MEDIA STATEMENT | SABC NEWS MARKS 75 YEARS

Johannesburg – Thursday, 17 July 2025 – Today marks an important milestone in the history of the SABC, as the corporation’s news service mark 75 years since the broadcast of the first news bulletin in 1950.
This milestone is celebrated to honour a legacy built on resilience and a deep commitment to ethical journalistic practices.  It is also more than a one-day commemoration, but a celebration of the vital role SABC News has played in shaping South Africa’s narrative from documenting the country’s complex past, to contributing to its democratic transformation.
The SABC’s GCEO, Ms Nomsa Chabeli stated that “For three quarters of the century, SABC News has been at the heart of our democracy informing, educating and empowering generations of South Africans through times of change, struggle, triumph and transformation. SABC News has remained a trusted source of news, a mirror to society not only to our nation but for the world seeking to understand South Africa”.
“As we confront the growing threats of disinformation and misinformation, the role of a credible independent news service has never been more important than now, and we are proud that SABC News continues to be a vital force in safeguarding truth, accountability and informed citizenship. It is a vital platform of plurality and giving a voice to those who might be unheard. As we commemorate this day, I salute the journalistic excellence in our newsroom, the Editors, journalists, Producers and all those behind the scenes who uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and public service journalism every day”. concludes Chabeli.
Through its compelling programming, SABC News service has been able to be the trusted authority, national storyteller and democratic champion.
The SABC will continue to commemorate this milestone throughout the year, with various special broadcasts and activities aimed at taking citizens down the memory lane.
Audiences can tune tonight for a special documentary titled On the Record-The SABC News Story at 19h00 on SABC News Channel.
ENDS
Issued By: Group Communications
Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head: Communications)
Ngubanemv@sabc.co.za | T. 011 714 3057 | C. 073 688 1590

MEDIA STATEMENT | SARU, SUPERSPORT AND SABC JOIN HANDS TO BROADCAST CASTLE LAGER INBOUND TEST MATCH BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA AND ITALY AND MARK 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SPRINGBOKS HISTORIC 1995 RUGBY WORLD CUP WIN

Johannesburg – Thursday, 03 July 2025 – Today, the South African Rugby Union (SARU), SuperSport and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), announced a broadcast agreement between the two broadcast media houses, for the SABC to broadcast the upcoming second Castle Lager Inbound Series Test match between South Africa (Springboks) and Italy (The Azzurri). The broadcast agreement has been reached in recognition of the historic nature of this particular match, which will mark the 30th anniversary of the Springboks’ historic 1995 Rugby World Cup victory and forms part of the celebrations by SARU to commemorate this historic moment for the country.

The exhilarating rugby spectacle will take place on Saturday, 12 July 2025 and kicks off at 17:10 (CAT) at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. It will be broadcast live on SABC 2, SABC Radio stations and on SuperSport (DStv).

Says Mark Alexander, the SARU President, “The 1995 triumph was a moment that captured the attention of the world – revealing the unmatched power of sport to bring people together, to heal deep wounds and to inspire a country that was still finding its feet as a young democracy.

“As SARU, we are working closely with our broadcasters to ensure that all South Africans can be part of this historic occasion,” concluded Alexander.

Nomsa Chabeli, the SABC’s Group CEO states, “As the public broadcaster, we view it as our mandate and responsibility to bring such defining national moments to every South African. Whether in a township, village, or city, every citizen should be able to relive the spirit of 1995 — a spirit of hope, unity, and excellence. We therefore extend our deepest appreciation to SARU and SuperSport for enabling this collaborative agreement. This partnership is a testament to the power of shared purpose — where commercial imperatives and public interest converge to serve a higher calling: nation-building”.

“We also recognise and celebrate the power of rugby in shaping our national identity. Rugby has brought us together in the most powerful of ways — in 1995, in 2007, in 2019, and again in 2023. And now, in 2025, we honour that enduring legacy”’, said Chabeli.

SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha says, “SuperSport is pleased to be able to contribute to the country’s celebration of 30 years of Springbok excellence since that unforgettable moment in 1995. That moment united the whole country and we are honoured to be involved in helping unite the country once more around the Springboks. This year also marks 30 years of SuperSport as a stand-alone channel and we are proud to share this milestone with the most successful rugby nation in men’s Rugby World Cup history – the Springboks. To make this moment special, SuperSport has a variety of activities throughout the year, including the Springbok Dream Team and special broadcasts on Your World of Champions on DStv.”

