Media Statements – Page 79 – SABC

SABC RESPONDS TO A MATTER CONCERNING TV LICENCE EMPLOYEES

MEDIA STATEMENT

SABC RESPONDS TO A MATTER CONCERNING TV LICENCE EMPLOYEES

Johannesburg, Monday, 07 May 2018– The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) would like to put the record straight on the matter concerning the employees who were relieved of their duties on Wednesday, 02 May 2018.

The SABC would like to put it on record that the employees referred to committed an act of misconduct in that they embarked on an “unprotected strike action” which was not in compliance with the provisions of the Labour Relations Act and SABC policies . Despite numerous attempts by Management to dissuade them from continuing with this unlawful action they continued with the action. Consequently they were subjected to an internal disciplinary process which was in compliance with the requirements of procedural and substantive fairness. The SABC management followed all the required prescripts in arriving at the pronouncement, based on the submissions presented before the aforesaid disciplinary process. It is also important that we do not engage in any further detail in the public domain.

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Media Enquiries

Mmoni Seapolelo

Acting Spokesperson

073 688 1590

seapolelomv@sabc.co.za

SABC MOURNS THE DEATH OF AKHUMUZI JEZILE

MEDIA STATEMENT

SABC MOURNS THE DEATH OF AKHUMUZI JEZILE

Johannesburg, Sunday, 29 April 2018– The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has learnt with great shock and sadness of the sudden passing of the multi-talented Akhumzi Jezile. On behalf of the Board, management and staff of the SABC, we would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the Jezile family, friends and fans of Akhumzi.

Akhumzi started his career in broadcasting industry at a very young age. He presented one of South Africa’s most loved programme for children, Yo-TV on SABC 1. Akhumuzi’s passion’s for the arts saw him expanding his craft and getting into acting and producing various programmes.

Akhumuzi’s work includes acting on the popular, Khululeka Siyavota, an educational drama which focused on issues around voter education and democracy. He also featured on Tempy Pusha on SABC 1 where he scooped the South African Film & Television Award (SAFTA) for best supporting actor in a TV Drama for his role as Ngulube. At the time of his death, Akhumuzi was a Producer for Live Amp series on SABC 1. The SABC proud to have been associated with Akhumuzi throughout the years; he practically grew up and spent his entire life on SABC television.

The SABC would like to extend its gratitude to the Jezile family for allowing Akhumzi to be part of the great men and women who have dedicated their lives to using their time to keep South African educated, informed and educated through their talent.

He will be deeply missed.

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Media Enquiries

Kaizer Kganyago

SABC Spokesperson

SAFM PRESENTS EXCITING LINE-UP CHANGES

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MEDIA STATEMENT

SAFM PRESENTS EXCITING LINE-UP CHANGES

Johannesburg, Saturday 07 April 2018 – SAfm remains a radio station with the largest footprint in South Africa, and it is important to refresh, strengthen and rotate talent to ensure maximum output. The station believes its existing talent and with the augmentation of new personalities, it will remain relevant and ultimately deliver on audience numbers.

The new line-up presents much needed rotation of talent within, and we are excited to announce Stephen Grootes, Ernest Pillay, and Thabiso Mosia as new presenters joining the SAfm Family!

From Monday, the 09^th of April 2018, listeners can look forward to the #SAfmSunrise with Stephen Grootes from 06:00-09:00 weekdays. The show promises to be hard-hitting, informative, and will ease audiences into the day ahead. Following that is no stranger to the station Bongi Gwala, on The Talking Point from 09:00 – 12:00 with in depth discussions on days topical issues. Criselda Dudumashe brings her well rounded approach to daytime radio between 13:00 – 15:00 weekdays.

Ernest Pillay joins the SAfm family to present the afternoon show from 15:00 – 18:00. He brings to the show his wealth of experience as a seasoned presenter spanning over 25 years.

SAfm Market Update with Money web provides in-depth analysis on the business and topical economic news between 18:00 – 19:00. Thabiso Mosia kicks in from 19:00 – 20:00 with key sports matters of the day. Ashraf Garda will then unpack socio- political matters on Monday to Thursday from 20:00 – 22:00.

