Johannesburg – Tuesday, 12 December 2023 – Umhlobo Wenene FM and trufm, two of Eastern Cape’s most iconic radio stations, have kicked off their highly anticipated Song of the Year competition known as “Ingoma Yonyaka” on Umhlobo Wenene FM and simply “Song of The Year” on trufm. This competition has captivated listeners and artists alike.

From December 5 to 11, 2023, listeners enthusiastically nominated songs that defined the musical landscape of 2023. The launch day saw an impressive influx of over 3,000 votes, setting the stage for an intense competition, with the nominations closing with over 19,500 votes on both Eastern Cape combo radio stations. The second phase of the competition will spotlight the top ten most nominated songs, giving listeners the power to decide on the ultimate Song of the year. Voting will remain open until December 31, 2023, and the winning song will be announced on the same day at midnight. The following songs made top 10 on the respective stations:

Umhlobo Wenene FM

• UWFM1  = De Mthuda, Da Muziqal chef & Eeemo – Sgudi Snyc
• UWFM2  = DJ Stax ft Thabie Ngethe – Ungayithi vu
• UWFM3  = Dlala Thukzin ft Zaba & Sykes – iPlan
• UWFM4  = Ikhona – Andinanto
• UWFM5  = Killorbeezbeatz – Ngilele e hotele
• UWFM6  = King Jade & Baby Joe – Nyamezela
• UWFM7  = Lwah Ndlunkulu – Eyami
• UWFM8  = Mthandeni SK ft Lwah – Paris
• UWFM9  = Tornado – Wavuma zaduma
• UWFM10 = Betusile – Nomathemba

Trufm

• TRU1 = Dlala Thukzin – iplan
• TRU2 = Oscar Mbo – Yes God (Morda,Thakzin & Mhaw Keys Remix),
• TRU3 = De Mthuda – sgudi sync
• TRU4 = Mellow & Sleazy – Imnandi Lento
• TRU5 = 2Point1 – STIMELA
• TRU6 = NATHI – IMIMOYA
• TRU7 = Tyler ICU- Mnike
• TRU8 = DJ Stax ft Thabie Ngethe – Ungayithi vu
• TRU9 = Mthandeni ft Lwah ndlunkulu – Paris
• TRU10 = NKOSAZANA DAUGHTER f.t Master Kg f.t Dalom kids – Keneilwe

Listeners stand a chance to win a share of R25,000 weekly prizes on Umhlobo Wenene FM and R10,000 weekly on trufm throughout December. The winning voter will receive an impressive cash prize of R50,000 on Umhlobo Wenene FM and R20,000 on trufm. In a groundbreaking move, Umhlobo Wenene FM introduces a prize of R30,000 for the artist whose song takes the coveted title of Ingoma Yonyaka, announced and played on January 1, 2023. This initiative aims to support and acknowledge the talents that enrich our musical landscape.

Loyiso Bala, Business Manager, expresses excitement about the collaboration with VIB mobile. “This partnership brings a new dimension to the competition, allowing listeners to create personalized playlists, fostering a direct connection between fans and artists. It’s a win-win for both our audience and the talented musicians who contribute to our vibrant music scene.”

Leroy Monaheng, CEO of VIB mobile, emphasizes the value of partnering with both Eastern Cape Combo radio stations. “This collaboration enhances the synergy between radio and mobile business, offering a unique platform for artists and listeners to engage. We are thrilled to be part of an initiative that not only celebrates music but also fosters community connection.”

To participate, listeners can vote for their favorite songs by sending an SMS with a unique code associated with the song to 33444 for Umhlobo Wenene FM and 33175 for trufm. The competition commences on December 12, 2023, and concludes at midday on December 31, 2023. Each SMS costs R1.50, and free SMS does not apply.

As the year draws to a close, Umhlobo Wenene FM and trufm continue their commitment to entertainment, delivering an exciting opportunity for listeners and artists alike. The “Song of the Year” competition promises to be a thrilling celebration of the musical achievements that have defined 2023.

