Gqeberha – Friday, 7 November 2025 – trufm, the Eastern Cape’s youthful voice of culture and identity, has officially launched its summer campaign “Nguwo Nguwo Ngumgidi” in proud partnership with Vodacom.

The campaign celebrates the vibrancy of Umgidi season, one of isiXhosa culture’s most significant traditions that marks the transition of young men into manhood and brings families together in joy and unity. Through this collaboration, trufm continues to champion authentic storytelling that connects modern youth with their heritage.

Running from 7 November – 12 December, Nguwo Nguwo Ngumgidi forms part of trufm’s ultimate summer line-up. The campaign features prominently during trufm’s popular Culture Tuesdays segment on truDrive with Thembela “King Booi”, Sethu Booi, and Sanele “Seyda” Nongauza, joined by cultural contributor Tata uTyatyeka and prominent cultural experts in the Eastern Cape region. Listeners can expect engaging discussions on lived experiences surrounding Ulwaluko (initiation) and Umgidi (the celebration), featuring insights from initiates, parents, and community elders.

Each week, trufm and Vodacom will spotlight two families across the Eastern Cape preparing to host their Umgidi celebrations. Listeners are encouraged to vote for their favourite stories via SMS, with Vodacom rewarding four of the most inspiring families for sharing their journeys of pride and unity with a R20,000 cash prize each.

In the true spirit of ububele (kindness), trufm will adopt one of the featured Umgidis — bringing gifts, love, and celebration to that community. Joining the festivities is the Umgidi Choir, winners of the Gwijo Competition at the Mandela Bay Arts Festival, whose powerful voices feature in the campaign’s promotional theme.

“trufm has always been more than just radio,” says Loyiso Bala, trufm Business Manager. “We are the youthful rhythm of the Eastern Cape, the sound that carries our people’s stories, culture, and pride. Nguwo Nguwo Ngumgidi is about celebrating who we are loudly, proudly, and joyfully.”

Follow the journey on trufm:

• Mondays: Family match-up announcements
• Tuesdays: Nguwo Nguwo Ngumgidi Culture Tuesdays
• Fridays: Weekly winner reveals
• Wednesdays: Live on-air cheque handovers

Join the conversation on social media using #NguwoNguwoNgumgidi and celebrate a summer of unity — powered by Vodacom, celebrated by trufm, inspired by our culture.

Competition Terms and Conditions: www.trufm.co.za

Follow trufm:

• Facebook, Twitter, Instagram – @trufm
• TikTok – @trufmza
• Listen via SABC Plus & DStv Channel 816 (Audio Bouquet)

ENDS

Media Enquiries:

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za  | T. 011 714 3057 | C. 073 688 1590

Gqeberha – Friday, 7 November 2025 – The EC Combo stations — Umhlobo Wenene FM and trufm — will headline two major cultural music events on Saturday, 8 November 2025, reaffirming their leadership in promoting South African tradition, isintu, folklore, and spiritual heritage through sound. Umhlobo Wenene FM partners with Khayelitsha Maskandi Festival while trufm unveils Joliza Ushuni Webhaca Album Launch.

UMHLOBO WENENE FM – KHAYELITSHA MASKANDI FESTIVAL, CAPE TOWN

Umhlobo Wenene FM partners with the Khayelitsha Maskandi Festival, returning for its second year at the Khayelitsha Rugby Stadium. The festival will showcase some of the country’s biggest Maskandi artists, including Limit Nala, Menzi, Umafikizolo, Gatsheni, Shenge, Prince, Sminifu, Mjolisi, Tornado, Njoko, Amawele ka MamTshawe, Thandazani, and Manjosi.

The station will bring its traditional show personalities Gudlabatshakazi and Mntwanomgquba to the stage, alongside a live broadcast of Lavuth’iBhayi from the venue. Additional guest appearances include the award-winning iDrive Enochatha crew Luks Gidane, Babe-Zee Mbusi, Phethu Soga, and TLG, with Babe-Zee having co-hosted Ushuni Womhlaba talent show, won by Joliza BhacaSoul in 2024. Umhlobo Wenene FM’s footprint will extend further through Ezezolo, hosted by Elvis Mali, also broadcasting live from the festival.

trufm – JOLIZA USHUNI WEBHACA ALBUM LAUNCH, GQEBERHA

At The Athenaeum in Gqeberha, trufm will present the highly anticipated Joliza Ushuni Webhaca Album Launch to both the Eastern Cape audience and the national market.

