Access to information has taken on a new meaning for the deaf audience of Ukhozi FM this Heritage month. The medium of Radio, traditionally reserved for hearing citizens, became accessible to the deaf community through a new SABC innovation that aims to discharge its public service mandate of serving a diverse society. Through this initiative, the SABC has ensured that its programming across its radio, television, and digital platforms, reaches a larger part of the society irrespective of their geographical location, socio-economic status, age, disability, and the language they speak.
Throughout history, public service broadcasting has been a vehicle through which citizens are informed on a variety of subjects and acquire knowledge and information which enables them to participate in the democratic system of our country. Most public service broadcasters (PSB) around the world draw their mandate from the Reithian public service broadcasting philosophies which indicate that public broadcasters must provide services that are aimed at informing, educating, and entertaining the citizens. Therefore, public broadcasters including the SABC are mandated to maximize serving all citizens in a democracy to ensure that citizens have access to and participate in public life.  The initiative by Ukhozi FM to integrate sign language into its programming is in place to ensure that the programmes offered by PSB institution are tailor-made for the diverse tastes and interests of the people.
This initiative is a ground-breaking effort as never in the history of public broadcasting in South Africa has a Radio station integrated sign language in its programming to ensure inclusivity of its diverse audience. Furthermore, Ukhozi FM has created a new radio audience that has never experienced radio before, utilizing social media as an enabler. It is therefore imperative that the SABC continuously amplifies its efforts to ensure that none of the members of the society are left behind. According to the South African National Deaf Association (SANDA), an advocacy organization with a role of promoting and advancing the rights of Deaf people, there are over more than four million deaf citizens in South Africa, until recently have had limited access to radio broadcasting.
In line with the SABC’s Editorial Policies which govern SABC programming on a wide range of issues including stereotyping and discrimination, race, gender, disability, violence, audience advisories, privacy, dignity and reputation, and children, Ukhozi FM’s 12:00-15:00 show, ‘Kanye Nawe’ is a culmination of the SABCs’ #Disability360 intervention which mandates the public broadcaster’s content to be inclusive of people living with disabilities. Each Friday, a professional interpreter joins the last hour of the show dedicated to hosting artist interviews and tackling disability issues. The artist’s interview is then broadcast on Ukhozi FM’s social media platforms of Facebook LIVE and the interpreter’s Instagram Live.  To date, Ukhozi FM LIVE page attracts 300- 500 viewers and the numbers reach up to 30 thousand viewers after the interview post is saved on the timeline. The numbers are growing exponentially, demonstrating the need for such programming in the community. This new audience group for Ukhozi FM comprises of an international deaf audience and attracts people of all races.
Central to the overall programming across all SABC platforms is broadcasting to meet the needs of all audiences and empower the South African citizenry at large.  The SABC has set the highest of editorial standards, incorporating the values and principles of the South African Constitution, the requirements of the broadcasting legislation and policies and most importantly, the expectations of its audiences. The public service broadcaster will continue to ensure the successful delivery of important statutory obligations that have been bestowed upon it by the broadcasting legislation framework.

Johannesburg – Tuesday, 28 September 2021 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) can confirm that the Sheriff of the Court of the North West province, has today executed an eviction order for the residential properties known as the BOP Flats, owned by the public service broadcaster in Mahikeng, North West province.
The SABC is in the process of disposing all its non-core assets, the bulk of which are residential properties owned by the public broadcaster in various provinces, including the North West province.
This eviction follows a final Court order granted in favour of the SABC by the Court on 20 August 2021 after numerous court applications were instituted by the illegal occupants in an attempt to halt the eviction process.
In light of the Court Order of 20 August 2021, the Sheriff of the Court has now proceeded to execute the eviction process of the illegal occupants of the BOP Flats.
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

