Johannesburg, 22 July 2021 – Today, in commemoration of the life of renowned legendary musician Tshepo Tshola, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) will broadcast his memorial service live on SABC 1, SABC News Channel 404 as well as on SABC Encore on DTT at 1pm.
Through his music, Mr. Tshola contributed immensely to the democracy and freedom that all South Africans enjoy today. He will be solely missed.
The SABC sends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and music lovers at large.
 
May His Soul Rest in Peace
 
For media enquiries:
Caroline Phalakatshela
Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment
072 382 2032
 
 

 
SABC is proud to introduce one of its bursary beneficiaries Mr. Moeketsi Mahlatsi, a 24-year-old young man from the Eastern Cape, Lady Grey who obtained a B.Sc. degree in Quantity Surveying degree this year. In celebration of Mandela Month, we chat to him about his journey and inspiration to further his studies at the University of the Free State, funded by the SABC Foundation since 2017.
 
How did you get to be SABC’s bursary beneficiary? Tell us about the process
In 2016 when I was doing grade 12, I started searching for funding online, and the SABC bursary was one of many bursaries which I applied for. I sent my application to the SABC and then I got an acknowledgment letter, informing me that my application was received. In October 2016 I received a letter informing me that I have received the bursary and the SABC is waiting for my final grade 12 results. On the 5th January 2017, I got my final grade 12 results and was accepted by the University of the Free State and then sent the acceptance letter to the SABC. Then I received an official letter from the SABC informing me that the bursary will be covering my registration, tuition, accommodation, books, and meals.
What inspired you to pursue a Quantity Surveying qualification and what does the course entail? 
Quantity Surveying is a construction industry profession that deals with construction contracts and the finances of construction projects. It advises a contractor about the finances of the project, suitable contracts for the project, and the legal side of the project. I decided to pursue this qualification because of its diversity. This qualification comes with many options once completed because it includes Finance, Law, Management, and Business.
How has the SABC enabled you to achieve this milestone?
The SABC awarded me a bursary from my first year in university until I completed my degree. This bursary gave me financial freedom and allowed me to focus on my studies without worrying about the fees. The SABC bursary fully paid for my tuition, accommodation, books, and grocery allowance. Throughout my university time, I never had to worry about a place to stay or where I would get food. This all gave me financial and emotional freedom, allowing me to focus on my studies. I am truly thankful to the SABC, for making things easy for me and allowing me to achieve my biggest dream. Getting a university degree and being able to support my family has always been my biggest dream.
 
What are your future aspirations in your professional life in the next 5 years?
I want to gain more experience in the Quantity Surveying field as an Estimator, a Contract Evaluator, and as Construction Manager. I am looking forward to being supervised by an experienced Quantity Surveyor so that I can learn more about problem-solving in this field. Later, I want to register as a candidate Quantity Surveyor and obtain a practice number to become a fully equipped and qualified Quantity Surveyor.
 
What advice would you give to future students and graduates coming after you?
Hard work will always pay off. My high school teacher always told me that there’s no such thing as “luck”, instead, “You make your own luck”. If you work hard enough, good things will come to you. Nothing is impossible; you can achieve anything if you work hard. Secondly, discipline is very important to pass through the hardships at school. You need to start being disciplined from the early grades of school to allow yourself to be a successful student in University/College. It will be difficult to learn discipline at the tertiary level, if you want to succeed, learn it now.
 
 

Johannesburg-Tuesday, 20 July 2021-The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has noted with concern the scathing allegations levelled against the Corporation by SAMPRA and some music artists through public statements.
 
The Corporation views this matter in a serious light and would like to clarify the gross misinformation which is being fueled by SAMPRA. The SABC has a legal obligation to pay a predetermined percentage of needeltime royalties to registered and accredited Collecting Societies. Currently, there are two known registered and accredited Collecting Societies namely, IMPRA and SAMPRA.
 
The SABC has set aside an amount due for payment of needletime royalties and has always been ready to pay the amount to the relevant Collecting Societies. Both IMPRA and SAMPRA are aware of this. However, the SABC has not paid needletime royalties to either Collecting Society as the two Collecting Societies have not agreed on the percentage split of the determined amount.
 
