Gqeberha, Saturday, 29 October 2022- The multi-award winning Umhlobo Wenene FM announced the launch of its radio drama competition yesterday. The competition which is open to aspiring drama producers, script writers and actors, aims to give a new generation of storytellers a chance to tell their stories and take their creative ability to the next level.

The contest builds upon the success of the stations highly rated drama series, “Ithini na lento” which sets the benchmark for the lucky winners as they work on the new drama series.  The submission details are as follows:

• Theme – Gender Based Violence
• Actors – Submit a one-minute-long monologue in isiXhosa to @umhlobowenenefm ‘s Facebook page under the hashtag #UWFMDrama
• Producers – create and submit a ten-minute radio drama
• Writers – submit a one-page summary of their story with two- scenes.
• Submission details – Send to demo@umhlobowenenefm.co.za no later than Friday, 11 November 2022 at 17:00
• Disqualification – no adaptions of existing material, stage dramas, or stories previously published will be accepted.
• Notification – Ten finalists will be announced on 21 November 2022

Only one entry per writer will be accepted. As part of the development and career-building initiatives of the station,  the ten (10) finalists will be required to attend a workshop with industry experts such as Lusanda Mbane (Generations, Muvhango and Scandal) and Xolani Mali (Academy Award-winning movie Hotel Rwanda) who will provide guidance, support, feedback and share tips with the entrants to ensure the opportunity adds value to each finalist’s creative process.  

Eastern Cape Business Manager, Loyiso Bala, says “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”, said Bala.

Listeners will be able to vote for the finalists from 28 November 2022, and a winner will be announced on 12 December 2022. The winner from each category will receive a R15,000 cash prize as well as a contract with the station for a year. The listener who casts the most votes for the competition will also walk away with a R15,000 cash prize.

Ends.

Issued on behalf of SABC Corporate

Media queries: Ms. Gugu Ntuli (Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing

NtuliGM@sabc.co.za / 071877 0513

Polokwane – Thursday, 27 October 2022 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) only Xitsonga radio station, Munghana Lonene FM will host the 17th Xitsonga Music awards ceremony on Saturday, 5 November 2022 at Nkowankowa Stadium in Tzaneen. The awards will be preceded by a Gala dinner aimed at increasing the station’s brand awareness and visibility.

The 2022 edition of Xitsonga Music Awards is themed “Vunanga ivutomi” (Music is Life). The following are key dates leading up to the XMA17 ceremony:

28 October – Closing date, the votings for all the categories closes. (The attached list of nominees can be used to vote in the respective categories by sending an SMS to 45859.)

29 October – Most Popular Song Top 5 Annoucement, the remaining Top 5 nominees will be announced and called Live on air on Timutsu to Xitsonga.

03 November – XMA17 Host Annoucement, the hosts will be announced on Phaphama and on Social Media.

04 November – XMA17 Gala Dinner

05 November – XMA17 Awards Ceremony

For more detail on the event and other XMA17 project elements, please visit the website  at www.munghanalonenefm.co.za and on its social media platforms (Facebook, and Twitter @Munghana).

ENDS

Media Enquiries:  Ms. Gugu Ntuli (Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)  NtuliGM@sabc.co.za     T. 011 714 3311 | C. 071 877 0513

Johannesburg – Thursday, 27 October 2022 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) will not broadcast the upcoming Soweto Marathon (the Race) on 6 November 2022 as planned. The Corporation was once again deprived of securing the broadcast rights due to the continuous anti-competitive behaviour of broadcasting competitor (SuperSport) and sports rights holder, Athletics South Africa (ASA). The parties negotiated for exclusive rights, which inhibits universal access to the Race as SuperSport’s broadcasting footprint and reach is limited.

This conduct has barred the SABC from competing effectively in the market of broadcasting premium sports events. Moreover, this behaviour has, in most instances, allowed competitors or private broadcasters to acquire sports rights, leaving the SABC with no choice but to sub-licensing the sports rights at exorbitant sub-licensing fees.   

In July 2022, the SABC lodged a complaint with the Competition Commission to address the alleged anti-competitive conduct of competitors concerning sports events broadcasting and, in particular, the acquisition of exclusive Broadcast Rights to premium sports events in South Africa. The Corporation is optimistic that this process will be concluded and enable a fair and level ground for all. 

The SABC remains committed to broadcasting sports of national interest. 

Ends

Issued By:                              Group Communications

Media Enquiries:                  Ms. Gugu Ntuli (Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)

NtuliGM@sabc.co.za|T. 011 714 3311|C. 071 877 0513

Johannesburg – Wednesday, 26 October 2022 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has noted media enquiries relating to the allegations of a criminal court case against Ukhozi FM Business Manager Ms. Sbongi Ngcobo by a certain production house.

