Johannesburg-Friday, 8 April 2022-The SABC Board has adopted the Report of the Special Committee tasked with investigating allegations by former Group Executive: News and Current Affairs (former GE), against the SABC Board Chairperson (Chairperson). The Special Committee:

(i)                   found the allegations to be unsubstantiated;

(ii)                 has not found anything indicating that the former GE’s power to make a final decision in regard to editorial decisions was threatened, usurped or compromised in any way; and

(iii)                concluded that the Chairperson’s actions in the matter do not constitute misconduct as envisaged in the Broadcasting Act, No 4 of 1999.

The SABC Board is of the view that the elements of the Report include content that is private and confidential, particularly as it contains private and personal information of and about third parties.

The SABC Board understands that this matter has attracted significant public interest and deems it important to publish the recommendations of the Special Committee Report that will assist in improving the SABC’s Editorial Policies.  The recommendations include the following:

·         To avoid any form of editorial problems arising from any relationship between SABC employees and SABC Board member/s, all SABC Board members need to be cautioned about the sensitivities around editorial independence and the manner in which they engage with SABC employees about editorial issues outside SABC Board processes and procedures. SABC Board members should be sensitised and cautioned about engaging with SABC News staff on issues that are editorial in nature.  If it is necessary for a Board member – in his or her capacity as a Board member – to engage with SABC employees, such engagement should be done transparently and with the knowledge of the SABC Board. 

·         The SABC needs to consider developing a clear policy or guidelines that deal with how SABC Board members should engage with SABC News in regard to editorial matters outside formal SABC processes.  This will assist in ensuring that engagements between a Board member (regardless of the capacity in which the engagement is made) and SABC journalists and editors in matters that are editorial in nature are not per se regarded as interference or breach of the Editorial Policy. Notwithstanding the aforegoing, SABC News editors and journalists need to strictly apply the SABC Editorial Policy regardless of who is involved.  When engaging Board Members and/or any party regarding editorial issues, editors should be guided by the SABC Editorial Policy and related governance procedures and not the relationship between the editor and the person involved in the matter. Importantly, journalistic sources (whoever they may be) should not be compromised. It is established journalistic ethics to preclude divulging a source without the source’s express consent, save if the source falsified information.

·         The SABC News employees need to be reminded of their obligations in terms of the Editorial Policy and be encouraged to report any breach of the Editorial Policy without any delay.

The Report also notes that the allegations against the Chairperson cannot in any way be compared to what transpired during the period that was investigated by the Commission of Inquiry (led by Ntate Joe Thloloe) into Interference in the Decision-making in the Newsroom of the SABC. During that period between 2012–2017, the SABC Newsroom took instructions and succumbed to instructions from those who had no authority in regard to editorial decisions because of threats of dismissal. The Special Committee was not furnished with any information showing that Chairperson threatened, or even bullied, the former GE. The Special Committee found that, if anything, the former GE and Chairperson enjoyed a cordial relationship.

Both the former GE and the Chairperson have been furnished with the Report and the SABC Board considers the matter closed.

Ends

Issued By:                               THE SABC BOARD

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

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

Johannesburg-Friday, 8 April 2022-The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) have today launched the internship programme for the 2022-23 financial year. 148 interns have been recruited for this programme to gain hands-on experience in various working environments within the SABC.  The SABC and MICT SETA have a long-standing relationship which began 2011 aimed at addressing the skills development in the ICT sector. In the previous intake in 2019, 207 interns were recruited and 182 successfully completed the programme.

The Group Executive for Human Capital Dr. Mojaki Mosia stated that “We welcome all the interns in all our offices across the country. The SABC is one of the biggest broadcasters in the continent, and we are hopeful that we will expose all of them to the great world of broadcasting to gain valuable knowledge and skills that will prepare them for the broader media industry.  This reflects our commitment to skills development and improving the mix of Talent in terms of age, skills and experience for the sustainability of the SABC. About 80% of this Talent cohort will be absorbed into permanent roles, subject to their participation, contribution and demonstration of the competence acquired through our open competitive process.

“In addition, we would like to express our gratitude to MICT SETA for working with us in nurturing the future broadcasting talent” concluded Dr. Mosia.

Mr. Matome Madibana, Acting Chief Executive Officer from the MICT SETA adds, “The National Development Plan (NDP) is a blueprint for the country to eliminate poverty and reduce inequalities by 2030 through uniting South Africans, unleashing the energies of its citizens, growing an inclusive economy, and building capabilities, which are part of what we have been established for as SETA’s. “Partners such as the SABC are at the forefront of working collaboratively with us to solve complex problems and achieve this mandate. That our partnership dates back 11 years is a testament to its effectiveness in offering learners a wealth of knowledge and upskilling in scarce skills that are in line with the needs of the job market in South Africa; as well as forms part of a hybrid of successful interventions and partnerships that the MICT Seta has undertaken to grow the pool of skills in information and communication technologies. It is key to note that these programmes are considered annually after extensive research in terms of sector priority occupations in line with economic priorities within the sector”.