SAfm weekends will never be the same, now with more music and less talk presented by seasoned broadcasters such as Michelle Constant, Shado Twala, Rowena Baird and Ricky Stevens to list a few.

The station recognises the holistic pivotal role played by news and current affairs. The current affairs programmes will be presented by Tsepiso Makwetla delivering the morning instalment between 05h00 and 06h00 weekdays whilst Sakina Kamwendo continues with in-depth discussions and breaking stories midday from 12h00-13h00. Elvis Presslin will present the weekend slots between 06h00-07h00.

“We invite South Africa to tune in on the 9^th of April 2018 and enjoy what SAfm has to offer. We wish all our presenters the best and have no doubt that they will make a meaningful contribution to ensure that SAfm dominates the airwaves as a national talk radio station in South Africa”, Peter Mashamba, Acting Station Manager.

Below is the SAfm New On-Air Schedule

Monday – Friday

Time channel	Presenter
00:00-03:00	Stephen Kirker
03:00-05:00	Khanyi Magubane
05:00-06:00	Tsepiso Makwetla
06:00- 09:00	Stephen Grootes Brad Brown (Sport)
09:00- 12:00	Bongi Gwala
12:00- 13:00	Sakina Kamwendo
13:00 – 15:00	Criselda Dudumashe
15:00 – 18:00	Ernest Pillay Thabiso Mosia (Sport)
18:00- 19:00 Monday – Thursday	Moneyweb
19:00 – 20:00 Monday – Thursday 18:00 – 19:00 (Fridays)	Thabiso Mosia
	Thabiso Mosia
20:00 – 22:00 Monday – Thursday	Ashraf Garda
22:00 – 00:00 Monday – Thursday	Naledi Moleo
19:00 – 21:00 Fridays	Lizette Khan
21:00 – 00:00 Fridays	Jon Gericke

Saturdays

Time channel	Presenter
00:00 – 03:00	Mandla Shongwe
03:00 – 06:00	Sidwell Mhlongo
06:00 – 07:00	Elvis Presslin
07:00 – 10:00	Michelle Constant
10:00- 13:00	Shado Twala
13:00 – 16:00	Rowena Baird
16:00 – 19:00	Ricky Stevens
19:00 – 21:00	Lizette Khan
21:00 – 00:00	Jon Gericke

Sundays

Time channel	Presenter
00:00 – 03:00	Mandla Shongwe
03:00 – 05:00	Sidwell Mhlongo
05:00 – 06:00	The Church Service
06:00 – 07:00	Elvis Presslin
07:00 – 10:00	Michelle Constant
10:00 – 13:00	Shado Twala
13:00- 16:00	Rowena Baird
16:00- 19:00	Ricky Stevens
19:00 – 20:00	Naye Lupondwana
20:00 – 21:00	Documentaries & Drama
21:00 – 00:00	Music

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Media Enquiries

Kaizer Kganyago

SABC Spokesperson

082 306 8888

SABC SADDENED BY THE PASSING OF STRUGGLE VETERAN WINNIE MADIKIZELA-MANDELA

MEDIA STATEMENT

SABC SADDENED BY THE PASSING OF STRUGGLE VETERAN WINNIE MADIKIZELA-MANDELA

Johannesburg, Monday 02 April 2018 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), is saddened to learn of the passing of struggle veteran Mama Winnie Madikizela- Mandela, a remarkable brave woman who fought and sacrificed so much for South Africans to know what it truly means to be a rainbow nation.

Mama Winnie played a pivotal role during the apartheid era which contributed immensely to the dawn of democracy in South Africa. Her iconic contribution to the struggle earned her the ‘Mother of the Nation’ title. Like a true mother nurturing and protecting her children, she fought tirelessly for the liberation of her people.

Mama Winnie has been interviewed on various SABC platforms, narrating the rich history of this country. Even post liberation she has continued to be the face and voice of hope, unity and courage.