The SABC would like to clearly state that the Corporation bears no knowledge of such a case, as the matter has not been brought to the SABC’s attention. In a case where law enforcement authorities approach the SABC, the Corporation will respond accordingly.

In terms of the allegations levelled against Ms Ngcobo, the SABC would like to publicly state that the allegations are baseless, untrue and seek to damage her personal and professional reputation.

Ends

Issued By:                              Group Communications

Media Enquiries:                  Ms. Gugu Ntuli (Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)

NtuliGM@sabc.co.za|T. 011 714 3311|C. 071 877 0513

Friday, October 21, 2022 – Phalaborwa   – This weekend, Munghana Lonene FM focuses on the upcoming XMA17 by hosting three (3) events open to the public.

On Saturday afternoon, Phalaborwa taxi rank will host a live broadcast of Timintsu ta Xitsonga with Mafosi from 13h00 – 15h00, followed by a battle of the DJs at Fosfate club from 18:00 until late. Finally, the Phalaborwa takeover comes to a close on Sunday with a live broadcast of Empfuxelelweni with Thembzana reloaded and Dr Ezrom Mathumbu, hosted by AFM Lulekani. The mass prayer and revival service will be held at Vahlengwe Ville, and the entrance is free.

“This weekend is going to be epic as we pave the way for the upcoming Xitsonga Music Awards,” says Madikana Matjila, Business Manager of SABC’s Limpopo Combo, which comprises of Munghana Lonene, Thobela FM and PhalaPhala FM. “Taking over Phalaborwa allows us to share the excitement of the award show by taking the station into our communities and encouraging the public to vote for their favourite musical artists while celebrating our rich musical culture.”

The public can still vote for their favourite artists within their respective categories by sending an SMS to 45859 – the voting lines close on the October 28 2022. The Xitsonga Music Awards show will take place on November 5 2022, at Nkowankowa Stadium at Tzaneen Country Lodge.

More information is available on the station’s website www.munghanalonenefm.co.za, and on its social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).

ENDS

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Ms. Gugu Ntuli (Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)

NtuliGM@sabc.co.za     T. 011 714 3311 | C. 071 877 0513

Johannesburg – Tuesday, 11 October 2022 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) 2021/22 Annual Report was tabled in Parliament on Monday, 3 October 2022. The SABC’s net loss improved by R329 million (62%) compared to 2020/21, resulting in a R543 million (73%) improvement in net loss over five years (2018 – 2022). Revenue grew by R90m (2%) year-on-year as a result of the marginal increase in sponsorship revenue.

The improvement in net loss was negatively impacted by the acquisition of sport rights of the Olympics, which accounts for 58% (R122 million) of the reported net loss. If not for the Olympics investment – which is a public mandate obligation – the operating position would have resulted in a loss of R78m – an 85% improvement from the previous fiscal.

Despite the revenue increase in 2021/22, revenue levels previously achieved in 2020 have yet to be realised primarily due to audience share decline. As a result, advertising revenue was significantly under budget by 23%. Revenue is projected to grow in 2022/23 and several initiatives are in progress to mitigating  the risk.

Further to the above, the SABC’s public mandate continues to negatively affect the Corporation’s financial performance with an average annual cost of R1,5 billion.

Brand awareness campaigns strengthened the TV Licence brand and contributed to enhanced TV licence collections by R26,6 million to a total of R815,1 million. However, the evasion rate remains high, at about 81.7%.

Cash on hand at year-end 2021/22 was R1,18bn with R917m as the remainder of the recapitalisation funding, ringfenced for CAPEX, and content acquisition.

The Corporation’s Audit Opinion remained ‘Qualified with Findings’. Only one qualification area (from six years ago) remains. It relates to the completeness of the Irregular Expenditure register, due to historical opening balances as at 1 April 2020.

Over the past 5 years, the Corporation has consistently reduced its year-on-year expenditure reported as irregular due to non-compliance to policies and procedures.

The ability of the Corporation to maintain its going concern status remains an area of concern and ongoing monitoring. The underperformance in revenue generation put pressure on liquidity in the short-term, but the Corporation continues to pursue several initiatives to manage day-to-day working capital and sustainably reduce the risk.

The Corporation has received several national and international accolades. These achievements and awards presented to News, Video Entertainment (TV) and Radio, are a recognition of the SABC’s excellence in fulfilling its public mandate of informing, educating and entertaining South Africans.

Ends

Issued By:                              Group Communications

Media Enquiries:                   Ms. Gugu Ntuli (Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)

NtuliGM@sabc.co.za|T. 011 714 3311|C. 071 877 0513

Johannesburg – Wednesday, 5 October 2022 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) only Afrikaans radio station, RSG, celebrates 85 years of successful and excellent broadcasting in October 2022. With programming and music that is relevant, stimulating and entertaining, RSG remains the favourite radio station for many South Africans, after 85 years of broadcasting.