Joliza’s music, which he calls Bhaca Soul, blends Afro-soul, jazz, and Maskandi influences with traditional Bhaca rhythm elements of ukucwiya (spiritual singing), ukuvalela (spiritual humming), and ukusina (spiritual dancing). The launch will feature performances by Phuzekhemisi, Dr Buselaphi, Dumza Maswana, Xabiso Zweni, Ntsika, Manombolo, and Joliza Ushuni as the headline act. trufm’s A-Zee, hosted by Simo Zokwana and Azile Maka, will broadcast live from the event, offering listeners a front-row experience of this rich celebration of culture and sound.

“Both Umhlobo Wenene FM and trufm carry a responsibility to preserve, celebrate, and elevate the sounds that shape who we are. These two events reflect our commitment to nurturing cultural and indigenous pride, platforming authentic storytelling, and bringing our audiences closer to the roots of their heritage”, said Loyiso Bala, Business Manager: EC Combo (Umhlobo Wenene FM & trufm)

Follow both events on Umhlobo Wenene FM and trufm social media pages.

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, 5 November 2025 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is proud to announce that one of its renowned international Correspondent, Mr Sherwin Bryce Pease and Cameraman Aaron Berbrick have been named the gold winner by the United Nation Correspondents Association and awarded with the Ricardo Ortega Memorial Prize.

This accolade relates to an interview that Sherwin and Aaron conducted with Tom Fletcher, the Under Secretary General for Humanitarian affairs ahead of the UN General Assembly in September on Gaza and other conflict zones.

An excited Sherwin stated, “The SABC News team in New York is absolutely thrilled by this acknowledgement, it’s a validation of our work and commitment but also the investment that the public broadcaster continues to make in our operations in the United States. Our ethos is to deliver quality, accurate content that not only inspires but educates and informs, as well as driven by substance and facts. Aaron and I are proud to receive this award but only honoured to represent SABC News on the international stage”.

Sherwin and Aaron will be formally presented with a gold award at the Gala event in December 2025.
Ends

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communication)
NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590

Cape Town – Monday, 06 October 2025 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), the country’s only public service broadcaster, is once again collaborating with the Loeries for their Loeries Creative Week 2025. The Loeries are Africa’s and the Middle East’s premier brand communications event. This year, Loeries Creative Week 2025, takes place from 05 October until 10 October in Cape Town.

As the official partner of the Loeries in the Film and Radio categories, the SABC champions’ creativity, innovation, and excellence in storytelling that moves, inspires, and connects audiences. The SABC has planned various activations during the Loeries Creative Week 2025, to showcase the Corporation’s position as a powerful creative hub, propelling local creativity and an authentic platform fostering innovation by celebrating culture in creative spaces.

Mr Themba Gwejela, the SABC’s Group Executive for Corporate Affairs and Marketing states, “Creativity and advertising are at the heart of the SABC, and we’re excited to continue this relationship with the Loeries. Through our participation in the event, including a masterclass on blending African languages with digital coolness, we are celebrating the region’s creative spirit and showing how culture drives connection on every platform. We’re also proud to once again honour the best of the best at the main award evening, through the presentation of two key awards”.

SABC LOERIES CREATIVE WEEK 2025 HIGHLIGHTS:

• SABC Link Up Client Connect (Tuesday, October 07 October 2025)

This event will feature presentations from the SABC sales team on the organisation’s VE, Radio, Sport, and Digital offerings to key clients.

• Masterclass: Clicks & Culture – The Art of Language (Thursday, 09 October 2025).

The SABC will host a masterclass exploring how African languages can be used effectively in digital communication, blending language purity with digital playfulness:

Moderator: Leigh‑Anne Williams: Presenter of ‘The Morning Show with Leigh-Anne Williams’ on Good Hope FM, TV Host, MC and Founder of the Warrior Woman Awards.

Speaker: Renier Swart: Setswana Rugby Commentator & Broadcast Legend.

Speaker: Katlego Thulare: Senior Copywriter and Storyteller.

Speaker: Seipati “Twasa” Seoke: Radio and TV Personality, Mentor, Cultural Influencer.

• SABC Brand Dinner

The SABC is the official brand dinner host for the Loeries because it plays a pivotal role in celebrating and amplifying South Africa’s creative excellence through its powerful media platforms. As the nation’s leading public broadcaster, the SABC champions local storytelling and supports the growth of the advertising and communications industry.

ENDS

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries:   Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

NgubaneMV@sabc.co.zaT. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590

Thursday 02 October 2025, Johannesburg – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Enver Groenewald as Chief Commercial Officer, effective 1 October 2025.

The introduction of the Chief Commercial Officer role marks a significant evolution in the Corporation’s strategic approach to revenue generation. This executive role replaces the former Group Executive: Sales portfolio and reflects the SABC’s determination to broaden and integrate all aspects of its commercial operations in line with the organisation’s five-year strategy to build long-term financial sustainability.