The SABC Board, Management and Staff send their heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and cadres. Hamba kahle Mama Winnie! Yours was a life worth celebrating and a story worth sharing, the SABC Archives will ensure that your legacy lives forever. May your soul rest in peace.

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Media Enquiries
Kaizer Kganyago
SABC Spokesperson
082 306 8888

MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF A PUBLIC MEMBER AT SABC KWA-ZULU NATAL OFFICE

MEDIA STATEMENT

MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF A PUBLIC MEMBER AT SABC KWA-ZULU NATAL OFFICE

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) would like to announce the death of a 39 year old woman who died at our premises on Saturday,24 March 2018. The woman was visiting SABC Kwa-Zulu Natal Office in Durban when she collapsed at the reception area. The SABC staff members called the ambulance, paramedics and the police. The woman was certified dead due to natural causes at around 11:30 by the paramedics. The Police have notified the family of the deceased regarding the death of their loved one and they came to the scene. The matter is now in the hands of the law enforcement agencies.

The SABC would like to send it’s heartfelt condolences to the family of the woman and pledge to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies around this matter.

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Media Enquiries

Kaizer Kganyago

SABC Spokesperson

082 306 8888

THE SABC BOARD TAKES ACTION ON WHISTLE BLOWER ALLEGATIONS

MEDIA STATEMENT

THE SABC BOARD TAKES ACTION ON WHISTLE BLOWER ALLEGATIONS

Johannesburg, Monday, 26 March 2018-Following the recent media reports containing allegations about the SABC tender process for the provision of security services, the SABC Board wishes to set out a brief history, set the record straight and outline the steps it has taken to deal with the issue.

The SABC Board is committed to compliance with all laws and regulations and will ensure that where there is alleged wrongdoing the matter will be urgently investigated. In the event that any allegations of wrongdoing in the entire value chain of decision making are proven, decisive and appropriate action will be taken.

In July 2017 the SABC Interim Board (IB) awarded a tender to Mafoko Security for the provision of physical security services at the SABC’s Auckland Park Offices and TV Outside Broadcasts building. One of the losing bidders, Mjayeli Security, was aggrieved by this award and in December 2017 began a litigation process to review the SABC decision.

On the 22^nd of February 2018, during the early stages of this litigation process, the SABC Board Chairperson, Bongumusa Makhathini, received an anonymous e-mail making allegations about two members of the SABC Board who were part of the Interim Board when the security service tender was awarded.

Within a few days of receipt of this anonymous e-mail (“the whistleblower report”), the two board members agreed with the Board chairperson to recuse themselves from any deliberations on the issue. The decision was later ratified by the Board.

On the 01^st of March 2018 the SABC Chairperson, Bongumusa Makhathini wrote a letter to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) requesting them to speed up the ongoing investigation of the entire handling of the tender process prior to the IB decision, the IB decision and now the whistleblower report.

On the 6^th of March 2018, the SABC Chairperson received affidavits deposed to by the two board members wherein they unequivocally rejected the allegations and denied any wrongdoing. These affidavits have been submitted to the SIU for inclusion in the ongoing investigation. The two board members have also reserved their rights to sue for defamation should it be found that the allegations are malicious.

The SABC then approached the High Court for condonation that the Court suspend hearing the Mjayeli Security matter until the SIU had finalised their investigation into the handling of the tender and all related allegations.

The SABC cannot prejudge the outcome of the SIU investigation and accordingly believes that it is in the interest of justice that the proceedings are suspended until the SIU has completed its work on the disputed tender. The SABC is prepared to accede to an order that the SIU completes its work and report in less than six months. This is a preferable route to taking any definitive decisions now, which could be reversed by the findings of the SIU.

On the 22^nd March 2018, after the SABC had made its court application to hold the court proceedings in abeyance, the SABC Chairperson, Bongumusa Makhathini received a media query with respect to the litigation and the whistleblower report. Although the litigation is a public process and the issues had been raised by the Honourable Mr. M. Kalako MP and responded to by the SABC in Parliament on the 20^th of March 2018, the Board has decided to provide further clarity and register its commitment to doing things differently.

