Nominee: Nomthunzi Vuza

Number of years in broadcasting: 33 years

Station: Umhlobo Wenene FM

Nomthunzi Vuza, known as “Mama ka Ma-Asi,” spent 33 years with Umhlobo WeneneFM, starting when it was known as Radio Xhosa. She joined the SABC in 1989 as the host of Eyentsatshana until 1990, and later presented Ezamakhosikazi in 1991. Over the years, she became a vital figure in the station’s success and touched the lives of many listeners. Nomthunzi played a key role in structuring the women’s programs unit and implementing systems to fulfill the station’s mission of informing and educating the nation while nurturing talented female presenters. Her show, LelikaYehova Ihlabathi, achieved historic audience figures, surpassing two million in 2016. She also contributed to notable shows like Hlala eThembeni on Mondays and Omama nelizwi on Thursdays. On Fridays, the show transformed into an in-studio kitchen with support from well-known sponsors. Even in retirement, she continues to passionately guide and mentor staff at Umhlobo WeneneFM, deserving recognition for her contributions.

Johannesburg – Sunday, 3 December 2023 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Radio portfolio recorded yet another successful story following the announcement of the 2023 Radio Awards Winners last night at Sandton Convention Centre.
The SABC won a total of 20 awards for its cream of the crop on-air talent and content producing expertise in programming across various radio stations. In addition, Programmes Manager for Lotus FM, Mr. Alvin Pillay and Umhlobo Wenene’s former Veteran Presenter Nomthunzi Vuza were inducted into the Hall of Fame for their immense and meaningful contribution in the radio industry over the years. Ukhozi FM’s Neliswa Cele and 5FM’s Nick Archibald were also inducted as the Bright Stars for 2023.

The SABC’s biggest PBS Station with more than 7 million listeners, Ukhozi FM penned a brilliant tale by scooping the Station of the Year award in the PBS category and MyStation-Most Votes award.
The SABC Group Executive of Radio Ms. Nada Wotshela is delighted and stated that “The importance of SABC radio as a primary source of news and information for most South Africans can never be over emphasised, and it has been incredible witnessing how this is reflected by events of this nature where experts in the industry and our audiences duly recognise the great work that our teams are doing. It is more rewarding knowing that despite the difficult trading period that we are experiencing as a public service broadcaster, the quality of our service and commitment to delivering on a mandate bestowed upon us is not compromised”.
Wotshela added, “I am more proud by the consistency that SABC radio portfolio team displays every year to ensure that they keep the South African citizens captivated to our platforms”.
SABC Radio remains committed to inform, educate, and entertain the South African citizens with   meaningful and developmental content through a mix of programming genres including music, drama, documentaries, magazine, and variety shows.

A full list of the winners is available on www.radioawards.co.za.

Ends

Issued By:                              Group Communications
Media Enquiries:                   Ms. Mmoni Seapolelo (Acting Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)
Seapolelomv@sabc.co.za | T. 011 714 3057 | C. 073 688 1590

Durban – Saturday, 02 December 2023 – Ukhozi FM, South Africa’s leading radio station, proudly announces the highly anticipated release of the top 10 songs for the Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka campaign. As a powerhouse in promoting and celebrating local music, Ukhozi FM continues to showcase the best of South African talent through this esteemed annual initiative.

The Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka campaign has been a vibrant platform that honours and acknowledges the exceptional musical contributions from artists across the nation. This year’s top 10 songs stand as a testament to the diversity and richness of South Africa’s music landscape.

The top 10 songs that have captivated audiences, and earned their place in the prestigious list for the Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka campaign are as follows:

Ukhozi FM Business Manager, Ms. Sbongi Ngcobo, expressed, “Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka is a campaign that is close to listeners’ hearts and is a tradition that most of us grew up on. This campaign, like every other that the station implements relies strongly on listeners’ choices and participation. We all know that music is the soundtrack to our lives, and this is evident through the millions of listeners who participate in this campaign to decide which song takes us to 2024. Ukhozi FM is indeed the authority when it comes to crossing over into the new year, ABANYE ABATHULE.”