Bloemfontein – Tuesday, 21 September – In an effort to upscale the vaccination drive in the province, the Free State Department of Health is collaborating with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and launching a drive through and walk-in vaccination site at the SABC Bloemfontein Office Park at the Corner of Kellner and Markgraff Street on Tuesday, 21 September 2021.
The SABC’s office park in Westdene is conveniently located in an accessible area that’s close to residential areas, office parks and it also serves as a walkway where many domestic workers who may not easily access vaccination sites during working hours will now be able to visit.  The site will operate from Tuesday the 21st of September from 9h00 to 15h00 and 08h30 – 16h30 on Wednesday, the 22^nd and Thursday the 23^rd of September 2021.
The Provincial department of Health is providing the vaccination infrastructure and medical resources to ensure a safe and Covid compliant administration process, and the SABC is providing an easily accessible location.  Anyone 18 and above is invited to visit the vaccination site to get their jab. The staff from the department of Health will register and vaccinate people on the spot.
#Hareyengvaccination.
END
 
Issued jointly by the Free State Department of Health and the SABC.
For further enquiries, please contact:
Mondli Mvambi, Spokesperson: Free State Department of Health, 082 043 3744
and / or
Ms. Gugu Ntuli (Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)
NtuliGM@sabc.co.za|T. 011 714 3311|C. 071 877 0513
____________________________________________________
About SABC
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is South Africa’s only public service broadcaster, established 85 years ago, in 1936. The corporation currently boasts nineteen (19) radio stations and six (6) television channels and has aggressively expanded its platforms to include digital platforms, reflecting the changing consumption patterns of its audiences. In 2013, the Corporation launched its 24-hour SABC News Channel 404, which has fast become a market leader since its inception. The SABC News division further extended its services to online and digital platforms with the launch of the SABC News App in 2019. The corporation launched its 24-Hour Sports Channel in April 2021 on the Openview platform, channel 124.The Sports Channel is also available on the SABC’s DTT service and TelkomONE’s mobile platform. In its commitment to fulfilling its mandate, the SABC will continue to play a critical role in ensuring that nation-building and social cohesion are promoted by acquiring and scheduling content that reflects South African stories on its radio, television and digital platforms.
 
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      

Cape Town-Tuesday, 21 September 2021- The South African Broadcasting Corporation in the (SABC) Western Cape will celebrate Heritage Day this Thursday, and listeners are invited to join for the ride.  In celebrating the country’s collective heritage, SABC radio stations Good Hope FM, Radio Sonder Grense (RSG), and Umhlobo Wenene FM will take listeners on a journey through time.  The celebration themed, “the incidental Tourist” will take the form of a live travelling broadcast across the three platforms, sharing the rich history of the City’s key locations with listeners.
 
The broadcast will kick-off in the morning, with live crossings throughout the day offering a multi-lingual and tailored experience for listeners.  The route of discovery will take “passengers” to Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum, which tells the story of the Bo-Kaap’s origins dating back to the 1760s when numerous “huurhuisjes” (rental houses) were built and leased to slaves known as Cape Malays.
 
Another historic site that listeners can anticipate is District 6 where over 60,000 of its inhabitants were forcibly removed by the apartheid regime. Their story of suffering and dispossession has turned into a story of triumph as people are returning to their land from which they were evicted many years ago when it was deemed a “whites only” area.   Listeners can anticipate other iconic points of interest that reflect the rich heritage of the city, and the people who live in and around it.
 
Western Cape Regional Operations Manager, Kenneth Makatees says “unlike any other entity in the region, the SABC platforms in the Cape have the ability to reflect the breadth and depth of our regional diversity and heritage.  This year’s heritage journey is a prime example of how the national public broadcaster can use its platforms to reach millions of listeners, in their own languages to share a common history”.
 
The public is encouraged to tune into any of the three (3) SABC stations and experience the Cape like never before and discover what makes this region one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country and across the globe.
 
#SABCHeritage2021
Media are welcome to join the tour:
Contact:  Ms. Che Che Mazoka, Regional Communications/Stakeholder
mazokacc@sabc.co.za
076 893 1909
____________________________________________________
About SABC
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is South Africa’s only public service broadcaster, established 85 years ago, in 1936. The corporation currently boasts nineteen (19) radio stations and six (6) television channels and has aggressively expanded its platforms to include digital platforms, reflecting the changing consumption patterns of its audiences. In 2013, the Corporation launched its 24-hour SABC News Channel 404, which has fast become a market leader since its inception. The SABC News division further extended its services to online and digital platforms with the launch of the SABC News App in 2019. The corporation launched its 24-Hour Sports Channel in April 2021 on the Openview platform, channel 124.The Sports Channel is also available on the SABC’s DTT service and TelkomONE’s mobile platform. In its commitment to fulfilling its mandate, the SABC will continue to play a critical role in ensuring that nation-building and social cohesion are promoted by acquiring and scheduling content that reflects South African stories on its radio, television and digital platforms.
 