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

Gqeberha – Tuesday, 12 December 2023 — Umhlobo Wenene FM, the SABC’s multi-award-winning radio station, has successfully concluded its drama competition, aimed at discovering and promoting fresh talent in the world of radio storytelling. The competition launched on October 28, 2023, and received a record 281 submissions from producers, actors and writers across South Africa. Over 9,000 votes were cast for the voter’s part of the competition. On 4 December 2023, the announcement of the three (3) winners and a voter was made by Member of the Executive Committee: Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Ms. Nonceba Kontsiwe and Business Manager: Eastern Cape Combo Mr. Loyiso Bala.

The competition sought to open new avenues for creative minds and elevate their storytelling abilities, providing a platform for the development and nurturing of emerging artists. The theme for all submissions centered around the critical issue of drug abuse under the hashtag #UWFMSafaZiziyobisi with entrants challenged to create content that is not only entertaining but also informative and educational. The actor category was the only category open for public voting, while the writer and producer categories were judged by an esteemed panel that included high-ranking executives from Eastern Cape Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC). The competition brought in 8,000 votes in a space of 2 weeks.

After meticulous evaluation, the winners have been announced, each standing out for their exceptional contributions to the competition:

Drama Writer: Monwabisi Khininda

Producer: Charlie Dyasi

Actor (Voted for by Listeners): Khanyiswa Mingo

Each of the above winners will receive a substantial cash prize of R20,000 in recognition of their outstanding creativity and dedication to addressing social issues through storytelling. They will not only enjoy cash prizes but will also be contracted and cast in an upcoming ad-hoc drama series for Umhlobo Wenene FM. The details of this series are set to be announced in the second quarter of the 2024 SABC financial year.. Additionally, the winning voter, Zilindile Christopher Notiki, who garnered the most votes for the actor category only, will be awarded a generous cash prize of R15,000.

The drama competition, from its inception, aimed to contribute to the growth and development of the creative and entertainment industry.

Eastern Cape Combo Business Manager, Loyiso Bala, expressed his excitement about the success of the campaign, which was in partnership with the Eastern Cape DSRAC stating, “Dramas are a creative outlet that not only entertains our listeners but informs them while building their language skills. Our goal is to be able to play the role of an incubator for the creative and entertainment industry by bringing creatives together and providing them with tools and support to thrive in their own language. We are grateful to Eastern Cape DSRAC for sharing in our vision to develop creatives through the language of isiXhosa, particularly because 2023 marked a 100-year celebration of isiXhosa in its written form”.

Umhlobo Wenene FM remains committed to fostering a vibrant community of storytellers and looks forward to witnessing the continued success and growth of the winners in their future endeavours.

END

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, 11 December 2023 – Following a migration to a new technology platform and changes to its streaming APP SABC+, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is pleased to announce that the popular catch-up service is once again available on the platform. The catch-up service at this stage will however, only be accessible via the web through www.sabc-plus.com.

Audiences will be able to access the latest episodes of these flagship and new shows:

• Skeem Saam
• 7de Laan
• Generations
• Uzalo
• Muvhango
• The Gumbis
• Music Connect
• The Sauce
• Colours
• Derech Eretz
• The Smzee Show
• Latest Premier League fixtures

New features and modifications will continue to be implemented as the SABC enhances the APP’s offering. These updates underscore the SABC’s dedication to continue providing audiences with an optimised and enriched SABC+ experience.

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 – Saturday, 9 December 2023 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) will unfortunately not broadcast the upcoming SA vs India Cricket Tour this December and January taking place in South Africa.

The SABC’s Chief Operations Officer, Ian Plaatjes stated “The public broadcaster is aware that Cricket is a loved sport in our country, but with the withdrawal of the sponsors due to the broadcasting rights not being timeously finalized, the SABC was faced with withdrawal or suffering financial losses.

The SABC relies on sponsorship revenue for the acquisition of sports rights and with just three (3) days before the start of the tournament and the withdrawal of sponsors, the SABC had to make the difficult, but financially prudent decision to not broadcast the 2023/24 India Tour to South Africa”.

Plaatjes added that “the SABC values the relationship with CSA and remains committed to find a solution that is mutually beneficial to both parties.  To this end, the SABC remains available to broadcast the India Tour at a rights fee commensurate with the projected revenue should CSA be amenable to this”.

Follow SABC Sport on SABC Sport channel, sabcsport.com, and Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for updates.

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

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