To facilitate the resolution of the dispute between the two Collecting Societies, the SABC had proposed that the matter be referred to Arbitration for speedy resolution. Regrettably, notwithstanding the in-principle agreement to refer the matter to an arbitration process, the two Collecting Societies could not agree to the scoping of the dispute. Thus, the Arbitration could not be pursued.
 
It is imperative to note that the SABC cannot pay needletime royalties to any Collecting Society whilst a dispute on the percentage split between the two Collecting Societies remains unresolved. Further, the resolution of the percentage split is dependent on the two Collecting Societies and not on the SABC. The SABC met with the two Collecting Societies on the 08^th of May 2020 to discuss ways in which all parties can resolve the long-standing dispute on the allocation of needletime royalties and key on the agenda was to find a solution to urgently address the challenges faced by artists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Whilst the dispute on the allocation of needletime royalties was not resolved on the day of this meeting, all parties agreed to embark on an arbitration process to resolve the legal dispute on the allocation of needletime royalties. Most importantly, in order to help bring relief to the beneficiaries of needletime royalties, and as part of the SABC’s commitment to the payment of needletime royalties, the SABC has already made an advance payment of R20 million to both Collecting Societies.
 
It must be noted that according to the Registrar of Copyright at the Companies Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) at the DTI, the SABC does not pay the Artists and the Owner of the song (Record Company and Performers) directly for needletime royalties. It pays the Artist and the Owner of the song via the Collecting Societies. The Artists are at liberty to approach the Collecting societies.
The SABC has also learnt through the media that SAMPRA is intending to approach the Court. As a matter of principle, the SABC does not litigate through the media; therefore, we will deal with the matter once we are served with the relevant papers.
 
The Corporation SABC will continue to work with the Collecting Societies and other relevant stakeholders for the growth and development of the South African music industry.
 
END
 
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, 16^th July 2021- SABC1 is pleased to announce the return of our tabloid entertainment show The Real Goboza (RGB) as it debuts with season 15 on Saturday 17^th July 2021 at 19:30.
Our hosts Samora Mangesi and Sinazo Yolwa joined by insert presenter Mulisa Mudau will continue to bring new scandals to our viewers and fans with a reinvigorated creative spirit and the same powerful energy that has made The Real Goboza show the viewer’s favourite for over 10 years.
 
RGB which will be broadcasting its final season, will reflect on the best moments and celebrate how far the show has come, revisiting the most epic moments, biggest scandals, and iconic celebrity interviews as we wrap up 10 years of intriguing celebrity scandal coverage, whilst at the same time keeping viewers informed with current gossip and updates of the entertainment industry.
The show will engage our followers on social media platforms as they mention their favourite moments.
Even with Covid restrictions, RGB will take great care in giving the viewer exclusive access to A-list events. Putting our celebrity sense of style in the spotlight on the SAMA’s red-carpet, one of the biggest and unmissable moments on the entertainment calendar.
 
Tune into SABC 1 every Saturday at 19:30, for the final season of The Real Goboza, starting on the 17^th July 2021.
 
For more information, interview opportunities and publicity images please contact the SABC1 PR office.
 
For media enquiries: –
Caroline Phalakatshela
Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment
072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

