SABC STATEMENT ON DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PAYMMENT FOR AN INTERVIEW
       
MEDIA STATEMENT
SABC STATEMENT ON DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PAYMMENT FOR AN INTERVIEW
 
Johannesburg, Friday, 19 January 2018– The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Board’s News and Editorial Committee has now met and considered the payment of R149,000, yet to be received, from the Department of Social Development for the interview broadcasted on 7 and 8 December 2017 on Real Talk with Anele.
 
After receiving a detailed report from Management, the Board committee reached the following conclusions on the broadcasting of these particular episodes:
 
a      The SABC did not comply with its own editorial policies on sponsorship of programmes, which requires that the sponsor’s association with the programme has to be stated clearly, both before and after the programme. In this case, this was not done.
b      The SABC does not charge for interviews, and this was a breach of organisational practice.  We do solicit sponsorship for programmes where it is part of a marketing campaign to communicate a departmental or other client programmes or policies.
c      There has been a breakdown in internal controls and processes in this specific instance.
 
In order to ensure that this does not happen again, the SABC is taking the following steps. Firstly, as part of the current SABC Editorial Policy review, we will ensure that any grey areas with respect to sponsorship of programming are clarified and strengthened. The SABC will soon publish the new draft Editorial Policy for further public comment.
 
Secondly, the Board News and Editorial Committee has instructed management to immediately look at strengthening upward referrals, and ensure that measures are taken that staff across different genres, including entertainment are well-versed and compliant with Editorial Policies and ICASA regulations. Thirdly, that management will inform GCIS that the SABC will not be invoicing for the R149, 000, which was to be paid for the interview.
 
The SABC takes full responsibility for these lapses and breaches in editorial control, and wishes to communicate that the presenter and production company of Real Talk with Anele acted based on SABC’s instructions.
 
The SABC is conducting an ongoing review to ensure that our policies are complied with across the organization. We are committed to cooperating with regulatory and other bodies to ensure that we remain compliant.
 
The public broadcaster competes with private sector media players for government spend on advertising, sponsorship and marketing revenue.  We shall continue to do so aggressively, without compromising our public mandate and our editorial independence, integrity and control.
 
The SABC remains committed to restoring the integrity of the public broadcaster and all its services, and will continue to act where there are breaches. The Committee is satisfied that these lapses were as a result of our Editorial Policies not being sufficiently integrated in our Entertainment division and that the breaches were not intentional. As stated, we will ensure that standards are lifted across divisions.
 
The SABC News and Current Affairs division was in no way involved in this matter. We assure the public that our News and Current Affairs Division adheres to our policy of journalistic integrity and editorial independence.
 
 
Ends
 
Media Enquiries
Kaizer Kganyago
SABC Spokesperson
082 306 8888

STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SABC BOARD ON THE PROCESS OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTIVES
MEDIA STATEMENT
STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SABC BOARD ON THE PROCESS OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTIVES
 
Johannesburg, Tuesday, 16 January 2018– The Board of the SABC takes note of the pronouncements of the Minister of Communications, in her capacity as Shareholder representative of the public broadcaster, on the process of the appointment of SABC Executives, in particular the Chief Operations Officer (COO).  
The Board wishes to state for the record that it has acted and will continue to act lawfully, and in line with the letter and spirit of the Interim Court Order, on this matter. This includes the requirement of consultations with the Shareholder Representative. 
The Interim court order gives clarity on the Board’s responsibilities in making SABC Executive Appointments. The recruitment of Executives (CEO, COO and CFO) is one of the SABC Board’s urgent priorities, and the processes are in progress and on track. The appointment of the successful candidate for COO is still being finalised, and the positions of CEO and CFO advertised.
 
