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!

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.