The SABC and MICT SETA wishes all the interns well in their learning journey.

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

Xabiso Matshikiza (Marketing and Communication Manager)

Xabiso.matshikiza@mict.org.za|T. O11 207 2600

Johannesburg – Tuesday, 5 April 2022 – The SABC Board notes that its media statement dated 25 March 2022 on the Analogue Switch Off (ASO) may not have exhausted the agreed procedures (i.e. the Shareholder’s Compact between the SABC and the Government of the Republic of South Africa) regarding engagements with the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Ms. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the Shareholder Representative. The SABC apologizes to the Minister for this oversight.  The SABC will, in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, continue to adopt an approach that balances the needs and expectations of the Shareholder in a way that the SABC Board independently believes best serves the interests of the SABC in meeting its public mandate.

The Board has noted that ETV and SOS/MMA have inappropriately used and continue to use its media statement in pursuance of their litigation against the Minister. The Board has informed ETV and SOS/MMA that its media statement was not intended for the purposes of the ongoing court case; the appropriation of the media statement by them in their court application is inappropriate and has no probative value should be placed on the media statement.

The SABC Board welcomes the Minister’s assurance that she will continue to engage with the SABC on all issues relating to the Analogue Switch Off. The SABC will continue working closely with the Minister and the Department on the planning and implementation of the Analogue Switch Off, focusing on the opportunities digital offers to the SABC whilst mitigating any risks associated with the Analogue Switch Off.

Both parties will continue engaging each other as they are committed to the constitutional public mandate of the SABC of informing, educating, and entertaining South Africans.

Ends

Issued By:                              THE SABC BOARD

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

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

Johannesburg – Tuesday, 5 April 2022 – The SABC Board notes that its media statement dated 25 March 2022 on the Analogue Switch Off (ASO) may not have exhausted the agreed procedures (i.e. the Shareholder’s Compact between the SABC and the Government of the Republic of South Africa) regarding engagements with the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the Shareholder Representative. The SABC apologises to the Minister for this oversignt.  The SABC will, in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, continue to adopt an approach that balances the needs and expecations of the Shareholder in a way that the SABC Board independently believes best serves the interests of the SABC in meeting its public mandate.

The Board has noted that ETV and SOS/MMA have inappropriately used and continue to use its media statement in pursuance of their litigation against the Minister. The Board has informed ETV and SOS/MMA that its media statement was not intended for the purposes of the ongoing court case; the appropriation of the media statement by them in their court application is inappropriate; and no probative value should be placed on the media statement.

The SABC Board welcomes the Minister’s assurance that she will continue to engage with the SABC on all issues relating to the Analogue Switch Off. The SABC will continue working closely with the Minister and the Department on the planning and implementation of the Analogue Switch Off, focusing on the opportunities digital offers to the SABC whilst mitigating any risks associated with the Analogue Switch Off.

Both parties will continue engaging each other as they are committed to the constitutional public mandate of the SABC of informing, educating and entertaining South Africans.

Ends

Issued By:                              THE SABC BOARD

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

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

Johannesburg – Monday, 4 April 2022 – SABC Sport  is pleased to announce the re-launch of its flagship show, Soccerzone. The show was first launched in 1997 and is the longest running soccer review show in South Africa.

With cross-generational appeal and decades of impact on our audiences, Soccerzone has embedded itself in the legacy of the SABC. It has maintained its authority on soccer conversations in South Africa over the years and given a multitude of sport personalities a platform to showcase their talent.

Today marks a new era for Soccerzone anchored by seasoned South African television and radio broadcaster, Andile Ncube. He will be joined by former footballer turned analyst, Phumudzo Manenzhe whose unmatched versatility will oversee both soccer analysis and commentary. Simphiwe Dludlu, head coach of the University of Technology’s women’s team, SA National Women’s U17 team and SA National Women’s U20 assistant coach joins the team as the second analyst. The on-air team will be completed by Buyile Gqubule; a former award-winning and seasoned referee who spent 19 years officiating in the professional football ranks in South Africa. Gqubule is also currently a SAFA Match Commissioner and an instructor in the Local Football Association.

The format of the show will also be enhanced with a key focus on digital platforms, viewer interaction and custom content. The above stated improvements to the format will see more consumer competitions, provoking analytical discussions and ultimately bridging the gap between the show and the fans.

Gary Rathbone, Head of SABC Sport said “SABC Sport is dedicated to broadcasting world-class content to all our viewers and we know that Soccerzone has contributed greatly to the performance of SABC Sport for many years. We are at the dawn of a new season for Soccerzone and we are confident that the introduction of the new format will take our Monday night show to new heights and entertain our soccer loving audience in a manner they have not experienced before”.

