Johannesburg, 23 September 2024 – S3 is excited to have successfully hosted the live broadcast of the 2024 Miss South Africa Pageant, where the channel peaked at 1,774,969 million viewers at the time of crowning the new Miss South Africa, including the age group from 4 years+. [Source: BRC TAMS]

Building up to the Miss South Africa pageant, S3 launched this year’s edition of the reality series Crown Chasers, which started on the channel on the 29th of June 2024, hosted by the 2023 Miss South Africa, Natasha Joubert. Crown Chasers followed the contestants’ ups and downs and their fears, tears, laughs and joy as they edged closer to the moment when those left standing participated in the live grand finale at the SunBet Arena, Times Square in Pretoria on August 10, taking home the Miss South Africa title.

At the 2024 Miss South Pageant, the Top 10 competed for the coveted title, with Mia Le Roux crowned, making history as the first-ever differently abled Miss South Africa at the spectacular 66th pageant finale.

Regarding channel performance, during the live broadcast of the Miss South Africa Pageant, the slot increased by 193% when comparing the slot average of the previous 4 weeks. Compared to 2023, the Miss SA Pageant viewers grew by 28% and peaked at 37% more than in 2023.

“The growth of Miss SA on S3 is phenomenal to see, not just on the audiences but on revenue as well, as this year the pageant was acquired as AFP. The fact of commercial brands wanting to work and partner with the channel through compelling shows that have a proven ability to deliver audiences is a sign that the business strategy we have been implementing is working.

We are already excited to see what we do next year with the Miss SA Team and how we grow from here. S3 wishes Mia Le Roux all the best in her reign as the 2024 Miss South Africa”. – S3 Head of Channel, Sane Zondi.

SABC+ The evolution of the Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming service is steadily transforming the digital landscape in South Africa.

There is an ongoing debate amongst various scholars and media experts regarding the role of public service broadcasters considering the many technological changes in the broadcasting industry such as varying media consumption habits on multiplatform and multi-devices.

SABC+ as a public service digital platform, which is discharging publicly mandated programming, has responded with a resounding yes, through 19 radio stations and 6 television channels. The platform is providing South African viewers with free access to linear viewing, podcasts, radio streaming and an impressive catch-up library.

Since its launch in November 2022, SABC+ has managed to not only create a buzz, but has made great strides as a newcomer in the OTT market.

SABC+ has cemented its role in ensuring that South African viewers have universal access to sports, including games of national interest. The Rugby World Cup 2023 in France became the catalyst for the platform. The tournament managed to garner an average of 6,3 million views on both the app and web portal. The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India elicited as much interest, with viewers watching a total of 15,6 million minutes for the duration of the tournament on SABC+. The AFCON 2023/2024 tournament in January increased the total views to over 1,3 million for January and February solidifying SABC+’s presence as the home of sport for South African fans.

The viewership has been on an upward trend since its launch and in addition to popular linear shows, special occasions have spearheaded the growth in viewership.

The recent national and provincial elections held of 29 May are also a testament to the role SABC+ played in ensuring South Africans were well informed during the elections. The SABC launched SABC News Live, a special 24-hour pop-up channel on SABC+, with the intention of giving South Africans uninterrupted, round the clock coverage of elections content. The pop-up channel garnered a total of 931 593 views between 27 May and 2 June 2024. South Africans gathered on the OTT platform leading up to elections as well as post elections.

The SABC remains committed to innovation and in ensuring that the streaming platform remains world class. The SABC also upgraded its OTT platform on 3 July 2024 with enhanced features. The enhanced SABC+ is now compatible and downloadable on Apple TV (TVOS) and Google TV/Android Box. It also includes catch-up content and Video on Demand (VOD). The upgrades were well received by the public with over 150 000 registrations recorded within the first four (4) weeks.

Just in the first month since its revamp, the platform attracted 159824 new users. The broadcast of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games on the platform played a major role in the uptake of new registrations during this period, and the surge in viewership during August 2024, was driven by other live events such as the live Miss SA pageant. As at September, SABC+ boasts 390597 registered users.

The top 10 programmes in August 2024 include programmes currently trending on linear television channels such as Skeem Saam, Uzalo, Generations – The Legacy, and the recently launched S3’s B’Dazzed, starring media personality Bonang Matheba, as well as nostalgic programming such as 7 de Laan, Velaphi and Zone 14.

Top 10 programmes and figures for this period were as follows:

2024-08-01 / 2024-08-31

The organisation remains aware that SABC+ operates in a competitive landscape. Content remains king and ensuring a seamless user experience is the continued focus. SABC+ streaming platform remains committed to also enriching the platform with a continuous stream of fresh, high-quality content, while providing a platform for audiences to access nostalgic type programming.

