Polokwane- Monday, 19 December 2022 – After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, Thobela FM brought back the ever-popular Thobela FM Gospel Music festival with a bang this past weekend, attracting an audience of more than 10,000.

The event was not only a Gospel festival, but a prayer day for families which crossed over into the next day under the theme of  “We Are Conquerors”.    Gospel fans from across the province attended the praise and worship event that attracted a record number of attendees who participated with no incident. SABC Plus, the public broadcaster’s new OTT digital platform also streamed the event live, expanding the concert’s reach even further to audiences who were unable to physically attend.

Performance highlights included sets by Bucy Radebe, Dr. Tumi, Thina Zungu,  Psalmist Sefako, Peter Mabula, Omega, Urban Matjila, Sinky Mathe, Dr. Makhwiting, Wacha Mkhukhu, Mme Onicca,  Luyanda Ramatswi,  and many more of the country’s leading gospel artists.

“The return of Thobela FM’s Gospel Music Festival exceeded our expectations.  Our listeners came out in numbers to support the festival in a way that we have not seen before,” says Madikana Matjila, Business Manager of the SABC’s Limpopo Combo which also includes Munghana Lonene FM and Phalaphala FM.  “The Thobela FM brand is committed to ensuring that we provide our listeners with brand experiences that are in line with our values so we can continue to grow and expand in the marketplace.  The live stream of the Festival on SABC Plus allowed the Thobela FM brand to be experienced by new audiences and we look forward to doing more of the same in the future”.

Thobela FM is SABC’s only radio station that broadcasts in Northern Sotho.  For more information about Thobela FM, visit the stations website at  http://www.thobelafm.co.za

ABOUT THE SABC PLUS APP

The SABC + streaming app provides the best that the SABC has to offer including 19 radio stations and 3 free-to-air television channels SABC 1, SABC 2, SABC 3, as well as the SABC Sports Channel and the SABC’s 24-hour news channel.

ENDS

Issued By:                 Group Communications

Media Enquiries:        Ms. Gugu Ntuli (Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)

NtuliGM@sabc.co.za | T. 011 714 3311 | C. 071 877 0513

Johannesburg – Thursday, 8 December 2022 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has launched its new brand campaign, ‘SABC everywhere for everyone, always’. This brand campaign is devised to further resonate with new and existing audiences and showcase the increased brand value offered by the public broadcaster.

The SABC has responded to the changing broadcasting environment, which has seen increased competition from diverse multi-platforms within the industry. Thus, through this new brand campaign, the SABC ensures that its television, radio and digital platforms continue to attract, retain, and grow audience shares in the highly competitive and fragmented media environment.

The brand campaign is delivered in a 90-second Television commercial (TVC) format, with a solid message that showcases the SABC as a multi-platform content provider that creates iconic entertainment, amplifies the best of local stories, displays Mzansi in colour and provides valuable information and educational content for everyone everywhere.

The SABC’s Group Executive for Corporate Affairs and Marketing, Ms Gugu Ntuli, stated, “With this new brand campaign, we are responding to changing consumer patterns of our audiences who have a myriad of content to choose from. Our goal is to ensure high levels of the SABC brand equity. We also aim to counter the impact of other media types by providing an array of alternative platforms to access SABC services everywhere for everyone and always. We have also recently launched the SABC Plus streaming App, which further strengthens our efforts for universal access and inclusivity to connect with our diverse target audiences, and this campaign is therefore aligned with amplifying this great milestone”.

Ntuli added, “The other fundamental rationale underpinning this brand campaign is to ensure that we create top-of-mind awareness and brand visibility of an evolved SABC brand to our audiences and trade markets”.

The new SABC brand campaign will bring the public broadcaster’s vision of becoming the leading credible voice and face of the nation and the continent to life. It will also affirm what the brand stands for and remind consumers of the benefits of the SABC being part of their lives.

All SABC channels will carry this campaign, including News and Sports channels. To access the TVC, the following link should be clicked:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb7IE0aTJCs

#Everywhere4Everyone

Ends

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Ms. Gugu Ntuli (Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)

NtuliGM@sabc.co.za | T. 011 714 3311 | C. 071 877 0513

Johannesburg – Thursday, 01 December 2022 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) was ranked first in the category of‘Government Enterprises: State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) – SABC’ at the 11^TH edition of the annual Top Companies South Africa (TCSA) Reputation Index Results.

