Johannesburg – Tuesday 22 March 2022 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is saddened to learn of the passing of journalist and seasoned broadcaster, Mr. Luzuko Koti.

LZK, as he was popularly known during his tenure on Umhlobo Wenene FM, began his career at the SABC’s Umhlobo Wenene FM, as a radio current affairs producer in 1998 and later became a Senior Reporter (News) in 1999-2003. In 2004, Mr. Koti was appointed Television Assignments Editor in the SABC’s Port Elizabeth newsroom until his resignation in 2005. He was highly regarded by his peers and he mentored many young journalists who joined the SABC as interns. He also dabbled in radio presentation for Umhlobo Wenene FM where he produced and presented youth weekend entertainment programmes between 2003 and 2005.

On 1 August 2021 he returned to the SABC following his appointment as Business Manager for Channel Africa, where he served the SABC’s continental radio service with distinction until his untimely death.

Ms. Nada Wotshela, the SABC’s Group Executive for Radio stated “The loss of Luzuko is devastating as he had returned to the organisation at a point where it is undergoing a transformation and was leading a key radio service for the SABC. Led by his passionate and assiduous nature, he had big plans for the turnaround of the brand which he was only starting to implement. He was truly respected by his peers and friends alike, and his love for Africa and passion for socio-political discourse will be sorely missed”.

The SABC sends its sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr. Koti during this difficult time.

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

Johannesburg – Sunday, 20 March 2022 –  South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) have today congratulated veteran broadcaster, Zolani Bongco, on his 250^th  One-Day International (ODI) live commentary in the Betway Pink ODI match between South Africa and Bangladesh at the Imperial Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

If one had to describe Bongco, these adjectives come to mind: heavyweight, passionate, proud, professional, disciplined, energetic, adaptable, and conversant.

Bongco joined the then Radio-Xhosa in King Williams Town on the 1^st  of September 1987 as an all-rounder presenter. He transcended all barriers imposed by the now impoverished apartheid system to master his talent as a gem-find in the broadcasting industry.

Affectionately known as The Izo-Man or ZB, Bongco is now a household name in the broadcast fraternity. Born at the Mount Coke Mission in King Williams Town, Eastern Cape, Bongco shared his cradling between the sport-crazy towns of King Williams Town and East London. His love for broadcasting began at infancy: according to his parents, he used to take an armpit roll-on and make-believe to be a microphone. When he later in life came across a real microphone, he instinctively knew that he had arrive home.

As one of the pioneers of black cricket commentators, Bongco boasts a rich tapestry of having covered six (6) ICC Cricket World Cups, more than 107 Tests, and 50-plus T20 Internationals in South Africa, Australia, England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Endies, and the Netherlands.

While today marks his 250^th ODI commentary milestone, it is also ironic and significant that his maiden assignment of doing match commentary was at a cricket match between South Africa and Australia, which was played at the Wanderers Stadium on 17^th February 1994.

A monument in broadcasting, Bongco has shared his prestigious microphone with different greats of cricket, including Peter Bacela, Trevor Quirk, Sir Viv Richards, Sir Gerry Sobers, Khaya Majola, Jack Bannister, Colin Croft, Kepler Wessells, Tony Cozier, Graeme Pollock, Jeff Dojon, Geoffrey Boycott, Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja, Michael Holding, Ian Bishop, Shane Warne, Courtney Walsh, Robin Jackman, Kass Naidoo, Arjuna Rawatunga, Aravinda De Silva, Makhaya Ntini, Neil Manthorp, Mfuneko Ngam, and Roshan Abysinghe.

In 2005 he represented the SABC at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on the Proteas Outbound Cricket Tour of Australia, becoming the first black commentator to do so.

He was nominated to the Panel of judges for the CSA Cricket Awards of 2004 and 2012 respectively and served alongside Vince Van Der Bijl, Graeme Pollock, Aslam Khota, Max Jordaan, Niels Momberg, and Colin Bryden.

Congratulating Bongco on his incredible achievement, CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki said, “CSA is proud to have veteran broadcasters of Bongco’s calibre, who are ardently committed to cricket. He is not only an extremely knowledgeable and fine commentor of the game, but also its die-hard fan. This abiding combination brings out in his eloquent commentary a palpable imagery, which transfigures his listeners to the field of play. This 250^th ODI commentary milestone is testament of the passion that this humble giant holds so dearly to cricket and his undying love for broadcasting.

