At the SABC women empowerment is not an ideal but a lived experience for many of its women employees, the public broadcaster stands out as a trailblazer in gender diversity, boasting a staff complement of 52.09% female employees with 49.33% of leadership roles within the Corporation held by women. These numbers transcend mere statistics, they reflect the SABC’s commitment to achieving a gender-balanced workplace and showcase its proactive approach to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace with equal opportunities for all its employees.

From the Board of Directors to the entry-level positions, women at the SABC are supported and empowered to excel. Over the past years, programs like bursaries and specialised training initiatives have made significant impact in advancing women in their careers from junior roles to management positions. Alongside these programs, there are also policies in place such as the zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and discrimination to ensure a safe and empowering workplace. This comprehensive support system ensures that women have the necessary support, resources and opportunities they need to achieve their full potential. The SABC remains a fertile ground for women to grow and thrive in their professional endeavours. This is exemplified by many women represented across all levels within the Corporation as well as Nomsa Chabeli, the second woman to serve as the Group Chief Executive Officer, within the 30 years of democracy. Women at the SABC bring diverse perspectives, skill sets, and innovative ideas to propel the public broadcaster to greater heights. Their contributions are crucial in upholding the values of the SABC, ensuring that it remains relevant 88 years later.

It is important to note that women at the SABC are far more than just participants in boardrooms or behind the scenes—they are trailblazers and visionaries. Their influence extends well beyond the corridors of the SABC, reaching into every corner of our society. Whether it’s through groundbreaking programming that educates, compelling storytelling that informs, or captivating content that entertains millions of its audience, these women are at the forefront of shaping the national narrative. They are the driving force behind initiatives aimed at inspiring and inculcating a more informed and enlightened society. As evidenced by the spectacular coverage of the 2024 Elections, the public broadcaster continues to provide prominent platforms with millions of viewers and listeners to its women on-air talent to advocate for positive change, address and challenge the social ills plaguing our society, and hold individuals and institutions accountable. Its talented women broadcasters are empowered to use their voices to inspire and lead impactful conversations. It is through their diverse voices, that the SABC is able to drive meaningful change and ensure that the stories and issues that matter most are brought to the forefront. Their perspectives are amplified and celebrated. Their excellence in the delivery of the SABC mandate continues to garner them well-deserved recognition and numerous accolades within the broadcasting industry.

This Women’s Month, the SABC joins the rest of South Africa in celebrating the remarkable contributions that women continue to make in all spheres of our society. In its effort to honour the achievements of women both past and present, the public broadcaster affirms its commitment to advancing women’s equality, empowerment, and recognition. Cultivating a conducive work environment where all professionals can thrive and make a difference remains the SABC’s primary goal. The public broadcaster is intentional about creating conducive and inclusive spaces where all employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.

By Lebohang Sekete (Manager: SABC Internal Communication)

S3 is excited to be the official broadcaster of the prestigious Miss South Africa Pageant on Saturday 10 August 2024, taking place at the SunBet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria. The broadcast will kick off with the Red Carpet at 17:30, and the main event from 18:00 till 20:30.

This dazzling affair will be hosted by businesswoman, multi-award-winning radio and television host r and style icon Bonang Matheba.

TV personalities Jo-Ann Strauss and Dr Fezile Mkhize will host the official red-carpet ceremony for the highly anticipated Miss South Africa 2024 finale.

Choosing the new queen will be judges Rolene Strauss (winner of Miss South Africa and Miss World 2014); actress, presenter, voice artist, model, author and entrepreneur Leandie du Randt; former Miss South Africa Jo-Ann Strauss; Queen of Soweto Lerato Kganyago and actress, musician, multimedia personality and model Thembi Seete.

This year’s Top 10 contestants, who have already been introduced to viewers on reality TV show Crown Chasers, are Kebalepile Ramafoko, Kirsten Khan, Layla Zoubair, Lebohang Khoza, Mia le Roux, Nompumelelo Maduna, Onalenna Constantin, Ontshiametse Tlhopane, Palesa Lombard and Taahira Katz.

The Miss South Africa Top 10 are (in alphabetical order):

• Kebalepile Ramafoko (25), is from Emalahleni, Mpumalanga. She has a BA in Psychology and Languages and is currently pursuing her Honours Degree. She is also a skills development facilitator and is passionate about sports and youth empowerment. She strives to create equal opportunities for all, believing that sports can transform lives and build stronger communities. She describes herself as a determined, welcoming and fun-loving individual who enjoys making people laugh and showing up for others.

• Kirsten Khan (26), from Roodepoort, Gauteng, is a model and has completed her studies for a diploma in architectural draughting from Damelin College. She describes herself as a compassionate, open minded and resilient person who handles herself and others with grace. She is passionate about mental health and believes the youth should be given the opportunity to be seen, heard and to pursue their dreams.

