The total SABC Radio listenership is 26 mil; 24 mil PBS and 6 mil, PCS radio stations. The radio stations have raised the bar in the last 6 months, by celebrating their milestones, being nominated for awards, and winning some of the awards. 5FM won the GenNext coolest brand, with Good Hope remaining among the top 5 coolest brands. Metro FM, Ukhozi FM, and Lesedi FM’s personalities were chosen amongst the Coolest Local Radio Personalities 2023.

In fighting competition and creating brand awareness, Metro FM, SAFM, and 5FM had their brand campaigns rolled out using different elements. In keeping the momentum and staying relevant, the brands maximized their existence by celebrating their milestones, Metro FM celebrated its 37 birthday, and 5FM its 48^th. The beginning of Spring announced the comeback of the most loved events; Phalaphala FM’s Royal Heritage Festival, XiTsonga Music Awards, High Tea with Lady D, Lemo Festival, and Spring Fiesta, to name but a few. Partnerships and Collaboration with events of public interest, Loeries, SAMA, Crown Gospel Music Awards, SATMA, and including the Music Creators of South Africa added to SABC’s gliding on the wings of change.

SABC is at its all-time high with over 100 nominations in this year’s Radio Awards.

The South African Music Awards (SAMAs), a distinguished hallmark in the nation’s music scene, is set to make a glorious return for its 29th edition. #SAMA29 promises an extraordinary celebration of South African talent in collaboration with the esteemed music concert Africa Fest. The event is scheduled to grace the Sun Bet Arena in Pretoria on 17 and 18 November 2023, offering an unforgettable showcase of the rich diversity of South African music. #SAMA29 will be broadcast live on SABC1 on Saturday, 18 November 2023, at 20:00.

Taking the helm as the hosts for #SAMA29 are the dynamic duo DJ Sabby, known as “The Best Thing Ever” Mtshali, and Nomalanga “The Flame” Shozi. With their infectious energy, magnetic charisma, and profound connections within the South African entertainment landscape, they are the perfect duo to lead this grand celebration of music excellence. Joining them as redcarpet hosts are the talented Hope Mbhele and Thuthuka Mthembu, promising an unforgettable evening filled with glamour and excitement.

#SAMA29 promises a star-studded event and a captivating musical journey with an exceptional lineup of guest presenters, adding their unique flair to the awards ceremony. The presenters include Ayanda MVP Mdluli, Chymamusique, Celeste Ntuli, Criselda Kananda, Demi Lee, Eloise Cupido, Happy Ngidi, Jessica Nkosi, JR, Kabelo Mabalane, Lala Tuku, Loyiso Bala, Ms Cosmo Nothemba Madumo, Nomcebo Zikode, Ready D and Sol Phenduka.

Adding to the excitement, audiences and viewers at home will be treated to unforgettable performances by Makhadzi, Alter Ego, Tumelo.Za, Msaki, Kabza De Small, Mörda, Sincerely Ann, Blxckie, 25K and Loatinover Pounds, among others. The evening will also feature a moving tribute performed by Langa Mavuso, The Jesus Collective and Wouter Kellerman, honouring those in the industry who have passed away.

The South African Music Awards, an annual event that recognises and celebrates outstanding achievements in the South African music industry, has a legacy spanning nearly three decades. SAMAs continue to symbolise excellence, diversity, and innovation in the vibrant South African music landscape. Tickets are available for R200 from Computicket.

RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi: “Dreaming, celebrating, and embracing the essence of South African music, #SAMA29 is not just an event; it’s a testament to the exceptional talent that defines our industry. Our hosts, DJ Sabby, Nomalanga Shozi, Hope Mbhele and Thuthuka Mthembu epitomise the energy and charisma that makes South African music shine. Audiences at the Sun Bet Arena and viewers at home can anticipate a night of grandeur and musical brilliance, so we invite everyone to join us in celebrating the best in South African music.”

Live broadcast of the 29th Annual South African Music Awards link:
https://youtube.com/live/HzevQqLREj0

Social Media Handles

Tik Tok: @thesamas_

Instagram: @thesamas_

Twitter: @TheSAMAs

YouTube: samusicawards

Facebook: South African Music Awards

Hashtag: #SAMA29

Website: www.samusicawards.co.za

Notes to editors:

• The eligibility period for SAMA29 is between 1 February 2022 and 14 April 2023. The submissions period was between 6 March 2023 and 14 April 2023.
• The awards ceremony will take place at the SunBet Arena at Time Square, Menlyn Maine on 18 November 2023 and broadcast live on SABC1 at 20:00
• Sponsors for SAMA29 are SABC1; Department of Sports Arts and Culture; SABC; PRASA; SAMPRA; SAMRO; CAPASSO; Proudly SA; ViB Mobile and AfroBotanics.

