Durban, South Africa – Tuesday – March 19, 2024 – Ukhozi FM, South Africa’s leading radio station, is thrilled to announce its exhilarating lineup for the 2024-2025 broadcasting season. Packed with seasoned favourites and exciting new voices, the station continues with its commitment of delivering unparalleled entertainment and informative programming to its millions of loyal listeners across the country.

The station’s breakfast show, ‘Vuka Africa Breakfast Show’, continues to be hosted by Sipho “DJ Sgqemeza” Mbatha alongside Nonhlanhla ‘Mroza’” Buthelezi every Monday to Friday from 06h00 to 09h00.

Dudu “Lady D” Khoza, the esteemed Queen of the Airwaves, maintains her coveted slot ‘Jabul’ujule’ from 09h00 to 12h00, delivering the nation building content that her listeners love.

‘Dankie 1223’ sees the return of Sfiso “King Sfiso” Sibiya and Zimiphi “Zim-Dollar” Biyela from 12h30 to 15h00.

Khathide “Tshatha” Ngobe and Selby “Selbeyonce” Mkhize drive listeners home with their infectious energy every weekday from 15h00 to 18h00 on ‘Woza Nabangani Bakho’.  The WNB team welcomes Nco Dube as its social commentator.

Siyabonga Mhlongo will continue to captivate audiences on ‘Ubusuku Obuhle’ from Mondays to Thursdays from 20h00 to 00h00.

Ukhozi FM is very proud to have unearthed phenomenal talent though the Winnie Mahlangu Female Presenter Search, which has been running since 2020. This campaign was born out of the need for the station to empower female broadcasters in the industry. This year the station will be welcoming Nozipho Zulu the 2023 and fourth winner of the competition. She takes over the Sunday 03h00 – 06h00 development slot from Londa Mbatha the 2022 winner. The show will now be called ‘Kwasa Okungaliyo’. Londa moves to host the agriculture show ‘Cobela Kufalaza’ on Mondays 03h00 – 05h00.  Zama Mseleku, the first winner of the Winnie Mahlangu Female Presenter Search in 2020, will bring her unique charm to the airwaves on Saturdays from 07h00 to 09h00 with ‘Ulozolo’.

Bingelela Mpanza, the 2021 winner of the Winnie Mahlangu Female Presenter Search will continue to host ‘Sigiya Ngengoma’ every Saturday 09h00 – 12h00. Khathide “Tshatha’ Ngobe will stand-in on the show until the station can find a suitable replacement following the untimely passing of the show’s host Bheka “Beekay” Mchunu on 12 March 2024.

Ukhozi FM TV welcomes seasoned actor and video editor Muzi Mthabela as one of its hosts alongside Neliswa Cele.

Sbongi Ngcobo, Ukhozi FM’s Business Manager expressed her enthusiasm about the forthcoming radio season, stating, “We are delighted to introduce our listeners to this dynamic talent and fresh perspectives. Our innovative campaigns, nation-building discourse, and stellar lineup of presenters ensure that we remain at the forefront of the industry, resonating with our vast audience and meeting the needs of our clients. We are confident that Ukhozi FM will continue to dominate in terms of audiences and continue to build on revenue generation.”

UKHOZI FM 2024 – 25 LINE-UP

Ukhozi FM invites listeners to embark on an exhilarating journey filled with entertainment, inspiration, and connection as the station continues to deliver on the SABC’s mandate to inform; educate and entertain. With a lineup bursting with talent and diversity, Ukhozi FM reaffirms its position as the unrivalled leader in South African radio.

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, 15 March 2024 – South Africa’s largest commercial radio station, METRO FM, announces an exciting lineup effective April 01. The new lineup will see some of the listeners’ favourites returning as well as talented new additions to the station.

The 2024/25 lineup is an amplification of the station’s winning formula, which saw it gain success last year, by increasing its listenership and revenue.

Kina Nhlengethwa, METRO FM Business Manager says “We have amplified the current line-up and are supporting the growth of weekend shows with exciting changes. Our 2024 offering will ensure that the station remains relatable and inspirational to listeners who are constantly seeking inspiration for growth and progression. METRO FM is committed to consistently providing quality content to our listeners as well as adding value to our clients.” Returning to the station and kicking off the weekday mornings from 05:00 to 06:00 with purpose and inspiration is Rorisang Thandekiso with a show called ‘Command your day’.

