Johannesburg – Sunday, 13 February 2022 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) would like to categorically refute the misinformation contained in an alarmist article published in today’s City Press newspaper titled ‘SABC wanted to move to GCIS offices in Pretoria’. This article was published despite the SABC clarifying that the relocation of its News service from the current location in Tshwane was explored but this did not include considering the GCIS premises. The emphasis made in the article on the alleged move to GCIS seeks to create potential political interference.

The Corporation would like to reiterate that there is, nor has ever been a plan to relocate to the GCIS offices.

The SABC remains committed to providing impartial and independent public service content to millions of South Africans.

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, Saturday, 12 February 2022 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) commemorates World Radio Day by fully aligning itself with this year’s theme that is entrenched on the principle of trust.

The theme for 2022 is ‘Trust and Radio, with subthemes such as ‘trust and accessibility’ and ‘trust and viability’ of radio stations. This theme is a perfect fit in the strategic direction of SABC’s radio portfolio, which is to continuously ensure that radio is a trusted medium in providing reliable and credible information, is accessible to all citizens and remains economically viable despite the ever-changing broadcasting environment.

All SABC radio stations will commemorate the day with programming that focuses on celebrating the gains that have been made by SABC Radio in a democratic setting, building trust with the listeners being at the centre of the of discussions. Some of the highlights for the day will include the Limpopo Combo (Phalaphala FM, Munghana Lonene FM and Thobela FM) broadcasting live from the University of Venda on the 13^th of February 2022. This broadcast is aimed at providing the students with a live experience of radio broadcasting and showcasing the power of radio as a medium of communication. SAfm will also host a panel discussion with radio experts, on the 14^th of February 2022, between 11h00 – 12h00, which will be streamed live on-air and SAfm digital platforms.

SABC Radio as a long-standing and traditional media platform has proven its resilience and adaptability in a highly competitive and rapidly changing broadcasting environment, characterised by the proliferation of other alternative media platforms. In current times, audiences consume media via digital, internet, social media platforms, pay-tv, and OTT platforms. Despite these changes, the SABC’s Radio portfolio has made a great impression in growing its terrestrial and digital footprint in the market, with a strong presence on social media and podcasting.

SABC Group Executive for Radio, Ms Nada Wotshela stated that “This day is commemorated every year since its inception in 2012, with an objective to highlight the importance of radio as a trusted and most accessible medium for informing, educating and entertaining individuals and communities. Radio remains the most reliable communication platform to date, with the ability to influence social discourse and change people’s lives. As the SABC, we continuously explore world-class technologies to enhance our audio delivery and keep our audiences captivated. Our core responsibility from a strategic perspective is to ensure that radio does not degenerate due to technological advancements, instead it is protected and enriched so that it continues to reach mass audiences and niche markets with more streamlined and diversified offerings”.

SABC Radio portfolio will continue to implement strategies to ensure optimal performance of all its brands, with audience growth and advertising revenue continuing to be key priorities.

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, 11 February 2022 – SABC Sport is pleased to announce the acquisition of CAF broadcast rights that sees over 400 African football fixtures included in its schedule. The rights include the CAF Champions League, CAF Confederations Cup, CAF Super Cup, CAF Women’s African Cup of Nations, CAF Women’s Champions League, CAF African Nations Championship, CAF Beach Soccer Cup of Nations, CAF Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, and CAF Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

Upcoming Schedule:

All the action will be available on SABC Sport Channel 4 on DTT, Openview 124, and TelkomONE, with live commentary and live updates provided by Phalaphala FM, Motweding FM, Umhlobo Wenene FM, Ukhozi FM, TruFM, MetroFM, and Radio 2000.

Gary Rathbone, Head of SABC Sport said “SABC Sport is committed to broadcasting sport of national interest to the millions of South African citizens and the introduction of CAF to its offering is indicative of the purpose of our brand. CAF tournaments are the ultimate showcase for African football and the access SABC Sport is delivering to all South Africans has certainly created exciting times for Africa as a footballing continent. It has become more evident that the playing field is being leveled by giving South African viewers access to world-class content without subscription fees.”

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

1. The competition will run from Monday 7 January 2022 to Friday 11 February 2022.
   1. Competition closes 11 February, 12pm midnight
2. The competition is open to all South African TV viewers who reside in KZN, except directors, members, partners, employees, agents, service providers and any SABC employee including agencies, and/or their spouses, life partners, parents, children, brothers, sisters, business partners or associates.