S3 is excited to add the local version of the reality series Wife Swap to the channel offering. A 10-part Wife Swap South Africa will be broadcast on Mondays at 18:00, debuting on the 9th of September 2024.

In the series, two families from different backgrounds, with contrasting lifestyles and values, agree to swap wives in a heartfelt and eye-opening social experiment for one week. Wife Swap explores the joys, challenges, and transformative experiences that arise when wives step into each other’s shoes, all while fostering understanding, empathy, and personal growth.

Every episode of Wife Swap begins by introducing each family and getting an idea of how their households run.  The spouses then leave for their new homes. After a brief snoop around the house, the spouses meet their temporary families.  Aided only by an instruction manual left by their predecessor, the spouse must spend the first half of their time living according to the rules of the house, often prompting the question: ‘How do people live like this?’ Cameras follow the two spouses as they adapt to parenting, socialising and running the household according to the other spouse’s rulebook. Then, the swapped spouse gets to run the household as they see fit for the second half of their stay. What follows is a fun, heartfelt, and eye-opening experiment that changes lives and reveals what goes on behind closed doors.

At the end of each episode, the spouses are reunited with their partners and hold a round-table discussion where they unpack their experiences and talk about what they learnt in their time. Wife Swap explores the joys, challenges, and transformative experiences that arise when wives step into each other’s shoes, all while fostering understanding, empathy, and personal growth.

Meet the Wives

Bridget Sarah Pettenburger

Bridget is 52 and works with her husband, Hans, in their Debt Therapy Business.

Lucretia Abels

Lucrecia is 36 years old and makes a living by driving neighbourhood children to school and selling clothes on TikTok.

Nkabati Mamorobela Shezi

Nkabati is a 34-year-old Sales Engineer, married to Siphelele, and they have three children.

Nosicelo Mokobi

Nosicelo is married to Moloko and has three children. Nosicelo is a Saleswoman at an Automobile company.

Leandre Theys

37-year-old Leandre is an attorney and is in the process of setting up her practice. She is married to Daniel, and they have two children.

Nthabiseng Patricia Malumedhza

Nthabiseng is 38 years old and is an Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigator. She is married to Zacharia, and they have three children.

Agnes Makane Mkhuzangwe

Agnes is a teacher. She is married to Lehlohonolo, and they have three children.

Kedibone Morodi

Kedibone is 43 years old. She is a Revenue Consultant. Kedibone is married to Daniel, and they have two children.

Wendy Sibongile Zulu

Wendy is a Service Specialist at Momentum. She is married to Simphiwe Zulu, who is an IT Specialist. They have two children.

Olerato Matsietsi

Olerato is a YouTube Influencer, is 33 years old, and married to Lisema with three children.

Genuine Aphane

Genuine is a 37-year-old teacher who owns a school. She is married to Respect, a Bolt Driver and Clerk at O.R Tambo Airport.

Amogelang Mahlape

Amogelang is a Radio Content Producer, and her husband Koketso is a Creative Lead at Nedbank. They have two children.

Itumeleng Manaka

Itu is a Health and Safety Manager, married to David, a Business Consultant.

Jeanette Sikhothe

Jeanette is a Customer Care Location Manager. Jeanette is married to Sandile, an IT Specialist, and they have three children.

Lezette Megan Solomons

Lizette is a Wellness and Fitness business owner. Her husband, Roger, is a Publicist. They have one child.

Noxolisa Ndyalivani

Noxolisa is an Entrepreneur married to Vukile, a Logistics Manager, and they have three children.

Nozipho Nyengule

Nozipho is 32 years old, and she is a Credit Manager. Her husband, Siya, works as a Salesman. They have two Children.

Mpho Mkwanazi

Mpho is a 40-year-old stay-at-home mom and wine influencer. Her husband, Sibusiso, is a Freelance Journalist, and they have two children.

Lerato Joy Ndhlovu

Lerato is a housewife married to Bongani, and they have two children.

Nontobeko Skosana

A 43-year-old Administrator has two children.

For more information, interview opportunities and publicity images, contact the S3 Publicity office.

Don’t miss Wife Swap South Africa on Mondays at 18:00, only on S3.

SABC1 announces the return of Hotspot Selimathunzi, which debuts with the new season on Thursday, 5th of September 2024, at 6 pm.

