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

Johannesburg, Monday, 30 August 2021- The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is pleased to announce that a total number of 2146 people were vaccinated at the SABC Pop Up Vaccination Site which was set up in SABC Auckland Park campus between Thursday, 26 August 2021 and Saturday, 28 August 2021.
The Pop Site was established through a partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health, wherein the public broadcaster supported the government’s efforts to vaccinate as many citizens as possible.
The Corporation would like to express its gratitude to all its staff members and the members of the public who heeded the call and braved the cold weather conditions to be part of this important initiative aimed at ensuring that the wellbeing of the South African society is prioritized.
The  SABC will be rolling out this service in other Provincial offices and all the relevant details pertaining to this will be shared in due course.
 
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

Independent Contractor

Full Stack Software Developer

The South African Broadcasting Corporation required the services of Independent Contractors during the elections who meet the following criteria:

Requirements

• At least 5 years’ experience as a software developer.
• Good understanding of modern and traditional web frontend approaches, libraries and languages including jQuery, Javascript (Vanilla), SASS
• Proven experience in the following technologies:
  • Django
  • D3
  • Postgres
  • Unix systems
• Experience using and maintaining Docker containers in development and production
• Comfortable with git and GitHub
• Experience with data processing and ETL beneficial
• Experience writing unit and integration tests.
• Able to support the software development lead with architectural decisions.
• Experience leading a development team
• Able to self-manage, communicate clearly and work as part of a small team (2-3 people)
• Able to attend regular online calls for planning, clarification etc

 
Closing date: 10 September 2021
Please send your CV to: Tony Main at MainT@sabc.co.za
 

Johannesburg, Wednesday, 25 August 2021- The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health, wherein the public broadcaster will support efforts to vaccinate as many citizens as possible. The partnership will see the launch of a pop-up vaccination site at the SABC’s Auckland Park campus, operating from Thursday, 26 August 2021, at the Radio Park open parking.
This partnership will be launched at the SABC’s Auckland Park campus as it is conveniently located close to various higher education institutions and public transport routes. The vaccination site will also be accessible to SABC staff, service providers, and the public.
The GCEO of the SABC, Mr. Madoda Mxakwe, commented that “this is an important partnership for the SABC as we believe we have a collective responsibility and duty to fight COVID-19. We have committed our resources and facilities to provide better access to vaccination to all South Africans. As part of our commitment to fulfilling our mandate, it is our plan that through this partnership, this service will be extended to other SABC provincial offices”.
All members of the public who wish to be vaccinated can access the site from 06h00 – 16h00 on Thursday 26 August 2021 and 08h00 – 16h00 on Friday and Saturday, 27 -28 August 2021.
 
The SABC remains committed to partnering with various stakeholders in ensuring the wellbeing of South African citizens.
 
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 – Wednesday, 25 August 2021 – The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is pleased to announce Ms. Kina Nhlengethwa’s appointment as the new Radio Business Manager for one of its biggest commercial radio stations, METRO FM.
Ms. Kina Nhlengethwa has vast experience spanning over 16 years within the organisation in the radio division and has served as Marketing Manager for SAFM, as well Acting Station Manager for SAFM and Radio 2000 respectively at different periods. Before this appointment, she occupied the position of Programmes Manager for Radio 2000 as well as serving as Acting Business Manager for the Fortune Combo (Radio 2000, SAfm & Lotus FM).
 
Her first experience with the METRO FM brand dates as far back as 2005, when she occupied the role of Marketing Assistant. She was later appointed as the Brand Executive in 2009. Between 2012 and 2015 she served as the Marketing Manager for the same brand.
 
She holds several post graduate qualifications including a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Milpark Business School, a Management Development Program (MDP) from the University of Stellenbosch and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management from University of KwaZulu-Natal.
           