“We congratulate and thank him for all that he has done and continues to do for cricket in South Africa. Power to you The Izo-Man!”

Gary Rathbone, Head of SABC Sport said, “commentating on 250 ODI matches is certainly a major achievement. One that gives you a tremendous depth of knowledge and insight into the game, and we at SABC Sport are beaming as Zolani reaches this career milestone. Zolani is the champion of the SABC commentary booth and today, we celebrate our legend for an incredible journey thus far. Our audiences have been captivated by ZB’s passion and here’s hoping for another 250 matches of great commentary on the SABC from this iconic, knowledgeable and truly professional sport broadcaster.”

Joining the salutation of Bongco’s milestone, CSA Board Chairperson, Lawson Naidoo said, ZB is an embodiment of excellence, grit, and longevity. He is an institution in the field of broadcasting. He shared commentary booths with some of the cricket legends such as Michael Slater, Peter Roebrick, Tony Greg, Jim Maxwell, Geoff Lawsons, Kerry O’Keeffe, Damien Fleming, Terry Alderman, Glen Mitchell, Richie Benaud etc. This easily ranks him among the most outstanding broadcasters the country has ever produced”.

“It is also noteworthy that in 1994, ZB was one of the SABC Radio Anchors who were broadcasting the first elections of a free and democratic South Africa. This demonstrates his dynamism and versatility; virtues that are potent currency, beyond silver or gold. On behalf of the Board of Cricket South Africa, I would like to congratulate ZB on achieving this unbelievable feat. I also thank the SABC for availing this legend of the airwaves, the infrastructure, and the opportunity to serve cricket for over 28 years. This validates the public broadcaster’s commitment to growing cricket in the country, a dedication we share in, admire and applaud.”

Summing up his state of mind on his special day, Zolani Bongco said; “it feels great to have reached this milestone, and to be recognized, I must admit. I am having goosebumps. I can’t believe it. While I look back with pride and mixed emotions, I still have the temperament, the energy, the passion, and the love of cricket, and that’s what keeps me going.”

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 – Thursday, 17 March 2022 – METRO FM will on Friday, 1 April 2022, shake the South African airwaves as it debuts its new line up for 2022/23. Mpumi Mlambo, tasked with ensuring the audience transitions from midnight into early morning, is the host of the new show ‘Hustlers Fix’ that will broadcast Mondays to Fridays from 02:00 – 05:00. Mpumi is a passionate broadcaster and will make sure METRO FM listeners have a great start to their day.

Moeti ‘Moflava’ Tsiki will be joined by one of South Africa’s dynamic and influential stars, Khutso Theledi on the METRO FM Breakfast show, weekdays from 05:00 – 09:00. The 12:00 – 15:00 weekday time slot receives a refresh as Lerato ‘LKG’ Kganyago is joined by Tebogo ’Proverb’ Thekisho on the Midday Link Up with LKG and Proverb. Proverb is a seasoned broadcaster with experience in both television and radio and will bring another fresh element to the show.

The station is pleased to announce the new afternoon drive show, The Touchdown with Tbo Touch which will be presented by Thabo ‘Tbo Touch’ Molefe who is back and better than ever. The show will broadcast weekdays from 15:00 -18:00.  A well experienced sports presenter, Morena Mothupi will be joining the team to do the sports segment. This new show promises to be high energy, fast paced and engaging.

Mpho ‘Mo G’ Madise takes over the Monday to Thursday, 21:00 – 00:00 timeslot as he delivers, Let’s talk about it. This show will bring life to this night-time time channel , a combination of light talk fused with music to keep you company as you burn the midnight oil.  METRO FM welcomes Ryan ‘Ryan the DJ’ Nair as he joins The Urban Beat, Fridays and Saturdays at 22:00 – 00:00.  METRO FM has an all-new weekend breakfast show, Weekend Breakfast Sounds Good with Mat-Elle & Mantsoe. A fresh breakfast club with the girls to make sure that you wake up every Saturday morning with a smile.