Enver Groenewald will oversee not only advertising and sponsorship sales, but also television licence fee collections, alternative revenue streams, partnerships, and new commercial opportunities. This consolidated mandate ensures a holistic approach to driving revenue growth and future-fit business practices that can secure the SABC’s role as a sustainable public broadcaster.

“The appointment of a Chief Commercial Officer signals a new chapter in the way we approach revenue generation. This is not just a title change, it is a strategic shift to ensure every commercial lever works together in delivering value for the Corporation and for our stakeholders,” said Nomsa Chabeli, Group Chief Executive Officer of the SABC.

Enver Groenewald brings more than two decades of leadership experience across media, advertising, classical marketing, and digital transformation in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. His leadership journey includes senior executive roles such as Africa Director for Media, Marketing Capabilities, and Digital Transformation at Unilever; Group Chief Executive Officer at Ogilvy South Africa; Chief Executive Officer at Interbrand Southern Africa; General Manager: Revenue at Avusa (now Arena Holdings); and Chief Executive Officer of Ochre Media.

Throughout his career, Enver has successfully led complex, high-value portfolios in highly competitive industries, consistently driving sustainable value creation through innovation-led strategies, high-performance teams, and people-first cultures.

In addition to his corporate achievements, he has contributed extensively to the broader business landscape, serving on multiple industry boards and publishing thought leadership on competitiveness and leadership in purpose-led, future-fit organisations.

“I am honoured to join the SABC at such a pivotal time in its journey,” said Enver Groenewald. “The new Chief Commercial Officer mandate provides a powerful platform to reimagine how we deliver value to our audiences, our clients, and the country at large. I look forward to working with the team to unlock the full commercial potential of the SABC and to help secure its sustainability for the future.”

This appointment also supports the Corporation’s ongoing transformation of its sales operating model, ensuring the SABC is agile, competitive, and aligned with industry best practice.

The SABC Board and Management are confident that under Enver’s leadership, the commercial portfolio will play a pivotal role in realising the organisation’s mandate to inform, educate, and entertain, while ensuring financial sustainability in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Ends.

Issued by Group Communications

In light of recent media coverage and comments in Parliament regarding the SABC, we wish to provide clarity and reassurance. The matters raised, particularly the funding of the SABC’s public service mandate, are not new. They form part of ongoing work by Parliament and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) to address the structural funding model of the SABC, a process which has been under discussion for several years and to which all parties remain committed.

The process of trying to amend the SABC Bill is also not new; it has been in the pipeline for several years. In 2021, the Bill was introduced in Parliament and again in 2023. There were also attempts before then to review the broadcasting policy with the aim of amending legislation to ensure the SABC’s long-term sustainability.

Throughout this period, the SABC’s leadership has implemented stringent financial controls and exercised strong governance to ensure operational stability. These measures have enabled us to continue delivering to audiences and stakeholders without disruption, despite the structural funding challenges that persist. Importantly, in the most recent financial year (2023–2024), the Auditor General of South Africa issued the SABC with an unqualified audit opinion, affirming the strength of our governance, internal controls, and risk management environment. Following that audit opinion, the Executive and Management have continued to actively strengthen and sustain improvements highlighted in last year’s audit.

The SABC has consistently highlighted that fulfilling an extensive public service mandate without adequate public funding is unsustainable. This structural issue affects our ability to compete, invest in fresh and compelling content, and fully deliver on our democratic mandate to inform, educate, and entertain all South Africans. The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee has rightly emphasised the urgency with which government should prioritise and conclude this matter.

We wish to reassure you that the SABC remains on air, fully operational, and committed to its statutory obligations under the Broadcasting Act, 4 of 1999. While financial pressures are real and ongoing, they are being actively managed through prudent measures, commercial growth initiatives, and close engagement with government and stakeholders. Our focus is firmly on maintaining stability, strengthening partnerships, and securing a sustainable funding framework for the future of public broadcasting in South Africa.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we work towards a strong, independent, and sustainable SABC.

Yours sincerely,

Nomsa Chabeli

Group Chief Executive Officer

South African Broadcasting Corporation

Johannesburg, Thursday 04 September 2025 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Arise / 365 Digital, Media North and Mediamark as specialist digital sales partners, following a rigorous and competitive procurement process.

These appointments are a key milestone in delivering on SABC’s five-year corporate plan, which sets out to augment commercial capacity and unlock new revenue streams through innovative market approaches. The partnerships are designed to strengthen SABC’s go-to-market capability, not replace it, ensuring the organization continues to evolve with the fast-changing digital media landscape.