ENDS

 

Issued By:                         SARU, SUPERSPORT AND SABC

 

Media Enquiries:             

 De Jongh Borchardt (Communications Manager)

+27 (0) 21 928 7021

+27 (0) 82 999 9979

dejonghb@sarugby.co.za

 

Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za

+27 (0) 73 688 1590

Sibusiso Mjikeliso (Senior Manager: Communication & Partnership)

Sibusiso.mjikeliso@supersport.com

+27 (0) 11 686 7637

+27 (0) 76 124 8074

 

MEDIA STATEMENT | RSG’S MATRIC DANCE PROJECT: GLITZ AND GLAMOUR FOR TWO DESERVING MATRICS

Johannesburg – Tuesday, 1 July 2025 – Apart from your wedding day, your matric farewell is probably one of the most glamarous events of your lifetime, a fairytale evening that will be remembered for a very long time.

In 2024, RSG made the dreams of two matric learners, Tumelo Diale and Thembi Buys  a reality, by gifting each with a custom designed suit and dress specially made by Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion. 2025 will be the third year that this project is running.

This year, RSG in collaboration with the Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion, willonce again sprinkle some stardust on another two deserving matric students whose circumstances don’t allow for splurges on things like suits and dresses.

Amoré Swanepoel, RSG’s Marketing Manager says: “This project is really one that RSG is so proud of; each year the stories move us, and motivates us to want to do more and more for our community.”

The Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion will work closely with this year’s two winners so they can create the suit and dress of their dreams.

Fiona Abdo, Academic Director at the Academy says, “The Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion was founded from Elizabeth’s goal to empower and develop young women, and our ethos of educating, supporting, and growing the South African youth through Fashion remains a priority.”

She further comments “Fashion is such a great self-expressive tool, and we recognize the emphasis and importance the matric dance plays in the lives of our matric learners. It’s the platform that they get to present themselves through Fashion and styling to their peers and their community. The Elizabeth Galloway team are privileged and excited to be able to work together with RSG and the competition winners in making their matric dance fashion dream a reality.”

Starting 1 July 2025 up until 13 July 2025, the public will be able to email their nominations for deserving students, by following these instructions:

–       Include the name and surname of the person you want to nominate.

–       The date on which the nominee’s matric farewell dance will take place.

–       The gender of the nominee (so we know whether a dress or suit will be required).

–       Disclose whether you have the nominee’s permission to share their story and information.

–       Write a motivation on why you believe this specific individual deserves to win a special dress or suit to wear to their matric farewell.

–       You cannot nominate yourself and the nominated individuals’ matric dance must take place between 01 September and 31 December 2025.

 

Email all of the above information to info@rsg.co.za.

For additional information visit www.rsg.co.za.

Nominations close midnight on 13 July 2025.

Winners for this year, will be announced on Thursday, 24 July 2025

For more information, visit www.rsg.co.za or RSG’s social media platforms.

 

ENDS

AMPLIFYING YOUTH EXCELLENCE – WHY PARTNERSHIPS LIKE THE YOBAS MATTER NOW MORE THAN EVER

June in South Africa is more than just a month on the calendar, it is a powerful reminder of the courage, creativity, and resilience that lives within our youth. Youth Month is a time when we reflect on the sacrifices of the youth of 1976, while turning our gaze forward to the promise of a new generation boldly reimagining the future. At the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), we are proud to honour that spirit by partnering with platforms/initiatives that elevate youth potential and effort. One such powerful initiative is the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBAs) which took place on the 21st of June in Johannesburg, South Africa.

As the official media partner for the 2025 YOBAs, the SABC is committed to amplifying the voices, stories, and innovations of young entrepreneurs who are shaping our economy and the image of Africa. With our national footprint across 5 television channels and 19 radio stations, and through our digital platform streaming platform SABC+, we aim to shine a national spotlight on the trailblazers turning bold ideas into thriving businesses.

In a time when youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s greatest socio-economic challenges, the YOBAs stand as a defiant celebration of young people who are not only surviving, but creating, innovating, and hiring. These are the dreamers, changemakers and doers – the self-starters in agriculture, apparel, media, tech, manufacturing and more. The ones who are rewriting the narrative of what is possible when youth are empowered and equipped.