“The SABC Board is committed to compliance with all laws and regulations and will ensure that any matter where wrongdoing is alleged is urgently investigated. In the event that any of the allegations of wrongdoing are proven, decisive action will be taken”, says SABC Chairperson, Bongumusa Makhathini.

The Mjayeli security matter is currently before the courts and is the subject of an ongoing SIU investigation. The SABC will be guided by the outcome of these processes.

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Issued by Group Communications on behalf of the SABC Board Chairperson, Mr. Bongumusa Makhathini.

Media Enquiries

Kaizer Kganyago

SABC Spokesperson

082 306 8888

BONGANI BINGWA JOINS THE SABC TELEVISION NEWS TEAM

MEDIA STATEMENT

BONGANI BINGWA JOINS THE SABC TELEVISION NEWS TEAM

Johannesburg, Thursday 08 March 2018 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is pleased to announce Bongani Bingwa who is joining our news anchoring pool. Mr. Bingwa will co-host the 18h00-21h00 slot on SABC’s 24 hour news Channel with Francis Herd from Monday, 12 March 2018. This includes presenting the 21h00 bulletin which simulcasts on SABC 3.

Mr. Bingwa brings to the SABC a wealth of knowledge in journalism for both radio and television news and current affairs.

Welcoming Mr. Bingwa to the SABC, Ms. Phathiswa Magopeni, Group Executive for News and Current Affairs division stated: “As part of our continued efforts to stay relevant in the highly dynamic and competitive broadcasting space, it is crucial that we recruit the best talent that will deliver cutting-edge news and current affairs programmes which are well researched, balanced and fair.”

In responding to his appointment Mr. Bingwa said that “I am excited to be part of the changes at the SABC and to join a team that will be creating a new legacy for the public broadcaster”.

As a leading public service broadcaster, our priority is to deliver on our mandate and to constantly strive to serve our audiences better as we educate, inform and entertain them.

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Media Enquiries

Kaizer Kganyago

SABC Spokesperson

082 306 8888

SABC BOARD STATEMENT ON THE RESIGNATION OF DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON, MS. FEBE POTGIETER-GQUBULE

MEDIA STATEMENT

SABC BOARD STATEMENT ON THE RESIGNATION OF DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON, MS. FEBE POTGIETER-GQUBULE

Johannesburg, Thursday 01 March 2018-The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Board has received the resignation of Board member and Deputy Chairperson Ms. Febe Potgieter-Gqubule. As indicated in her appointment interview by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee of Communications (PCC) in September 2017, Ms. Potgieter-Gqubule undertook to resign from the Board if she was appointed in any official capacity which could potentially constitute a material conflict of interest.

The African National Congress (ANC) has now confirmed that Ms. Potgieter-Gqubule has been appointed as the ANC’s Elections General Manager and, accordingly, she has tendered her resignation from the SABC Board which will be duly communicated to the President and the PCC.

The SABC Board wishes to express its gratitude to Ms. Potgieter-Gqubule for her outstanding contribution to the SABC both as Interim Board member and as Deputy Chairperson of the current Board. We wish her well on her new role.

Ms. Potgieter-Gqubule’s resignation leaves the Board with three vacant positions; therefore, the SABC will be communicating to the relevant authorities the urgency of appointing the new SABC Board members to fill these vacancies.

Issued by Group Communications on behalf of the SABC Board Chairperson, Mr. Bongumusa Makhathini.

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Media Enquiries

Kaizer Kganyago

SABC Spokesperson

Group Communications

082 306 8888

THE BCCSA RULES IN FAVOUR OF THE SABC

MEDIA STATEMENT

THE BCCSA RULES IN FAVOUR OF THE SABC

Johannesburg- Wednesday, 21 February 2018 –The Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) ruled in favour of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in respect to a complaint submitted by Mr Thinus Ferreira regarding the news item that was broadcast on 02 November 2017 at 18H00.