Siphesihle Vazi, Sparks and Zanele Potelwa return as the presenters of Hotspot Selimathunzi. Zanele Potelwa will bring her lively interviewing skills to the fast-paced red-carpet segments. At the same time, Siphesihle Vazi adds a quirky and engaging touch to the interviews with viewers and celebrities. With his background in dance and music, Sparks brings a pulse of energy to the show, ensuring the show has relevance by staying abreast of viral challenges and trends sweeping social media.

Hotspot Selimathunzi is the show that leads the South African entertainment landscape and remains committed to innovation and staying current to ensure its relevance to a dynamic audience. By spotlighting the glamour of events, the pulse of music, and the personalities of celebrities, Hot Spot Seli has firmly established itself as a trusted source of entertainment in viewers’ homes. The approach aims to bridge the gap between celebrities and our audience, captivating them through authentic storytelling in real-time.

This season, Hotspot Selimathunzi will include the coverage of the Basadi Music Awards red carpet, the behind-the-scenes of Enhle Mbali’s collection for SA Fashion Week, and on wheels as the crew check out the beautiful pumped-out cars, ⁠Royal Heritage Festival BMW Spinning event.

For more information, publicity images and interview opportunities, contact SABC1 Publicity.

‘Angeke Bas’khone’ with the new season of Hotspot Selimathunzi on Thursdays at 6 pm, only on SABC1 Mzansi FoSho!

SABC1 is delighted to be named the winner of the TV Channel category of the annual City Press Reader’s Choice Awards, taking Platinum status, equivalent to first place.

The City Press Reader’s Choice Awards are a barometer of public opinion, with winners determined through a survey in which readers vote for their preferred businesses or brands across various consumer-related categories.

For the voting, readers engaged with advertisements in the City newspaper and City Press and supported by a social media awareness campaign.

City Press published the Reader’s Choice Supplement on Sunday, 25 August 2024, to celebrate our top brands’ achievements.

In 2022 and 2024, SABC1 received Platinum status, taking 1st place in the TV category, and in 2023 received 2nd place in the TV Channel category, taking Gold Status.

“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude for recognizing SABC1 with this award. It means a great deal to us as the channel. Thank you to City Press and the City Press Readers for choosing SABC1.” – Channel Head SABC1 – Ofentse Thinane.

The South African Broadcasting Corporation’s Video Entertainment division would like to congratulate all the award winners of the 7th Annual Royalty Soapie Awards. The awards were held on Saturday, 24th August 2024, in Centurion at the Heartfelt Arena.

The SABC Channels won seven awards, with SABC1’s popular drama Skeem Saam bagging three wins. Actress Harriet Manamela attained the Best Supporting Actress award for her portrayal of Meikie Maputla. The public voted for Mahlatse Moropo as the viewer’s choice for Best Actor for his character of Letetswe and Lethabo Mekoa as the viewer’s choice for Best Actress for the character of Ntswaki.

Lerato Mvelase and Dumisani Mbebe received the Award for Outstanding Couple for their role as Noxolo Nebengela and Melisizwe Nebengela in The Estate.

The Most Watched Show has been awarded to Uzalo, celebrating their ten-year milestone. 7de Laan won The Most Popular Show award.

Muvhango creator and Executive Producer Duma Ndlovu was honored with the Trailblazer Award.

The Royalty Soapie Awards celebrate excellence in the South African television industry. They recognize the hard work and dedication of performers, writers, directors, and technical crews who bring captivating stories to viewers daily.

Congratulations to all the winners.

 SABC1 adds an hour-long, five-part documentary series, Dime Central, to its daytime viewing schedule from Thursday, 22 August 2024, at 16:30.

Dime Central explores the world of entrepreneurship through the eyes of black businesswomen who talk about what makes them tick, the drive behind their leap of faith, and how they discovered and redefined success.

The series is a tribute to inspirational black women featuring influential women who are impacting change in various industries and their communities. The dynamic women interviewed will reveal their incredible journeys to success.  The viewers might recognize some of them but do not know their engaging stories of commitment and personal sacrifice until they see the surreal life of these women.

Each episode has a reality-style interview portion devoted to the three main characters, as well as documentary-style footage of the operations of their businesses.

Episode Highlights

Episode 1 – 22 August 2024

In the debut episode of Dime Central, the show delves into the inspiring stories of women-owned businesses, featuring five dynamic entrepreneurs who share their journeys of running successful ventures.

• Mathapelo Pitse is the owner of a thriving shoe brand. She discusses her passion for fashion and the challenges faced in carving out a niche in the competitive footwear industry.

• Simbongile Ndlangisa is a public relations expert, and she reveals the strategies she uses to help businesses build their brands and navigate the ever-changing media landscape.