Issued By:                              Group Communications on behalf of the SABC Board Chairperson Mr Bongumusa Makhathini
Media Enquiries:                   Mr. Kaizer Kganyago (SABC Spokesperson)
082 306 8888

SABC WILL BROADCAST THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2017 MATRIC RESULTS

MEDIA STATEMENT 

SABC WILL BROADCAST THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2017 MATRIC RESULTS

 

Johannesburg, Wednesday, 03 January 2018 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in partnership with the Department of Basic Education will host and present a complete bouquet of events and activities surrounding the announcement of the 2017 National Senior Certificate Examinations Results (NSC) on Thursday, 4 January 2018 at SABC M1 Studios in Radio Park, Johannesburg.

SABC Foundation CEO, Ms. Iris Cupido says: “The National Senior Certificate Examinations Results announcement has become one of the biggest events in the country, and as the public service broadcaster we have a responsibility to accord it the support it deserves. We have a role to play and we believe this partnership with the Department of Basic Education will take the country into the future.”

The SABC will provide comprehensive coverage of this important event on our platforms including 19 radio stations.

The events and activities are as follows:

 

  • Thursday, 04 January 2018 – A Top Achievers Breakfast session, on the day of the Ministerial announcement, where the Minister of Basic Education and the SABC Foundation will host the Top Grade 12 learners and their parents a chance to meet and interact with the Minister and Deputy Minister of Basic Education.
  • The live broadcast of the Ministerial announcement of the 2017 NSC Examinations Results on SABC 1 (and SABC Channel 404) and the awarding of two fully paid SABC Foundation bursaries to the top learners in the country amongst other awards for the evening.
  • Friday, 05  January 2018- A Morning Live Breakfast on (SABC 2 and SABC Channel 404) the morning after the Ministerial announcement to unpack the results, also to speak to various basic education sector experts and to cross live to all Provincial MECs before they announce their individual Provincial results.

 

End

Media Enquiries

Kaizer Kganyago

SABC Spokesperson

 082 306 8888

SABC APPOINTS MR THAMSANQA ZIKODE AS CHIEF AUDIT EXECUTIVE AND MS NADA WOTSHELA AS GROUP EXECUTIVE: RADIO
MEDIA STATEMENT
 
SABC APPOINTS MR THAMSANQA ZIKODE AS CHIEF AUDIT EXECUTIVE AND MS NADA WOTSHELA AS GROUP EXECUTIVE: RADIO
 
Johannesburg – Monday 04 December 2017 – In line with its commitment to ensuring organisation stability, financial recovery, and sound governance, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is pleased to announce two senior appointments.
 
Mr. Thamsanqa Phineas Zikode (known as Thami) has been appointed as Chief Audit Executive and Ms. Nada Ndulelwa Wotshela as Group Executive: SABC Radio. They both assumed their duties on Friday the 1st of December 2017.
 
Mr. Zikode has both Bachelor and Honours Degrees in Accounting Sciences and has been a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) since 2009. He is also a member of the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA). Mr. Zikode has extensive working experience in both the private and public sectors – most recently with the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA).
 
Ms. Nada Wotshela has both a BA Degree (Psychology and Sociology) and an MA Degree in Developmental Studies. She began her radio career with Ubuntu Community Radio in Port Elizabeth in 1996 as a presenter, a producer, and a newsreader. Ms. Wotshela moved to CKI FM in 1998 and transformed it from a community station to the youth radio station launched as Tru FM in November 2007. After a stint at Umhlobo Wenene FM, Ms. Wotshela was appointed as an SABC Provincial General Manager – first in the Western Cape and thereafter in the Eastern Cape.
 
Ms. Nomsa Philiso, the SABC’s Acting Group Chief Executive Officer (AGCEO) stated “We are delighted to welcome the two new Group Executive members.  I am particularly thrilled that they are joining us at a point where we are still deliberating about the plans for the 18/19 fiscal and can make an impactful contribution. I urge all staff to support them in their new roles”.
 
End
Media Enquiries:                               Mr. Kaizer Kganyago (SABC Spokesperson)
                                                            082 306 8888

SABC REQUESTS ICASA TO REVIEW ‘MUST CARRY’ TV REGULATIONS

MEDIA STATEMENT

SABC REQUESTS ICASA TO REVIEW ‘MUST CARRY’ TV REGULATIONS

Johannesburg, Wednesday, 22 November 2017 – The SABC has requested that the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) conduct an urgent public review of regulations that allow Multichoice and other subscription broadcasters to carry SABC1, SABC2 and SABC3 for free.

