Johannesburg – Sunday, 14 June 2026 – The SABC has partnered with Vodacom South Africa to expand access to the FIFA World Cup 2026 through affordable data offerings on SABC Plus.
This collaboration enables audiences access to stream live the coverage of the tournament on the SABC Plus platform through specially reduced data rates, helping them to stay connected to the excitement of one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.
This partnership empowers South Africans to engage with live coverage and on-demand content through specially provisioned and discounted data rates, specifically designed for the SABC Plus App.
By leveraging Vodacom’s expansive leadership network, SABC Plus users can now access a wide range of affordable data offerings, ensuring they stay connected to every match, highlight, and moment of the action, even while on the go.
SABC Plus users on the Vodacom network can access these streaming bundles via Vodacom’s USSD platform by dialling *135# or through Vodacom digital channels.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting universal access to public service content and ensuring that audiences, regardless of location or economic circumstances enjoy the FIFA World Cup tournament without high connectivity costs.
This is a game-changing and perfect partnership – South Africa’s Champion Network and South Africa’s National broadcaster coming together to champion commitment to ensuring public service content is universally accessible.
ENDS
Issued By: Group Communications
Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)
NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za
T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590
Johannesburg – Wednesday, 03 June 2026 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), through SABC Plus is proud to be a media partner for the 2025–26 FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup, taking place at Hartleyvale Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa, from 11 to 20 June 2026.
The FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup is an international tournament sanctioned by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and serves as the official qualification pathway to the prestigious FIH Pro League. The South African men’s national team has qualified for this prestigious tournament, and SABC Sport will be there every step of the way to bring audiences all the action.
With 24 matches and eight (8) international men’s national teams participating, SABC Plus, the Corporation’s streaming platform and terrestrial television channel SABC 2, will deliver world-class production and coverage. Local and international hockey fans will enjoy a front-row seat to the exhilarating excitement the tournament promises.
Wandile September, Acting Head of SABC Plus said, “The SABC is honoured to partner with the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup and to bring this world-class international tournament to South African audiences. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to making premium sporting content accessible to all South Africans, while also showcasing the country’s ability to host global events of this calibre. We are particularly proud to support the national team on home soil and to provide fans across the continent with comprehensive, high-quality coverage on our platforms.”
ENDS
Issued By: Group Communications
Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)
NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590
Johannesburg – Wednesday, 03 June 2026 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) welcomes the ruling of the Press Council of South Africa in relation to its complaint by the SABC against The Sunday Times and TimesLive.
The complaint related to articles and associated promotional material which reported that the SABC had decided not to renew the talk show Face the Nation as a result of pressure from the ANC and government officials.
Following its consideration of the matter, the Press Council found that The Sunday Times and TimesLive breached key provisions of the Press Code. In summary, the Press Ombud found that the publications breached:
- Clause 1.9, which requires the media to supplement reporting when important new information becomes available; and
- Clause 10.1, which requires headlines to provide a reasonable reflection of the contents of an article and not mislead the public.
In the ruling, the Ombud found that the publications’ headlines presented allegations as facts, including the assertion that the “ANC muscles SABC” into making an editorial decision. The Ombud further found that the publications failed to report material information subsequently provided by the SABC regarding the programme’s performance and audience figures.
As part of the sanction imposed, The Sunday Times and TimesLive have been directed to apologise unconditionally, retract the offending statements, publish the figures provided by the SABC explaining its decision not to renew the programme, and further explain the basis for the claim that the programme drew “millions of viewers”. An additional requirement is that the apology appears on the front page of the Sunday Times and across all platforms where the articles were published.
The SABC welcomes this outcome as it reinforces the importance of accuracy, fairness and accountability in journalism. As South Africa’s public broadcaster, the SABC remains committed to editorial independence, transparency and serving the public interest with integrity.
Rulings by the Press Council of South African can be found on the following website once published: www.presscouncil.org.za
ENDS
Issued By: Group Communications
Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)
NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590
Johannesburg – Monday, 25 May 2026 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) wishes to update the public regarding the status of the programme Pimville on SABC 2.
Following a thorough review process and careful consideration, the SABC regrets to announce that Pimville will be discontinued from tonight, due to unresolved contractual obligations and breaches identified and communicated formally to Bakwena Productions.