The METRO FM Top30 with DJ Sabby returns to a three-hour slot every Saturday. The Encore with Kyeezi & Ms Cosmo is METRO FM’s newest midday weekend show and will broadcast from 12:00 – 15:00. Khanya ‘Kyeezi’ Siyengo is an experienced broadcaster, DJ, MC and urban culture curator and Nonqaba ‘Ms Cosmo’ Rwaxa is a radio personality, DJ, MC and music producer. This dynamic duo will take you on a musical journey for three hours.

Siphesihle ‘Sphe’ Ngwenya and Lebohang ‘DJ Naves’ Naves will bring you the Kings of The Weekend, Saturday’s from 19:00 – 22:00. METRO FMLounge is coming back, every Sundays from 18:00 – 21:00 with Marian Lartey.

METRO FM Business Manager, Ms. Kina Nhlengethwa stated: “the station is making a concerted effort in investing in the best talent that will carry its strategy forward. This investment will allow the station to carry out its mandate to both listeners, clients, and strategic stakeholders. We remain committed to delivering exceptional content with a focus on creativity and cementing our leadership position in the market. The new line up reflects why we are South Africa’s coolest radio station and speaks to the greater heights the METRO FM brand is climbing to. At 5,4million listeners, we are not done.”

METRO FM has maintained its coolest radio station position for the past nine years at the Sunday Times Generation Next Awards and remains committed to maintaining its position as South Africa’s number one commercial radio station.

See the below full line-up:

Ends

Follow METRO FM 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

Gqeberha-Wednesday, 16 March 2022– trufm is excited to announce its line-up changes that aim to solidify the station’s sound to resonate with its young audience, as well as position it as the credible voice to the youth.

Fresh voices joining the station are Sinazo Yolwa, Khanyisa Jaceni, Sima Fiyo, Dali Jalmeni, Simo Jokwana, Abongile Mangala and Azile Maka.  Boys Mpunzi will be the new host of TruMornings, with acclaimed TV presenter and actress, Sinazo Yolwa, as the co-host. Tik Tok star, Khanyisa Jaceni, will be contributing on the show with her popular #thebottomline feature.

Reggie Solani and AJ McClean will bring their vibrant and informative style to the Drive326 while Babalwa G and Slujah Bunu will be the new hosts of truExperience and the Midday Frequency, now called the Lunchtime Shandis, respectively.

Sima Fiyo, fresh from 5FM, joins the station to host the trufm Top30 and The Nest, now called The Golden Circle, and Dali Jalmeni will join the Saturday Show Down team as the new anchor.

The well-known motivational speaker, Abongile Mangala, will be the new host of Isingqi Sezulu on Sunday mornings and a brand-new show called, The Last Round, will round off our Sunday line-up with host Simo Zokwana.

The station’s Business Manager, Loyiso Bala, says, “trufm has always been at the forefront of introducing new talent to the radio industry, and will continue to be a great talent hub for many aspiring radio personalities. With the new line-up and approach, we’ve guaranteed that the station stays current with our listeners’ evolving media consumption trends.”

See below for the updated 2022-23 trufm Line-Up:

Saturday

Sunday

ENDS

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

Port Elizabeth – Wednesday, 16 March 2022 – Umhlobo Wenene FM, is the number one radio station in both the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape. To consolidate its dominance in the Western Cape the drive time show will broadcast from Cape Town with award-winning hosts Luks Gidane and Zinhle Mbusi, as well as Phethu Soga as producer and Tando Gqamane on sport bulletins.

The station’s Current Affairs programme, Laphum’ Ikhwezi will broadcast from 05h00 to 06h00, with the country’s second largest breakfast show, iBrakfesi Eyondlayo Ekuseni (BEE), hosted by Pastor Nozewu, Mafa Bavuma, and Mluleki Ntsabo, starting at 06h00 and providing listeners with an early start to the morning. Comedian, Ntosh Madlingozi will be joining the BEE show as a content contributor once a week.

Seasoned radio host, Nokubonga “Blaq” Maci, will host the 09h00 to 12h00 show every Monday to Wednesday and Fridays. Amaza Ntshanga will be the host of the station’s first exclusive online podcast, delivering bespoke and curated content, as he takes over the 13h00 to 15h00 weekday slot.