The national radio station targets the modern, progressive Afrikaans speaking community, regardless of demographic background.  It seeks to appeal to forward-thinking Afrikaans speaking citizens between the ages of 35-49, from the upper SEM’s (7-10) and has just over 1,3 million listeners tuning in per week (RAMS June 2021-May 2022).

Throughout the month of October, the station will celebrate 85 years of Afrikaans radio, with a variety of programmes that will make any listener tune in for more. Listeners can visit rsg.co.za for the full line-up of music, drama, documentaries and competitions.

The celebrations will conclude at the end of the month on a high note with a live concert of the oldest show on South African radio – U Eie Keuse (Your Own Choice). This two -hour long concert will be broadcast live from the M1 Studio in Auckland Park on Saturday,  29^th  of October 2022. The concert will start at 20:00 and will be hosted by Willem Pelser.  He will take the audience on a musical journey of the most popular requests from RSG’s listeners over the past few years, led by a world class orchestra and top soloists.

The station’s talk shows, news and actuality programmes, lifestyle trends, documentaries, radio dramas as well as entertainment and information programmes are some of the elements that make RSG one of a kind. In addition, RSG continuously addresses pertinent issues and empowers listeners through specific programming that focuses on topics and themes that resonate with the audience.

According to Louise Jooste, RSG’s Business Manager, “As one of the SABC’s oldest radio platform, RSG is more than just a radio station. It is a friend, confidant, a historical archive and an integral part of our listener’s way of living. RSG is a home where listeners will find something that they like or that is of value to them.”

More information can be found at rsg.co.za, on Twitter (@zarsg) and Instagram (@rsg_100104fm)

Make sure you are tuned in on RSG to be part of the festivities.

Ends

Issued By:                              Group Communications

Media Enquiries:                   Ms. Gugu Ntuli (Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)

NtuliGM@sabc.co.za|T. 011 714 3311|C. 071 877 0513

Johannesburg – Monday, 3 October 2022 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has been recognized for excellence in telling the African story at the annual Most Influential People of African Decent (MIPAD) Global Recognition awards in New York. The SABC programme The Fullview and its LOVE and KZN floods broadcasts were honored in the Hall of Fame category for their positive contribution and impact on the lives of citizens.

SABC News presenter Ms. Bongiwe Zwane was named in the Most Influential 100 Under 40 list for 2022. In addition, Ms. Megan Lubke received the Hall of Fame Award as Executive Producer in primetime, for The Fullview. The MIPAD Recognition and Awards Ceremony honors outstanding personalities and high achievers of African descent from around the world by uncovering their stories of excellence and their resultant positive contribution.

This is the first time that the SABC has been bestowed this prestigious honor.

SABC News remains committed to excellence in delivering independent and impartial editorial content to the nation and the continent.

Ends

Issued By:                              Group Communications

Media Enquiries:                   Ms. Gugu Ntuli (Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)

NtuliGM@sabc.co.za|T. 011 714 3311|C. 071 877 0513

Johannesburg – Friday, 30 September 2022 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the world’s greatest football spectacles for men and women, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia/New Zealand 2023™.

The acquisition of FIFA’s flagship tournaments is a testament to the SABC’s commitment to continuously fulfill its public service mandate by providing access to sports of national interest to South African citizens.

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ is set to take place from 20 November to 18 December 2022, with the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia / New Zealand 2023™ taking place next year from the 20^th of July to the 20^th of August 2023.

For the FIFA World Cup, SABC Sport Channel will be the primary broadcast platform for the live presentation of the matches, with SABC 1, SABC 2 and SABC 3 also carrying the games live simultaneously. In line with SABC Sport’s strategic objective of making the world’s greatest football event available to all, audiences will also be able to enjoy the live action from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ in the language of their choice on SABC Radio Stations.

All the live match presentations will include a live studio build up with match previews and latest team and player news, presented by SABC Sport anchors and top analysts, both on TV and Radio platforms.

As part of the “always-on” digital strategy, all the latest news, score updates, log table, streaming services and live match commentary will be available on the SABC Sport digital platforms, ensuring that the audiences don’t miss a single minute of the FIFA World Cup 2022.

The SABC’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mr. Madoda Mxakwe stated that “The acquisition of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has always been a strategic decision for the SABC. The FIFA World Cup creates various marketing opportunities for SABC Sport and other SABC sub brands, and we will optimally use this event to create a sense of euphoria for South Africans everywhere”.

We are committed to ensuring that we provide our audiences with renewed sense of excitement and provide the matches to the audiences with no-barrier to entry through television, radio and digital broadcast” concluded Plaatjes.

“Experience the glory of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, 29 Days, 4 TV Channels & 19 Radio Stations! 

SISONKE, Together, For the Greatest Game!

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

ENDS

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Ms. Gugu Ntuli (Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)

NtuliGM@sabc.co.za | T. 011 714 3311 | C. 071 877 0513