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    

ROYALTY SOAPIE AWARDS WINNERS FROM SABC
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Platfontein-Friday, 17 September 2021 –  The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) radio stations will unite to celebrate XK-FM’s 21 years in radio and to keep the heritage of the !Xun and Khwe  alive during heritage month, and beyond.
Starting Monday September 20^th through to 26^th September, six (6) African Language SABC radio stations will carry a 3-5min simulcast broadcast of XK-FM at various points throughout the day.  This exposure is designed to give listeners an opportunity to hear and learn more about the !Xu and Khwe languages and culture.
Both digital and on–air crossings will take place on Motsweding FM, Munghana Lonene FM, Ukhozi FM, Tru-FM, Ikwekwezi FM and Umhlobo Wenene FM.  The radio platforms will also showcase XK-FM’s digital banners and audio translations of typical phrases in !Xu  and Khwe languages.
XK-FM is the only radio station in the country that supports the! Xu and Khe languages of the indigenous San people.
“XK-FM is one of the SABC’s most prized possessions” says Northern Cape Regional Operations Manager Refiloe Maraka. “It truly is the lifeline of the community it serves in Platfontein.  The station is a prime example of the value that the SABC brings to its listeners as it entertains and informs and perhaps even more importantly, preserves the languages and heritage of our most marginalized and vulnerable communities” he adds. “We encourage listeners across the country to take this opportunity to learn a phrase or two and use it when they come and visit our beautiful region.”
XK-FM’s maiden broadcast on 18th of August 2000 was launched from a stationary container in Schmidt’s drift in the Northern Cape.  The hours of operation at the time were 06:00 to 13h00 which is a far cry from today’s schedule which broadcasts for 15hrs a day in both languages from its current home in Platfontein.
 
For the complete schedule of the times of the live crossings to XK-FM from the various radio stations visit www.sabc.co.za
#SABCHeritage2021
END
____________________________________________________
About SABC
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is South Africa’s only public service broadcaster, established 85 years ago, in 1936. The corporation currently boasts nineteen (19) radio stations and six (6) television channels and has aggressively expanded its platforms to include digital platforms, reflecting the changing consumption patterns of its audiences. In 2013, the Corporation launched its 24-hour SABC News Channel 404, which has fast become a market leader since its inception. The SABC News division further extended its services to online and digital platforms with the launch of the SABC News App in 2019. The corporation launched its 24-Hour Sports Channel in April 2021 on the Openview platform, channel 124.The Sports Channel is also available on the SABC’s DTT service and TelkomONE’s mobile platform. In its commitment to fulfilling its mandate, the SABC will continue to play a critical role in ensuring that nation-building and social cohesion are promoted by acquiring and scheduling content that reflects South African stories on its radio, television and digital platforms.
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, 09 September 2021 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), is pleased to announce the recognition received by several of its radio stations, television properties and on-air personalities at this year’s Sunday Times GenNext Awards, which were announced today and  hosted by 5FM’s “it” girl – Zanele Potelwa.
The Sunday Times GenNext Awards are the leading measure of what South African youth from age 8 – 23 find trendy and aspirational and offer valuable youth consumer behaviour to brand managers, advertisers and marketing professionals.
SABC Radio dominated the coolest radio category with Ukhozi FM voted third coolest Radio brand, Umhlobo Wenene FM second, and for the ninth consecutive year, Metro FM is the coolest radio station in South Africa. 5fm, Lesedi FM and Radio 2000 also formed part of the shortlist of radio stations voted as being cool by South African youth.

