Johannesburg – Friday 25 March 2022. The SABC Board has noted public concerns about the Analogue Switch Off deadline of 31 March 2022 and its potential impact on the public and all  the public broadcaster’s stakeholders.

For more than a decade now, the SABC has been supporting the Digital Migration policy and programme of the national government and our position remains unchanged. The benefits of digital television are multiple. Among others, digital television will enhance the quality of our offerings, expand our competitive advantage, and empower the public with more content variety and choices.

As we approach the 31 March 2022 ASO deadline, we remain hopeful that our engagement with Shareholder Representative, the Minister of Communication and Digital Technologies, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, will yield favourable outcomes, including the extension of the ASO timetable. The SABC believes that the extension of the ASO timetable will ensure that no South African is left behind or denied access to Free-To-Air television and public television services.

The plan to switch off all ATV transmitters by 31 March 2022, despite the slow progress of STB registrations and installations, presents an unsustainable risk to the rights of millions of indigent households, as well as the Corporation’s Turnaround Plan. A premature switch-off will deprive millions of people from important public television services.

The four provinces designated for switch off on 31 March 2022 comprise 68% of South Africa’s population. As at February 2022 only 165,000 STBS out of the 2.9m indigent households (5.7%) had been installed in the four outstanding provinces. This number is simply too low for the SABC’s ATV services to be switched off in the four largest provinces, at this stage.

The SABC engages with the Digital Migration Project mindful of its inescapable constitutional and legal obligations to the people of South Africa. The corporation will do everything possible within the Intergovernmental Relations Framework and the law to safeguard its interests and protect the rights of every citizen to access public television services.

The SABC wants to reassure the public that it will continue engaging with the Minister to ensure the ASO timetable is extended.

ISSUED BY THE SABC BOARD

Johannesburg – Friday 25 March 2022. The SABC Board has noted public concerns about the Analogue Switch Off deadline of 31 March 2022 and its potential impact on the public and all  the public broadcaster’s stakeholders.

For more than a decade now, the SABC has been supporting the Digital Migration policy and programme of the national government and our position remains unchanged. The benefits of digital television are multiple. Among others, digital television will enhance the quality of our offerings, expand our competitive advantage, and empower the public with more content variety and choices.

As we approach the 31 March 2022 ASO deadline, we remain hopeful that our engagement with Shareholder Representative, the Minister of Communication and Digital Technologies, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, will yield favourable outcomes, including the extension of the ASO timetable. The SABC believes that the extension of the ASO timetable will ensure that no South African is left behind or denied access to Free-To-Air television and public television services.

The plan to switch off all ATV transmitters by 31 March 2022, despite the slow progress of STB registrations and installations, presents an unsustainable risk to the rights of millions of indigent households, as well as the Corporation’s Turnaround Plan. A premature switch-off will deprive millions of people from important public television services.

The four provinces designated for switch off on 31 March 2022 comprise 68% of South Africa’s population. As at February 2022 only 165,000 STBS out of the 2.9m indigent households (5.7%) had been installed in the four outstanding provinces. This number is simply too low for the SABC’s ATV services to be switched off in the four largest provinces, at this stage.

The SABC engages with the Digital Migration Project mindful of its inescapable constitutional and legal obligations to the people of South Africa. The corporation will do everything possible within the Intergovernmental Relations Framework and the law to safeguard its interests and protect the rights of every citizen to access public television services.

The SABC wants to reassure the public that it will continue engaging with the Minister to ensure the ASO timetable is extended.

ISSUED BY THE SABC BOARD

Johannesburg – Friday, 25 March 2022 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) would like to appeal to all job seekers looking for employment to be vigilant of scammers who use applicants’ information unlawfully.

The SABC appeals to all to use the following safe links to apply:

https://bit.ly/3tXgMnk and proceed to Career and Job Recruitment

For any assistance please do not hesitate to contact HRSSC at 011 330 9520.

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, 25 March 2022 – SABC Sport  has enhanced its growing reputation of delivering top-class rugby content, with the national broadcaster’s two flagship offerings attracting more viewers in 2022 than any other rugby competition, according to latest official statistics.

Data confirmed that the French Top 14 and Heritage Rugby are significantly outperforming more high-profile local and international tournaments, including the United Rugby Championship, Six Nations, Currie Cup and Varsity Cup.

Viewership for the Top 14 match between Castres and Montpellier on Saturday, 5 March on SABC2 peaked at over 408,000 – almost five times the number of peak viewers for the Cheetahs v Lions Currie Cup match on the SuperSport Rugby channel on the same day. Peak viewing for the Top 14 match was also six times higher than for that day’s Griquas v Blue Bulls Currie Cup match on the same satellite channel.

The Top 14 has attracted an average of 256,000 viewers per match over the past six months, with the Brive v Bordeaux match on 8 January recording over 321,000 viewers and the Brive v Clermont match on 12 February hitting an audience peak in excess of 486,000.