Following the Female Presenter Search in honour of Mama ka Ma-Asi who is retiring, Nomonde Vakalisa will be accompanied by the winner of the Female Presenter Search as the host of the Thursday 09h00 to 12h00 religious programme titled Ngenani Emasangweni Ngendumiso.

Lali Tokwe will be the new host of the Monday to Thursday 03h00 to 05h00 programme called Beka Ithemba Lakho Kuye, replacing Rev Nomathamsanqa Rweqane who retires at the end of this month.

To ensure that all religious groups are fairly represented on the station, Inkolo Yemveli with Onke Cetywayo will also broadcast on Thursdays from 21h00 to 24h00.

Taking centre stage on Saturdays is Vuka Mzantsi from 07h00 to 09h00 with Siphiwo “Spitch” Nzawumbi and radio personality and actress, Lusanda Mbane, as the co-host. The rest of Saturday will get a shake up with the introduction of Umhlobo Wenene Top 20hosted by Luckeez Matyholweni from 13h00 to 15h00, and Samora Mangesi takes over Iqonga Labatsha from 18h00 to 20h00.

On Sundays, the station will welcome Bathandwa “Mam K” Khwatsha as the new host of Inkolo Nengqiqo from 05h30 to 07h00, Linda Nzuzo as the new host of a new RnB and soul show from 11h00 to 13h00, and Jazz Artist, Dumza Maswana as the host of the Jazz show from 22h00 to midnight.

The station’s Business Manager, Loyiso Bala, said, “Umhlobo Wenene FM is a household brand in our country, particularly in the Eastern and Western Cape. The new line-up ensures that the station remains relevant to its diverse audiences, while also keeping it at the forefront of innovative programming.”

The stations programme line-up is as follows:

ENDS

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

Durban- Wednesday, 16 March 2022- Ukhozi FM, South Africa’s largest radio station by listenership will be introducing some line-up changes effective from 1 of April 2022 in line with SABC radio’s strategy.

Ukhozi FM will be introducing some line-up changes effective from the 01^st of April 2022. The station reached a milestone of 8 million listeners in 2021 as per the October RAMS release and believes that this new lineup will comfortably catapult the station to the next level. The station had initially aimed to reach 8 million by 2023, but this came earlier than anticipated due to its popular personalities, strong campaigns both on and off air.

The station’s breakfast show gains an additional 30 minutes and will now broadcast from Monday to Friday between 06h00-09h00 and no longer 06h30-09h00. Sipho “DJ Sgqemeza” Mbatha and Nonhlanhla “Mroza “Buthelezi will continue to host this show following its success in the past year. The breakfast team will be joined by Mhlonishwa Sibisi who will be responsible for sport content.

Dudu “Lady D” Khoza, the Queen of the Airwaves maintains her 09h00-12h00 slot where she will continue to bring audiences what they have come to love for the past 27 years.

The 12h30-15h00 slot welcomes Sfiso “King Sfiso” Sibiya as well as Zimiphi “Zim-Dollar” Biyela. Khathide “Tshatha” Ngobe rejoins Selby “Selbeyonce” Mkhize in the afternoon drive between 15h00-18h00 in the popular drive time slot.

The station is very excited to welcome new talent Bingelela Mpanza to the line-Up. Mpanza, the winner of the Winnie Mahlangu Female Presenter Search in 2021, will be taking over the developmental slot on Sundays between 03h00 and 06h00, which was specifically designed for winner of this competition.

Bheka “Beekay” Mchunu will be making a much-anticipated return to host the popular Saturday Maskandi show, Sigiya Ngengoma, between 09h00 and 12h00. Sbu Buthelezi will continue to host the Sunday Gospel Show in the same time slot.

The station is very excited to launch its first ever vodcast from 1 April 2022 which will be called Ukhozi fm TV. This vodcast will be hosted by popular and seasoned presenter Siyabonga Mhlongo. Mhlongo brings a wealth of broadcast experience as well as his exceptional interview skills to the vodcast which will be released Mondays to Fridays covering various topics that are bound to contribute to our listeners’ well-being. Digital migration as well as audience patterns of consuming video on demand contributed immensely to the station’s decision to launch a vodcast. A large portion of the station’s audience consume digital platforms daily and with the station’s 360-degree approach to targeting its audiences, launching a vodcast was a natural move for the station.