• Coolest Radio Stations 2021

1. METRO FM (METRO FM has claimed the number one position for the 9th consecutive year).
2. Umhlobo Wenene FM
3. Ukhozi FM

The SABC also featured strongly in other categories  and ranked as  follows:

• Coolest TV/streaming/content/channels/platforms 2021

7. SABC

• Coolest Local TV Programmes/series 2021

3. Uzalo
4. 7de Laan
5. Skeem Saam
6. Generations

• Coolest Cartoon Shows

3. Dragonball Z

• Coolest Local Radio DJ 2021 – New

3. Dineo Ranaka
4. DJ Mo Flava
5. Lerato Kganyago/ LKG
6. DJ Sqemeza

• Digital Learning platform 2021 – New

7. SABC 1 Learning

SABC Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing, Ms. Gugu Ntuli stated “As an organisation we are excited by the recognition that our brands and programming have received at this year’s installment of the GenNext Awards. It is evident that South African youth resonate with our content and what our brands represent and it is encouraging to see that the consistent hard work and dedication  of our radio stations and television channels is paying off.
Ms. Ntuli further stated “the awards are also a testament to the diverse content that the SABC has to offer, with programmes such as SABC 2’s 7 de Laan to SABC 1’s highly popular youth drama Skeem Saam placing in the public votes. The SABC will continue to strive to bring South Africans programming that is informative, educative and indeed entertaining”.
ENDS
About SABC
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is South Africa’s only public service broadcaster, established 85 years ago, in 1936. The corporation currently boasts nineteen (19) radio stations and six (6) television channels and has aggressively expanded its platforms to include digital platforms, reflecting the changing consumption patterns of its audiences. In 2013, the Corporation launched its 24-hour SABC News Channel 404, which has fast become a market leader since its inception. The SABC News division further extended its services to online and digital platforms with the launch of the SABC News App in 2019. The corporation launched its 24-Hour Sport Channel in April 2021 on the Openview platform, channel 124.The Sports Channel is also available on the SABC’s DTT service and TelkomONE’s mobile platform. In its commitment to fulfilling its mandate, the SABC it will continue to play a critical role in ensuring that nation-building and social cohesion is promoted by acquiring and scheduling content that reflects South African stories on its radio, television and digital platforms.
ENDS
Issued By:                          Corporate Affairs and Marketing
 
Media Enquiries:                 Ms. Gugu Ntuli (Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing)
NtuliGM@sabc.co.za|T. 011 714 3311|C. 071 877 0513      

Johannesburg, 3rd September 2021 – SABC1 is the main broadcast partner of the annual Royalty Soapie Awards which kicked off with the nominee’s announcement on the 1^st of September and saw the SABC score 66 nominations.
S3’s telenovela The Estate received the highest number of nominations with 26 with the highlights being the nominations of Outstanding Lead Actor, Outstanding Daily TV Drama, and Outstanding Onscreen Couple, followed by 7de Laan and Skeem Saam scoring 10 nominations each.
The South African adaptation of the international series Ugly Betty, uBettina Wethu received 6 nominations including an outstanding female villain as portrayed by Ayanda Bandla in her role as Lakhe Amon.
SABC2’s Muvhango’s nominations include that of an outstanding onscreen couple for the characters of Mulalo and Teboho played by Sidney Ramakuwela and Liteboho Modise. The soapie received a total of 5 nominations.
 
Following right behind Muvhango are Generations: The Legacy and Uzalo with 4 nominations each.
 
Die Sentrum also from SABC2 received one nomination in the Most Popular Show Category.
 
The Royalty Awards Nominees List for SABC Video Entertainment
 

 
Viewers can also vote in for their favorites in the following categories:

• 5^th Royalty Soapie Awards: Most Popular Show of the Year – USSD *120*322020*1#
• 5^th Royalty Soapie Awards: Viewer’s Choice Best Actor – USSD *120*32020*2#
• 5^th Royalty Soapie Awards: Viewer’s Choice Best Actress – USSD *120*32020*3#

 
Catch all your favorite soapies and dramas on weekdays on SABC TV channels.
 
For more information and interview opportunities please contact the SABC Video Entertainment office:
Media inquiries: –
Caroline Phalakatshela
Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment
phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za
 
 

Johannesburg- Thursday, 02 September 2021 -The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is pleased to announce that it has secured the rights to the live broadcast of all of South Africa’s matches – home and away – in the 2^nd round of the FIFA World Cup 2022 African Qualifiers, taking place between the 1^st of September and the 16^th of November 2021, over six matches.
 
