Johannesburg,- Saturday, 31 July 2021-The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is deeply saddened by the passing of former Muvhango actor Shona Ferguson who played the role of Dr. Leabua on the popular soapie. Mr Ferguson also appeared in Generations as Ace and Isidingo playing the role of Tyson.
He was a co-founder of Ferguson films, alongside his wife, former Generations actress Connie Ferguson.
The Group Executive of SABC Video Entertainment, Mr. Merlin Naicker stated that “The industry has lost a great filmmaker and actor. He has left an indelible mark and his work will remain part of the South African Film and Television’s rich archives, and will serve as a great well of knowledge for the aspiring filmmakers and actors”.
Mr. Duma Ndlovu – The executive producer for Word of Mouth, expressed his sadness “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ferguson family and fans during this difficult time, we are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear brother. We have lost a dedicated contributor in the film and television industry, who has been doing remarkable work. We remember him for his unmistakable dedication and passion” says the Muvhango Executive producer.
The SABC sends its heartfelt condolences to the Ferguson family, his colleagues, and his friends.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Ends
Media enquiries:
Caroline Phalakatshela
Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment
072 382 2032
Johannesburg – Friday, 30 July 2021 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), would like to announce the departure of renowned sports broadcasters, Mr. Robert Marawa and Ms. Vaylen Kirtley.
Robert Marawa departs following the conclusion of the MSW (Marawa Sport Worldwide) which Marawa presented on both METRO FM and Radio 2000 simultaneously.
Ms. Kirtley presented the Sport segment of SABC’s television current affairs show, Morning Live, and was also an anchor for SABC sport programming. She joined the SABC 20 years ago and started with junior sports programmes at the time.
The SABC would like to wish Mr. Marawa and Ms. Kirtley well in their future endeavors and appreciates their contribution to SABC Sport programming.
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
Johannesburg, Saturday, 24 July 2021– The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is saddened by the passing of Mr. Coudjoe Amankwa. Mr. Amankwa worked for the SABC as a Sports Analyst and participated in some of the major sporting events including FIFA World Cup, Confederation of African Football and many Premier Soccer League matches.
He was devoted to the Corporation and served diligently by always providing a wealth of knowledge and expertise in his field of work.
The General Manager for SABC Sport, Mr. Gary Rathbone stated that “I would like to pay tribute to a person who was not only extremely knowledgeable about football on our continent, but who was courageous, never afraid to speak his mind and always warm-hearted and larger than life. Having known and worked with Coudjoe since the early 2000s, I considered him a friend as much as a colleague, and will miss his presence in our world of sport immensely”.
SABC Management and staff would like to send heartfelt condolences to the Amankwa family and friends.
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
Johannesburg, Friday, 23 July 2021-The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) radio station SAfm, is pleased to announce that Ms. Sechaba Gqeba will be the new host of its midday lifestyle show, Living Redefined with Sechaba Gqeba 13:00-15:00 on weekdays following the resignation of Ms. Phemelo Motene at the end of June.
Ms. Gqeba has over a decade of broadcast experience and her commercial radio breakthrough came up when she won a region-wide annual talent search hosted one of the country’s commercial radio stations and subsequently worked for another commercial radio shortly after. She has also worked as a news reader for some of South Africa’s two leading national radio platforms; SAfm & Radio 2000, which were overtaken by her desire to host her own radio show. She is also a television presenter, a seasoned MC and speaker. She also presented Motswako on SABC 2.
Ms Gqeba will start presenting the show from 01 August 2021. “We are excited to welcome Ms. Sechaba Gqeba to the SAfm family. Based on her experience, the station is happy to have her as the new show host for the Living Redefined with Sechaba Gqeba”, said Fortune Combo Acting Business Manager, Ms. Kina Nhlengethwa.
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
Johannesburg, 22 July 2021 – Today, in commemoration of the life of renowned legendary musician Tshepo Tshola, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) will broadcast his memorial service live on SABC 1, SABC News Channel 404 as well as on SABC Encore on DTT at 1pm.
Through his music, Mr. Tshola contributed immensely to the democracy and freedom that all South Africans enjoy today. He will be solely missed.
The SABC sends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and music lovers at large.
May His Soul Rest in Peace
For media enquiries:
Caroline Phalakatshela
Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment
072 382 2032
SABC is proud to introduce one of its bursary beneficiaries Mr. Moeketsi Mahlatsi, a 24-year-old young man from the Eastern Cape, Lady Grey who obtained a B.Sc. degree in Quantity Surveying degree this year. In celebration of Mandela Month, we chat to him about his journey and inspiration to further his studies at the University of the Free State, funded by the SABC Foundation since 2017.