Tickets are available at Computicket from R200. https://tickets.computicket.com/event/africa_fest/7232986/7232990/82473

Catch #SAMA29 on Saturday 18 November 2023 at 20:00, also streaming on SABC Plus.

For media enquiries

Contact

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist: Video Entertainment

072 382 20232/ Email: phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

The regional winners of the 2023 Vodacom Journalist of the Year competition have been announced and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is once again proud of its Journalists who were crowned regional winners in various categories for this prestigious competition.

In their statement, Vodacom said the theme for this year’s edition of the awards was “Authentic Information and Hybrid Content, at a time when journalists are challenged to rise above generative artificial intelligence (AI), and to push factual information”.

The following are the SABC Journalists announced as 2023 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Regional Winners:

EASTERN CAPE REGION: 

1. Lerato Fekisi (Journalist) and Video journalists Markus Brenner and Gcobani Blom – “Sections of the manganese ore transport and storage sector in Nelson Mandela Bay remain under fire” – Sustainability Winner.

FREE STATE/NORTH WEST/ NORTHERN CAPE REGION:

1. Kamogelo Seekoei – “Conversation with family of the deceased found in Bester’s cell” – Live Reporting/ Breaking News Winner.

2. Ditshwanelo Masiea with contributor Reginald Witbooi – “Karate” – Joint Sport Winners

3. Lereko Motseko with contributor Margeret Mothibi –“Boxing”- Joint Sport Winners

4. Karabo Siyoko – Young Journalist of the Year Award Winner

Taking place on Thursday, 30 November 2023 will be the national awards ceremony, and the SABC wishes its Journalists who are part of the competition all the best.

By: Vuyo Mthembu (Manager: Media Relations – SABC Corporate Affairs and Marketing)

Generations: The Legacy is thrilled to announce that Fezile Mkhize will be appearing on Generations: The Legacy as the paramedic with a kind heart and killer smile. In addition to this he brings an easy charm to the role of Khensani. Fezile comes with a natural talent in front of the cameras and on stage, having presented Top Billing, played the role of Macbeth in The Macbeths and played Cyril in Adulting.

Viewers will no doubt find him easy on the eye – Fezile was declared Cosmopolitan’s “Sexiest Man 2019”, has graced the cover of Men’s Health, twice and he has won Mr. World South Africa and Mr. World Africa. We promise, this summer is going to be extra hot when Fezile appears.

Being a qualified and practicing doctor, Fezile is well-suited to the role of Khensani the paramedic. Casting Director Russel Savadier says,

“The role of the Paramedic Khensani required an actor who was able to play “charming” and carry a high degree of medical professionalism. Fezile is an actor who perfectly encompasses this. He’s a strong performer – an Ex Mr.-World South Africa – and an ACTUAL medical doctor! That combination works a treat. We’re very excited to have him on board!”

We at Generations: The Legacy have no doubt that Fezile will provide just the tonic needed this summer. So, tune in from Thursday 23 November to catch the very beautiful, very talented doctor on your screens!

S3 is the official broadcast partner of the 72nd Miss Universe pageant, taking place on Saturday, 18th of November 2023, in El Salvador, Central America. S3 will broadcast the pageant live on Sunday, 19 November, at 3am, South African time and repeat at 19:30 on the same night.

The Miss Universe beauty contest will be the third pageant to be hosted by the channel this year following the successful Miss South Africa and Miss World South Africa broadcasts.

Bryoni Govender was named Miss Universe South Africa at the Miss South Africa 2023 finale, and S3 fully supports Bryoni with the journey ahead.

Contestants from 85 countries are competing in the pageant which will be hosted for the second consecutive time by How Do I Look?  host Jeannie Mai and Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo, along with US TV presenter Maria Menounos. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Zuri Hall will also serve again as backstage correspondents. John Legend will perform at this year’s pageant.

“I want the world to stop spinning on its axis so I can breathe it all in and savour this glorious time. Meeting wonderful women from all over the world and connecting with them at so many levels has been a true delight. It’s all going too quickly. I want more time to enjoy every precious moment.”- Bryoni Govender, Miss Universe South Africa.

South Africans and Bryoni’s followers can show their support by voting for her to qualify for the Semi-Final of the Miss Universe by going to the link and clicking on her picture: Welcome to the 72nd MISS UNIVERSE Vote (choicely.com).

Adds the Miss South Africa Organisation CEO Stephanie Weil: “We are delighted with the support that South Africans are showing Bryoni, who is flying the flag high for the country. We wish her all the best as she competes on the international stage, and we know that she has what it takes to win the title as she exudes leadership, focus and passion. She has worked incredibly hard as Miss Universe South Africa and inspires a generation of young girls who wish to reach for a dream.”

