fm_music_awards_2023/7215601/7215688/37771

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, 06 April 2023 – The nominations are in, and tickets go on sale today, 06 April 2023 for the prestigious METRO FM Music Awards 2023 (MMA’s)!

The MMA’s will be hosted at Mbombela Stadium in Mbombela Mpumalanga, on Saturday 06 May 2023 and broadcast live on SABC 1 with additional content available on SABC+ (available to download from Apple and Android App Stores).

Tickets can be purchased via Computicket from 17:00 at:

https://tickets.computicket.com/event/metro_fm_music_awards_2023/7215601/7215688/37771

The tickets will be sold as follows:

• Golden Circle – R500;
• Lower Stands – R300;
• Upper Stands – R150.

METRO FM Business Manager Kina Nhlengethwa stated, “We are very excited to announce that tickets for the return of this high powered industry event are going on sale. Considering our incredible line-up of talent from which the winners will be announced, we expect that many fans and music lovers will rush to book their spot for the evening”.

With the relaunch of the awards, METRO FM called on all record labels and independent artists to submit music eligible for entry. The SABC received over a staggering 900 entries, following the announcement of the return of the event in January 2023.

The public can vote for their favourite nominees across various categories with voting lines currently open and closing on 30 April 2023 at midnight, with the exception of the ‘Song of the Year’ category that closes on 06 May 2023 at 21h00.

To vote, dial *120*45787# and follow the prompts.

USSD rates charged at R1.50 per minute.

List of nominees can be viewed at here

More information for the awards can be accessed on these websites http://www.metrofm.co.za and www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za/  and the station’s social media platforms:

Facebook: METROFMSA

Twitter: @METROFMSA

Instagram: METROFMSA

TikTok: METROFMSA

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, 30 March 2023 – The SABC is pleased to reveal the much-anticipated list of nominees in various categories of the METRO FM Music Awards 2023 (MMA).

The prestigious awards will be taking place on 06 May 2023, at Mbombela Stadium, in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, and will be broadcast live on SABC 1.

Following the launch of the METRO FM Music Awards 2023 on 18 January 2023 in Mpumalanga, METRO FM management invited all record labels and independent artists to submit music eligible for entry. The submissions for this edition of the awards opened on 19 January 2023 and closed on 28 February 2023. During this period, the SABC received over 900 entries.

METRO FM Business Manager, Ms Kina Nhlengethwa stated, “We are excited to have reached the second stage of the road to the MMA’s. The announcement of MMA nominees always sets the music industry abuzz and this year is no different. We congratulate all the nominees, as this signifies that that their hard work and impact in the industry does not go unnoticed”.

Nhlengethwa further stated, “The station went an extra mile to ensure that there are measures in place to screen properly all entries received, for compliance with the relevant rules of the awards. The rules, regulations and submission checklist were all published on METRO FM platforms. As the awards are based on the public voting for their favorite artist/s in the respective categories, we urge the nominees to go out hard and campaign to their fans!”

To vote, dial *120*45787# and follow the prompts.

USSD rates charged at R1.50 per minute.

Voting lines open from 31 March 2023 at midnight to 30 April 2023 at midnight except for song of the year that closes at 9pm on 6 May 2023.

***The list of nominees is attached to the media statement: MMA23 Nominees

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