These awards are independently driven by Plus94 Research and Media Torque and Events, and according to their media statement “The TCSA Index measures how the public thinks feels, and behaves toward the country’s most well-known companies in 20 industrial sectors”.

Ms Gugu Ntuli, the SABC’s Group Executive for Corporate Affairs and Marketing stated “We are excited by this acknowledgement, as a scientific method is used in determining how the respective companies’ reputations and corporate brands are viewed. As an SOE, as well as a broadcasting media house, many efforts are taken to engage with many stakeholders we serve and this positive ranking in the TCSA indicates that our efforts are bearing fruit”.

Ends

Issued By:                              Group Communications

Media Enquiries:                   Ms. Gugu Ntuli (Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)

NtuliGM@sabc.co.za|T. 011 714 3311|C. 071 877 0513

Friday, November 25, 2022 – Giyani – Munghana Lonene FM is proud to announce a historic moment in the station’s evolution – the launch of its new Pop-up studio at Masingita Mall in Giyani.

Today’s inaugural broadcast marks the official launch of the new pop-up studio in the heart of the mall.  The studio will serve as the station’s second broadcast facility and will bring the Munghana Lonene brand and experience closer to its core listeners.

“We   have been working tirelessly on the studio project with the assistance of the Masingita Group of companies, who are the owners of Masinga Mall” says Madikana Matjila Business Manager of the Limpopo combo, which is comprised of Munghana Lonene FM, Phalaphala FM and Thobela FM.  “Our aim is to ensure that we take the MLFM brand into the community so that our listeners can have a more personal experience with the brand and their favourite DJ’s.”

Select weekdays and weekends shows will be broadcast live from the studio going forward as the SABC will be occupying the space indefinitely.  Today’s launch event will be supported by key stakeholders including government officials, traditional, faith and business leaders.

Ends

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Ms. Gugu Ntuli (Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)

NtuliGM@sabc.co.za | T. 011 714 3311 | C. 071 877 0513

Johannesburg – Sunday, 20 November 2022. The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ has hit the home stretch. In under a few hours the eyes of the world will be fixed on Qatar as qualifying national teams battle for the Jules Rimet trophy. The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), as the home of football is ready to bring the world’s greatest spectacle to the fans of the beautiful game.

With five African countries – Cameroon, Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia – representing the continent, no local football fan will be left behind. The SABC Sport Channel on the new SABC + app will be the primary broadcast platform for the live presentation of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches. Additionally, SABC 1, SABC 2 and S3 will carry the games live, while the 19 SABC radio stations will simultaneously broadcast matches.

To ensure that South Africans are up to date with the developments from the pitches of Qatar, there will also be highlights packages, analysis and catch-up services available to audiences.

SABC Sport has put together a team of seasoned football on-air talent to deliver an unforgettable viewer-experience. The lead anchors will be Andile Ncube and Xoli Zondo. To give top class match analysis will be an unrivalled group of expert analysts of Desiree Ellis, Simphiwe Dludlu, Doctor Khumalo, Delron Buckley, Jomo Sono, Aaron Mokoena, Siphiwe Mkhonza, Gloria Brown, Thabiso Mosia, and Walter Steenbok.

SABC COO Ian Plaatjes commented: “The FIFA World Cup brings together football fans from all corners of the globe.  For the SABC, the event offers a display of unparalleled skill in broadcasting and innovation. As the home of football that has brought the game closer to South Africans for decades, the SABC is ready to broadcast the FIFA World Cup to the same high standards witnessed   in 2010 hosted in South Africa.  .”

The SABC has also launched Sisonke – Together for the Greatest Game, a campaign that calls on South Africans to support the FIFA World Cup coverage on SABC.

Mafikizolo, the legendary Afro-pop and dance group, has added to the euphoria with the release of Sisonke, the official World Cup song for the SABC’s campaign for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The track will galvanise the interest and enthusiasm of SABC viewers around the tournament, on SABC Sport. Typical of Mafikizolo style, Sisonke is a passionate and energising song that will whip fans into a frenzy with a dance routine thrown in. It’s an infectious rallying call with a catchy singalong chorus and refrain. It calls for togetherness and unity in celebration of the World Cup that comes once in every four years.

The games for World Cup Qatar 2022 begin with the opening ceremony on today, Sunday 20 November 2022 at 16:00 and will broadcast on SABC Sport Channel on SABC + and SABC1. The first match between Qatar and Ecuador kicks off at 18:00. After the group stages, the last 16 teams will battle for a place in the quarter finals, semi-finals and the final match to crown the new world champions. Fans can engage with content across SABC Sport platforms for the duration of the tournament.