Known in the industry as the “Must Carry Regulations” and passed in 2008, these regulations ensure that all subscription broadcasters with more than 30 channels “must carry” the SABC’s three free-to-air television channels. However, contrary to the enabling legislation which provides for “commercial negotiations” between the parties, the regulations state the SABC “must offer its television programmes, at no cost,” to subscription broadcasters.

In a letter from SABC Chairperson, Bongumusa Makhathini, to Acting ICASA Chairperson, Paris Mashile on 21 November 2017, Mr. Makhathini explained that the Must Carry Regulations have “had a serious impact on the SABC from a potential revenue point of view”. He added that the Must Carry Regulations effectively ‘zero rate’ the three SABC channels and have created a “precedent-setting, non-commercial negotiating environment”.

The SABC submission states further that in 2008:

“……the regulations seemed to be drafted on the basis that the “must carry obligation” was an onerous one for subscription broadcasters and that these broadcasters would be ‘doing the public broadcaster a favour’ by carrying its channels as part of a subscription television bouquet. The SABC will demonstrate in the public process that, on the contrary, the SABC Must Carry Channels have commercially benefited Multichoice Africa at the expense of the public broadcaster”.

SABC1, SABC2 and SABC3 are among the most watched channels on DStv.

The SABC Board is currently conducting an urgent review of all contracts and regulations that negatively impact on the sustainability of the public broadcaster.

Mr. Makhathini stated in the letter that:

“…By reviewing and amending the regulations to comply with the enabling legislation, the Authority will be fulfilling one of its core statutory objectives as set out in section 2(t) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2006 which is to ‘protect the integrity and viability of public broadcasting services’.

It is the SABC’s view that the 2008 regulations have unfortunately failed to protect the viability of the public broadcaster and it is on this basis that we submit that the Authority should urgently commence a separate, public regulatory process to review the Must Carry Regulations”.

The SABC’s has proposed relatively simple amendments to the regulations that only seek to bring the Must Carry Regulations in line with the enabling legislation and create the correct regulatory framework for commercial negotiations between the public broadcaster and subscription broadcasters.

In the interests of transparency and the public interest, the SABC has forwarded its letter to known, SA-based subscription broadcasters. For the public, other interested parties and broadcasters, the SABC has also made its letter to ICASA available. Click here to access the letter to ICASA

END

Media Enquiries:                  Philly Moilwa, GM: Regulatory Affairs (SABC)

082 903 2544

(011) 714-3927

moilwap@sabc.co.za

SABC celebrates Heritage Month – #LiveYourHeritage

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has lined up various activities in celebration of heritage month, which celebrates the nation’s diversity and calls on South Africans to unite despite their cultural differences.

5FM’s Nick Hamman of Hamman Time (Mondays-Fridays, 09:00 – 12:00) will take listeners on a true South African journey as he visits all nine provinces which started on the 1st of September.
The show will take its listeners on a month-long excursion as Nick Hamman and producer “Mad Money Mike” travel through the nine provinces, spending at least two days in each, as they learn more about the vibrant heritage in the cities and small towns.

Hamman Time will broadcast live every day of the tour and encourage listeners to promote their province by engaging with the show and sharing their stories. The tour is sure to deliver a unique experience as it takes a deeper look at the culture, history and sheer beauty South Africa has to offer. In conjunction with the live broadcasts, listeners can follow the tour on the station’s various social media platforms for interviews, video and images.

The Hamman Time Heritage Tour, which kicked off on 1 September and will move on to Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Free State, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape before reaching the Western Cape just before Heritage Day. Be part of the journey by tuning in or following the @5FM and @HammanTime social media feeds using the hashtag #HammanTour and #LoveSA.
Radio 2000 will host an African Heritage Day event at the SABC offices in Auckland Park on Thursday, 21 September between 09:00 – 15:00.  The station has invited representatives from 27 African State Embassies to exhibit their rich African Cultural Heritage.

