MEDIA STATEMENT | MC’S ANNOUNCED FOR INAUGURAL ZIYAKHALA MO SUN CITY FESTIVAL

Johannesburg – Wednesday, 04 June 2025 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and Sun City are excited to announce the MC’s for the inaugural ZIYAKHALA MO SUN CITY FESTIVAL, taking place on Saturday, 28 June 2025. This partnership sees the world-class Sun City Resort, alongside the public broadcaster’s nine African Language stations celebrate traditional music, culture and fashion.

 

The anticipated festival will be hosted by larger-than-life SABC radio personalities. METRO FM’s Somizi Mhlongo, Ikwekwezi FM’s Thandy Mamakhe, Umhlobo Wenene FM’s Lusanda Mbane, Motsweding FM’s Amon Mokoena and Ukhozi FM’s Tshatha Ngobe, will lead the festivities with their energetic vibes and keep the crowd entertained for hours alongside the stellar line-up of artists.

Authentic South African music will be celebrated, as legendary artists such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Dr Nothembi Mkhwebane, Ringo and the new generation of artists such as Makhadzi, King Monada, Cassper Nyovest, Sjava, Mthandeni SK, Ntate Stunna, Qadasi & Maqhinga, Lwah Ndlunkulu and General Muzka, who bring diverse cultural music, take centre stage.

 

Thinasiphelele Sixaso, the SABC’s General Manager: PSB Radio states, “The SABC will be descending to Bokone Bophirima with all its stars and talent to bring a tantalizing event for the festival goers. They will celebrate being an African and we are working tirelessly to create moments within the festival that will be etched in our memories for a lifetime, so what better way to do this than to bring the extraordinary SABC talent.”

 

Nombuso Buthelezi, Sun City’s Head of Events added, “As Sun City Resort, we are thrilled to see Ziyakhala Mo Sun City come to life after months of meticulous planning. Our stellar line-up of MC’s is the final piece of puzzle. We are all set to warmly welcome guests from across the country in celebration of South African music.”

 

ZIYAKHALA MO SUN CITY FESTIVAL

Event Information

Date: Saturday 28 June 2025

Venue: Sun City Superbowl

Time: Doors open at 2pm

Event Starts at 4pm until 2am

Tickets available at Ticketpro from R350 per person.

 

Ultimate VIP Experience

VIP tickets from R1500, including a traditional South African dinner.

Dedicated table seating in VIP area.

Leopard carpet from 2pm to 6pm including a welcome drink from Bridge 1.

Dinner served from 6pm to 8pm.

 

ENDS

 

Media Enquiries:

Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications SABC)

NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za 

073 688 1590

 

Sun City Contact:

Ontlotlile Kalebe (Events & Entertainment manager-Sun City Resort)

Ontlotlile.kalebe@suninternational.com

014 557 1758

 

SABC SENDS CONDOLENCES MESSAGE TO MP PETROS SITHOLE’S FAMILY

Johannesburg – Sunday, 1 June 2025 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) would like to extend its sincere condolences to the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Chief Whip, Petros MK Sithole’s family following his tragic passing on Saturday night. 

Honourable MP Sithole was a member of the Parliamentary Portofolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies. He played a key role in championing the transformation and sustainability of the SABC. 

The Chairperson of the SABC Board, Khathutshelo Ramukumba stated that “We are saddened by the news of Mr Sithole’s passing, he was a valuable member of the Committee and his expertise, knowledge and advice on the role of the SABC as a public service media will be missed. We would like to send our condolences to his beloved family and friends and thank them for allowing him to be part of the key role players shaping our public service broadcaster. 

May his soul rest in peace. 

ENDS 

Issued By: Group Communications 

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head: Communications) 

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

MEDIA STATEMENT | SABC ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TRANSITION IN SALES DIVISION

Johannesburg – Thursday, 22 May 2025 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) announces that Cindy Diamond, Group Executive for Sales, will be departing the organization to pursue new career opportunities.

Since joining the SABC in 2022, Cindy has been instrumental in leading the Sales division through strategic transformation, contributing her extensive expertise to key initiatives. We are grateful for her dedication and the valuable impact she has made.

