Gqeberha – Tuesday, 20 February 2024 – Umhlobo Wenene FM is deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of its esteemed actors, Nomampondo Noluthando Simayi, known for her portrayal of the beloved character Nosiseko in the weekday soapy “Ithini Na Lento“. Simayi’s untimely passing occurred in a car tragic accident as she was returning from the funeral of the main story writer, Sonwabo Yawa this past Saturday.

The somber news compounds further as two other drama actors, Nokukhanya Kula, famously known as Thandi, and Mzwandile Nzenze, recognized as Gibson, along with Senior Producer Toffee Zitshu, were critically injured in the same accident. The devastating news came in the wake of two funerals of Rev Rweqana and Sonwabo Yawa last week.

SABC Eastern Cape Business Manager, Loyiso Bala, extends his heartfelt condolences to the Simayi family and wishes the injured colleagues a speedy recovery.  He stated that “The latest news of the passing of our colleague has left a further void in our hearts as we were still mourning our two colleagues who we buried last week. Amid this sad news, we are left distraught, and we appeal to the listeners and fans to remain steadfast and offer support to the station by keeping the affected families in their thoughts and prayers during this trying time.

Loyiso Bala further expressed gratitude for the invaluable contribution, Nomampondo Noluthando Simayi made to the station “She devoted her time in showcasing the SABC’s public service mandate in a meaningful way by keeping the fans of the soapie, “Ithini Na Lento” informed, educated and entertained through tackling various issues that affect society. Through her remarkable portrayal of Nosiseko for ten years she managed to tell an impeccable story in an authentic manner and her legacy will endure through the cherished memories she leaves behind.

Umhlobo Wenene FM and the entire production team of “Ithini Na Lento” extend their deepest sympathies to Noluthando Simayi’s family, friends, colleagues, and fans during this difficult period.

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Seapolelo (Acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs & Marketing)

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

Johannesburg – Wednesday, 14 February 2024 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) would like to alert the public of an email correspondence purporting to be that of the SABC, threatening the public that they will be issued with a warrant of arrest for non-payment of TV Licence fees.

The public is advised to ignore the contents of a correspondence coming from an email address jjm@mega.bw (TV License Board). This is not an SABC email address, and the Corporation will not at any point threaten anyone with a warrant of arrest.

The SABC also advises the public not to download any statement from this fake email as instructed.

The SABC TV Licenses department can be reached on 011 330 9555 or can be accessed through an e-mail to tvlic.info@sabc.co.za  for a friendly and kind Customer Service. Alternatively, the public may use our secure website www.tvlic.co.za to download statements.

ENDS

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Seapolelo (Acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs & Marketing)

Seapolelomv@sabc.co.za | T. 011 714 3057 | C. 073 688 159

Polokwane – Tuesday, 13 February 2024 – Munghana Lonene FM is pleased to announce the appointment of the Programmes Manager, Ms. Rose Tshabalala. Ms Tshabalala will be responsible for programming Strategy, content development and on-air presentation.

With 29 years of experience in the broadcasting industry, Ms Tshabalala brings a wealth of knowledge in radio programming. She started her radio career as a Freelance Presenter at Munghana Lonene FM.  Tshabalala is a veteran producer and senior continuity producer who holds a wealth of knowledge gained over the years from the station.

Her academic qualifications include a National Diploma in Public Relations from UNISA, People Management Programme from GIBS.  She is currently pursuing her Honours Degree in Integrated Organisational Communication at UNISA.

Business Manager of the Limpopo Combo, Mr Madikana Matjila said that “We have confidence in Ms Tshabalala and believe that her expertise will assist the station to deliver high quality content enhancing as well as continue to preserve and promote Xitsonga Culture and Heritage.

We wish the new Programmes Manager well in her new journey as Munghana Lonene Programmes Manager”.

Ends

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Seapolelo (Acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs & Marketing)

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

Johannesburg – Monday, 12 February 2024 – As the world celebrates World Radio Day tomorrow, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), which is the country’s only public broadcaster, will commemorate the day with several panel discussions with some of the country’s key thought leaders, who will be reflecting on the last 100 years of radio broadcasting as well as the future radio in South Africa and globally.

The theme for World Radio Day 2024 is “Radio: A century of informing, entertaining and educating”, and there is no better example than the SABC, which with its 19 radio stations has been providing world class services to its diverse radio audiences in the language of their choice for over eight decades.

Focusing on the activities to mark World Radio Day, SABC Radio has partnered with two higher education and training institutions, WITS Centre for Journalism and University of Johannesburg, to hold dialogues where ideas will be shared by various experts, at UJ premises as well as SABC Radio Park. Individual stations will also hold various activities.

The below are the key SABC Radio broadcasts, which take place tomorrow:

• Phalaphala FM’s 09h00-12h00 show will broadcast live from the University of Limpopo.
• Munghana Lonene FM’s 12h00-13h30 show will broadcast live from the University of Limpopo.
• Thobela FM will also provide live reports from the University of Limpopo, as well as broadcasting live from Ditjong in Saxonwold to celebrate World Radio Day.
• Umhlobo Wenene FM will have a swap of the drive time shows for the day where the programme ‘iBrakfesi Eyondlayo Ekuseni’ team will take over the afternoon drive show and the afternoon drive team ‘Enochatha’ will take over the breakfast show slot.
• In line with the subtheme of educating the nation, the 09:00 – 12:00 programme on Umhlobo Wenene FM will be broadcasting live from Ndema Secondary High School in Tsomo, Eastern Cape, in partnership with Hollywood Bets Foundation.
• Lotus FM’s ‘The Breakfast’ which broadcasts from 06h00-09h00, will in collaboration with Ukhozi FM breakfast team, present the station’s breakfast show.
• Lotus FM’s 09h00-12h00 show ‘Style in the City’ will also do a simulcast broadcast with 5fm.
• Lotus FM’s ‘Lunch Break’ broadcast from 13h00-15h00, will conduct a simulcast broadcast with Radio 2000 and SAFM.
• Munghana Lonene FM and Thobela FM will do a simulcast on the ‘Tamintlangu Sports Show’ between 19h00-20h00.