1. SMS the key word ‘Uzalo’ followed by the correct answer to 45881

4. Correct entries received by the advertised deadlines will be considered for the draw. Any late entries received will not be taken into consideration.

5. A premium rate of R1.50 will be charged for each SMS entry for the competition. Free SMSes do not apply.

1. Winners will be contacted by the SABC to verify the following: name, surname, ID number and address.

7. Entrants that enter need to be within the ages of 18 and older. Below the designated age will not be considered.

1. Winners, who are not contactable by phone, after the closing date/time, will be disqualified and a new winner will be drawn.

9. Winner to be announced on SABC1 and on the SABC1 digital platforms by 15 February 2022.

1. The SABC and its agents accept no responsibility for any problems or technical malfunction of any communication network or any late, lost, incomplete, misdirected, incorrectly submitted, delayed, illegible or corrupted entries. The SABC and its agents are not liable for any costs incurred, responses received or any other consequences of user error.
2. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The SABC or its agents will not be held responsible for any disputes arising from the competition or prize awards.

1. Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be deferred or exchanged.

1. The prize includes spending a day with the Uzalo cast on set of the Uzalo photoshoot and will receive a branded SABC1 hamper.
   1. Travel and accommodation are not included as part of the prize
   2. Photo shoot will take place in Durban, date 19 February 2022 (the entire day)
   3. Catering will be included

1. Winners use prizes at own risk. The SABC and its agents shall not be liable for any loss (including, without limitation, indirect or consequential loss), damage, personal injury or death which is suffered or sustained (including but not limited to that arising from any person’s negligence) in connection with this competition or accepting or using the prize/s.

1. Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and agree to be bound by them when entering.

1. Winners will be selected from a random list of entries.

17. If an entrant cannot make the date we will have to find a new winner who can attend on the dates listed above

1. The SABC and its agents reserve the right to cancel, modify or amend the competition at any time if deemed necessary in its opinion, and if circumstances arise outside of their control.

Johannesburg – Friday, 4 February 2022 – SABC Sport is pleased to announce the broadcast of the AFCON 2021 final on Sunday, 6 February 2022 between Senegal and Egypt at 21:00 on SABC Sport Channel on DTT, Openview 124, SABC 1 and TelkomONE.

The tournament has been the ultimate showcase of Africa’s finest football talent, who plough their trade on leading global platforms and the performances have been nothing short of world-class. The stage is set for the final to take place at the Paul Biya Stadium, Olembé in Cameroon where two of the best strikers in World football today, Sadio Mane of Senegal and Mohamed Salah of Egypt will clash in a highly anticipated battle.   It’s Mane vs Mo in this challenge of the titans as their nations fight it out to be crowned the new kings of African football.

Gary Rathbone, Head of SABC Sport said “SABC Sport is excited to showcase our African stars to the SABC viewers. AFCON 2021 has really showcased the development of soccer on the African continent, and it delights us to bring a broadcast of this quality to the homes of all South Africans. Once again, SABC Sport has showcased its commitment to its viewers and we believe that this is just the beginning of a year filled with action packed content on the SABC Sport channel.”

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, 02 February 2022-The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is saddened by the passing of the veteran broadcaster, Mr. Dumile Mateza.

The broadcaster extraordinaire joined the public service broadcaster in the early 1980s and served the Corporation with diligence as an Independent Contractor until the end of his tenure in 2018. His versitality and multilinguistic skills made him a perfect fit for both SABC television and radio platforms. One of the most memorable highlights of his broadcasting career was commentating the 1995 Rugby World Cup matches in Afrikaans.

His in-depth knowledge of sport broadcasting and the ability to relate to the diverse sport audiences, made him one of the most enchanting sports commentators in the South African broadcasting industry

He also had a great interest in News and Current Affairs which cemented his immense contribution to the delivery of the SABC’s public mandate of informing, educating and entertaining the South African citizenry.

Mr. Mateza has left an indelible mark in the industry and his legacy will serve as a motivation and inspiration to upcoming sports broadcasters.

SABC Sport will pay tribute to Mr Dumile Mateza from tonight on #SportsNightLive with Andile Ncube, on Radio 2000 at 18h00 and on The Ultimate Sport Show with Thomas Mlambo on Metro FM at the same time. Viewers can also look forward to a dedicated show on Sunday, 6 February 2022 from 14:30 – 17:30 on SABC 1 titled A Tribute To Dumile Mateza under the theme “Celebrating the life of the sports encyclopaedia.