Phalaphala FM in partnership with Radzambo Cultural Foundation will be hosting a Phalaphala FM Traditional Dance Competition.  The traditional dance and music will feature the following categories:  Tshikona, Malende, Tshigombela, Visa, Kiba, Makgakgasi, Xigubu, Muchongolo and Xibelani covering the entire Vhembe District Municipality. The finals are preceded by the eliminations that are being held around the district a month prior September, with the finals being held during Heritage month.  Traditional dance competition finals will be held on the 30th September, at Rabali Stadium in Nzhelele within the Makhado Local Municipality.

Ukhozi FM will celebrate heritage month by partaking in two annual events that are the pinnacle of the Zulu nation cultural heritage celebrations. Umkhosi woMhlanga (Reed Dance) – Umkhosi woMhlanga is an annual Zulu ceremony that has become popular on the cultural tourism calendar and takes place at Enyokeni Royal Residence in Nongoma.

Umkhosi weLembe – Umkhosi weLembe celebrates the life and reign of Shaka kaSenzangakhona, King of the Zulus.  Last year (2016) marked 200 years since King Shaka founded the Zulu kingdom and 45 years since King Goodwill Zwelithini reigning King of the Zulu nation ascended to the throne. The celebration will takes place in kwaDukuza on the North Coast, where King Shaka was buried in 1828 at the age of 41.

Munghana Lonene FM is planning a Spring Shutdown to celebrate heritage month.  The shutdown will be hosted at the The Rest Lodge in Malamulele from 8 to 10 September.  Two shows will broadcast from the lodge on Friday 8 September followed by DJ’s mixes from 7pm till late.  On Saturday 9 September the station will host Xiseveseve and Makhwaya groups as well as local artists performances with a live recording of the station’s soapy Mina Hi Mina during performance breaks.  The weekend will close with a live jazz session which will have a picnic element of a bring and braai on Sunday 10 September.

Other activities planned by Munghana Lonene are as follows:
• Valoyi Traditional Authority for Nwa Mitwa Heritage & Culture Day on 2nd September
• Shiviti Traditional Authority for Thomo Heritage & Culture Day on 22nd September
• Homu Traditional Council for Homu Heritage & Culture Day, date TBC
• Mnisi Traditional Council for Mnisi Heritage & Culture celebration, date TBC
• Nghunghunyani Day, date TBC

Lotus FM is planning to host its listeners and key stakeholders as part of heritage month. The event will celebrate the various rainbow cultures that South Africa is home to.  All guests will dress in their cultural attire and will indulge in traditional meals.  Lotus FM OAP’s and key members of management will be in attendance to interact with guest.  The event will also have key note speakers to address both attendees and the listeners tuning into the station.

trufm in partnership with the Steve Biko Centre, based in Ginsberg, Eastern Cape, will be celebrating Heritage Month and commemorating the 40 year anniversary of Steve Biko’s passing.  The Heritage Day celebrations will include dialogues, fashion, a traditional culinary experience while the Steve Biko anniversary will include a lecture. Both celebrations / commemorations will be hosted at the Steve Biko Centre.

RSG will cover a wide variety of topics, snippets and promo’s that focus on Heritage and Tourism during the month of September.  A special emphasis is placed on Farming and Sustainable Food Production in partnership with Syngenta, with daily crossings for discussions about Farming Technology and Excellence.  Various archive material will be packaged and broadcasted in celebration of Afrikaans historical heritage as well 80 years of Afrikaans radio in line with the stations birthday.

The official hashtag for Heritage Month is #LiveYourHeritage.
End…..

Issued by: SABC Corporate Marketing
Media Enquiries: Mr. Kaizer Kganyago (SABC Spokesperson) | Cell: 082 306 8888

SABC Annual Report 2016/17

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) announced its annual results for the 2016/2017 financial year.