“We are truly elated to have the rights to broadcast Miss Universe after a successful broadcast of Miss South Africa earlier this year. S3 continues to deliver on its strategy of bringing globally relevant events to South Africans”. – David Makubyane, Head of Platforms: Video Entertainment.

About The Miss Universe 2023: –

Contestants from 85 countries – including South Africa’s Bryoni Govender – will compete for the Miss Universe title at the José Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador, where R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States will crown her successor at the end of the event. Hosts are TV presenter Jeannie Mai and Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo for the second consecutive time, along with US TV presenter Maria Menounos. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Zuri Hall will again serve as backstage correspondents. John Legend will perform in this year’s pageant.  South Africans are hoping that Govender will be the fourth person from this country to take the title.

About S3

S3 is a revamped channel servicing the independent thinker and the progressive South African millennial. We want our viewers to open up to new lands, new content, new ideas and new ways of being. Through this new positioning, S3 invites viewers to take in all the new programming that is on offer; to open up to a dialogue with your public broadcasting channel. Ultimately, our vision is to foster the spirit of curiosity and spearhead a generation of free thinkers. S3 is opening itself up to new viewers. These viewers, who fall under the millennial umbrella, are more socially conscious and environmentally aware than their predecessors. They are progressive and open-minded and S3 will champion their frame of mind.

Open Up to new worlds of reality shows with The Miss Universe on Sunday 19th at 03:00, repeated at 19:30, only on S3.

For media enquiries contact:

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist: Video Entertainment

072 382 20232/ Email: phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

This November, SABC1 celebrates International 50 Years of Hip-Hop and 40 Years of Hip-Hop in South Africa. Exclusively bringing viewers a Sunday night packed documentaries as we go behind the scenes with some popular artists in a documentary slot at 6 pm every Sunday starting from 12 November 2023 until 26 November 2023, with Slaghuis Joint Elements, Ladies First Women In SA Hip Hop and Champion’s League. In addition to the Hip-Hop showcase is South Africa’s biggest Hip-Hop festival, Back to the City Music Festival 2023, which will broadcast on 25 November 2023 at 8 pm.

Slaghuis Joint Elements details the story behind one of South Africa’s most impactful Hip-Hop movements: Slaghuis, through the curious eye of a student of South African Hip-Hop culture and the Film Director, SPeeKa. The documentary takes the viewer to the very beginning in 2003 when a group of young South Africans from Diepkloof (Soweto) with a deep love for Hip-Hop during a time when the genre was still very questionable in SA culture and got together and established a platform where they could enjoy Hip-Hop music peacefully. Each member of the original group of friends details the building blocks of Slaghuis from their perspectives. The film draws to a close when one of the founding members drops a bomb regarding the future of the Slaghuis movement, and the viewer has a glimpse into the Slaghuis legacy.

Ladies First Women In SA Hip Hop is a 45-minute documentary that takes a look into female involvement in the South African hip-hop culture. Women have made a significant contribution to rap music and are worthy of recognition for their accomplishments, and only when we acknowledge their hard work will the gender disparity in the music industry lessen. The documentary delves into how women have impacted rap music, how rap affects female MCs, and why there is a significant discrepancy between the number of male and female MCs. Prominent figures in the industry, such as Gigi La Mayne, Zinzi Kahnish, Ms Cosmo, Lex La Foy, Yugen Blakrok, Patty Monroe, Levi Chetty, Refi Sings, Linda Mash, Fifi Cooper, Ntsiki Mazwai, Jalettua Nuune, Tazner Slater, and LootLove were all interviewed for the documentary.

The Champion’s League episode takes a comprehensive look at the quickly growing South African Battle Rap arena. It investigates freedom of speech and the appreciation of different lifestyles and cultures while exploring the youth culture through this art form. Despite the raw and unrefined delivery of the words, battle rap has resulted in an atmosphere of the utmost creative collaboration between young people. This illuminating documentary shows how South Africa is at the forefront of this passion and movement, and the result is enjoyable.

Back To The City is not just a festival; it is a movement that unites people from all walks of life under the banner of Hip Hop. Audiences should get ready to groove to the rhythm, feel the beat, and experience the ultimate Hip Hop extravaganza at the highly anticipated 17th Annual Back To The City International Hip Hop Festival! This year’s line-up promises to be bolder and more electrifying. For the broadcast, viewers can look forward to performances from Mobb Deep, Amu, Gigi Lamayne, Anele Zondo, Stogie T, A-Reece and many more.