The SABC Board, management, and staff, extends its heartfelt condolences to the Mateza family and friends.

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, 28 January 2022 – Following the SABC’s breach of the South Gauteng High Court Order dated 14 September 2021, the Corporation instituted disciplinary proceedings, in line with its Disciplinary Code, against Ms Magopeni for her alleged role in the regrettable incident.

An open and transparent disciplinary hearing chaired by Advocate Nazeer Cassim SC was held in public on 17, 20 and 21 December 2021.  Ms Magopeni was found guilty of misconduct for failure to take appropriate measures to ensure that the Court Order was complied with.

Advocate Cassim SC dealt with the issue of sanction as follows:  he recommended that Ms Magopeni be given a sanction of a warning. However, if Ms Magopeni made common cause with the remarks as set out in the heads of argument submitted on her behalf, the SABC should, in its discretion and decision-making power, adopt a sanction which is consistent with that of a breakdown in the trust relationship between employer and employee.

In this regard, Advocate Cassim SC gave the parties sufficient guidelines to deal with the issue of sanction, without further resort to himself.

Ms Magopeni was afforded an opportunity to submit mitigating factors and to address aggravating factors identified by the SABC, in line with the rule of natural justice and the audi alteram partem principle.

After several requests for extensions, instead of taking up the opportunity to submit her mitigating factors and distance herself from the remarks in, amongst other things, the heads of argument submitted on her behalf, she elected not to submit her mitigating factors. Thus, she waived her right to do so.

In the absence Ms Magopeni’s mitigating factors, the SABC concluded that there is a breakdown in the trust relationship between her and the SABC.

Consequently, Ms Magopeni’s services have been terminated with immediate effect and she has been informed accordingly.

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, 27 January 2022 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) would like to express its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and followers of Ms Winnie Mahlangu.

Ms. Mahlangu who was affectionately known as Mafungwase, joined the public service broadcaster as the first black female broadcaster at the erstwhile Radio Bantu in 1962. She was well known for her warm nature, her meaningful influence to the station as well as her contribution to empowerment of female counterparts in the industry. She retired from the Corporation in 1993.

In her honour and for a continued involvement beyond her tenure at the SABC, Ukhozi fm launched the Winnie Mahlangu Female Presenter Search as part of women’s month commemorations in 2020. This annual competition has begun to unearth new female radio talent and is set to open more doors to many other inspiring female radio broadcasters.

Ms Mahlangu also received The Order of Ikhamanga in Silver from the Presidency, for her role in the growth of listenership of the biggest radio station in the country – former Radio Zulu – and  her unmatched contribution to the field of broadcasting.

May her soul rest in peace.

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, 27 January 2022. The SABC Board has noted media coverage on the allegations levelled against its Chairperson and the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) by the Group Executive News and Current Affairs (GE). Some of the views expressed are misleading and untrue.

On 2 December 2021, after receiving the allegations from the GE, the SABC Board issued a media statement in which it assured the public that it took the allegations seriously and that the matter was being processed fairly in accordance with SABC polices. The SABC Board’s position has not changed in this regard.

A Special Committee of the Board has been established to deal with the allegations against the Chairperson fairly and expeditiously. The grievance against the GCEO will be dealt with in terms of SABC employment and disciplinary policies.

The Special Committee’s mandate includes:

1. evaluation of the allegations made by the GE against the Chairperson, so as to determine whether the allegations constitute a prima facie act of misconduct, and, if so, investigating the merits and veracity of the allegations;

2. making a determination based on the investigation conducted; and

3. making recommendations to the SABC Board on the steps to be taken by the Board.

Should misconduct be proved, the Board is bound in terms of the Broadcasting Act to report the matter to the appointing body. In the interests of procedural and substantive fairness and respecting the rights of all the parties involved, the Board will not be doing a running commentary on the grievance process. We trust that the public and interested parties will allow due process to be followed. The SABC Board remains committed to transparency and upholding the rule of law.

The Board is proud of the significant achievements made in turning around the SABC during its tenure, particularly on issues of governance and accountability.

The Board will continue to steer the SABC towards full recovery so that it achieves the goal of becoming a sustainable public broadcaster and the leading, credible voice and face of the nation and the continent.

Ends

Issued By                   :              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