How did you get to be SABC’s bursary beneficiary? Tell us about the process
In 2016 when I was doing grade 12, I started searching for funding online, and the SABC bursary was one of many bursaries which I applied for. I sent my application to the SABC and then I got an acknowledgment letter, informing me that my application was received. In October 2016 I received a letter informing me that I have received the bursary and the SABC is waiting for my final grade 12 results. On the 5th January 2017, I got my final grade 12 results and was accepted by the University of the Free State and then sent the acceptance letter to the SABC. Then I received an official letter from the SABC informing me that the bursary will be covering my registration, tuition, accommodation, books, and meals.
What inspired you to pursue a Quantity Surveying qualification and what does the course entail?
Quantity Surveying is a construction industry profession that deals with construction contracts and the finances of construction projects. It advises a contractor about the finances of the project, suitable contracts for the project, and the legal side of the project. I decided to pursue this qualification because of its diversity. This qualification comes with many options once completed because it includes Finance, Law, Management, and Business.
How has the SABC enabled you to achieve this milestone?
The SABC awarded me a bursary from my first year in university until I completed my degree. This bursary gave me financial freedom and allowed me to focus on my studies without worrying about the fees. The SABC bursary fully paid for my tuition, accommodation, books, and grocery allowance. Throughout my university time, I never had to worry about a place to stay or where I would get food. This all gave me financial and emotional freedom, allowing me to focus on my studies. I am truly thankful to the SABC, for making things easy for me and allowing me to achieve my biggest dream. Getting a university degree and being able to support my family has always been my biggest dream.
What are your future aspirations in your professional life in the next 5 years?
I want to gain more experience in the Quantity Surveying field as an Estimator, a Contract Evaluator, and as Construction Manager. I am looking forward to being supervised by an experienced Quantity Surveyor so that I can learn more about problem-solving in this field. Later, I want to register as a candidate Quantity Surveyor and obtain a practice number to become a fully equipped and qualified Quantity Surveyor.
What advice would you give to future students and graduates coming after you?
Hard work will always pay off. My high school teacher always told me that there’s no such thing as “luck”, instead, “You make your own luck”. If you work hard enough, good things will come to you. Nothing is impossible; you can achieve anything if you work hard. Secondly, discipline is very important to pass through the hardships at school. You need to start being disciplined from the early grades of school to allow yourself to be a successful student in University/College. It will be difficult to learn discipline at the tertiary level, if you want to succeed, learn it now.
Johannesburg-Tuesday, 20 July 2021-The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has noted with concern the scathing allegations levelled against the Corporation by SAMPRA and some music artists through public statements.
The Corporation views this matter in a serious light and would like to clarify the gross misinformation which is being fueled by SAMPRA. The SABC has a legal obligation to pay a predetermined percentage of needeltime royalties to registered and accredited Collecting Societies. Currently, there are two known registered and accredited Collecting Societies namely, IMPRA and SAMPRA.
The SABC has set aside an amount due for payment of needletime royalties and has always been ready to pay the amount to the relevant Collecting Societies. Both IMPRA and SAMPRA are aware of this. However, the SABC has not paid needletime royalties to either Collecting Society as the two Collecting Societies have not agreed on the percentage split of the determined amount.
To facilitate the resolution of the dispute between the two Collecting Societies, the SABC had proposed that the matter be referred to Arbitration for speedy resolution. Regrettably, notwithstanding the in-principle agreement to refer the matter to an arbitration process, the two Collecting Societies could not agree to the scoping of the dispute. Thus, the Arbitration could not be pursued.
It is imperative to note that the SABC cannot pay needletime royalties to any Collecting Society whilst a dispute on the percentage split between the two Collecting Societies remains unresolved. Further, the resolution of the percentage split is dependent on the two Collecting Societies and not on the SABC. The SABC met with the two Collecting Societies on the 08th of May 2020 to discuss ways in which all parties can resolve the long-standing dispute on the allocation of needletime royalties and key on the agenda was to find a solution to urgently address the challenges faced by artists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whilst the dispute on the allocation of needletime royalties was not resolved on the day of this meeting, all parties agreed to embark on an arbitration process to resolve the legal dispute on the allocation of needletime royalties. Most importantly, in order to help bring relief to the beneficiaries of needletime royalties, and as part of the SABC’s commitment to the payment of needletime royalties, the SABC has already made an advance payment of R20 million to both Collecting Societies.
