Johannesburg – Friday, 15 September 2023 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is proud to be nominated in various categories at the 19^th Annual Sunday Times GenNext Survey, through its radio and television platforms, as well as personalities who work for the public broadcaster.

The SABC has been acknowledged in the following categories:

• Coolest Company to work for 2023 – SABC.
• Coolest Kids TV Channels 2023 – SABC 1.
• Coolest Radio Stations 2023 – Motsweding FM, Radio 2000, Thobela FM, Lesedi FM, 5fm, Good Hope FM and METRO FM.
• Coolest Local TV Programmes/Series 2023 – Skeem Saam and Uzalo.
• Coolest Local Radio Personalities 2023 – Lerato Kganyago / LKG (METRO FM), Selbeyonce/Selby Mkhize (Ukhozi FM), Somizi Mhlongo (METRO FM) and Thuso Motaung (Lesedi FM).

The SABC wishes its radio personalities, programmes and platforms the best and looks forward to the announcement of winners on 24 September 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 – Wednesday, 13 September 2023 – Umhlobo Wenene FM, South Africa’s IsiXhosa-language radio station, is excited to introduce an immersive heritage initiative titled “Khenketha NoMhlobo Cultural and Heritage Experience”. This groundbreaking program will see the nation’s longest-standing breakfast show, i-Brakfesi Eyondlayo Ekuseni (BEE), which has been broadcasting since 2009, embark on a cultural exchange journey to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe from 18 – 21 September 2023. The program’s primary objective is to foster stronger connections among IsiXhosa speakers in South Africa and Zimbabwe while celebrating their shared cultural heritage.

The year 2023 marks a significant milestone for amaXhosa – 200 years of celebrating the written form of isiXhosa, a language, according to PANSALB, spoken by nearly 8,154,258 people in South Africa, with over 4 million choosing Umhlobo Wenene FM as their station of choice. To commemorate this historic occasion, Umhlobo Wenene FM will embark on a symbolic trip to Zimbabwe, one of South Africa’s neighbouring countries. In partnership with VIB Mobile, a vendor for Mobile Network Operators in Southern African countries, Umhlobo Wenene FM will organise a series of interactive events and discussions centered around the IsiXhosa language, music, traditions, and customs. This heritage experience presents an invaluable opportunity for Umhlobo Wenene FM to connect with their Xhosa counterparts in Bulawayo and engage in a meaningful exchange of ideas, stories, and experiences.

To mark this momentous occasion and celebrate 14 years of hosting the longest-standing breakfast show, Umhlobo Wenene FM is thrilled to offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for one fortunate listener and their partner to accompany the station’s personalities on this extraordinary journey. The selected winner will have the privilege of participating in the cultural exchange program, engaging in various tourism activities, and immersing themselves in the vibrant IsiXhosa-speaking community in Bulawayo. The “Khenketha NoMhlobo Cultural and Heritage Experience” will feature educational segments delving into the history, customs, and traditions of the tribe, offering valuable insights and knowledge to both tribal members and the public. This content will be disseminated through the station’s digital platforms to preserve and share isiXhosa’s rich cultural heritage.

Mr. Loyiso Bala, Business Manager for Umhlobo Wenene FM, expressed his excitement about the initiative, saying, “We are thrilled to embark on this cultural and heritage journey during the month of September, which coincides with Heritage and Tourism Month in South Africa as well as World Tourism Day. Heritage Month acknowledges various aspects of South African culture, including our historical heritage, language, cuisine, and music, while Tourism Month highlights South Africa’s diverse tourism offerings and World Tourism Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of tourism and its impact on our society. Our three-pronged approach to this year’s national and global commemorations transcends geographical boundaries and unites IsiXhosa speakers. This initiative is a testament to the power of language and culture in bringing communities together.”

The Group CEO of VIB Mobile, Leroy Monaheng added that “VIB Mobile is eagerly anticipating a successful and enriching experience that will leave a lasting impact on the participating presenters and staff at Umhlobo Wenene FM, the fortunate contest winner, and the broader IsiXhosa-speaking community.”

**About Umhlobo Wenene FM**

Umhlobo Wenene FM is a leading IsiXhosa-language radio station based in Eastern Cape, South Africa, with a rich history spanning over 60 decades. It is the only station in South Africa with an audience footprint in 7 of the 9 provinces. It boasts just over 4 million listeners. With a focus on promoting local culture, heritage, language, and music, the station serves as a vibrant platform for engaging with the IsiXhosa-speaking community and fostering a sense of friendship as represented in their tagline – ‘Unomhlobo Mhlobo’.

**Note to Editors**

For high-resolution images and additional information about the Umhlobo Wenene FM cultural exchange program, please visit www.umhlobowenenefm.co.za or contact the media contact listed above.