At this year’s prestigious event, SABC Group CEO Nomsa Chabeli delivered a compelling keynote address that captured the spirit of the occasion. A visionary in African marketing and storytelling, she left the audience with a powerful call to action:

“Don’t just solve today’s problems – design tomorrow’s solutions.”

Our support of the YOBAs is not just symbolic, it is rooted in the SABC’s belief that storytelling is a tool for transformation. By showcasing youth excellence across 16 diverse categories, we are creating a platform that not only celebrates success but sparks new aspirations. Every story broadcasted, every interview aired, and every moment streamed becomes a source of motivation for a young person watching from a township in the Western Cape, a classroom in Limpopo, or an innovation hub in Gauteng. The YOBAs are more than awards, they are a call to action.

As a public broadcaster, the SABC recognises that we have a duty to be more than a mirror to society, instead we must also be a megaphone for progress. Through our SABC+ activation at the YOBAs, we are building new bridges between young creators and accessible media tools. We are inviting our audience not just to observe success, but to feel it, engage with it, and be inspired to pursue their own.

In celebrating youth excellence, we are investing in the future of our nation. Because when we give young people the platforms, recognition, and visibility they deserve, we do not just empower individuals – we also ignite entire communities.

This Youth Month, and every month after, the SABC reaffirms its commitment to telling the stories that matter, to being a partner in youth potential, and to building a media ecosystem where African excellence is always on air.

Let us continue to celebrate, support and amplify youth excellence – not only because it is June, but because the future demands it.

 

 

by the SABC Corporate Affairs Marketing Team

 

 

 

MEDIA STATEMENT | SABC TO AMPLIFY YOUTH EXCELLENCE AS THE OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER FOR THE 2025 YOBAS

The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBAs) is excited to announce SABC as an official media partner for its 2025 edition. This dynamic partnership brings together two powerful platforms committed to celebrating youth excellence, entrepreneurship, and South African storytelling.

With its extensive national reach across 19 radio stations in all 11 official languages and 5 TV stations, the SABC is uniquely positioned to amplify the voices of young South Africans and give national exposure to the brands shaping the future. This media partnership will ensure that stories of ambition, innovation, and impact reach diverse communities from urban centres to rural townships.

The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards have been celebrating and recognising African youth-owned brands for the past three years. Having SABC as a media partner is a key milestone that will ensure that the message goes far and wide, allowing young people from different corners of South Africa to be inspired to do more.

“Partnering with the SABC is a significant milestone for us,” said Pat Mahlangu, Founder and CEO of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards. “The SABC’s credibility and reach will ensure that the achievements of our youth-owned brands are celebrated across the country, and that aspiring entrepreneurs are inspired by stories they can relate to.”

The partnership will include exclusive interviews with finalists and winners, brand features, and pre-event promotional content across SABC platforms. Together, the YOBAs and SABC aim to drive a national conversation about the role of youth entrepreneurship and brand building in South Africa’s economic growth.

“The SABC is excited to team up with organisations who share our passion of telling meaningful stories and empowering the youth. Together we can reach more communities and make a meaningful impact” said Ongeziwe “Oz” Lupuwana, Head: Integrated Marketing, SABC

The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards will take place on 21 June 2025, recognising the top youth-owned brands across 18 categories including Food & Beverage, Fashion, Technology, Tourism, Media, and Social Impact.

For more information, visit www.top16yoba.co.za  and follow the conversation on social media using #Top16YOBAs.

 

About SABC

Established in August 1936, The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SOC) Limited (“The SABC”) is a public broadcaster (Schedule 2: “Major Public Entity” in terms of the Public Finance Management Act No.1 of 1999, “PMFA”), with a mandate to inform, educate and entertain the public of South Africa. Founded on the statute of The Broadcasting Act (The Act) the SABC’s obligations are captured in the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (“ICASA”) Regulations and license conditions, providing five televisions channels and 19 Radio stations.

About the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBAs)

Founded in 2022, the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBAs) recognises and celebrates outstanding brands built and led by South African youth. Spearheaded by brand entrepreneur Pat Mahlangu, the YOBAs aim to spotlight excellence across multiple industries while nurturing a culture of innovation, resilience, and economic empowerment among young entrepreneurs.