The SABC Sport team is ready to share specially curated content that will keep football fans entertained and informed during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.Follow SABC Sport on:

Portal: www.sabcsport.com

Twitter: @SABC_Sport

Facebook: SABC Portal

Instagram: @sabcsport

Hashtags: #SABCSportFootball #Sisonke

Ends

Issued By:                              Group Communications

Media Enquiries:                   Ms. Gugu Ntuli (Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing) NtuliGM@sabc.co.za|T. 011 714 3311|C. 071 877 0513

Durban-Friday, 18 November 2022-Ukhozi fm has become synonymous with innovative ways to connect with its listeners. Keeping in line with this, the SABC’s biggest public service station is ecstatic to bring another first to its listeners the exclusive merchandise,  Ushuni WoKhozi fm. The station has launched this exciting brand today.

Ushuni WoKhozi fm will launch its first item under this brand in the form of traditional Zulu shoes,  imbadada  reinterpreted for a contemporary consumer with modern styling and materials that explore the dynamic Zulu culture and heritage. The look and feel of the shoes is about craftsmanship, particularly the Zulu ornamental designs, with influences from other Nguni cultures. As part of the initial launch, Ushuni WoKhozi FM will be available in all KZN JAM stores, with a nationwide rollout on the cards for 2023.

To promote sustainability, the shoes are made from local sourced materials such as synthetic leather, synthetic rubber, and non-footwear industrial materials such as upholstery off-cuts and metal trims, which are repurposed into modern products.

“At Ukhozi FM, we’re always looking for new ways to connect with our listeners and stay top of mind. We are so excited to launch this brand which has been in the pipeline since 2018. Ukhozi FM is so fortunate to have listeners and followers that are not only loyal but also take pride in the brand. It is only fitting to make the brand available to them to wear daily to any occasions. We are so pleased to be able to distribute our shoes through a trusted brand like JAM Clothing that covers the majority of the country. This will ensure that Ukhozi FM listeners and followers access what is bound to be a new favourite with ease”, said Sbongi Ngcobo, Business Manager at Ukhozi FM.

The goal is not just to make a shoe, but to use the shoe as a medium of expression that everyone can relate to.

The shoes will be available at all KZN JAM Stores and JAM online stores from 18 November 2022.

It’s more than just a shoe, it’s a way of life!

Ukhozi FM Luhamba Phambili!

Ends

Issued By:                     Group Communications

Media Enquiries:          Ms. Gugu Ntuli (Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)

NtuliGM@sabc.co.za|T. 011 714 3311|C. 071 877 0513

Johannesburg – Thursday, 17  November 2022 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has launched its long-anticipated OTT platform, SABC +.

The SABC + streaming app will provide the best that the SABC has to offer including 19 radio stations and 3 free-to-air television channels SABC 1, SABC 2, SABC 3, as well as the SABC Sports Channel and the SABC’s 24-hour news channel. In addition, the app will feature a variety of local and international content, to extend the Corporation’s mission to inform, educate and entertain citizen, everywhere, anytime.

“SABC +  signals a new digital era for the SABC and a key accomplishment in addressing universal access for all citizens” states Mr Madoda Mxakwe, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the SABC. “ SABC + app also presents a growth path to enhancing our value offering to clients and customers to build a strong foundation for future financial sustainability of the SABC”, concluded Mxakwe.

In partnership with the global consumer electronics and home appliances market leader, Hisense, the Corporation will distribute the SABC + app through the Hisense VIDAA Smart TVs and mobile devices in time for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ on 20 November 2022. Together, these two powerhouses will bring 28 matches of the FIFA World Cup and the official FIFA World Cup show daily, for FREE.

The SABC is proud to partner with a technology company such as Hisense to enable us to fulfil our public mandate, whilst utilising innovation to provide cutting edge content to the public.

SABC + platform can be accessed on the following platforms:

• Twitter: @SABCPlus  https://twitter.com/SABCPlus
• Facebook: @SABCPlus https://www.facebook.com/SABCPlus
• Instagram: @SABCPlus https://www.instagram.com/sabcplus/
• TikTok: @sabcplus
• www.sabcplus.com

Ends

Issued By:                      Group Communications

Media Enquiries:          Ms. Gugu Ntuli (Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)

NtuliGM@sabc.co.za|T. 011 714 3311|C. 071 877 0513