South Africa will face tough opponents in Ghana, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia in their Group G matches as they fight to become one of the 10 group winners who will go into the final qualifying round next year. It all kicks off with Bafana Bafana against Zimbabwe on Friday, 3 September at 15h00 in Harare, before they return home to take on the Black Stars at FNB Stadium on Monday, 6 September at 18h00.
 
The SABC Sport General Manager, Gary Rathbone said, “we are extremely pleased to have been able to reach an agreement with FIFA to broadcast these games and allow South African football fans to be part of the excitement as our team takes up the challenge to qualify for the Finals in Qatar 2022. With a new coach and a new energy in the team, this Friday and next Monday will be a time to focus on the present and stand as a nation behind our team – win or lose.”
 
He added that “this also shows that SABC Sport can do more for its audiences by going the extra mile to bring them all of the soccer action. Making games of national importance available to all South Africans and bringing us together behind our national teams like Bafana Bafana – that is really what the SABC is all about”.
 
All six matches will be broadcast live and in full on either SABC 1 or SABC 3, as well as on the SABC Sport Channel, 11 SABC radio stations with full commentary and 2 radio stations with live reports. SABC 1 and 3 and the Sport Channel are also available on the SABC DTT service, as well as the Openview platform and the TelkomONE mobile live-streaming app.
 

• Friday, 3^rd September 2021 – Zimbabwe VS South Africa at 15h00 live on SABC 1, SABC Sport Channel (DTT/Openview 124/TelkomONE) and SABC Radio Stations.
• Monday, 6^th September 2021 – South Africa vs Ghana at 18h00 live on SABC 3, SABC Sport Channel (DTT/Openview 124/TelkomONE) and SABC Radio Stations.
• Wednesday, 6^th October 2021 – Ethiopia VS South Africa (Channels TBC)
• Sunday, 10^th October 2021 – South Africa VS Ethiopia (Channels TBC)
• Thursday, 11^th November 2021 – South Africa VS Zimbabwe (Channels TBC)
• Sunday, 14^th November 2021 – Ghana VS South Africa (Channels TBC)

 
Follow us @sabcsport on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for updates.
 
END
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- Wednesday, 01 September 2021-Ukhozi FM is pleased to announce that Bingelela Mpanza was announced as the recipient of the highly contested Winnie Mahlangu Female Presenter Search for 2021 on Tuesday, 31 August 2021.
The campaign launched in 2020 as part of Women’s Month commemoration in honour of the retired Ukhozi FM’s first woman broadcaster, Ms. Winnie Mahlangu.  In its’ second edition, the campaign received close to 1800 demos from women interested in being selected for a 12-month mentorship contract with the station.  Ms. Mpanza was announced as the overall recipient, after a four-week run that involved voting by listeners, on-air engagements, and a virtual interview with station management.  The listeners voted at weekly intervals for their favorite demo and the four demos that were most voted for made it to the finals, bringing the total number of votes in the 4 week voting phase to 175 292.
An elate and emotional Bingelela was called live on air with the great news on the station’s afternoon drive show, where Programmes Manager, Zandile Tembe delivered the good news.  Her radio experience is a 5-month trial that she did in 2015 at Nongoma FM and due to financial challenges at home, was compelled to find employment in the coal mines. However, the radio bug never left her and this opportunity arose, she heeded the call to submit her demo.
Bingelela was not the only winner, but Nombuso Tembe from Mtuba’s Rise FM was awarded a R5000 prize as the runner-up. Bingelela will be trained, mentored, and coached by the station and will be heard on-air in due course.
Over and above this female presenter search, the station honored the first woman Station Manager of Ukhozi FM throughout the month of August, Ms. Zamabo Mkize, who also started out as an on-air personality.
Ukhozi FM Business Manager, Ms. Sbongi Ngcobo stated that “As Ukhozi FM we are very proud of this campaign which seeks to improve the female voice in terms of presence in the radio industry. Bingelela is a deserving winner who we are excited to welcome to the Ukhozi FM family”.
 
END
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