This outcome is deeply regrettable, particularly considering the dedication and hard work demonstrated by the cast, crew, as well as the unwavering support received from audiences, partners, and all stakeholders who contributed to the programme’s success.
As part of the Corporation’s contingency plans, the 21:00 timeslot previously occupied by Pimville will now be playing repeat episodes of the brand new Season 2 of the telenovela Amalanga Awafani.
Further updates will be communicated regarding the future of Pimville.
The SABC would also like to assure the public that the acquisition and commissioning of Pimville followed the Corporation’s standard approval and commissioning processes applicable to SABC productions. These processes included the necessary editorial, operational, commercial, and governance approval mechanisms.
Following concerns that emerged during the production process, the SABC implemented enhanced oversight and risk mitigation measures aimed at strengthening production monitoring and governance controls.
As previously communicated publicly by the Corporation, it was subsequently identified that certain approved oversight mechanisms were not implemented consistently and to the required standard. Consequently, an internal consequence management process has been initiated in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and labour law requirements. In addition, a legal process is currently underway regarding the production company, including the issuing of a notice of breach in April 2026. Any further action will be guided by ongoing contractual, legal, and governance processes.
The SABC has also engaged with cast and crew representatives regarding concerns raised. The Corporation remains committed to stabilising the production environment, ensuring continuity of content, protecting the interests of affected stakeholders, and exploring all appropriate operational options relating to the future of the production.
The Corporation extends an apology for the inconvenience caused by the disruption in the schedule.
The SABC remains dedicated to delivering meaningful, high-quality content to its audiences and appreciates the understanding and continued support of viewers and stakeholders during this period.
ENDS
Issued By: Group Communications
Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)
NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590
Johannesburg – Wednesday, 6 May 2026 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) wishes to provide an update regarding the production of Pimville, currently broadcast on SABC 2.
The SABC wishes to confirm that the broadcaster has duly fulfilled its contractual obligations to Bakwena Productions. The corporation is therefore up to date with payments, underscoring its commitment to the smooth running of productions. It must be noted, that in this case the production company concerned is in breach of the contract with the SABC.
In response to the current situation, the SABC is:
- Actively engaging the production company to remedy the situation.
- Implementing contingency plans to ensure continuity of content on SABC 2
- Exploring alternative production solutions, should this become necessary.
- We have engaged the cast of Pimville today.
The SABC became aware of concerns regarding the production company following the commissioning of Pimville and the contracting of Bakwena Productions. Following this, a set of risk mitigation measures were put in place. While these interventions were intended to safeguard the production and protect the SABC, recent developments indicate that further action is required.
We remain committed to ensuring that all productions adhere to the highest standards of governance, accountability, and fair treatment of all industry professionals.
The SABC will not be providing further detailed comment at this stage as the matter is subject to contractual and legal processes.
ENDS
Issued By: Group Communications
Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)
NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590
Johannesburg – Friday, 01 May 2026 – The SABC News Channel is proud to announce the launch of a new legal current affairs programme Case In Point. Anchored by seasoned journalist Joanne Joseph, Case In Point will premiere on Thursday, 7 May and air between 20:00 to 21:00 on Thursdays.
The legal show’s addition to the SABC News line-up, is designed to unpack the complexities of South Africa’s legal landscape. At a time when news coverage is increasingly dominated by high-profile court cases and intricate legal rulings, the programme seeks to bridge the gap between legal processes and public understanding. The show will also bring viewers compelling voices and inserts of ordinary citizens’ access to justice.
It will go beyond the headlines, interrogating the implications of major legal decisions while also creating space for ordinary South Africans whose experiences with the justice system often go unheard. Case In Point aims to challenge the perception that justice is reserved for the powerful, by bringing forward voices of citizens who feel marginalised.
The introduction of Case In Point forms part of the SABC News Channel’s broader strategy to strengthen its focus on issues that directly impact everyday South Africans.
In line with this strategy, the Channel has also refreshed its weekend programming. Seasoned broadcaster Thabiso Kotane now anchors the expanded and analytical midday current affairs block, The Week In Review and The Week Ahead, airing Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 to 15:00. These programmes provide in-depth analysis of the week’s major stories while setting the agenda for the days ahead.