Cindy will continue to support the Sales division through a structured transition period, working closely with the leadership team to ensure continuity in key projects. The SABC will commence the search for her successor in the coming months.

We extend our best wishes to Cindy as she embarks on the next phase of her career and thank her for her commitment to a smooth transition.

ENDS

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head: Communications)

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

MEDIA STATEMENT | PUBLIC BROADCASTER HONOURED TO HAVE SABC PLUS SHORTLISTED AT FED AWARDS 2025

Johannesburg – Thursday, 15 May 2025 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is proud to announce that its streaming platform, SABC Plus, has been shortlisted in the prestigious “Best Platform / CTV (Connected TV)” category at the FED Awards 2025, presented by Comunicare Digitale and Dime Comunicaciones.

The awards will take place in Lucca, Italy, on 5 and 6 June 2025.

As a people’s platform, SABC Plus invites all South Africans and supporters worldwide to cast their vote by visiting www.fed2025.com.

To vote:

  1. Click on “Vote Awards”.
  2. View the list of categories.
  3. Select the link to vote for SABC Plus in the “Best Platform / CTV” category.

Voting closes on 20 May 2025.

Sibusiso Gumbi, Head of Marketing: Platforms and Channels at the SABC, said: “Being recognised at the FED Awards is a powerful endorsement of the creativity and commitment shown by our teams at the SABC and Mangomolo. Since the launch of SABC Plus in November 2022 and its major revamp in July 2024, we’ve continued to push boundaries in the digital streaming space. Reaching one million subscribers is not just a milestone — it’s validation that our audience-first strategy is connecting with viewers.”

“Now we’re calling on our loyal community to help us go even further, vote for SABC Plus and show the world the strength of South African public broadcasting.”

For more information, visit www.SABC-Plus.com and follow us on social media:

Facebook: @SABCPlus

X: @SABCPlus   

Instagram: @SABCPlus     

TikTok: @sabcplus  

END

Issued By:                             Group Communications

Media Enquiries:                  Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

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

MEDIA STATEMENT | SABC RESPONDS TO FALSE AND MISLEADING MEDIA STATEMENT REGARDING A CAR RADIO LICENCE FEE

Johannesburg – Thursday, 8 May 2025 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has noted a fabricated and misleading media statement that states that the corporation will be implementing a car radio licence fee.

The facts are the SABC has not issued any media statement or made any public pronouncement on a car radio licence fee. The SABC would like to refute this disinformation with the contempt it deserves, as there is no SABC directive or policy that aligns to this.

The current TV licence system remains unchanged and applies only to television sets as per the Broadcasting Act 4 of 1999 and TV Licence Regulations (2004). Any changes to this framework require legislative amendments and broad consultation.

This disinformation is aimed at causing panic and destabilising the SABC, at a critical time where the organisation is celebrating its 1 million subscribers on its OTT platform, SABC Plus.

The public is advised that all SABC media statements are only accessible from SABC official platforms, and everyone is encouraged to verify information.

We urge the public to verify information directly with the SABC and not be misled by false claims. For accurate details, visit www.tvlic.co.za or contact TV Licences at 011 330 9555 / tvlic.info@sabc.co.za.

 

ENDS

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head: Communications)

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

MEDIA STATEMENT | SABC APPOINTS MR LWAZI MTHABELA AS UKHOZI FM BUSINESS MANAGER
Johannesburg – Thursday, 8 May 2025 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Lwazi Mthabela as the Business Manager for Ukhozi FM.
Mr Mthabela has over 15 years of experience in the radio and agency environment that spans from sales, advertising strategy, media, and client services. His most recent position, prior to this appointment, was that of Marketing Manager for Ukhozi FM from September 2021.
His career highlights include occupying the role of Account Manager at Avusa Media, Account Manager-SAB and Public Sector Account Manager at Gagasi FM. He was later appointed as a Key Account Manager and Commercial lead, at the same station, where he honed his experience in managing key accounts and driving business growth in the radio industry.
He has worked with prominent advertising agencies, managing accounts and developing marketing strategies as an Account Manager at TBWA Worldwide and Ogilvy & Mather Durban.
Mr Mthabela’s educational background also provides a solid foundation for this role. He holds a B-Tech degree in Management from Durban University of Technology (DUT), as well as a Certificate in Management Development from the same university. He is currently enrolled in a postgraduate diploma in Project Management at the University of Stellenbosch.
SABC management wishes him well in this new exciting role.
ENDS
Issued By:                            Group Communications
Media Enquiries:              Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)
NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590