Luthando “Loot Love” Shosha’s delightful energy will add more thrill to the afternoon drive show ‘The Touch Down’. She joins Thabo “Tbo Touch” Molefe to co-host the show on weekdays between 15:00 and 18:00. Fresh changes will be added to enhance the consistently growing METRO FM weekend slots. Dynamic radio personality, Roxanne Roberson, will join Ryan the DJ on ‘Urban Beat’, on Fridays 22:00 – 00:00 and Saturdays from 21:00 – 00:00.

Another fresh voice added to the station is Zola Myeza, who joins Somizi Mhlongo on the 6:00 to 9:00 slot for the ‘The Weekend Breakfast Sounds Good’. In addition to the lineup changes, the station is launching a new show that focuses on music and urban lifestyle. It will be presented by Quinton “The Naked DJ” Masina and new addition to the station, Thato Immaculate on Saturdays from 18:00 – 21:00. Seasoned broadcaster Paul Mtirara joins The Sunday Love Movement to present ‘The Chill Factor’ between 12:00 – 15:00.  ‘Sunday Soul Therapy’ with Msizi Shembe moves to the 21:00 – 00:00 slot, and will focus on urban jazz, classic, soul and R&B music.

The latest lineup is the perfect way for the station to leverage its talent, content and reach its diverse community of listeners and stakeholders. The station would like to thank Nothemba Madumo, Oscar “Oskido” Mdlongwa, Siya Mhlongo and Sphe “SPHEctacula” Ngwenya for their contribution over the years to METRO FM and serving its audiences with passion and diligence.

See the below full line-up:

ENDS
Issued By: Group Communications
Media Enquiries: Ms. Mmoni Seapolelo (Acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)
seapolelomv@sabc.co.zaT 011 714 3057 C. 073 688 1590

Durban, South Africa – March 13, 2024 -The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and Ukhozi FM are saddened by the passing of Bheka ‘Beekay’ Mchunu, who passed on March 12, 2024. Beekay, as he was affectionately known, was a cherished member of the SABC family and a beloved co-host of one of Ukhozi FM’s most prominent show, “Sigiya Ngengoma”.

Throughout his tenure on the airwaves, Beekay’s vibrant personality and unwavering passion for music brought joy to countless listeners. He joined Ukhozi FM in 2011 and worked on various shows like Sibhukuda Kwesimanzonzo; Sithakela Isizwe; Kanye Nawe, Itende Lomcimbi as well as Sigiya Ngengoma. His presence was not only felt through the waves but also within the hearts of those who tuned in, making him an indispensable part of the Ukhozi FM family.

The SABC and Ukhozi FM would like to send heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and fans.

The details of the memorial and funeral services will be communicated in due course.

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 5 March 2024 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is saddened by the passing of renowned SABC Sport analyst Siphiwe Mkhonza. SABC Sport’s management team was informed by a family representative of the passing Mr Mkhonza during the early hours of this morning. The family has since issued an official statement, which partly reads:

“Mkhonza affectionally known as “Dr Mnandi” from his current employer SABC, has been suffering from kidney infection for a long time. Siphiwe was off-sick for a while and was unable to work due to illness. He will be missed by his colleagues and followers/viewers/listeners.”

Mr Mkhonza was an analyst for SABC Sport’s live soccer matches on Soccer Zone and Laduma, as well as a guest sports commentator on Sport Night Amplified on METRO FM.

The SABC sends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, fans and colleagues’.

Follow SABC Sport and on X (previously 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

Johannesburg – Friday, 01 March 2024 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is excited to announce SABC 1’s brand new 2-minute game show ‘MO ZAKA’ that is set to redefine the television entertainment space.

Launching on Monday 04 March 2024, the groundbreaking game show will air weekdays from 21:00 until 21:02.

‘MO ZAKA’ will invite viewers to engage with different brands like never before. Participants will be tasked with identifying specific brands and answering questions related to them. With a staggering daily prize pool of R50, 000 up for grabs, including a grand daily prize of R10, 000 the excitement will be palpable!