The announcement of the top 10 songs marks a pivotal moment in the Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka campaign, inviting fans, listeners, and enthusiasts to participate actively in determining the ultimate Song of the Year using the hash tag #IngomaEhlukanisaUnyaka2023. Voting channels will be open for the public to cast their votes for their favorite song on the Ukhozi FM sms line 33665, contributing to the final declaration of the Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka.

Ukhozi FM extends its gratitude to the artists, listeners, and stakeholders who have contributed to the success of the Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka campaign over the years. The station remains committed to promoting and uplifting musical talent, providing a platform for all genres to flourish.

Ukhozi FM remains the authority on NYE cross over song. ABANYE ABATHULE.

Ukhozi FM Luhamba Phambili.

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 – Friday, 01 December 2023 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) announces that it is making some changes to its trailblazing SABC+ app.  This may result in a temporary pause of services, but this is necessary to pave the way for an exciting new service offering. This will ensure that in future there is an enhanced and more robust digital content delivery for our valued viewers.

During this brief hiatus, which should not be more than 48hours, the SABC will be migrating the SABC+ service to a new technology system, which will result in the scheduled downtime. It must also be noted that services will be limited, so don’t be alarmed with the new offering, as it is part of the migration process. Audiences will still be able to stream their favourite SABC content once the migration is complete. New features and modifications will continue to be implemented post the migration as the SABC continually enhances the offering, and we ask that audiences please be patient in this transition period. This update underscores SABC’s dedication to continue providing audiences with an optimized and enriched SABC+ experience.

SABC+ assures its viewers that this interruption is temporary, and efforts are being made to expedite the transition process. Regular updates will be provided to keep our audience informed about the resumption of SABC+ services and the exciting improvements to come.

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, 27 November 2023 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) a leading force in public broadcasting proudly announces the appointment of Ms Nomsa Chabeli, as its new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO).

Ms Nomsa Chabeli whose career path spans over two decades, has amassed a wealth of experience from diverse organisations including MTN and Multichoice where she was the Marketing Director of SuperSport and subsequently the DStv portfolio. In addition, she has served at SAB, Brand South Africa, GCIS and Edcon. She also has a credible history of developing persuasive and highly influential brand messaging that attracts a diverse customer population while also being adept at overseeing market intelligence activities to identify market trends, customer behaviours and emerging technologies.

In her role at MTNSA, she has been instrumental in driving MTN to become the most valuable brand in South Africa and being named the 2022 Brand of the Year, by the Brand Finance South Africa 100 report. From envisioning groundbreaking marketing innovation to fostering a culture of creativity, Ms Chabeli has not only elevated the brands she has nurtured but has also left an enduring impact on the industry.

Some of her career highlights include leading the marketing and communications for the successful 2010 World Cup Bid that resulted in South Africa’s confirmation as the host country, Marketing Director of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 and the development and execution of South Africa’s communications and marketing strategy for various Davos World Economic Forums. She holds an MBA from Henley Business School and is currently completing a Masters in Digital Business at Wits Business School.

The SABC Board of Directors has confidence in Ms Chabeli’s ability to drive revenue generation, strategic growth, innovation and uphold the values that have defined SABC’s legacy. In this pivotal role, Ms Chabeli will spearhead the strategic vision and operational excellence across the entire SABC Group. This appointment reflects SABC’s commitment to maintaining excellence in broadcasting and meeting the evolving needs of its diverse audience.

Ms Chabeli stated, “I am truly honored and excited to join the SABC as its new GCEO. This organisation holds a rich legacy of public service through broadcasting, and I am committed to advancing its mission and intensifying efforts to significantly improve revenue generation and lay the foundation for enduring success. Faced with the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape, together we will embrace innovation, foster meaningful connections and ensure that our content continues to inspire, inform and resonate with diverse audiences in this dynamic media landscape.”

SABC extends its warmest welcome to Ms Chabeli, and the entire organisation looks forward to achieving new milestones under her leadership.

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