Further strengthening its continental perspective, the Channel introduces UnWrap Africa, a dynamic mixed-content show anchored by Thembekile Mrototo. Airing Sundays from 20:00 to 20:30, the programme brings viewers compelling stories from across the African continent, reinforcing the SABC’s commitment to a broader, more inclusive narrative about the continent.
Collectively, these current affairs initiatives reaffirm the role of SABC News as a public media platform with a strong national footprint re-committed to relevance and empowering all South Africans.
ENDS
Issued By: Group Communications
Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)
NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has reaffirmed its commitment to transformation by maintaining its BBBEE Level 3 Contributor Status for the past two financial years. This achievement reflects the organisation’s ongoing efforts to embed equity, inclusion, and development across its operations and value chain.
The broadcaster is measured on key BBBEE elements, including Employment Equity and Management Control, Skills Development, Socio-Economic Development, and Enterprise Development. Significant strides in these areas highlight the SABC’s role as both a public broadcaster and a catalyst for national socio‑economic progress.
Driving inclusive leadership
Under Employment Equity and Management Control, the SABC continues to promote representative leadership structures that mirror South Africa’s racial, gender, and ethnic diversity.
This includes steadily increasing the participation of black people, particularly black women, across its Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and top management levels.
These efforts ensure decision‑making structures that reflect the communities the SABC serves, while advancing transformation across the media sector.
Investing in Skills Development
Skills development remains a major focus area for the organisation. The SABC aims to significantly enhance the productivity and capabilities of its employees through targeted training initiatives.
In line with BBBEE requirements, the Corporation continues to invest in the development of:
- Black professionals;
- Black women; and
- People living with disabilities.
Although the organisation made notable progress, it did not fully meet the minimum threshold under this priority element. As a result, while its overall score stands at 96.97 points, qualifying it for Level 2, it was discounted to Level 3 based on the Skills Development criterion.
Nevertheless, the SABC remains committed to increasing investment in this area as a strategic priority.
Supporting Communities through ICT ‑ Focused Projects
As the country’s only public service broadcaster, the SABC is uniquely positioned to drive impact across local communities. Under the Socio‑Economic Development element, the organisation supports initiatives that benefit at least 50% black beneficiaries, focusing specifically on ICT‑related needs.
A flagship initiative has been the annual computer handover programme, which provides laptops to several 100% black schools across three provinces each year. Delivered through the SABC’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) department, this programme strengthens digital literacy and access to technology in underserved communities. For the 2025-2026 financial year the SABC procured 60 laptops to the underprivileged school focusing on information technology in Western Cape, Free State and Limpopo Provinces.
Boosting Small Enterprises and Supplier Development
Enterprise and Supplier Development, remains a critical part of the SABC’s transformation agenda.
Given financial pressures in previous years, the organisation introduced an initiative called the Radio Feature, where ICT SMMEs were interviewed across SABC radio stations at no cost. The airtime provided was converted into a quantifiable financial value that contributed to BBBEE scoring.
The SABC has also implemented a highly successful Incubation Programme, in partnership with GIBS, targeting:
- Black-owned SMMEs;
- Youth-owned businesses;
- Black women-owned enterprises; and
- Entrepreneurs living with disabilities.
Launched in October 2024 and concluding in June 2025, the programme enrolled and graduated 15 SMMEs, offering them training, mentorship, action learning, and pitching opportunities.
Participants gained insights into compliance, funding, market access, and business growth strategies, all aimed at preparing them to become competitive suppliers within the SABC procurement system.
Looking Ahead: A Stronger Commitment to Transformation
The SABC remains steadfast in its mission to drive transformation, not only within the Corporation but, across the broader broadcasting and media ecosystem.
In light of the Level 3 rating, influenced by the Skills Development threshold, the SABC’s near‑Level 2 score reflects a significant commitment to empowerment, enterprise growth, and inclusive economic participation.
Going forward, the Corporation aims to enhance investment in employee skills, expand support for emerging black‑owned businesses, deepen partnerships that strengthen its supply chain and continue uplifting communities through ICT‑based interventions.
The SABC remains dedicated to building an equitable, representative, and economically inclusive organisation that supports South Africa’s transformation agenda.