It must be noted that according to the Registrar of Copyright at the Companies Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) at the DTI, the SABC does not pay the Artists and the Owner of the song (Record Company and Performers) directly for needletime royalties. It pays the Artist and the Owner of the song via the Collecting Societies. The Artists are at liberty to approach the Collecting societies.
The SABC has also learnt through the media that SAMPRA is intending to approach the Court. As a matter of principle, the SABC does not litigate through the media; therefore, we will deal with the matter once we are served with the relevant papers.
The Corporation SABC will continue to work with the Collecting Societies and other relevant stakeholders for the growth and development of the South African music industry.
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
Johannesburg – Friday, 16 July 2021 – The South Africa Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is very pleased to announce that, after successful commercial negotiations with Supersport today, the CAF Champions League Final will be shown live on SABC 1 tomorrow 17 July 2021, with match build-up at 8pm and kickoff at 9pm.
The public broadcaster wishes Kaizer Chiefs the best of luck for the final and we hope the knowledge that the whole country will be watching them will inspire the team to greater heights.
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
Johannesburg, 16th July 2021- SABC1 is pleased to announce the return of our tabloid entertainment show The Real Goboza (RGB) as it debuts with season 15 on Saturday 17th July 2021 at 19:30.
Our hosts Samora Mangesi and Sinazo Yolwa joined by insert presenter Mulisa Mudau will continue to bring new scandals to our viewers and fans with a reinvigorated creative spirit and the same powerful energy that has made The Real Goboza show the viewer’s favourite for over 10 years.
RGB which will be broadcasting its final season, will reflect on the best moments and celebrate how far the show has come, revisiting the most epic moments, biggest scandals, and iconic celebrity interviews as we wrap up 10 years of intriguing celebrity scandal coverage, whilst at the same time keeping viewers informed with current gossip and updates of the entertainment industry.
The show will engage our followers on social media platforms as they mention their favourite moments.
Even with Covid restrictions, RGB will take great care in giving the viewer exclusive access to A-list events. Putting our celebrity sense of style in the spotlight on the SAMA’s red-carpet, one of the biggest and unmissable moments on the entertainment calendar.
Tune into SABC 1 every Saturday at 19:30, for the final season of The Real Goboza, starting on the 17th July 2021.
For more information, interview opportunities and publicity images please contact the SABC1 PR office.
For media enquiries: –
Caroline Phalakatshela
Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment
072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za
Johannesburg – Friday, 16 July 2021 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) regrets to announce that it has been denied the opportunity of broadcasting the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League Final between Kaizer Chiefs and Egypt‘s Al Ahly. The SABC was surprised and disappointed to learn yesterday that CAF had sold the exclusive rights to broadcast the final to the pay-TV broadcaster, Supersport.
Despite the SABC meeting CAF’s asking price for the free-to-air rights, the offer was rejected on the basis that CAF has signed an exclusive deal with Supersport that covers all rights, including the free-to-air rights, for this match. The agreement between CAF and Supersport is wrong as it places this showpiece of African club football behind a pay-wall, effectively denying millions of South African football fans the opportunity to watch the game.
The SABC had always intended to broadcast this historic match given the massive support Kaizer Chiefs enjoys in South Africa and acknowledging that this is the club’s first CAF Champions League Final. The public broadcaster therefore engaged in good faith negotiations with CAF but for some reason CAF withheld information about their exclusive deal with the pay-TV broadcaster until yesterday.
Considering the current difficult conditions in the country and the cohesive power of sport, the SABC has made every reasonable effort to ensure that the match would be accessible to all South African via our free-to-air channels. SABC management has also tried to reach out to the leadership of CAF in this regard.
It simply cannot be in the public interest for CAF and Supersport to contractually exclude millions of non-pay-TV subscribers from watching this game. Furthermore, it is disreputable for a pay-TV broadcaster to acquire free-to-air rights with the intention of blocking free-to-air broadcasters from using those rights. At a time when economic exclusion is the biggest issue facing South Africa, not only does this deal between CAF and Supersport perpetuate the divide in our society but it shows scant regard for the issues facing our people.
The failure of ICASA’s Sports Rights regulations to deal with this situation means the public broadcaster has no recourse to the regulator even though broadcasting the CAF Champions League Final – involving one of South Africa’s biggest clubs – is clearly part of SABC’s public mandate.
This is a very sad day for Kaizer Chiefs fans and all football lovers in South Africa when CAF, the custodian of the people’s game on the African continent, agrees to exclude millions of people who cannot afford pay-TV.
Despite this unfortunate outcome driven by two parties who do not have public service obligations, and clearly do not have the poor’s interest at heart, the SABC remains committed to bringing big sporting events to all South Africans.
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