Equally impressive has been the popularity of SABC Sport’s Heritage Rugby offering – a newly-formed umbrella brand for most of the country’s top club competitions. Heritage Rugby is a partnership between SABC Sport and mobile broadcaster SEI Sport, which has broadcast agreements with, amongst others, the Eastern Cape Super 14 (EC Sports Confederation), World Sports Betting Carlton League (Bulls), Pirates Grand Challenge & Memorial Cup (Lions), Moor Cup & Murray Cup (Sharks), and Grand Challenge (Eastern Province).

SABC2 viewership for Heritage Rugby’s Eastern Cape Super 14 Final in Despatch, between Progress and Harlequins last Saturday, 19 March peaked at over 363,000 – five-and-a-half times the peak audience of the Sharks v Zebre URC match broadcast at the same time on the SuperSport Rugby channel. It was also nearly five times the peak audience of the Ireland v Scotland Six Nations match, also broadcast at the same time, on the SuperSport Grandstand channel.

The SABC Sports channel also carried the game live, with the build-up attracting more viewers than the Six Nations match between Wales and Italy.

This year has already seen a total of eight live Heritage Rugby broadcasts from iconic Eastern Cape locations including Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, Adcock Stadium in Gqeberha, and WJ de Wet Stadium in Despatch – the home ground of Rugby World Cup-winning coach Rassie Erasmus.

The matches were  broadcast live on SABC Sport (DTT Channel 4, Openview Channel 124),   the SABC Sport Facebook page, and on TelkomONE, with rebroadcasts on Saturday evening primetime on SABC2. In addition, the matches have been promoted on a number of SABC radio stations including Metro FM, Umhlobo Wenene, Ukhozi FM and Radio 2000.

For some time, many rugby fans have been unaware that SABC Sport has such a rich offering of compelling local and international rugby content, said Head of SABC Sport, Gary Rathbone. The figures demonstrate that this sentiment has changes and that our rugby audience are excited about the access to top-flight Rugby on SABC Sport. The SABC Sport channel is still a relatively new platform but is already outperforming other competitor sports channels at the same time.

“Our French Top 14 offering is already the most watched rugby tournament in South Africa and we are only weeks into a long-term plan to build the Heritage Rugby brand into something uniquely South African from a broadcast point of view,” Rathbone added. “Club rugby has historically been a level of the game overlooked by the country’s television broadcasters, but no longer.

“What these figures show is that club rugby is hugely popular, which is good for the overall health of South African rugby. Every part of rugby’s value chain, from amateur to professional, is important in its own right. But we at SABC Sport have made it one of our priorities to afford club rugby the level of respect it has always deserved, as an incubator of talent and for the vital social role it plays in communities.”

The French Top 14 and Heritage Rugby highlights shows on SABC2 have also been responsible for substantial viewership figures. The Top 14 highlights show has reached an audience peak of 670,000, while Heritage Rugby’s weekly highlights show this year has attracted an average of 195,000 viewers per episode. The 22 January broadcast recorded more than 325,000 unique viewers and an audience peak above 422,000 – second only to the French Top 14 while performing stronger than all other rugby competitions on South African television.

Rathbone said that SABC Sport’s rugby attention would now shift to the premier club competitions in Bulls, Lions and Sharks country, following the conclusion of the Heritage Rugby series’ maiden competition, the Eastern Cape Super 14, which took place from 22 January to 19 March.

“The Super 14 is the most prestigious club competition in the Eastern Cape and was the first-ever Heritage Rugby property to be broadcast. We are busy putting together the building blocks of a groundbreaking rugby brand with very unique DNA,” he said.

“It’s about big crowds, brass bands, and non-stop action with few interruptions. And to tell the story of community rugby is a commentary team comprising Udo Carelse, who needs no introduction, veteran broadcaster Zolani Bongco, who last week commentated on his 250th one-day international cricket match, former Springbok prop Lawrence Sephaka and Blue Bulls legend John Mametsa.

“Our broadcasts reflect South Africa’s diversity, with match commentary alternating between English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa across each 80 minutes, which is also groundbreaking. Heritage Rugby really is rugby in full voice and in full colour,”. The future of SABC Sport is very bright and its ability to showcase fresh compelling content to its rugby audiences is unmatched, concluded Rathborne.

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

Polokwane- Thursday, 24 March 2022 – Phalaphala FM is excited to introduce some line-up changes effective 01 April 2022. These changes are in line with the SABC radio’s strategy. The station reached a milestone of 1.3 million listeners in 2021 as per the October 2021 RAMS release and believes that this new line-up will further build and enhance the station’s growing listenership.

Phalaphala FM is delighted to bring back co-hosting on its breakfast show, ‘Vhandilani’, which will now start at 06h00 until 09h00. The show will be co-hosted by Terry “The Big Dude” Mudau, and a surprise presenter who will be revealed in due course.

Rofhiwa Nethengwe, who joined the station in 2006, will continue to host her 09h00-12h00 show, ‘Nne na Vhone’. The discerning programme appeals to a wide audience in a professional setting, in-transit or at home.

Mpho “MG” Rathando will maintain his 12h00 to 15h00 programme, ‘Tshiko’, which broadcasts from Monday to Friday and focuses on news, current affairs and topical issues in politics, economics, labour, education and social issues in South Africa and around the world.