MEDIA STATEMENT | SABC PLUS REACHES 1 MILLION REGISTERED USERS, DRIVEN BY SPORT AND DIGITAL MIGRATION CAMPAIGN

Johannesburg – Thursday, 8 May 2025 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is proud to announce that SABC Plus, its Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming platform, has reached an impressive 1 million registered users since its relaunch in July 2024. This significant milestone highlights the success of SABC’s digital migration strategy and the growing demand for accessible, high-quality local content.

The surge in registrations has been largely driven by live sports broadcasts, which have consistently attracted over 60,000 new users per major game. Additionally, the recent #SwitchToStream campaign has further accelerated the platform’s growth by educating audiences on the convenience and accessibility of SABC Plus across multiple devices.

“We are thrilled to see how quickly South Africans are embracing SABC Plus as a digital destination for the content they love. The response to live sports, lifestyle entertainment, and special events like the METRO FM Music Awards has been phenomenal, reaffirming our commitment to delivering compelling, relevant content anytime, anywhere.” said SABC Digital Marketing Manager, Mr. Khanyisa Melwa.

SABC Plus offers audiences access to the SABC’s 19 radio stations, SABC 1, SABC 2, S3, the 24-hour news channel, and the SABC Sport channel – all in one seamless digital platform.

SABC Plus features include:

  • Catch-Up Services
  • Video on Demand (VOD)
  • Voice Command (for content search)
  • TV Schedule and Radio Now Playing EPG
  • Vodcasts
  • Download features available on mobile only.
  • Podcasts
  • Unlimited Access on Multiple Household Devices
  • Display Banners and Video Ads
  • EPG Reminders for live programming

For more information, visit www.SABC-Plus.com and follow us on our social media channels.

 

Facebook: @SABCPlus

X: @SABCPlus   

Instagram: @SABCPlus

TikTok: @sabcplus     

ENDS

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head: Communications)

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

MEDIA STATEMENT | METRO FM MUSIC AWARDS 2025 PRESENTERS ANNOUNCED: LOOTLOVE, SCOOP MAKHATHINI, ANELE ZONDO, DINEO RANAKA, L-TIDO AND MPUMI MLAMBO!

Johannesburg – Friday, 11 April 2025 – The biggest night in SA music just got even bigger as METRO FM announced a star-studded line up of Presenters to the METRO FM Music awards 2025 (MMAs), set to take place on Saturday, 03 May 2025 at Mbombela Stadium, in Mpumalanga. The MMAs will officially air on SABC 1 and will be available for streaming on SABC + at 20:00.

The main stage hosts for this year’s awards are Luthando ‘Lootlove’ Shosha as well as TV and radio personality Siyabonga Ngwekazi.  Radio personality and TV host, Luthando Lootlove Shosha is a co-host on METRO FM’s afternoon drive show, The Touch Down. Siyabonga Ngwekazi,widely recognized as ‘Scoop Makhathini’, is a multifaceted South African television presenter, writer, and cultural commentator.

“The MMAs 2024 were a truly monumental and unforgettable experience for me. I’m honoured to be entrusted with this role once again, and I’m beyond excited to share the stage with none other than my homeboy, Siyabonga Ngwekazi. I’m looking forward to an incredible night celebrating the very best of South African music talent,” says LootLove.

Scoop Makhathini shares his excitement stating, “I’m looking forward to being part of this exciting event that’s at the forefront of celebrating South African music. As a passionate advocate for creativity and the music industry, I believe South African artists deserve regular recognition. I’m thrilled to collaborate with Luthando for the first time, and I’m grateful to Metro FM for providing a platform for us to showcase our skills and talents.”

Actress, TV presenter, model and rapper Anele Zondo as well as METRO FM’s the Hustler Fix host, Mpumi Mlambo will host the Black Carpet, which is sponsored by the Motsepe Foundation.