The SABC posted a net loss after tax of R977 million during the year under review. The organization experienced financial constraints owing to revenue streams deteriorating at a rate of 6% higher than the costs reduction. Cash and cash equivalents as at the end of 2016/17 financial year were R82 million compared to the previous year’s R881 million. This significant decrease in cash reserves has resulted in the SABC not being able to pay its debts as they fall due.

Revenue and other income for the period under review was R7.6 billion (2016: R8.1 billion) which is a 6% decrease year-on-year. Revenue is mainly derived from the primary revenue stream of advertising which decreased by 5% to R5.6 billion (2016: R5.9 billion), sponsorships revenue also decreased by 18% to R384 million (2016: R469 million), and TV license revenue also decreased by 7% to R915 million (2016: R986 million) compared to prior year.

The corporation received an adverse audit opinion for the period under review. The factors which contributed to this adverse opinion include amongst others; going concern basis of accounting, property plant and equipment, irregular expenditure and deferred government grants.

Despite all these challenges, the SABC was able to deliver on its on its public service mandate, as set out by the Broadcasting Act No 4 of 1999 as amended, as well the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).

See the full press release here – www.sabc.co.za/sabc/category/press/

The SABC Annual Report 2016/17 can be viewed here – ANNUAL REPORT 2016/2017

 

ENDS
Issued By: Group Communications
Media Enquiries: Mr Kaizer Kganyago (SABC Spokesperson) | Cell: 082 306 8888

Umhlobo Wenene FM scoops SATMA award

SATMA hosted the 12th edition of the South African Traditional Music Awards. This prestigious event which seeks to ensure that as South Africans we preserve our diverse languages and culture .We saw the entire traditional music fraternity descend upon Mahikeng where the event was held.

SABC is a media partner in these awards; all the SABC African Language radio stations take part in these awards as they are the custodians of our language and culture. There are two widely contested categories within the radio categories, that is the best traditional music radio programme of the year and the best traditional radio presenter of the year.

At this year’s awards an unfortunate situation happened where the best traditional radio presenter was omitted due to technical glitches .Upon investigation by the Station manager Mr Phumzile Mnci and Mr Siphelele Sixaso it was discovered that the category had been forgotten and the winner of the awards as revealed by the auditors was indeed Mr Monwabisi Gudlabatshakazi Bangi of Umhlobo Wenene FM.

On Thursday the 05 October 2017, SATMA Awards founder, Mr Goba  travelled to Umhlobo Wenene FM in  Port Elizabeth to hand over the award to Gudla who emerged as the winner in the best traditional music radio  presenter category.

This follows a public apology made by the SATMA founder Mr Goba on the station’s breakfast show the BEE on Monday the 02nd of October 2017, where he informed listeners about the mishap and promised to personally deliver the award to the station and he fulfilled that promise as he flew down with the camera crew including Mr Siphelele Sixaso, the Head of Marketing Radio in SABC to witness the event. A special honorary Award known as the Lasting Legacy Award was posthumously awarded to the late Saba Mbixane who had won in both categories for a consecutive six years.
“Xa inkosi ibekwa ayibekwa ezizweni, ibekwa kumaxhanti akowayo” this was a positive opening line from Gudla as he accepted the award which means that a king is crowned in his homestead referring to the award being a blessing as he is receiving it at home. It was a joyous moment followed by African cuisine as the SABC staff dressed in their traditional regalia.

Mr Mnci the station manager had this to say, “I wish to congratulate Gudla for ensuring that the legacy left by Saba Mbixane is continuing. It is abundantly clear that the station together with the listeners have made the right decision by choosing him to replace the late Saba Mbixane. Through this achievement the station is continuing its mission to take every award coming its way .A clear demonstration that Umhlobo Wenene FM is the best station in South Africa. We would like to thank our listeners for always being loyal to the station of their choice”

For more information, please contact the Marketing Manager, Ms Faith Ngandi.
Marketing Manager | UMhlobo Wenene FM | Tel: 041 391 1103
ngandifb@sabc.co.za