Whilst on Fridays, Pandelani ‘Miss P’ Mulaudzi will continue presenting her 14h30 – 15h00 kiddies show ‘Dendzhe’.

The afternoon drive show, ‘Dzia Orowa’, from 15h00 to 18h00 will continue being co-presented by Shandu “DJ Shhh” Lukhwareni and Tico Liphadzi on Monday to Friday.

Jones ‘Mr Lover Lover’ Netshipise will be brought to the 22h00 – 24h00 music show, ‘Ri a dzedza’, on Mondays to Thursdays to bring listeners some of the best and greatest urban hits. Rofhiwa Nekhumbe G Voice takes over ‘Mulakhulu’ on weekdays between 03h00 – 05h00. Meanwhile on weekends, he will also continue with his 06h00 – 09h00 Saturday breakfast show, ‘Vhandilani nga mugivhela’.

The dynamic Mpande Mulaudzi popularly known as “Miss P” will take over ‘Phenyadzinwe’, at 21h00 – 24h00 on Fridays, while Dikita, will host the ‘Top 20’ Local Kwaito and House Hits, and Hip-Hop and R&B tunes. On Saturdays, Humbulani Nengovhela will be joining the 09h00 – 11h00 show, ‘Nambi Ya dzinambi’, a music programme that focuses on Tshivenda traditional music.

The station is excited to welcome Sammy Khwashaba to the family, who will be hosting the 12h00–14h00 ‘Reggae Music Show’ on Saturdays.

Veteran radio presenter Mpho Nefale will continue to host the 18h00 – 21h00 show, ‘Devhula Ha Vhembe (DV)’. Thereafter, Mpande Mulaudzi “Miss P” will take listeners on a musical journey of profiling the latest house, Venrap and hip – hop hits on the programme ‘Dikita‘ from 21h00 – 24h00. This show will bring listeners the best in entertainment news and listener call-ins.

Michael “Holy Mike” Mabugana will remain at Phalaphala FM and will host the 07h00 – 10h00 gospel shows, ‘Gondo Vhugala’, on Sundays.

Jones “Mr Lover Lover” Netshipise will also host the 10h00 – 14h00 show, ‘Vhugalatenga’, on Sundays. Meanwhile Tshimangadzo Murovhi will be presenting the 19h00 – 20h00 show, ‘Lutendo’, as well as the 20h00 – 21h00 show, ‘Vhurereli ha Hashu’ on Sundays.

Phalaphala FM Business Manager Madikana Matjila said that “we are excited to see this station making this huge traction in the way we serve our audience and believe that these changes will help us grow this brand to reach greater heights”.

“It is our pride that we preserve our culture and heritage, concluded Matjila”.

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

Polokwane – Thursday, 24 March 2022 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation’s Limpopo based radio station Thobela FM, is introducing changes to its 2022/23 line-up to better serve its listeners’ needs and in line with the changing radio landscape. These changes will be effected from the 01 April 2022.

The Morning drive show, ‘Ditlalemeso’ will now be broadcast for three hours from 06h00 – 09h00 between Monday and Friday. Lenny T Legodi and Poelano “Madam Speaker” Setoaba will continue hosting the show, with Aubrey Pheeha joining the team on production. Pheeha has been producing the station’s lifestyle show ‘E ba Lenna’. Pheeha brings in a wealth of experience and expertise to the team having produced the station’s various shows over the past eight (8) years.

‘E ba le nna’, a show introduced for the first-time last year – airing from Monday to Friday between 13h00 – 15h00, will continue with its focus on continental issues, service delivery, economic matters, the empowerment of men and women, and labourers in the formal and informal sectors. The show will still be hosted by the well vested Nkgadimeng Kekana with a new producer, Lorraine Mahlo.

Thobela FM has increased the night talk show, ‘Moremogolo’ running hours from 22h00 – 01h00 for four days in a week due to listener’s demand. Happiness Maake continues to host the show unpacking all the uncomfortable conversations that build the societal moral compass.

The station is bringing the vibrant, elegant and bubbly Lethabo “Lejoy” Mathatho to host the stations hybrid radio meets TV show ‘the weekend breakfast’. This show will be produced by the award-winning producer Isaac Mashila. The show will feature on Thobela FM’s digital platforms.

Kgabo “The C-Lecta boy” Mokgonyana will now host Thobela FM’s ‘Top 30’ charts show on Saturday’s. Mokgonyana has been hosting ‘Party Time’ and producing the ‘Ditlameso’ breakfast show.

Skhumbuzo “The immaculate” Mbatha will now mesmerise the audience on Sunday’s on ‘Melodii Ya Boiketlo’ playing all the soulful sounds.

“I am excited that the station will now maximise its reach to offer audio-visual content on our different digital platforms in a form hybrid shows. These changes will also connect us better with our listeners and position the station as the epicentre for knowledge and entertainment” commented Madikana Matjila, Thobela FM’s Business Manager.

The public can tune into Thobela FM on 87.6 MHZ – 92.1 MHZ and Channel 621 on Openview.

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 – 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