“Ukhozi FM continues to dominate and be a leader in the radio space. A combination of innovative campaigns, relevant and nation building topics and features as well as the station’s popular presenters, ensure that the station attracts and retains the large audience that it commands while satisfying client needs. We look forward to another exciting year that will further display why Ukhozi FM ‘Luhamba Phambili’”,  said Sbongi Ngcobo, Ukhozi FM Business Manager.

See below for the updated 2022-23 Ukhozi FM Line-Up:

UKHOZI FM 2022 – 23 LINE-UP

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 – Monday, 14 March 2022 – Earlier today, SABC Sport  hosted the live announcement of the 23-man squad by Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos. The announcement took place at SABC’s Studio 7, in preparation for two key international friendly fixtures taking place in March 2022.

With 25 caps and the captain armband, Ronwen WILLIAMS is set to lead Bafana out of the tunnel for both fixtures, while Percy TAU looks to build on his goal scoring tally status by adding to the 13 times he has already found the net. SABC Sport viewers can also look forward to seeing rising stars like Evidence MAKGOPA and Lyle FOSTER of Baroka FC and Westerlo FC respectively.

The 23-man squad includes:

Gary Rathbone, Head of SABC Sport said “once again SABC Sport will showcase our national team in action against two major international teams which both feature well know stars from the world stage. Hosting the announcement this morning has been an honour and we wish our boys well as they face up against both Guinea and France. We at SABC Sport are proud to be able to feature Bafana Bafana live on all our platforms for all South African football fans and believe that it will be a world class broadcast with great football that will give our audience a sense of national pride”

The international friendly fixtures kick off with Bafana Bafana vs Guinea on 25 March 2022 at 19:00. This fixture will be broadcasted live on S3 and SABC Sport available on the DTT Channel 4, Openview channel 124 as well as livestreamed on your mobile devices via TelkomONE. The second fixture sees France take on Bafana Bafana live from Lille in France on 29 March 2022 at 22:00. This broadcast will also be live on SABC 1, SABC Sport on DTT Channel 4, Openview Channel 124 and livestreamed on your mobile devices viaTelkomONE.

SABC Sport is also excited to announce that these fixtures will be available on SABC Radio stations in a language of your choice and livestreamed on the SABC Sport Facebook page to ensure access for all South African citizens.

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-Wednesday, 09 March 2022- The South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) News and Current Affairs division, as part of strengthening its position as a credible news and information provider will from 1 April 2022 launch a news programme, It’s Topical on SABC News Channel 404 presented Mr. Blain Herman on Sundays.

It’s Topical, an interactive programme focusing on various relevant topics that have made headlines during the week, will make its first debut on Sunday, 3 April 2022 between 20h00-21h00. This programme will also simulcast on the last Sunday of each month on the FTA channel, SABC 2 from 20h30 to 21h00. With his vast knowledge and experience in the News industry, accounting for 19 years within the SABC, Mr. Herman who is also the current Co-Anchor and Executive Producer for The Agenda, a news programme on the SABC News channel is set to deliver a perfect platform for South African society from all walks of life. This programme is tailor-made to allow citizens to engage about issues and events that directly impact on them.

The SABC is also proud to announce the addition of a valuable team member in the News division, Ms. Iman Rappetti from 1 April 2022. She is an award winning and seasoned broadcaster. She brings to the SABC a wealth of great knowledge and experience spanning over 20 years, and this will be shared and enjoyed with the Full View audiences on weekends on SABC News Channel 404.

The Acting Group Executive for News and Current Affairs, Ms Deidre Uren “Our News channel has successfully retained its top position on the national TV news market in South Africa and we believe that these changes will add on our efforts to increase audience experience and most importantly to continuously deliver comprehensively on the Corporation’s mandate of serving the millions of South Africans who rely on it for education, information, and entertainment. We will also be introducing more exciting changes which will be communicated in due course”.

The SABC is committed to its promise of delivering news that is Independent and Impartial.

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