Why these partnerships matter:
Broader market coverage – Enhanced representation across SABC’s digital platforms, including SABC+, News, Sport, and Radio.
Specialist expertise – Access to experienced digital sales professionals who can respond quickly to evolving client needs.
Collaboration, not substitution – These partners will work alongside SABC’s internal sales teams, complementing rather than replacing them, to maximise client service and revenue potential.
Delivery on strategy – A tangible step in fulfilling SABC’s commitment, outlined in its corporate plan, to modernize commercial operations while sustaining the core public service mandate.

“These partnerships reflect our determination to position SABC as a competitive, client-focused broadcaster,” said Nomsa Chabeli, Group Chief Executive Officer. “By augmenting our internal sales capability with trusted, specialist partners, we are creating a more agile and comprehensive offering for advertisers and accelerating our journey toward sustainable growth.”

SABC remains committed to transparency and collaboration, ensuring that all agencies and clients are supported through this transition and have access to the best possible service and opportunities.

About SABC
The South African Broadcasting Corporation is the country’s leading public broadcaster, serving millions of South Africans across radio, television, and digital platforms. Guided by its five-year strategy, SABC is focused on modernizing operations, strengthening commercial revenue, and delivering innovative solutions for advertisers and audiences alike.

ENDS.

The creator economy in Africa is no longer an emerging trend – it has become a powerful driver of economic empowerment, cultural influence, and global recognition. What began as a conversation about access – access to tools, spaces, and opportunities has rapidly evolved into a robust ecosystem where creators are building businesses, shaping narratives, and expanding Africa’s footprint on the world stage.

At the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), we recognise this transformative shift. As Africa’s most trusted broadcaster and cultural custodian, we have always been at the centre of storytelling and innovation. Today, as the creator economy redefines what it means to connect, build, and influence, the SABC is stepping forward to ensure that we remain at the heart of culture, technology, and meaningful collaboration. That is why we are proud to have partnered with Africa Creator Fest 2025 – a platform that, in its third year, has become the premier launchpad for Africa’s creator economy.

A Shared Vision for a Thriving Creator Economy

The 2025 festival theme which was, “How to Grow the Creator Economy Through More Streams of Revenue, Outside of Brand Deals” is both timely and necessary. Creators are no longer just influencers, they are entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and business owners who need infrastructure, visibility, and opportunities to grow.

For too long, creators have relied primarily on brand sponsorships, a model vulnerable to shifting budgets and changing algorithms. Today, the most successful creators are those who have diversified their income streams: launching digital products, building merchandise lines, monetising expertise through consulting and masterclasses, and securing grants and funding that allow them to scale. This evolution is central to why the SABC has partnered with Africa Creator Fest. Like the festival, we believe the creator economy must be sustainable, resilient, and capable of delivering generational impact.

Why Collaboration Matters

Collaboration is the heartbeat of the creator economy. Africa Creator Fest has consistently demonstrated how partnerships between creators, brands, and institutions are able to unlock opportunities, spark innovation, and build trust.

For the SABC, this collaboration is deeply strategic. It allows us to:

• Support Growth: Provide creators with access to platforms, audiences, and tools that amplify their impact.
• Foster Innovation: Encourage experimentation with new digital models that extend beyond traditional broadcasting.
• Champion Culture: Elevate authentic African voices that resonate both locally and globally.

Through this partnership, the SABC is investing not just in creators, but in the future of the digital economy itself.

For decades, South Africa has been a leader in creative industries, from music and film to advertising and design. The creator economy represents the next frontier, and the SABC is proud to play a central role in shaping it. We are ensuring that Africa’s creator economy is built not on fleeting trends but on sustainable growth and generational wealth. By aligning with Africa Creator Fest, we are reinforcing our mandate as both a connector and an enabler. We are ensuring that youth, who are the heartbeat of digital innovation – see the SABC not just as a broadcaster, but as a collaborator in their creative and entrepreneurial journeys.

The Africa Creator Fest is proof that African creators are not just participants in the global economy, they are leaders shaping its future. The future of African creativity is digital, collaborative, and unstoppable. As they build, innovate, and influence, the SABC will continue to stand with them at the centre fold of culture and collaboration. Through meaningful partnerships like these, the SABC is ensuring that the continent’s creative voices are not only amplified but sustained for generations to come.

ENDS

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head: Communications)

Ngubanemv@sabc.co.za | T. 011 714 3057 | C. 073 688 1590

Bloemfontein – Friday, 12 September 2025 – In honour of Heritage Month, Lesedi FM has teamed up with renowned fashion brand Katiba Africa to launch the Lesedi FM x Katiba Africa Hat Collection, a bold and culturally inspired hat collection that celebrates African identity, creativity, and pride.