 

ENDS

 

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head: Communications)

Ngubanemv@sabc.co.za | T. 011 714 3057 | C. 073 688 1590

 

 

MEDIA STATEMENT | MC’S ANNOUNCED FOR INAUGURAL ZIYAKHALA MO SUN CITY FESTIVAL

Johannesburg – Wednesday, 04 June 2025 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and Sun City are excited to announce the MC’s for the inaugural ZIYAKHALA MO SUN CITY FESTIVAL, taking place on Saturday, 28 June 2025. This partnership sees the world-class Sun City Resort, alongside the public broadcaster’s nine African Language stations celebrate traditional music, culture and fashion.

 

The anticipated festival will be hosted by larger-than-life SABC radio personalities. METRO FM’s Somizi Mhlongo, Ikwekwezi FM’s Thandy Mamakhe, Umhlobo Wenene FM’s Lusanda Mbane, Motsweding FM’s Amon Mokoena and Ukhozi FM’s Tshatha Ngobe, will lead the festivities with their energetic vibes and keep the crowd entertained for hours alongside the stellar line-up of artists.

Authentic South African music will be celebrated, as legendary artists such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Dr Nothembi Mkhwebane, Ringo and the new generation of artists such as Makhadzi, King Monada, Cassper Nyovest, Sjava, Mthandeni SK, Ntate Stunna, Qadasi & Maqhinga, Lwah Ndlunkulu and General Muzka, who bring diverse cultural music, take centre stage.

 

Thinasiphelele Sixaso, the SABC’s General Manager: PSB Radio states, “The SABC will be descending to Bokone Bophirima with all its stars and talent to bring a tantalizing event for the festival goers. They will celebrate being an African and we are working tirelessly to create moments within the festival that will be etched in our memories for a lifetime, so what better way to do this than to bring the extraordinary SABC talent.”

 

Nombuso Buthelezi, Sun City’s Head of Events added, “As Sun City Resort, we are thrilled to see Ziyakhala Mo Sun City come to life after months of meticulous planning. Our stellar line-up of MC’s is the final piece of puzzle. We are all set to warmly welcome guests from across the country in celebration of South African music.”

 

ZIYAKHALA MO SUN CITY FESTIVAL

Event Information

Date: Saturday 28 June 2025

Venue: Sun City Superbowl

Time: Doors open at 2pm

Event Starts at 4pm until 2am

Tickets available at Ticketpro from R350 per person.

 

Ultimate VIP Experience

VIP tickets from R1500, including a traditional South African dinner.

Dedicated table seating in VIP area.

Leopard carpet from 2pm to 6pm including a welcome drink from Bridge 1.

Dinner served from 6pm to 8pm.

 

ENDS

 

Media Enquiries:

Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications SABC)

NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za 

073 688 1590

 

Sun City Contact:

Ontlotlile Kalebe (Events & Entertainment manager-Sun City Resort)

Ontlotlile.kalebe@suninternational.com

014 557 1758

 

SABC SENDS CONDOLENCES MESSAGE TO MP PETROS SITHOLE’S FAMILY

Johannesburg – Sunday, 1 June 2025The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) would like to extend its sincere condolences to the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Chief Whip, Petros MK Sithole’s family following his tragic passing on Saturday night. 

Honourable MP Sithole was a member of the Parliamentary Portofolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies. He played a key role in championing the transformation and sustainability of the SABC. 

The Chairperson of the SABC Board, Khathutshelo Ramukumba stated that “We are saddened by the news of Mr Sithole’s passing, he was a valuable member of the Committee and his expertise, knowledge and advice on the role of the SABC as a public service media will be missed. We would like to send our condolences to his beloved family and friends and thank them for allowing him to be part of the key role players shaping our public service broadcaster. 

May his soul rest in peace. 

ENDS 

Issued By: Group Communications 

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head: Communications) 

NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za | T. 011 714 3057 | C. 073 688 1590 

MEDIA STATEMENT | SABC ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TRANSITION IN SALES DIVISION

Johannesburg – Thursday, 22 May 2025 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) announces that Cindy Diamond, Group Executive for Sales, will be departing the organization to pursue new career opportunities.