SABC Sport is excited to announce that the very first broadcast of the re-launched Soccerzone will air on Monday, 4 April 2022 at 20:00 on SABC Sport available on the DTT Channel 4, Openview channel 124 as well as livestreamed on your mobile devices via TelkomONE and the SABC Sport Facebook page to ensure access for all South African citizens. Viewers can also catch the show on SABC 1 at 22:00 on 4 April 2022.

The SABC remains committed to broadcasting sport of national interest to millions of South African citizens.

Ends

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

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 – Friday, 1 April 2022 –The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) would like to announce the departure of Mr. Thomas Mlambo, who was one of the public broadcaster’s top sporting radio and television Anchors. After almost a decade with the SABC, wherein he hosted the country’s leading sports shows such as SABC’s flagship sport football review show, Soccerzone, the late-night Sport @ 10, Laduma, various AFCON tournaments, the FA Cup, the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups, the Olympics as well as the Ultimate Sport show on Metro FM, Mlambo has decided to leave the SABC to pursue other interests.

During his tenure at the SABC, Thomas hosted a number of sport events, including the SA Sports Awards and the PSL awards. He was also a recipient of a plethora of awards for his excellence in sports broadcasting and remained a consummate professional and role model to millions of South Africans who enjoyed his incredible knowledge for sport.

Gary Rathbone, Head of Sport at the SABC, said “SABC Sport will miss Thomas – he is an extremely talented and professional sports broadcaster. Thomas has been at the heart of our on-air experience for sports fans across the country for many years. His dedication to the cause is unquestionable and he remains a brilliant example of what on-air excellence looks like in the world of sport and media.”

The SABC would like to thank Thomas for his immense contribution to the Corporation and wishes him well in his future endeavors.

 Ends

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

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-Friday, 1 April 2022 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) welcomes the amendment of the Must Carry Regulations 2022 which now require subscription broadcasters to carry the public broadcasters’ channels “subject to commercially negotiable terms.” The SABC commends the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) for correcting a historical wrong which had given subscription broadcasters the right to carry SABC channels “at no cost” since the enforcement of the Must Carry regulations in 2008.

When the SABC Board was appointed in 2017, one of its first key deliverable was to call upon the regulator to review the Must Carry Regulations and align them with the Electronic Communications Act (ECA). This legislation clearly required subscription broadcasters to carry the SABC’s channels “subject to commercially negotiable terms”. Unfortunately, for the last thirteen years the ICASA regulations have conflicted with this provision. It has taken a concerted effort from the SABC Board and Management and the Minister to rectify this unfair provision through the regulatory review process.

The SABC looks forward to negotiating in good faith with Multichoice and other subscription broadcasters which have thus far been carrying SABC’s channels and some of South Africa’s most watched programmes at no cost.

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

Mbombela- Friday, 1 April 2022– Ligwalagwala FM is pleased to announce that it will retain its current on-air line up with minor changes. The station will bid farewell to its legend Mr. Stanford Mhlanga famously known as “Malume” to the listeners. He has presented the station’s cultural show since 2012.

Replacing Mhlanga is Ligwalagwala FM’s new talent, Mr. Sifiso Erickson Lubisi who joins the station today as the new presenter of the cultural show Lwesuka Lutfuli which broadcasts Saturdays from 10h00 until 12h00. The month of April will also see the shift of the breakfast show to start at 06h00 to 09h00 weekdays.

Ligwalagwala FM, the pride of the nation, also celebrates 40 years of broadcasting and, listeners are encouraged to stay tuned as more activations and give aways are lined up throughout the year.

Station’s Shows

Weekdays

Saturdays

Sundays

#LFM40 As’pheli Moya

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 – Friday, 1 April 2022 – The SABC News Channel on DSTV 404, will revamp its Saturday night line-up with the shows Sports Live and Trendz Live from tomorrow, 2 April 2022.

The popular Sports Live programme moves to a new time slot and will now be broadcast from 20:00 to 20:30 every Saturday. Seasoned sport broadcasters, Simon Burke and Thabiso Sithole will be joined by a brand-new face, Zai Kahn. Together, they will be tackling the biggest stories in sport head-on, taking viewers into the heart of the action, analysing all the talking points and addressing points of contention for the week. Sports Live will strive to give viewers the inside track on what matters most.

The introduction of Trendz Live will see an interactive studio based live magazine show that will make its debut on the SABC’s news channel at 20:30. Anchored by the multi – talented TV actor and Presenter Mxolisi Masango, the program will focus on the sights, scenery as well as celebrating experiences and locations in South Africa and abroad. Trendz Live will also explore different cultures, unique neighborhoods and an array of activities within the arts and culture space.

Acting GE News Deidre Uren says the introduction of these specialist slots is to firstly ensure that that the SABC News channel is constantly “live” and thus having all breaking news and events unfold immediately on the channel. Secondly to give audiences appointment viewing of the days sporting and entertainment events.

Issued By:                         SABC

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

ntuligm@sabc.co.za          |T. 011 714 3057|C. 071 877 0153