• Layla Zoubair (29) is from Kempton Park in Gauteng and is an outgoing and outspoken individual who thrives on challenges and exploring. She says she constantly seeks to push her boundaries and discover new things, driven by her inquisitive nature. Her curiosity fuels her passion for learning and growth, making every day an opportunity for new experiences and personal development. Whether trying new activities or engaging in meaningful conversations, she embraces life’s adventures wholeheartedly.

• Lebohang Khoza (27) comes from Maritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, and is an educator of the performing arts. She is a choreographer and actor and has a BA degree in Performing Arts from the University of KwaZulu Natal. She is passionate and open minded and would love to elevate the spaces of education by introducing the element of performing arts therapy.

• Mia le Roux (28) was born in Sasolburg, Free State and raised in Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape. She is a marketing manager, model and part-time B Com Marketing student. She was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one and says her community rallied behind her to give her the gift of hearing; inspiring her desire to make a positive impact and break barriers. She describes herself as resilient, dedicated, graceful and kind.

• Nompumelelo Maduna (28), from Rockville in Soweto, is a marketer by profession, pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Johannesburg. She is also a saxophonist in the making. She describes herself as a soul that is generous, goal driven, hardworking and kind. “One day I want to perform in an orchestra in honour of my father who loved music,” she says. Maduna was in the Miss South Africa Top 3 in 2019.

• Onalenna Constantin (26), from Potchefstroom in North West, has many talents. She is a model, a law student, entrepreneur and content creator. She wants to inspire through her story that epitomises resilience and grace. She describes herself as an unwavering woman. She would love to meet policy makers regarding the dire need for social workers in every school to ensure social justice for women and children.

• Ontshiametse Tlhopane is a 23-year-old aspiring model from Protea Glen, Soweto. She has qualifications in criminology inspired by her curiosity about why crime is committed. She is also the founder of #SafeHere, an organisation she plans to use to positively impact the lives of children. Friendly, kind and empathetic are words used to describe her character. She believes that everyone deserves opportunities and resources to pursue greatness.

• Palesa Lombard (25) is from Waverley in Johannesburg and says that she has always been a dynamic, high-achieving individual. She is a final year medical student interested in neurological pathologies. She speaks fluent English and French, while having a comprehensive understanding of Afrikaans, isiZulu and Sesotho. She loves to balance her creative, artistic abilities with her deep interests in science, achieved through biomedical science studies, creating artwork and being a part-time professional model.

• Taahira Katz (25) is from Nancefield in Soweto and has a degree in Social Science. She has travelled the world as an international model and has a passion for learning and engaging in new experiences. She would like to work with an organisation that focuses on the crisis around mental health.

Entertainment on the night will be provided by Jesse Clegg, Kamo Mphela, Lebo Mashile, Zoë Modiga and sign language activist Andiswa Gebashe.

The top 10 contestants will be dressed by some of the country’s top fashion designers in a fantastic fashion-forward Miss South Africa 2024 finale. They are Anel Botha, Gert-Johan Coetzee, Londeka Buthelezi-Ndaba and Lydia Mbayo.

S3 wishes the top 10 contestants all the best.

Don’t miss the Miss South Africa this Saturday at 18:00, only on S3

 SABC1 announces the return of the popular EmoTainment series Khumbul’ekhaya when it debuts with season 18 on Wednesday, 7th August 2024. Khumbul’ekhaya will retain the timeslot of 21:00.

According to study on Statistics on Children Living in South Africa 2023, written by author Katherine Hall – “Many children in South Africa do not live consistently in the same household as their biological parents. This is an established feature of childhoods in South Africa, and international studies have shown that the country is unique in the extent that parents are absent from children’s daily lives.”

The series celebrates healing in South African families through forgiveness and reconciliation.

In the new season, our host, Andile Gaelisiwe, will be joined by media personality and radio host Samora Mangesi as a field presenter.

Khumbul’ekhaya tracks the journeys of South Africans searching to rehabilitate their relationships with lost or estranged family members.

In each show, two stories spark tears and laughter as viewers reflect on their family relationships and move to implement positive change in their own homes.

Khumbul’ekhaya tackles socio-economic issues such as abuse, addiction, poverty, and the breakdown of the family structure, which contributes to the continued estrangement of family members.

Johannesburg, 30 July 2024 – After prolonged outcry for his return, Generations: The Legacy is ecstatic to announce the return of Vusi Kunene as the iconic supervillain, Jack Mabaso! The gloved colossus of South African television can be seen from the 14^th of August 2024, coming out of the proverbial shadows to spread his special brand of terror and respect.