Mr Ferreira felt that the SABC’s News Division failed to produce and deliver a balanced, fair and accurate report of the ‘Black Monday’ protest. In his complaint, he condemned the use of strong language, visuals of the old South African, AWB and German Swastika flags and questioned why the flags were shown. He further stated that the SABC spread wrong information and made an issue of national importance worse.

The SABC disputed these claims, maintaining that the march was fairly covered and the focus of the story was about the actions of the protesters. The story was angled to look at other aspects that had not been covered. Nowhere in the clip did the reporter or the Minister say the burning of the flag happened on that day. Whether the words used in the story are strong or not, it is Mr Ferreira’s subjective view.

Having considered all the facts from the Complainant and the Respondent, the BCCSA found no contravention of the Broadcasting Code of Conduct. The evaluation report specified that the complaint was not fair, accurate and truthful and the news item in question was presented in a correct context and in a fair manner without intentional or negligent departure from facts whether by distortion, material omission or summarisation. Mr Ferreira’s complaints were therefore not upheld. The SABC is pleased with the ruling as it serves as a clear indication that we are upholding the BCCSA’s code of conduct and the editorial policy.

As a public service broadcaster, the SABC would like to reassure its audiences of its unwavering commitment to deliver news that is well-researched, accurate and unbiased, without compromising its public mandate, integrity and editorial independence.

Please refer to the attached BCCSA ruling.

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Media Enquiries

Mr. Kaizer Kganyago

SABC Spokesperson

082 306 8888

THE SABC APPOINTS MS. PHATHISWA MAGOPENI AS THE GROUP EXECUTIVE FOR NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS DIVISION

MEDIA STATEMENT

THE SABC APPOINTS MS. PHATHISWA MAGOPENI AS THE GROUP EXECUTIVE FOR NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS DIVISION

Johannesburg, Monday, 12 February 2018- The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Phathiswa Magopeni as the Group Executive: News & Current Affairs effective from the 01^st of March 2018. This appointment is in line with the corporation’s continuous commitment to ensure that all Group Executive vacancies are filled in order to achieve sound governance in all the SABC’s business units. It also affirms our commitment to attract and retain the best skills to address the evolving broadcasting environment enabled by technology.

Ms. Magopeni brings to the SABC a wealth of great knowledge in broadcasting, particularly within the news environment. She has obtained an Honours degree, Master of Philosophy in Education, Integrated Marketing Communications Diploma, Master of Business Administration (MBA) and she is currently working on a doctoral proposal for a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree with Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). With her great experience in the field of broadcasting as a seasoned Journalist and having being able to successfully manage one of the newsrooms in South Africa, Ms. Magopeni will surely take the SABC to greater heights.

Reacting to the news of her appointment Ms. Magopeni says “South Africa’s public broadcaster has always played an indispensable role in the democratic order of the country, but it has also always had a special place in my own life. My first job in broadcasting was with the SABC; I learned a lot there, and have learned much in the industry since. Hopefully all that can be of use because this is for me a welcome return to where it all began. I am humbled by the trust shown in me, and look forward to being part of an institution which is crucial to providing independent news and information to South Africa’s citizenry”.

The SABC’s Chief Operations Officer (COO), Mr. Chris Maroleng stated that “As a public broadcaster we recognise the pivotal role played by news and information in human, social and economic growth and development. We therefore saw it fit to appoint Ms. Magopeni as she has the expertise in the broadcasting industry and we believe that her appointment will further strengthen our position as a credible and reliable news and information provider in the country as we approach the national general elections in 2019”.

Mr. Maroleng further stated that “We welcome Ms. Magopeni back to the SABC where she first cut her teeth in the broadcasting arena. We urge all staff members to welcome and support her in her role as the new Group Executive for news and current affairs division”.

As South Africa’s only public broadcaster, the SABC is mandated to deliver an unparalleled public value proposition of educating, informing and entertaining all South Africans. We therefore remain committed to ensuring that the millions of South African households who rely on SABC for news and current affairs are kept captivated on our news channels.

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Media Enquiries

Kaizer Kganyago

SABC Spokesperson

082 306 8888