31 March 2018 is the deadline to register for subsidised Set Top Boxes (STB’s)
31 March 2018 is the deadline to register for subsidised Set Top Boxes (STB’s)
 
The Department of Communications (DoC) has announced the  31 March 2018 as the deadline for registration to receive government-subsidised STB’s or decoders in North West and Free State provinces. This comes as the DoC forges ahead to meet the new official switch-off of analogue signal to digital in June 2019.
 
Families earning below the threshold of R3200 qualify to receive the government-subsidised decoders. Qualifying households in the Free State and North West Provinces are therefore encouraged to register at their nearest Post Offices before the deadline of the  31 of March 2018.Households that fail to register and receive these decoders before the deadline will lose access to television services as from June 2019.
 
Government has since last year been distributing free STB’s to those families that cannot afford commercial devices. Television viewing households who subscribe to pay-tv channels will face no signal disruptions as these services are already in the digital decoders that they have.
 
The DoC also encourages households that fall outside the qualifying criteria to get digitally-enabled TV sets. When buying a new TV set, to ensure that it has a digital tuner.
 
Officials from the Department of Communications are currently visiting various municipality districts in the North West and Free State  province to register and install government subsidised decoders to qualifying households. This move is aimed at accelerating the installation of decoders with view of completing the installations to qualifying households in both province.
SABC Corporate Communications

RADIO2000 INVITED TO BROADCAST IN EAST AFRICA

           RADIO2000 INVITED TO BROADCAST IN EAST AFRICA

 

Johannesburg, Wednesday 31 January 2018 – SABC Radio Station, Radio2000 has been invited to tour Tanzania from 4 – 11 February 2018 by Tanzania Tourist Board. The invitation is to establish and strengthen a long term relationship with the station and to create content around the annual Sauti Za Busara Music Festival and tourism in Tanzania.

Radio2000 Station Manager: Ms Puleng Thulo says: “We at Radio2000 are proud to have been invited to broadcast in Tanzania – East Africa and especially at this time when we are talking about African unity and working together in terms of promoting arts, culture and tourism. We welcome this opportunity to expose our station to the African continent and to generate content that will benefit our listeners in South Africa.”

Radio2000’s breakfast show Planet Haaibo will broadcast from various tourist attraction sites in Tanzania such as Serengeti Park, Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar from the 5th – 10th of February 2018.The Station has through the years forged relationships with African States, Embassies and High Commissions celebrating Africa Day and promoting #SayNOToXenophobia campaigns.

Radio2000 has broadcast at various High Commissions during AFCON tournaments and Africa Day, highlighting trade missions between South Africa and other African countries. In 2017 Radio2000 hosted a successful Africa Day and Heritage Day respectively at the SABC where various African Embassies and High Commissions were invited to exhibit their arts and culture as well as to promote tourism. Following those events, Tanzania Tourist Board saw it befitting to extend the invitation to the station to visit the country and to see what they have to offer.

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Media Enquiries

Mmaphuti Mpheroane

Acting Programmes Manager

079 183 8981 or Mmaphuti@radio2000.co.za

 

 

 

 About Radio2000:

Radio2000 is the preferred station for South Africans with a mature mind-set who are looking to engage in positive and constructive dialogue to build, strengthen and unify the country and its people. Appealing to a diverse audience, the station offers cutting edge adult contemporary content that covers the latest in breaking news and issues of national importance, playing a blend of the best in local adult contemporary music from 60’s – 90’s including current hits! Radio2000 is the only station that offers the most exhilarating live commentary of the most popular spectator sports.

Through Radio2000’s compelling and relevant content, the station continually strives to create the best memories in radio for its listeners leaving audiences with a warm sense of nostalgia and a feeling of togetherness. Radio 2000 is the only national platform that offers advertisers access to the largest geographic footprint of South African adults.

Visit Radio2000 online at www.radio2000.co.za, or share your comments on Facebook, Twitter and photo of videos on Instagram @Radio2000ZA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SABC BOARD STATEMENT ON COO APPOINTMENT
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MEDIA STATEMENT
SABC BOARD STATEMENT ON COO APPOINTMENT
Johannesburg, Tuesday, 30 January 2018– The Chairperson of the SABC on behalf of the board of the public broadcaster is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Chris Maroleng as the Chief Operations Officer of the SABC, with effect from 1 February 2018.
 
Mr Maroleng holds BA(Hons) and MA degrees from the University of Cape Town and has received several post-graduate scholarships and awards.  He is an accomplished South African with successful careers at senior management level in television, telecommunications and corporate affairs.
 
Mr. Maroleng has demonstrated considerable management and financial acumen and he is familiar with the cutting-edge Fourth Industrial Revolution issues that the SABC needs to embrace going forward. He understands South Africa’s legislative and regulatory environment and his knowledge of broadcasting on the continent is invaluable as the SABC develops its coverage of, and in Africa.
 
Mr. Chris Maroleng said: “I accept the position at the SABC with deep humility, and appreciate the confidence that the Board has shown in me. I look forward to playing a role, as part of an executive team, in transforming the SABC into a world-class public broadcaster that is responsive to the needs of all South Africans.”
 
The Board’s priority has always been to urgently fill the top three executive vacancies, as expected and mandated by Parliament and the Shareholder.  We believe that the appointment of the Chief Operations Officer is a significant step towards stabilising the executive leadership of the SABC. The Board is satisfied that this appointment process has followed all legal and governance requirements.
 
The adverts for the Group CEO and CFO have been placed, and the deadline for applications has been extended to 14 February 2018.
 Issued by Group Communication on behalf of the SABC Board Chairperson, Mr. Bongumusa Makhathini.
Ends
Media Enquiries
Kaizer Kganyago
SABC Spokesperson
082 306 8888

SABC SENDS A MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCES TO SANDY MOKWENA’S FAMILY
MEDIA STATEMENT
SABC SENDS A MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCES TO SANDY MOKWENA’S FAMILY
Johannesburg, Thursday 25 January 2018– The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)’s Board, management and staff would like to extend their deepest condolences to the Mokwena family, friends and fans for the passing of the veteran actor Sandy Mokoena.
Although Mr. Mokwena is currently known for the role he played on e.tv’s scandal, as Bra Eddie Khumalo, he has also featured on a number of SABC programmes such as Generations, Yizo Yizo, Soul City, Going Up and Khululeka among others.
Mokwena first cut his teeth in acting, playing the role of Cappie on the hit music ‘Ipi Tombi’ that went on a world tour in the early 70’s. Boasting almost four decades in the industry, South Africans have had the pleasure of watching him grow and evolve with every character he portrayed. His talent and craft was a sight to behold and his death is an immeasurable loss to the TV and Film fraternity.
He has assisted the SABC in fulfilling its mandate by showcasing his talent on our platforms in order to entertain our audiences. His life story may have come to an end, but his memories will remain alive in our archives. May his soul rest in peace.
Ends
Media Enquiries
Kaizer Kganyago
SABC Spokesperson
082 306 8888

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 MAP from Wits Business School. 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

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