Speaking on his return, Executive Producer Mfundi Vundla says “Vusi Kunene is one the truly great actors! He will continue to heighten the standard of entertainment television in South Africa and beyond, reminding us of the iconic status of Generations.”.

For Casting Director Russel Savadier, “One of the great lingering questions on Generations: The Legacy is finally getting answered – “Is he dead, or isn’t he?” I’m as delighted as anyone that he’s alive and well and returning in dramatic fashion to our show. Vusi Kunene’s re-entry into our world is going to keep viewers glued to their seats!”.

According to the legend himself, “You know you love to hate Jack. And he loves it!”

The cast and crew are positively thrilled to watch a Master of his craft back in action. We’re excited to bring the heat we know our viewers love and demand! So, stay tuned as the drama ratchets up!

For more information, follow Generations: The Legacy on:

Facebook:                        GenerationsTheLegacy1

X (formerly Twitter):    @Gen_legacy

Instagram:                       generations_the_legacy

Tik-Tok:                           generationsthelegacy

‘Angeke Baskone’ with Generations – The Legacy at 20:00 weekdays, only on SABC1 Mzansi FoSho!

Johannesburg, 26 July 2024 – SABC2 is proud to launch the debut season of The Taste Master Junior, starting from the 30th of July 2024, showcasing the best young bakers from across South Africa. Based on the original award-winning baking competition reality show, the junior edition sees 12 exciting talents between the ages of 13 and 17 years old compete for a grand prize worth more than R200 000.

Produced in partnership with Clover South Africa, the 13-part reality show puts the young bakers to the test in weekly challenges, pushing their cooking abilities and creativity to the limit. One will get the title of the first-ever Junior Taste Master.

“We are thrilled to see young talent in South Africa in the kitchen, baking and cooking creations made with love by Clover. The show will highlight the youth’s potential and inspire viewers with creations to bake their own for a chance to win weekly prizes of a Kitchen Aid Classic Mixer and delicious Clover products” – Danette van Niekerk, Clover Senior Brand Manager.

Familiar judges Zola Nene and Fritz Schoon return to our screens and mentor, critique and encouragement. The show also features appearances from youth-focused guest judges who bring their expertise to the Taste Master kitchen.

“I love that we are doing a Junior version of The Taste Master. It is a chance to discover the untapped talent of our future baking stars! There are so many talented young bakers in SA, so I cannot wait for them to show us their skills” – Zola Nene, The Taste Master SA Junior Judge.

“I am very excited with a sense of scepticism. How good can these kids be? I suppose, with free access to world-class baking and cooking, they should be well-informed and exposed. In my heart, I truly believe this is going to be a very delightful surprise and heaps of fun” – Fritz Schoon, The Taste Master SA Junior Judge.

Meet the Top 12 Contestants

Lieschen Basson

Lieschen Basson is a 16-year-old who cannot get enough of the culinary world! He is smitten with food and loves diving into different cultures and their delicious dishes. His biggest dream? To become a Pastry Chef and is hoping The Taste Master Junior will be the springboard to make this dream a reality. Baking started as a hobby for him, but now it is a full-blown passion born in 2020 when his dad introduced him to the joys of baking during lockdown. From starting with muffin mixes to whipping everything from scratch, Lieschen is always ready to explore and experiment in the kitchen.

Lehakwe Mafojane

Meet Lehakwe Mafojane, a driven 16-year-old from the Vaal with a passion for cooking and a dream of becoming a restaurateur to create job opportunities to address joblessness in South Africa. Her love for cooking and baking has been a constant in her life since a young age, and she finds joy in creating new and unique dishes for her loved ones. Proud to be a young South African chef, Lehakwe honed her skills in cooking classes that taught her the art of baking and cooking. Her favourite treats to bake include chocolate cake, malva pudding, cinnamon rolls, and doughnuts – sweet treats she hopes to impress the judges with on The Taste Master Junior.

Quinley Wild

Meet aspiring chef Quinley Wild, whose talented grandmother ignited his passion for food. While he may not yet be old enough for chef’s school, Quinley is honing his skills by cooking for his family and attending courses at Stir Crazy Cooking School. His ultimate goal is to work as a chef on yachts and perhaps one day open a restaurant or enter the visual/social media food space. Understanding the financial challenges of chef school, Quinley sees The Taste Master Junior opportunity to help his mom with the fees and pursue his dreams. Joining this competition would fulfil his dreams and make his beloved grandmother incredibly proud.

Markus De Klerk

Markus De Klerk is a 14-year-old from Middelburg with a deep passion for cooking and baking. He thrives on a bit of healthy competition and is hoping The Taste Master Junior will help him take his love of the culinary arts to new heights. Alongside his passion for creating in the kitchen, Markus loves participating in sports like swimming, athletics, and hockey. He is outgoing and entertains those around him, making connections. During lockdown, his fascination with cooking grew as he spent most of his time glued to cooking shows, which sparked a fire in him that led to him entering to be on the first season of the show. Cooking is not just a hobby but a way to express his creativity and connect with people over a love of food.