“Whilst this year has seen celebrations of 50 years of Hip Hop from around the world, South Africa’s original authentic storyteller had to also celebrate the milestone, BUT from a South African perspective. In South Africa, it is 40 years of Hip Hop, and this celebration comes through the broadcast of certified classics that put Hip Hop albums that moved the needle of South African culture such as Teargas, Ladies of Hip Hop and Slaghuis to mention a few. In addition to this, The Back To The City Festival features renowned original SA Hip Hop pioneers such as Amu, and Selwyn performing for the first time in over a decade. All of these exclusive, truly South African Hip Hop performances are a celebration of Hip Hop from the biggest channel in Southern Africa”. – SABC Video Entertainment: Marketing Manager: Dichaba Phalatse.

For more information, interview opportunities and publicity, contact the SABC1 Publicity. 

siON with Hip Hop Special Documentaries on Sundays at 6 pm and Back To The City Festival, 25 November at 8 pm, only on SABC1 Mzansi FoSho!

For media enquiries contact:

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist: Video Entertainment

072 382 20232/ Email: phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

By

Mmoni Seapolelo Group Executive for Corporate Affairs and Marketing (Acting) and

Merlin Nicker- SABC Group Executive for Video Entertainment

The SABC’s content delivery obligations for nation-building and social cohesion can never be underestimated, nor can this be ignored. The total disregard of this important mandate by commercially focused entities is at the disadvantage and peril of the millions of South African citizens who heavily depend on the SABC for information. During the Rugby World Cup 2023 tournament, the SABC recorded a total of 15.5 million viewers of which 12.4 million were Adults aged 15+ despite the Corporation only being able to announce the broadcast rights on 7 September 2023, a day before the start of one of the country’s most anticipate sport spectacles.

The SABC also used its OTT streaming service, SABC Plus, to broadcast the Rugby World Cup matches. This fast-growing platform experienced a surge in new registrations of the App during the tournament resulting in over 313k registrations since September.  The final saw 9.2 million minutes watched on the platform. SABC Plus has experienced significant growth since its inception 12 months ago, with over 600 registrations to date, and was recognized at the 5^th Africa Tech Week Awards in May 2023, within a very short period in the market.

The use of the SABC Plus emanates from the understanding that broadcasting in the digital age requires broadening the quality and scope of the SABC’s content offering, increasing accessibility, and offering audiences value for their time.

The high number of audiences who tuned into the SABC platforms during the Rugby World Cup is indicative that SABC is the primary source of information for the majority of South African citizens. With all the external factors that always inhibit the SABC from securing the sports broadcasting rights for key sporting events timeously, the South African public should always be considered. These hurdles deter the public from easily accessing the broadcast of sports of national interest. If the SABC did not ultimately secure the broadcasting rights for the Rugby World Cup 2023, over 15 million people would not have easily accessed the tournament and witnessed this momentous and proudest moment for South Africa.

The SABC greatly appreciates the remarkable support demonstrated by key stakeholders who have raised their hands to assist the SABC in securing the rights of the Rugby World Cup 2023. The efforts were not merely about providing funding but extended to the successful delivery of the Corporation’s public service mandate of ensuring universal access by broadcasting sports of national interest.

In recent times, the SABC has faced challenging trading conditions due to the bleak domestic and global economic outlook. However, appreciation of the power of the SABC brand and its sub-brands is incredible and bears testimony to the fact that strategic partnerships yield positive spin-offs.

Sports rights are one of the biggest cost drivers for the SABC and a core genre in television broadcasting that requires regulatory intervention. It is the view of the SABC that sports regulations should enable the South African public to easily access major sporting events.

The SABC is mandated to broadcast sports programs on its channels and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) regulations formally list the sporting events which are identified as national sporting events. These events include the FIFA World Cup, IRB Rugby World Cup, ICC Cricket World Cup, African Cup of Nations, Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games, Africa Games, and the CAF Champions League final.  In broadcasting these events, the SABC has a responsibility to ensure that all sports deals entered into are commercially viable in order for the SABC to be financially sustainable.

Due to the exorbitant costs of the sports rights, the SABC is not always able to fully deliver on its mandate by securing the sports broadcasting rights of the identified sports events which are declared as of national interest.

In the end, the SABC’s survival as a public service broadcaster is dependent on the support of the South African citizenry and strategic partnerships in which partners use the SABC’s content offering and packages that appeal to them.

The SABC does not exist in a vacuum or operate in isolation, but it is there to serve the millions of South Africans who depend on it for reliable news and information, with key stakeholder support. Therefore, the Corporation will continue to apply a frugal approach in delivering key sporting events to be enjoyed by all citizens.

SABC Plus competition terms and conditions