• Tlhologelo Mabelane, the founder of a sought-after hair brand, talks about her dedication to creating products that cater to diverse hair types and her mission to empower women through beauty.

• Bontle Tshole is the visionary behind a successful smoothie brand and shares her commitment to promoting health and wellness and how she turned a simple idea into a beloved product.

• Chef Bongelwa Dhlomo takes us through her culinary journey, highlighting the blend of creativity and hard work in running a bustling kitchen and catering business.

Episode 2 – 29 August 2024

In this episode, the spotlight is on remarkable women making waves in the creative industry. These talented individuals are breaking boundaries and redefining success in their respective fields.

• Davina Satori, a talented beatmaker and DJ takes us through her journey in the music world, sharing how she crafts unique sounds and energizes audiences with her dynamic performances.

• Kganya Mogashoa, a self-taught visual artist, reveals the inspirations behind her stunning artwork and the challenges she has faced while establishing herself in the art community.

• Kgomotso Maake, a skilled line artist, discusses her intricate designs and the meticulous process of creating art that speaks to the soul.

• Phiwe Mngadi, a permanent makeup tutor, explains her expertise in enhancing natural beauty and empowering others through her teaching and artistry.

• Lola Aikins, a talented animator, walks us through her creative process, showcasing the magic of bringing characters and stories to life through animation.

Episode 3 – 5 September 2024

The show explores the dynamic world of health and wellness. It highlights five extraordinary women dedicated to enhancing physical, mental, and emotional well-being through their innovative practices and products.

• Tebogo Thoka, a skilled skin therapist and somatologist, shares her expertise in skincare, discussing the latest treatments and the importance of maintaining healthy skin.

• Puseletso Modimogale, an advocate for holistic wellness, delves into the practices that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being, offering insights into achieving a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

• Nomsa Maseko, a specialist in lipo sonics, explains this advanced body contouring technology and how it helps individuals achieve their desired body shapes without invasive procedures.

• Lindiwe Songca, the creator of a successful skin product line, reveals her journey in developing effective skincare solutions that cater to diverse needs and promote radiant, healthy skin.

• Leotshepang Boikhutso and Molemo Mosupye, talented eyelash artists, discuss the art and science of eyelash extensions.

Episode 4 – 12 September 2024

In this episode, we take an intimate look into the lives of five innovative business owners who are making their mark across diverse industries. These women share their entrepreneurial journeys, revealing the passion and determination that drive their success.

• Siwela Masoga, a wine owner and coach, invites us into the winemaking world, discussing her path to becoming a successful vintner and how she mentors others to achieve their goals in the wine industry.

• Phuti Kabasa, the owner of a unique worm snack business, shares the story behind her unconventional product, exploring how she turned an unusual idea into a thriving venture that challenges norms and promotes sustainability.

• Kefilwe Mosola, the founder of a laundromat, talks about the challenges and rewards of running a service-based business, highlighting the importance of reliability and customer satisfaction in her industry.

• Maureen Skosana, a luxury event furniture and decor specialist, walks us through the meticulous planning and creativity that go into crafting unforgettable events, from elegant weddings to corporate functions.

• Mbalientle Zulu, an interior designer, offers a glimpse into her design philosophy, discussing how she transforms spaces into aesthetically pleasing and functional environments that reflect her client’s personalities and needs.

Episode 5 – 19 September 2024

The focus is on the inspiring stories of women who have become champions in their respective industries, demonstrating how passion, skill, and perseverance can lead to extraordinary success.

• Kelebogile Bogosi, a self-taught fast-food chef, shares her culinary journey, revealing how her love for cooking transformed into a thriving career. She discusses the challenges of mastering the kitchen without formal training and how she has become a celebrated figure in the culinary world.

• Ontiretse Sejesho and Mahali Manyeneng, co-founders of a packaged meals business, take us through the inception and growth of their venture. They explain how they identified a market need and turned it into a successful enterprise that provides convenient, healthy meal solutions to busy individuals.

• Sina Lesejane, a cake designer and baker, showcases her journey from home baker to a recognized name in the industry. She discusses the artistry in creating bespoke cakes and how she balances creativity with business acumen.

• Baleseng Mohlako and Mmabatho Mogadi, creators of baby carriers and beadwork delve into their craft, discussing how they turned traditional skills into a modern business. They share their passion for preserving cultural heritage while providing functional and beautiful products for mothers and families.

For more information, interview opportunities and publicity photos, contact the SABC1 publicity office.

‘Angeke Baskone’ with Dime Central on Thursdays at 16:30, only on SABC1 Mzansi FoSho!