This exciting collaboration merges Lesedi FM’s deep-rooted connection to Sesotho culture with Katiba Africa’s innovative design ethos. The result is a vibrant range of hats that pay tribute to tradition while embracing modern African fashion.

Each hat features design elements inspired by Sesotho heritage, African symbolism, and the dynamic spirit of Lesedi FM’s audience. The collection is a celebration of unity, style, and storytelling, values that both brands hold dear.

Jabulile Khumalo-Mpherwane, Marketing Manager at Lesedi FM says, “Launching this collection during Heritage Month was intentional. It’s a time when South Africans reflect on who we are, and this collection allows our listeners to wear that pride on their heads literally.”

Matseliso Morobela, Founder of Katiba Africa states, “We wanted to create something that speaks to the soul of Africa. Partnering with Lesedi FM during Heritage Month made this launch even more meaningful.”

In addition to the hats, Lesedi FM and Katiba Africa are thrilled to announce that a T-shirt range is also in development and will be launching soon. The upcoming line is designed to offer something for everyone, from bold fashion statements to everyday wear ensuring that fans and listeners can express their identity in style.

The Lesedi FM x Katiba Africa Hat Collection is now available online and at these select retail outlets:

• The Colony, Shop 06 Waterfront Mall – Bloemfontein, South Africa.

• DesignedbyBarbz, Shop C9 Sundowner Plaza – Randburg, South Africa.

• The Colony, Pioneer Mall – Maseru, Lesotho.

Hats vary from R550 to R1064 and T-shirts will retail at R250. 

Fans can follow Lesedi FM’s social media platforms for exclusive content, giveaways, and styling inspiration.

Visit Katibaafrica.com for more information on the hat collection.

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 – Tuesday, 9 September 2025 – This summer, the continent unites for Africa’s biggest football showdown -The TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 (AFCON). Coming LIVE to SABC 2, SABC Sport, SABC Plus and your favourite SABC radio stations, the AFCON 2025 broadcast partnership is proudly supported by Hollywoodbets and SABC.

From 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, millions of South Africans will have free and easy access
to all 52 thrilling matches, rallying behind Bafana Bafana as they compete for continental glory. Fans
can expect to experience every goal and victory. This collaboration ensures that millions of South
Africans have free and easy access to all the excitement across multiple SABC platforms, reinforcing
the unifying power of sport in the nation.

In addition to AFCON 2025, SABC Sport and Hollywoodbets have joined forces to bring live coverage
of the FIFA World Cup 26, Horse Racing and English Premier League (EPL). Over the next three
seasons, SABC Sport will broadcast 38 live Premier League matches per season, covering the
2025/2026 to 2027/2028 football seasons furthering its commitment to making world-class sports
accessible to all South Africans.

Keletso Totlhanyo, Head of SABC Sport said, “At the SABC, we believe sport is a powerful unifier. Our
partnership with Hollywoodbets ensures that every South African can enjoy the passion and pride of
our national teams and global sporting events for free, inaccessible ways. We look forward to bringing
the energy of AFCON 2025 to homes nationwide and standing together behind Bafana Bafana. SABC
Sport is also proud to continue its collaboration with Hollywoodbets beyond the AFCON, for future
sporting events.”

Morgan Shandu, Head of Operations at Hollywoodbets said, “At Hollywoodbets, we’re proud to support
our local communities and the sport that unites us all. Partnering with SABC again to bring AFCON to
every South African home is an important step in making top-quality African football accessible to fans
nationwide. We’re thrilled to share the excitement of this tournament and celebrate the passion of
football lovers across the country.”

Unite Around the Beautiful Game

Whether gathered in family living rooms, local taverns, or community sports halls, South Africans can
come together to experience live football on SABC Sport. Tune in, turn up the excitement, and join the
nationwide celebration because here, it’s Game On Everywhere.

About SABC Sport

As the Home for Universal Access to Sport and Football, SABC Sport champions South Africa’s passion
for athletic excellence. Through free-to-air broadcasting on television, radio, and digital platforms, we
deliver live coverage of premier football alongside rugby, cricket, athletics, and more ensuring every
South African enjoys the sporting moments that unite us all.

Issued By:
SABC and Hollywoodbets
Media Enquiries:
Mmoni Ngubane (SABC: Head of Communications)
ngubanemv@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590

Editorial and general enquiries Hollywoodbets: For further information, please contact: Kuhle
Mkize, Hollywoodbets PR and Communications Manager at KuhleM@hollywoodbets.net Tel: 078
1189 609

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