Multi-talented METRO FM Top 30 host, Dineo Ranaka and Hip-Hop Star, Thato Madonsela, better known as ‘L-Tido’ will be hosts in the Green Room, interviewing excited winners who just stepped off the stage.

It’s a big night for South African music, and it’s fitting that it’s being brought to life by some of the industry’s top talent.

The METRO FM Music Awards 2025 is an unparalleled lifestyle experience, which presents two main events in one night – the awards and the spectacular music festival. This year’s event features a spectacular line up of performers such as Master KG, Black Motion, K.O, Zee Nxumalo.  For one ticket price, attendees will enjoy not one, but two incredible events: the awards ceremony and a live concert. It’s an experience not to be missed!

 

Get your tickets now at Computicket. Lower Tier: R150 for 1 ticket – Upper Tier: R250 for 2 tickets – Golden Circle: R850.

ENDS

 

Issued By:                              Group Communications

Media Enquiries:                  Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

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

MEDIA STATEMENT | SABC RESPONSE TO AFRIKAANS NEWS BULLETIN SCHEDULING ISSUE

Johannesburg – Tuesday, 8 April 2025 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) wishes to address concerns arising from the non-broadcast of the Afrikaans television news bulletin this past weekend. We acknowledge that the bulletin did not air in its regular time slot on Saturday and Sunday, and we confirm that this was a scheduling error. This should not have happened.

As management, we are treating this matter with the seriousness it deserves, and consequence management processes are currently underway to address the internal oversight that led to this unfortunate incident.

We want to assure the public and our stakeholders that there is no plan or decision to discontinue or deprioritise Afrikaans news. The Afrikaans television news bulletin continues to air as scheduled from Monday to Friday, and the weekend bulletin will also continue in its regular time slot going forward.

Afrikaans remains an important part of our public broadcasting mandate, just as all South African languages are. The SABC is committed to providing equitable access to news and information in all official languages. The SABC is actively working on a broader content and scheduling strategy aimed at strengthening our language offering, including Afrikaans. This process is part of our new financial year’s content strategy and will be communicated more fully in due course.

We acknowledge the deep concern this weekend’s error has caused, particularly within Afrikaans-speaking communities. We extend our sincere and heartfelt apology to the South African public, and especially to those who felt aggrieved by this disruption.

In closing, we reiterate:

  • Afrikaans news has not been discontinued. Afrikaans News currently broadcasts at 20:30 Mondays – Fridays on S3.
  • Weekend Afrikaans bulletins will continue in their current time slot, 18:00 on Saturdays and Sundays on SABC 2.
  • The SABC remains committed to all languages as part of its constitutional and public service mandate.

We appreciate the continued engagement from the public, civil society organisations, and political parties, and we remain open to further dialogue in the spirit of transparency and inclusivity.

Issued on behalf of SABC Management by Group Communications.

ENDS

Media Enquiries:                   Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