THE GAME SHOW MECHANICS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• Participants will be required to answer two questions about the brand via USSD.
• Participants who answered the questions correctly will be entered into the draw for the prizes amounting to R50 000 per day, with the main prize being R10 000 daily.
• The winners of the top three prizes will be announced on SABC 1 at 21:30 daily. All other winners will receive notification via SMS or Email. The names of all winners will also be uploaded to the SABC competition website.

SABC Video Entertainment will continue to bring its audiences content that not only resonates with them, but also provides high quality entertainment value.

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 – Thursday, 29 February 2024 – Umhlobo Wenene FM, the pulse of radio entertainment in the isiXhosa community, is thrilled to announce a series of exciting lineup changes aimed at delighting listeners and keeping them tuned in for more. These changes, driven by the popularity of certain program features, reflect the station’s commitment to providing fresh, captivating content that resonates with its target audience. The changes will be effected from 1 April 2024.

Here are some of the standout changes to our lineup:
Nomonde Vakalisa leads the early mornings: Esteemed broadcaster Nomonde Vakalisa takes the helm of the early morning revival program, “Beka ithemba lakho kuye,” airing on Mondays to Thursdays from 03h00 – 05h00. Vakalisa’s engaging presence and uplifting content promises to kickstart listeners’ days on a positive note.

“MamK” to anchor religious shows: Bathandwa “MamK” Kwatsha assumes presenting roles on two popular religious programs – “Ngenani Emasangweni Ngendumiso”, which airs on Thursdays from 09h00 – 12h00 and “Imvuselelo,” joined by Reverend Keketso Bloem and produced by seasoned religious producer, Leka Gaji airing on Sunday evenings from 19h00 – 22h00. MamK’s deep spiritual insights and Reverend Bloem’s guidance will provide listeners with enriching experiences.

Rev Akhona Gxamza guides Isandulela seNkonzo: Reverend Akhona Gxamza transitions from a weekly contributor role to being the new presenter of “Isandulela seNkonzo”, broadcasting from
08h00 – 09h00 on Sundays. With his profound wisdom and engaging delivery, Rev Gxamza is poised to captivate audiences with thought-provoking content.

Reshuffling of familiar faces and Voices: Umhlobo Wenene FM welcomes back Reggie Solani from trufm as the new producer for “i-Breakfast Eyondlayo Ekseni” on weekdays from 06h00 – 09h00, and presenter for “Imbhadla 628” on Saturdays from 18h00 – 20h00. Phethu Soga joins as co-host of “i-Drive Enochatha” airing weekdays from 15h00 – 18h00, while Babe-Zee will now assume the role of on-air content producer. Mzwandile Ntshona expands his role from being the voice of “Imiphanga” to add presenter of “Umculo wekwayara” to his catalog, taking over on Sundays from 22h00 – 00h00.

Exciting Additions to the Umhlobo Wenene FM Family: Power couple Mr. Mbulelo and Mrs. Nombulelo Bikwani of Isiseko Family Institute, known for their 13 years of restoring families join the Umhlobo Wenene FM family with their show “Isiseko Somtshato”, airing on Sundays from 05h00 – 06h00. The experienced presenter and producer, Lali Tokwe will oversee the production of this wholesome show aimed at restoring families and communities through the institute of marriage. Additionally, Umhlobo Wenene FM will extend the reach of this flagship program through quarterly seminars across various regions, enhancing visibility and extending reach to its audiences across South Africa. Lelethu Mahambehlala joins as the female voice of the station to compliment the well-known voice of “Sir Fez”, while Thembinkosi Thathemntwini, popularly known as “Mntanomgquba” becomes the new producer for “Lavuth’iBhayi,” further enhancing the station’s traditional weekend breakfast offering.

Emphasising the need to ensure stability to the station and remaining accountable to the needs of its listeners, Business Manager of the Eastern Cape combo, Mr. Loyiso Bala said: “These lineup changes are a testament to our dedication of maintaining an impactful voice in the isiXhosa community while remaining relevant and engaging. We are committed to providing our listeners with compelling content that resonates with their lives, and these updates reflect that commitment”.

With these exciting changes, Mr. Bala reaffirms Umhlobo Wenene FM’s position as a beacon of entertainment and information in the isiXhosa-speaking community.

