2023 marks #87YearsOfExcellence for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), as it celebrates another year of its existence.

For over eight decades, the public broadcaster has played an important role in the rich history and tapestry of the country, providing coverage of key national and international events to millions of South Africans, as well television and radio programming that is informative, educative and entertaining. It has provided iconic shows and established many media personalities, as it brought the nation together through its broadcasting.

As SABC continues to pursue its vision to become the leading, credible voice and face of the nation and the continent, it does this by ensuring it remains a high performing, financially sustainable, digitized public broadcaster.

The public broadcaster continuously evolves to meet the needs and demands of the nation, and the launches of its streaming service SABC Plus, SABC Education channel, SABC News channel for African languages, as well as SABC Sport Channel on the DTT Platform, are testament to this.

This shows just how important the role of the SABC is, and through all the challenges, the organisation has emerged more relevant. The SABC’s focus now is to ensure its sustainability and viability from a financial and social perspective and remain relevant for the next 87 years and beyond.

As the SABC marches forward, its six television channels and 19 Radio stations will continue to play a critical role in the development of the country and its people, through compelling content, which is thought provoking and entertaining.

#87YearsOfExcellence

By Vuyo Mthembu

In commemorating Mandela Day on 18 July 2023, SABC Corporate, led by its CSI department, held two crucial events on the day, which made a positive and meaningful impact in the lives of those it served.

SABC CSI, alongside SABC 2’s on-air talent, and radio station Channel Africa, collaborated with the Girls and Boys Town’s, Kagiso Campus on the restoration of their therapy centre. The Gift of the Givers, who have been a long-standing social partner of the SABC also joined in the initiative and by providing food hampers, hygiene packs and blankets, whilst the SABC’s Channel Africa donated a washing machine.

In ensuring that its footprint is felt beyond Gauteng, SABC CSI also collaborated with Habitat for Humanity in Thaba-Nchu, Free State, where the SABC was part of building a home for a family in need of shelter. The SABC’s radio station Lesedi FM ensured that the community was made aware of the initiative, through broadcasting the proceedings live on its 09h00 – 12h00 mid-morning show.

Mr. Katleho Tsolo, SABC CSI Manager who was instrumental in seeing this mission come to fruition stated, “The SABC has a long relationship with the non-government organisation Habitat for Humanity and we have built over 60 houses with them. It is a lovely initiative that not only build houses but gives opportunities for the SABC to engage with new stakeholders and on the activation week it becomes a TEAM building exercise for colleagues as we share responsibilities, duties and working together to complete the house”.

Mr. Mandla Mbusi, the Regional Operations Manager for the Free State and Northern Cape remarked that this partnership with Habitat for Humanity “signifies Ubuntu, because the partnership between business and government, and us as the media is critical in the development and construction of our society. The beneficiaries were selected by the community leaders, looking at the critical need for shelter, as this one of the critical services that society must get”.

The SABC remains committed to playing an active role in society, over and above its public mandate of providing radio and television services to millions of South Africans

By: Ms Vuyo Mthembu

(Manager: Media Relations – Corporate Affairs and Marketing)

Johannesburg, 18 July 2023 | After making the decision to step back from the limelight and focus on her children and studies in the psychology and wellness space, Zuraida Jardine is ready to make her highly anticipated return to the small screen as the brand-new host of S3’s popular lifestyle show Afternoon Express from Tuesday, 18 July 2023.

Zuraida joins the popular daytime series which offers viewers a delightful blend of lifestyle, entertainment, and informative content. As host, Zuraida will bring her unique perspective, charisma, and passion for health and wellness to the program, ensuring an engaging and entertaining experience for viewers – making her the perfect fit for Afternoon Express.

As a seasoned broadcaster, TV presenter and media personality, Zuraida’s illustrious career spans over two decades. Known for her warm and engaging on-screen presence, Jardine has cemented herself as one of South Africa’s most-loved personalities – and she’s excited to blend her passion for wellness and television together in this next chapter of her career.

“I am thrilled to announce my return to television, where I will be joining the esteemed Afternoon Express team from this week,” Zuraida expresses. “My decade-long devotion to studying and practising in the realm of health and wellness has equipped me with profound knowledge in psychology, functional medicine, breathwork therapy, and critical health studies, which I am eager to share with our audience. My unique expertise in wellness affords me a different lens through which to host this new direction for the show and connect with the audience.”

On what viewers can expect from her addition to the show, Zuraida explains “Afternoon Express will address essential topics around mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing, encouraging viewers to live life to their fullest potential. The platform will provide all the necessary tools and techniques for a vital, vibrant life. I am ecstatic to be the new voice and face of the show, offering a fresh perspective for audiences across South Africa. This exciting chapter of my career promises to breathe new life into the health and wellness dialogue. I look forward to you joining on this enriching journey towards a healthier life.”

Sane Zondi, Programme Manager of S3 adds, “Personally, I am excited to have Zuraida back on S3 as she is no stranger to some of our loyal viewers. I am more excited to see the content contribution and wealth she will bring onto the show given her life journey and growth. Afternoon Express viewers are sure to get a wealth of inspiration and new perspective on some of the issues we grapple with on a daily basis in this fast-evolving world.”

“It’s incredible to see Zuraida back with the SABC family after years on 5FM and shows like Clover’s Little Big Cook Off,” Lala Taku, Head of Content for Video Entertainment for SABC continues. “Zuraida will bring a wealth of new knowledge on health and well-being – especially that she’s been coaching people to reach their full potential through wellness workshops. We wish her all the best on this new journey on Afternoon Express.”

Afternoon Express has gained popularity for its vibrant blend of lifestyle segments, celebrity interviews, cooking demonstrations, and insightful discussions. With Zuraida Jardine joining the show, viewers can anticipate even more engaging conversations, inspiring stories, and unforgettable moments that reflect the diverse interests and experiences of South African audiences.

Catch Afternoon Express every Tuesday at 18h00 on S3. For more information, visit www.afternoonexpress.co.za.

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