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

Durban, Tuesday, 12 September 2023 – Ukhozi FM, South Africa’s leading radio station, which is part of the SABC’s radio portfolio, is thrilled to announce Nozipho Zulu from KwaZulu-Natal as the winner of the highly anticipated Winnie Mahlangu Female Presenter Search for 2023. Nozipho Zulu emerged victorious after an intense competition that saw 2000 talented individuals from across the nation submit their demos in the hopes of becoming the next radio sensation. Launched in 2020, this year’s competition continued the station’s commitment to empowering women in media, through encouraging aspiring female presenters to showcase their skills and unique voices.

The Winnie Mahlangu Female Presenter Search, a tribute to the late legendary broadcaster Winnie Mahlangu, was a nationwide quest to discover the next female radio star. With an overwhelming response from hopefuls across the country, this competition once again aimed to unearth fresh talent in the radio industry.

The four-week voting phase, where listeners across the nation had the opportunity to vote for their favorite presenter candidate, combined with a comprehensive interview process with Ukhozi FM management, ensured that the most deserving candidate would be chosen to follow in the footsteps of previous winners.

Nozipho Zulu, now joins an illustrious list of talented broadcasters who have claimed the title in previous years. Zama Mseleku in 2020, Bingelela Mpanza in 2021, and Londa Mbatha in 2022 have all made significant contributions to Ukhozi FM and the broadcasting industry as a whole.

Nozipho Zulu, a dynamic and charismatic presenter, captivated the hearts of the audience with her magnetic personality and undeniable on-air presence. Her ability to connect with listeners and deliver compelling content set her apart as the standout choice for the coveted position.

Nozipho upon winning the competition said, “This journey has been nothing short of incredible. I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of such a radio icon as Winnie Mahlangu and look forward to bringing fresh energy and exciting content to Ukhozi FM’s loyal listeners.”

Pearl Maseko, Programmes Manager for Ukhozi FM commented, “We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our listeners and supporters who participated in the voting process. Your engagement and enthusiasm have been instrumental in making this search a resounding success.”

As part of her prize, Zulu will embark on a 12-month mentorship journey with Ukhozi FM. This invaluable opportunity will provide her with guidance and support from seasoned professionals, ensuring her growth and success in the world of radio broadcasting.

Ukhozi FM would like to extend its heartfelt congratulations to Nozipho Zulu and express gratitude to all the talented individuals who participated in this year’s search. The station looks forward to seeing Nozipho flourish and make her mark as the newest addition to the Ukhozi FM family.

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-Thursday, 7 September 2023 – The SABC can confirm that the Corporation has in principle concluded an agreement with MultiChoice to broadcast all the Springbok games. A total of 16 games will be broadcasted on the SABC channels. This agreement will unfortunately exclude OVHD (eMedia) platform because of the restrictive conditions that MultiChoice is placing on the sub-licensing agreement for the Free-to-Air rights for the RWC 2023. This condition cuts off approximately 3.2 million South African households.

The SABC regrets this irrational decision by MultiChoice, especially in light of Minister Zizi Kodwa’s emphasis that “rugby plays a critical role in nation building and social cohesion”. The SABC hopes that in the interest of nation building and social cohesion, MultiChoice will remove this restrictive condition to enable all South Africans to get behind the Boks.

The SABC would like to thank its broadcast partners, Hollywoodbets and South African Breweries with the Castle Lager Brand who enabled the public broadcaster to secure these important rights.

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 – Thursday, 7 September 2023 – The SABC can confirm that the Corporation has been in constant engagements with Multichoice and has met all their requirements to conclude the agreement regarding the Rugby World Cup 2023. At this stage, the SABC is awaiting feedback from Multichoice.

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, 1 September 2023- In its quest to promote culture, heritage, language and social cohesion through music, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) radio station, Munghana Lonene FM launched its 18^th edition of the Xitsonga Music Awards (XMA) today in Auckland Park. XMA is a flagship annual project presented by Munghana Lonene FM.

This year’s edition of the awards will be held on 4 November 2023 at the Nkowankowa Stadium and is themed: I Mpfumaluwo wa Hina which simply means – It’s our melody! The theme is a celebration of the world’s recovery from an era of a pandemic and affirms that music is a universal gift and has the power to connect people.

Subsequent to the media launch held in Auckland park today, which unveiled the unique features of this year’s awards, the station will announce nominees and open voting lines at a date that will be communicated soon.

The awards weekend will start with an elegant gala dinner where special awards are presented. The gala presents a networking opportunity for key VIP stakeholders, government officials as well as business, traditional and religious leaders.

This will be followed by a memorable and prestigious open-air awarding ceremony and a music festival that will facilitate interaction between artists and loyal fans of no less than 15 000 people.

The event presents multiple opportunities to build brand affinity through experiential marketing opportunities, brand association drives and goodwill initiatives.

South Africans are urged to be part of the stations’ strides as it continues to ensure that music remains a powerful instrument that helps to deepen South Africa’s democracy.

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