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

Thohoyandou – Saturday, 24 February 2024 – In celebration and promotion of culture, heritage and language through music, Phalaphala FM a South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) radio station, has launched the 2024 edition of the ‘Phalaphala FM Tshivenda Music Awards’ which are the station’s flagship annual project and will take place on a date to be announced.

The ‘Phalaphala FM Tshivenda Music Awards’ will provide a platform for local musicians and composers to showcase their talent and contribute to the preservation and promotion of Tshivenda language and culture. The industry launch, which was held in Thohoyandou Kalahari Waterfront last night, also unveiled a refreshed Phalaphala FM Tshivenda Music Awards logo. Nominees for the awards and open voting lines processes will be announced in the near future.

Mr Madikana Matjila, Phalaphala FM’s Business Manager stated, “The event will present multiple opportunities to build brand affinity through experiential marketing opportunities, brand association drives and goodwill initiatives”.

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, 22 February 2024 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has noted with concern the incorrect reports in the media, which claim that veteran broadcaster Mr Thuso Motaung has been dismissed from Lesedi FM. The reports further claim that Mrs Mamontha Motaung is suspended or dismissed from the SABC.

The SABC is disappointed at this irresponsible and sensational reporting by various media publications and would like to set the record straight. Mr Thuso Motaung has been temporarily unscheduled for operational reasons and will be back on his programme after two weeks. Mrs Mamontha Motaung is also not dismissed nor is she suspended as it has been falsely reported.

The SABC would like to reiterate that whilst the Corporation is accountable to the public on various corporate issues, it is imperative to note that it will not discuss any matters pertaining to the employer-employee relationship in the media and public space.

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, 20 February 2024 – Umhlobo Wenene FM is deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of its esteemed actors, Nomampondo Noluthando Simayi, known for her portrayal of the beloved character Nosiseko in the weekday soapy “Ithini Na Lento“. Simayi’s untimely passing occurred in a car tragic accident as she was returning from the funeral of the main story writer, Sonwabo Yawa this past Saturday.

The somber news compounds further as two other drama actors, Nokukhanya Kula, famously known as Thandi, and Mzwandile Nzenze, recognized as Gibson, along with Senior Producer Toffee Zitshu, were critically injured in the same accident. The devastating news came in the wake of two funerals of Rev Rweqana and Sonwabo Yawa last week.

SABC Eastern Cape Business Manager, Loyiso Bala, extends his heartfelt condolences to the Simayi family and wishes the injured colleagues a speedy recovery.  He stated that “The latest news of the passing of our colleague has left a further void in our hearts as we were still mourning our two colleagues who we buried last week. Amid this sad news, we are left distraught, and we appeal to the listeners and fans to remain steadfast and offer support to the station by keeping the affected families in their thoughts and prayers during this trying time.

Loyiso Bala further expressed gratitude for the invaluable contribution, Nomampondo Noluthando Simayi made to the station “She devoted her time in showcasing the SABC’s public service mandate in a meaningful way by keeping the fans of the soapie, “Ithini Na Lento” informed, educated and entertained through tackling various issues that affect society. Through her remarkable portrayal of Nosiseko for ten years she managed to tell an impeccable story in an authentic manner and her legacy will endure through the cherished memories she leaves behind.

Umhlobo Wenene FM and the entire production team of “Ithini Na Lento” extend their deepest sympathies to Noluthando Simayi’s family, friends, colleagues, and fans during this difficult period.

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 – Wednesday, 14 February 2024 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) would like to alert the public of an email correspondence purporting to be that of the SABC, threatening the public that they will be issued with a warrant of arrest for non-payment of TV Licence fees.

The public is advised to ignore the contents of a correspondence coming from an email address jjm@mega.bw (TV License Board). This is not an SABC email address, and the Corporation will not at any point threaten anyone with a warrant of arrest.

The SABC also advises the public not to download any statement from this fake email as instructed.

The SABC TV Licenses department can be reached on 011 330 9555 or can be accessed through an e-mail to tvlic.info@sabc.co.za  for a friendly and kind Customer Service. Alternatively, the public may use our secure website www.tvlic.co.za to download statements.

ENDS

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Seapolelo (Acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs & Marketing)

Seapolelomv@sabc.co.za | T. 011 714 3057 | C. 073 688 159