Tineke Louw

Tineke Louw, a 16-year-old from Paarl in the Western Cape, aspires to become the Taste Master SA Junior champion. With a passion for cooking and baking, Tineke is determined to prove to herself and inspire others that she can achieve anything. Winning the competition would be a dream come true for her, and the R150 000 prize from Capitec would greatly support her tertiary studies. When not in the kitchen, Tineke enjoys playing tennis and crocheting. Her culinary journey started with mug cakes and microwave meals and has since evolved as she experimented with new recipes and techniques. Tineke makes her sourdough bread from scratch and is dedicated to cooking and baking her creations.

Afton Mathys

Afton Mathys, a 17-year-old grade 11 student from Cape Town, is a vibrant and talented individual who believes she would be a perfect fit for The Taste Master Junior competition. With a positive attitude, competitive spirit, culinary skills, and a sprinkle of humour as her secret ingredient, Afton is ready to showcase her talents on the show. When she is not on TikTok, she is in the kitchen whipping sweet treats! In June 2023, Afton turned her passion into a business venture – say hello to Afton Bakes! Her home bakery business offers a variety of delicious baked goods, which she hopes to use to win over the judges.

Lubabalo Plaatjies

Lubabalo Plaatjies is 16 years old, lives in Cape Town and is a talented cook and baker who runs his own business. With a strong desire to be crowned winner of season 1 of The Taste Master Junior, Lubabalo aims to showcase his skills and talents, garnering support for his business. Passionate about inspiring youth to believe in their abilities, he is a dedicated community member and serves as the Junior Councillor of Cape Town through the JCC initiative. A free-spirited individual brimming with joy, Lubabalo thrives on new challenges and experiences, constantly pushing himself to grow and improve – let us see what this season has in store.

Gabriella Brits

Gabriella Brits from Mbombela is a 15-year-old The Taste Master SA Junior contestant, driven by her love for baking and creating meals cherished by others. Eager to explore new ingredients and witness the transformation of her creations into beloved dishes, Gabriella is excited about the prospect of travel, television exposure, and a bit of friendly competition. This opportunity represents a significant stepping stone towards her future aspirations. Gabrielle describes herself as funny, charming, ambitious, and is ready to take on new challenges. Her journey with baking began at a young age when she would concoct imaginative but inedible dessert plates, eventually leading her to discover her passion for baking while preparing a special Mother’s Day treat.

Mabontle Ndobe

Mabontle Ndobe, a 17-year-old baking enthusiast from Phalaborwa in Limpopo, is a talented baker who creates delectable treats passionately. With a strong belief in her baking skills, Mabontle is eager to showcase her impressive culinary talents at the premiere of South Africa’s The Taste Master Junior competition. Her determination to put her skills to the test among fellow baking enthusiasts reflects her ambition and drive to excel in the world of baking. Watch out…Mabontle is ready to compete for the coveted title!

Suzanne Roux

Suzanne Roux, a 13-year-old culinary enthusiast, found her passion for baking and cooking during the lockdown period, where she dedicated her time to experimenting in the kitchen and exploring dishes from various cultures. With a genuine love for food evident in her creations, Suzanne believes she would be an excellent candidate for The Taste Master Junior. Her enthusiasm for learning and exploring the diverse world of cuisine sets her apart, making her a promising contender for the competition. Her culinary journey is a testament to her dedication and passion for cooking.

Omphile Mohlala

Omphile Mohala, known as OJ, a 14-year-old from Pretoria and has a passion for all things food, baking and confectionery. Omphile possesses the skills, attitude, and dedication to excel in the culinary world. He believes that participating in season 1 of The Taste Master SA Junior would boost his confidence and also signify a significant achievement in his journey. OJ is a bubbly, respectful, and fun-loving individual who enjoys cooking, baking, reading, and playing golf in his free time. With a love for laughter and smiles, OJ discovered his passion for baking in 2019 when he decided to bake his birthday cake. As they say, the rest is history!

Jahzara Ranjith

Jahzara Ranjith is 14 years old and resides in the Western Cape. Her passion for baking started at a young age, baking alongside her grandmother. When she is not baking, she loves to spend time with her family playing board games and enjoys painting and riding her bike to unwind. Winning the R150 000 from Capitec would mean that Jahzara can pay for higher education and study medicine. Jahzara sees The Taste Master Junior as a chance to showcase her culinary skills and share her love of baking with the world. She enjoys experimenting with various flavour profiles and desserts.

Si La with The Taste Master Junior on Tuesdays at 19:00, starting from the 30th of July 2024.

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