All the SABC’s radio stations will commemorate this important day through various activities including interviews, interacting with the public to discuss the role of radio and of course going down radio memory lane.

ENDS

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Seapolelo (Acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs & Marketing)

Seapolelomv@sabc.co.za | T. 011 714 3057 | C. 073 688 159

Gqeberha – Monday, 12 February 2024 – In celebration of World Radio Day on 13 February, Umhlobo Wenene FM, South Africa’s beloved radio station, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking change of two of its most popular drive time shows: Brakfesi Eyondlayo Ekseni and UWFM Drive Enochatha.

Brakfesi Eyondlayo Ekseni, the dynamic breakfast show known for its engaging content, vibrant energy and infectious laughter typically airs from 06h00 to 09h00 am in the mornings with PastorThe DJ, Mafa Bavuma and Mluleki Ntsabo on sports. On the other hand, UWFM Drive Enochatha, the Award-winning fast-paced staple in the afternoons led by Luks Gidane with his co-host Babe-Zee, Phethu Soga and TLG, dominates the airwaves from 15h00 to 18h00. In this unprecedented move, the anchors of both shows, PastorThe DJ of Brakfesi Eyondlayo Ekseni and Luks Gidane of i-UWFM Drive Enochatha, will swap time slots, bringing fresh perspectives and approaches to their new time slots while retaining some of the beloved features of their original shows.

This innovative change is not only a celebration of World Radio Day but also a nod to the 100th anniversary of radio in South Africa. As the world’s reliance on radio for communication remains steadfast, Umhlobo Wenene FM recognizes the unique role radio plays in reaching and connecting with audiences across the continent, especially in areas where access to television and internet may be limited.

“We believe this swap will enhance the intimacy between our station and our listeners, providing an opportunity for increased interaction with presenters they may not typically engage with during their usual time slots,” said Umhlobo Wenene FM Business Manager, Mr. Loyiso Bala.

For the on-air teams, this change presents a thrilling challenge as they adapt to waking up or winding down at different times than they’re accustomed to.

Umhlobo Wenene FM invites listeners to tune in and experience this exciting change on World Radio Day, embracing the spirit of innovation and connection that radio embodies.

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Seapolelo (Acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs & Marketing)

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

Gqeberha – Wednesday, 7 February 2024 – It is with heavy hearts that Umhlobo Wenene FM announces the passing of two of the station’s esteemed colleagues, radio veteran Nomathamsanqa Rweqana and the award-winning writer for the triumphant Umhlobo Wenene FM drama series “Ithini Na Lento”, Sonwabo Yawa, who both passed away on 6 February 2024.

Nomathamsanqa Rweqana, affectionately known as “Reverend Rweqana,” graced the airwaves of Umhlobo Wenene FM from 2008 until her retirement on 31 March 2022, where she passionately served as a presenter for religious programmes. Her dedication to ministry extended beyond the microphone, as she took on additional administrative responsibilities, including the recording of devotions, prologues, sermons, and Imvuselelo. Nomathamsanqa’s shows included the now “Ngenan Emasangweni Ngendumiso”, a religious show that airs on Thursdays between 09:00am and 12:00pm and the iconic “Ndingu Yehova iGqirha Lakho,”, where her midnight knocks and her trademark phrase “Nkqo, nkqo, nkqo,  ndikwakho” were endeared by her  listeners from 03:00 – 05:30. She had been a beacon of comfort and healing for many, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Liberty Radio Awards in 2017.

It is with great sadness that Umhlobo Wenene also mourns the passing of Sonwabo Yawa, the brilliant mind behind the award-winning drama series “Ithini Na Lento” and a 2008 drama series that focused on reducing the fatalities of initiates caused during circumcision entitled “Konakele phi?”. He started with the station when it was still radio Transkei in 1995, where he published “Ingalo Yomthetho Inde”, a book that was adapted into a radio drama for Umhlobo Wenene FM by the former drama producer Mr. Zolisile Mapipa, and saw him winning the accolade of Young Radio Drama Award. He later migrated to Umhlobo Wenene FM in 2007 as a freelance writer, where in 2010, he led a young group of writers that started the drama series “Ubomi yinzulu yolwandle”under the guidance of Mr. Thozamile ‘Sir Thoz’ Nyakatya and Ntombethemba ‘Tofee’ Zitshu.  In 2024, the name was changed to what is now the popular drama series “Ithini na Lento?” in order to accommodate an evolving youth and storyline.

Outside of being a drama writer on Umhlobo Wenene FM, he was a published novelist for school-adapted books and magazines, one of his poems “A man died long time ago” was read on Morning Live by the late Vuyo Mbuli for the show’s Women’s Day celebrations in 2008. He also translated a play that was commissioned on Ukhozi FM for Umhlobo Wenene FM. Sonwabo’s creativity and dedication to storytelling, captivated audiences nationwide and extended beyond the airwaves, earning the series numerous accolades, including the prestigious MTN Radio Award for Best Drama Series in South Africa in 2014.

Business Manager for the Eastern Combo radio stations, Loyiso Bala stated that “The loss of Reverend Nomathamsanqa Rweqana and Sonwabo Yawa leaves a void in the Umhlobo Wenene FM family and the South African broadcasting community. Their legacies will forever be remembered, and their contributions cherished. Our deepest condolences go out to their families, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time”.

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Seapolelo (Acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs & Marketing)

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