Since joining the SABC in 2022, Cindy has been instrumental in leading the Sales division through strategic transformation, contributing her extensive expertise to key initiatives. We are grateful for her dedication and the valuable impact she has made.

Cindy will continue to support the Sales division through a structured transition period, working closely with the leadership team to ensure continuity in key projects. The SABC will commence the search for her successor in the coming months.

We extend our best wishes to Cindy as she embarks on the next phase of her career and thank her for her commitment to a smooth transition.

ENDS

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head: Communications)

Ngubanemv@sabc.co.za | T. 011 714 3057 | C. 073 688 1590

MEDIA STATEMENT | PUBLIC BROADCASTER HONOURED TO HAVE SABC PLUS SHORTLISTED AT FED AWARDS 2025

Johannesburg – Thursday, 15 May 2025 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is proud to announce that its streaming platform, SABC Plus, has been shortlisted in the prestigious “Best Platform / CTV (Connected TV)” category at the FED Awards 2025, presented by Comunicare Digitale and Dime Comunicaciones.

The awards will take place in Lucca, Italy, on 5 and 6 June 2025.

As a people’s platform, SABC Plus invites all South Africans and supporters worldwide to cast their vote by visiting www.fed2025.com.

To vote:

  1. Click on “Vote Awards”.
  2. View the list of categories.
  3. Select the link to vote for SABC Plus in the “Best Platform / CTV” category.

Voting closes on 20 May 2025.

Sibusiso Gumbi, Head of Marketing: Platforms and Channels at the SABC, said: “Being recognised at the FED Awards is a powerful endorsement of the creativity and commitment shown by our teams at the SABC and Mangomolo. Since the launch of SABC Plus in November 2022 and its major revamp in July 2024, we’ve continued to push boundaries in the digital streaming space. Reaching one million subscribers is not just a milestone — it’s validation that our audience-first strategy is connecting with viewers.”

“Now we’re calling on our loyal community to help us go even further, vote for SABC Plus and show the world the strength of South African public broadcasting.”

For more information, visit www.SABC-Plus.com and follow us on social media:

Facebook: @SABCPlus

X: @SABCPlus   

Instagram: @SABCPlus     

TikTok: @sabcplus  

END

Issued By:                             Group Communications

Media Enquiries:                  Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

ngubanemv@sabc.co.za     T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590

SABC1’S AMALANGA AWAFANI HITS THE NO.1 SPOT IN THE MONDAY TO FRIDAY 18:30 SLOT

When the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), recently launched SABC1’s new telenovela Ámalanga Awafani in the 18:30 slot to much fanfare, the excitement was palpable and it has proven to be a hit with television audiences, as it resonates with many South Africans.

The strategic decision by the public service broadcaster, to continuously innovate its primetime slots, with fresh and compelling content, has seen Amalanga Awafani which debuted on 28 April 2025 with over 1.8 million viewers, reach 2.4 million viewers within two weeks of broadcast. This has seen the show breaking into the top 10 for the top 20 overall prime time shows, in the 18:00-22:00 primetime slot.

Amalanga Awafani is a gripping series that delves into the life altering consequences of sudden wealth. Set in the rural town of Umzinyathi, the story follows twins, Sabelo and Thembi Gumede, who find a winning lotto ticket and are thrust into a world they never imagined, one of luxury, opportunity, and unexpected challenges. As they navigate their new reality in the big city, old relationships resurface, and hidden agendas emerge, forcing them to question the true cost of their fortune.

The journey of creating the show has been remarkable, as the story line is relatable and compelling for our audiences. The public broadcaster and Stained Glass TV have been intentional about crafting a story that will have high resonance for our audiences in bringing this world to life. This telenovela is also serving as a springboard, as new entrants to the industry have been cast. Viewers can look forward to more intriguing episodes as the story unfolds.

The SABC’s vision of inspiring minds, empowering lives! is enhanced by its commitment to always provide world-class content across its television network, radio portfolio and digital platforms. This ensures that its audience continue to enjoy a wider range of homegrown content that speaks directly to their diverse interests. We are the home of local stories!

 

Don’t miss Amalanga Awafani weekdays at 18:30 on SABC1 Mzansi FoSho! You can also catch Amalanga Awafani SABC Plus, and use our Video on Demand (VOD) feature to catch-up on missed episodes. Visit SABC+ Home