Johannesburg – Friday, 16 July 2021 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) regrets to announce that it has been denied the opportunity of broadcasting the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League Final between Kaizer Chiefs and Egypt‘s Al Ahly.  The SABC was surprised and disappointed to learn yesterday that CAF had sold the exclusive rights to broadcast the final to the pay-TV broadcaster, Supersport.
Despite the SABC meeting CAF’s asking price for the free-to-air rights, the offer was rejected on the basis that CAF has signed an exclusive deal with Supersport that covers all rights, including the free-to-air rights, for this match. The agreement between CAF and Supersport is wrong as it places this showpiece of African club football behind a pay-wall, effectively denying millions of South African football fans the opportunity to watch the game.
The SABC had always intended to broadcast this historic match given the massive support Kaizer Chiefs enjoys in South Africa and acknowledging that this is the club’s first CAF Champions League Final. The public broadcaster therefore engaged in good faith negotiations with CAF but for some reason CAF withheld information about their exclusive deal with the pay-TV broadcaster until yesterday.
Considering the current difficult conditions in the country and the cohesive power of sport, the SABC has made every reasonable effort to ensure that the match would be accessible to all South African via our free-to-air channels. SABC management has also tried to reach out to the leadership of CAF in this regard.
It simply cannot be in the public interest for CAF and Supersport to contractually exclude millions of non-pay-TV subscribers from watching this game. Furthermore, it is disreputable for a pay-TV broadcaster to acquire free-to-air rights with the intention of blocking free-to-air broadcasters from using those rights. At a time when economic exclusion is the biggest issue facing South Africa, not only does this deal between CAF and Supersport perpetuate the divide in our society but it shows scant regard for the issues facing our people.
The failure of ICASA’s Sports Rights regulations to deal with this situation means the public broadcaster has no recourse to the regulator even though broadcasting the CAF Champions League Final – involving one of South Africa’s biggest clubs – is clearly part of SABC’s public mandate.
This is a very sad day for Kaizer Chiefs fans and all football lovers in South Africa when CAF, the custodian of the people’s game on the African continent, agrees to exclude millions of people who cannot afford pay-TV.
Despite this unfortunate outcome driven by two parties who do not have public service obligations, and clearly do not have the poor’s interest at heart, the SABC remains committed to bringing big sporting events to all South Africans.
END
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, 12 July 2021 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has learnt with sadness of the passing away of its former Board Chairperson, Dr. Ben Ngubane.
Dr. Ngubane was appointed as Board Chairperson on 10 January 2010 and he resigned from the organisation on 8 March 2013.  Under his tenure the SABC delivered on its public mandate with one of its biggest achievements being the official broadcaster of the historic 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The SABC would like to thank him for his immense contribution and would like to send heartfelt condolences to the Ngubane family.
END
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 0531

Johannesburg, 7^th July 2021- SABC1’s primetime music show Live Amp returns with a new season, themed The Last Dance, as it bids farewell to its loyal viewers and fans after more than decade on screens.  The final season premieres this Friday 9^th July 2021 at 19:30.
This weekly music show has been the prime destination for Mzansi’s latest hits, the storyboard popular music culture and the party starter meeting point for millions of viewers over the years.
 
Presented by DJ Speedsta and DJ Lamiez, with cameos and surprise guest appearances Live Amp; The Last Dance will have reminiscent elements; throwing back to some of the most iconic and influential moments from the show, celebrating the musical evolution and taking viewers down memory lane.
“The show has grown to become synonymous with youth Friday night rituals from more than a decade. With season 25 being earmarked as the final season of this flagship title, the series content plan has been devised to reflective and celebratory of iconic moments and success achieved by the show from a talent development, socio-cultural contribution, creative innovation, and all-round leading music tv show brand in Mzansi. The best, most memorable and unique content moments will be reinterpreted for the audiences combined with newly curated music performances.  You can’t afford to miss out on a single episode of Live AMP this season. This is set to be one of the biggest seasons and ode to pop culture in Mzansi. “Says Sane Zondi, SABC1 Programmes Manager.
 
Tune into SABC 1 every Friday at 19:30 as we turn up to the final song in the final season of Live Amp, starting on the 9^th July 2021.
 
For more information, interview opportunities and publicity images please contact the SABC1 PR office.
 
For media enquiries: –
Caroline Phalakatshela
Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment
072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

Johannesburg, 2^nd July 2021 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has learnt with sadness of the untimely passing of actor and businessman, Mutodi Neshehe on Thursday, 1 July 2021.
Mr Neshehe was a well-known face to SABC2 viewers for his role as Ndalamo Mukwevho on the popular soapie Muvhango. Other SABC TV productions that he appeared on are Skwizas, 7de Laan, Generations The Legacy and Mamello.
 
He also featured in the season 4 of a dancing competition Strictly Come Dancing which was broadcast on SABC2 in 2008.  The SABC sends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and industry colleagues of Mr. Mutodi Neshehe.
 
Mr. Neshehe will be missed for his professionalism, dedication, and commitment to the craft.
 