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

MEDIA RELEASE | RSG COUNTS DOWN TO ‘AFRIKAANS 100’ WITH SENDING VAN VÊR
Johannesburg – Monday, 7 April 2025 – RSG’s brand new afternoon drama series, Sending van Vêr, has been specially developed and written by Eben Cruywagen to celebrate 100 years of Afrikaans.
Listeners can tune in from 7 April 2025 every weekday at 14:45 (except on 18 April, Good Friday) for 23 episodes. The final episode will broadcast on 8 May 2025, the day Afrikaans celebrates its centenary as an official language.
Since May 2024, RSG has been creating content leading up to the ‘Afrikaans 100’ celebrations. As part of this initiative, Eben Cruywagen was commissioned to adapt a series of classic stories and create new ones that reflect the rich history and versatility of Afrikaans. Several of these adaptations are already available as podcasts:
·       Die Sprinkaanbeampte van Sluis – Listen here
·       Ou Leeumelker – Listen here
·       Gelykheid en Broederskap – Listen here
A Tribute to Afrikaans’ power of imagination
Eben Cruywagen explains:
“With this series, I wanted to showcase the creativity, versatility, and adaptability of the Afrikaans language, as well as its ability to create neologisms—even in a quasi-scientific realm, such as in the distant future in a galaxy far, far away, to borrow George Lucas’s famous Star Wars introduction. Languages that are literally hundreds of years older than Afrikaans, like the West Germanic languages German and Dutch, are slow to develop neologisms. However, in Afrikaans, if we can’t come up with an appropriate new word, we reshape foreign words in such a way that they become authentically Afrikaans! I hope that listeners experience this story as a fun exploration of the wonder of the Afrikaans language. (And may this precious language of ours one day achieve Intergalactic status…!).”
Eben’s inspiration starts with:
“C.J. Langenhoven’s Loeloeraai, published in 1923 by Nasionale Pers Beperk, which is widely regarded as the very first science fiction story in Afrikaans. As one of the major figures in securing Afrikaans as an official language, this story is also a tribute to C.J. Langenhoven’s significant contribution as a champion of the language. Although Sending van Ver is not a direct adaptation of Langenhoven’s story, it does in some respects freely draw from its themes. The story even takes a detour to Oudtshoorn in 1923, where Loeloeraai makes his earthly visit to Neelsie, Vroutjie, Engela, and Oom Stoffel—complete with Jakhals, the sheepdog, and Herrie, the elephant.”
A Space Journey Through Time and Language
Director Johan Rademan brings this ambitious radio drama to life:
“Like Loeloeraai in 1923, Sending van Vêr is a ground-breaking literary treasure. Cruywagen skilfully uses dialogue as an educational tool—not only to engage with the current discourse on language and its 100-year journey but also to dissect and project bold assumptions and conclusions.
A Star Wars-like spectacle is created, complete with a unique, time-space-specific linguistic system that unfolds across geography and time. How better to portray history and geography to the modern ear? The true test lies in a compelling, executable short serial drama, brought to life by an outstanding cast of radio actors.”
The Story
In Sending van Ver, Loeloeraai (DeKlerk Oelofse) travels from a galaxy far, far away to our universe. Under the guise of cultural cooperation, these visitors are searching for vital resources to ensure the survival of their own planet.  Unaware of this hidden agenda, Loeloeraai focuses on Sagmoedige Neelsie (André Terblanche) and his quest to have Afrikaans recognized as an official language. This journey leads him to 1997, where he meets Didius Deelman (Enrico Hartzenberg), an enthusiastic young spaceflight enthusiast studying at Stellenbosch University.
However, Loeloeraai’s visit has another purpose: he is searching for a secret agent from the future, disguised as a geneticist (Wilhelm van der Walt), who is attempting to eliminate the gene responsible for human speech. Without communication, there can be no progress – making it easier to exploit the planet’s resources. Didius becomes involved in the mission, and due to unforeseen circumstances, they accidentally travel 3,000 years into the future.
There, they discover a devastated Taalmonument (Language Monument) and a world where people are impoverished, homeless, and mute – the geneticist has succeeded in his mission!
In a desperate attempt to change the course of history, Loeloeraai and his companions return to 1997, where they successfully stop the geneticist and restore the future. When they revisit the Taalmonument on 8 May 5025, they are amazed to find the grand Intergalactic Language Institute. Afrikaans has officially become an intergalactic language!
 
Star-Studded Cast
This production features an impressive cast, including:
  • DeKlerk Oelofse as Loeloeraai
  • Anrich Herbst as Commander Watwo
  • Maria Vos as Cleoz
  • André Terblanche as Kerneels / Neelsie
  • Ilne Fourie as Vroutjie / Lenie
  • Jane de Wet as Engela
  • Johann Nel as Oom Stoffel
  • Enrico Hartzenberg as Didius Deelman
  • Sharfa du Plessis as Bonita February
  • Pieter van Zyl as Emperor Maksor
  • Jacques Bessenger as Captain Malfor
  • Wilhelm van der Walt as Professor Provo van Thijn / Rascha Dumwar
Listen to Sending van Vêr
The first episode of Sending van Vêr airs on 7 April 2025 at 14:45 and continues every weekday until 8 May 2025 on RSG and rsg.co.za. Episodes will also be available as podcasts.
Don’t miss this unique journey through time and language! Tune in to RSG for a story that will take your imagination on a journey… perhaps even to the intergalactic future!
END
Issued By:                             Group Communications
Media Enquiries:                  Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)
ngubanemv@sabc.co.za     T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590