For media enquiries:
Caroline Phalakatshela
Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment
072 382 2032
 

Johannesburg – Monday, 28 June 2021 – At public hearings held by ICASA today, the SABC welcomed draft regulations requiring that Multichoice and other pay-TV operators may only carry SABC channels “subject to commercially negotiable terms”.
Leading the SABC team, GCEO Madoda Mxakwe said:
“This Must Carry regulatory review process is vitally important not only because our industry has fundamentally changed in the last 13 years but also because ICASA is seeking to correct ‘a regulatory wrong’ first made in 2008.”
In 2008 ICASA’s Must Carry regulations had left out the phrase “subject to commercially negotiable terms”, without any justification for deviating from the language of the statute. The regulations were never changed and have required the public broadcaster to provide its three expensively produced channels to pay-TV operators for free for the last 13 years.
ICASA’s current draft regulations have finally corrected this omission and allow the SABC to exercise its statutory right to commercially negotiate carriage fees for its channels.
The SABC committed to ICASA that universal access remained an ongoing public mandate requirement for the public broadcaster. Mxakwe noted that the three SABC channels are now simultaneously accessible on several free, non-subscription    platforms. These include satellite via Openview and         Sentech, on  DTT via Sentech and streaming via TelkomOne, Viu and others.
Mxakwe said:
“The SABC regards its Universal Access obligations as an ongoing, sacred and non-negotiable public mandate that does not end simply because it may have been achieved on a multiplatform basis”.
“It is therefore unfortunate that Multichoice has sought to portray SABC’s statutory right to have the law correctly applied as having a ‘purely commercial’ motivation and that SABC wants to ‘sidestep its public broadcasting mandate in favour of its financial interests’. This is an extraordinary, unsubstantiated and untrue claim. The public broadcaster is simply seeking to exercise a legitimate statutory right to negotiate carriage fees which has been denied to it for 13 years”.
Multichoice had previously claimed that the “purpose of Must Carry is not to create a revenue stream for SABC”. Mxakwe responded that Multichoice had ignored the language of the legislation which clearly envisaged commercial negotiations.
“We ask the Authority today – if there is to be no revenue from the carriage of SABC channels, what would be the purpose of commercial negotiations?”
That said, the SABC’s over-dependence on commercial revenue is no secret and the public broadcaster has made submissions to government on increasing government grants and introducing a public broadcasting household levy. But this dependence on commercial revenue is unlikely to change anytime soon.
Mxakwe said:
“The SABC cannot sit on its hands and fail to protect the interest of the Corporation while lengthy policy and regulatory processes unfold. The Board and management of the SABC have a fiduciary duty to ensure that the long-term interests of the Corporation are protected. This includes the lawful exercise of the SABC’s commercial rights”.
The SABC presentation to ICASA demonstrated that, in terms of overall audience numbers as at March 2021, twenty of the top thirty most-watched programmes on DStv were SABC programmes. While the presence of SABC channels on the DStv platform were often not the primary reason for subscriber take-up, Mxakwe said it was clear that:

• The growth, retention and targeting of so-called “mass market subscribers” is a core commercial strategy for the Multichoice Group;
• SABC’s programming has the highest audience numbers on the DStv platform; and
• This programming is a material factor in the growth, retention and targeting of mass market subscribers.

Mxakwe said:
The Authority should also note that nearly one-fifth of the cost of SABC programming is funded by public funds (via licence fees and government grants). It is clearly iniquitous for the largest video entertainment company on the African continent to be guaranteed free content that has been partially funded by the public. In effect, you have a public broadcaster and public funds partially subsidising the programming costs of the largest video entertainment business in Africa. This is not sustainable. Nor is it fair”.
The SABC opposed MultiChoice’s proposal that “the Authority place the proposed amendments to the Must Carry Regulations on hold pending policy certainty”.
Mxakwe said:
“After 13 years of SABC enduring an unfair, ultra vires regulation, it would not be in the public interest to place these draft regulations on hold, potentially for another few years. The regulations should be amended as soon as possible to align with the Act – as an interim solution – with a sunset clause to scrap regulations once policy and the enabling legislation changes”.
END
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