Ms. Nhlengethwa stated that “I have built a successful career in the field of Marketing and Communication within the SABC, and 9 years of that at management level. I have spent 9 years with METRO FM, 1 year with Radio 2000 and 5 years with SAfm, and back to Radio 2000. My expertise is in successfully creating and implementing strategic marketing and operational processes for Radio brands. Through my experience, I have become adept in overseeing a wide variety of operational responsibilities, to ensure outstanding delivery and optimize financial performance.”
SABC Management wishes Ms. Kina Nhlengethwa well in her new role and believes she will continue the legacy of METRO FM being a dominant force in the radio space.
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 – Friday, 20 August 2021 – The Walt Disney Company Africa and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) have today signed a distribution agreement to bring local and international live sporting events, news programming, as well as library and film sporting content from ESPN to SABC Sports viewers across South Africa, through its SABC Sports Channel.
 
With this agreement, SABC Sports viewers will unlock a selection of premium sports content. The undisputed home of American Sports, ESPN brings an unparalleled portfolio of US sporting content and documentaries to its viewers across the world. In Africa, the broadcaster extends this offering by showcasing the latest in European football and other international franchises.
 
Kicking off this weekend is the premiere of two brand-new ESPN-branded football slots that will air each Saturday and Sunday on the SABC Sports Channel at midday during European football season. The dedicated slots will offer viewers a live English Championship match on Saturdays at 13:30 and a Dutch Eredivisie game on Sundays at 12:15, as well as highlights from the US’ Major League Soccer and premiere football news roundups from ESPN’s magazine shows, including the popular ESPN FC.
 
SABC Sports will bring the world’s top track and field athletes to its viewers through ESPN’s four live World Athletics Events, with the first coming straight from Nairobi with the U20 Championships, currently on air. Additional events include the World Indoor Championships from Serbia (March 2022), World Race Walking Championships from Belarus (April 2022) and the World Championships from the USA (July 2022).
 
After a successful inaugural season in Kigali earlier this year, teams from across the continent will once again gather to showcase the best in local basketball talent in a hotly-anticipated second season of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA). SABC Sports viewers can look forward to select fixtures of this celebrated local league being broadcast live on their screens in 2022.
 
Boxing fans will need to look no further as the SABC Sports will be bringing live boxing events and programming to viewers in 2022, including over 150 hours of boxing content from ESPN’s vast library, showcasing the greatest in boxing events, athletes and moments in the sport’s history.
 
SABC Sport General Manager, Mr. Gary Rathbone stated: “This agreement is going to add significant depth to our current offering on the SABC Sports Channel. Our channel will now offer unrivalled content to our local sport fans seven days a week, thanks to ESPN’s great boxing archive and film and documentary library. With the addition of long-awaited regular live boxing events, as well more live Football, Athletics and African Basketball, it’s clear that this partnership will deliver right across the board for our viewers”.
 
Rathbone also added that: “This partnership will not only give our viewers access to great sports content but will see the SABC Sport Channel and our teams benefiting from the resources and experience that this collaboration with ESPN offers.”
 
Says Kyle De Klerk, Director: Sports, The Walt Disney Company Africa: “With this content agreement we are excited to not only be bringing ESPN’s unprecedented and compelling sporting offering to new audiences, but to also be taking a great step in highlighting and celebrating some of the up and coming leagues and athletes from around this continent.”
 
Says Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa: “We are delighted to be extending our relationship with SABC to include ESPN, bringing another diversified and exciting brand from Disney’s portfolio to local free-to-air audiences.”
 
How to tune in:
Openview Channel 124
SABC’s DTT Service
TelkomONE Mobile Platform
 
Schedules subject to change, check local listings. For updates from the world of American and other sports, fans can connect to @ESPNAfrica on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit https://www.espn.com/.
 
Follow SABC Sports for more updates on @sportatsabc on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
 
 
For more information, kindly contact:
SABC:
Gugu Ntuli
SABC Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Marketing
Tel: +27 71 877 0513
Email:  NtuliGM@sabc.co.za
 
The Walt Disney Company Africa:
c/o Jenny Griesel Communications
Jenny Griesel
Tel: +27 83 406 3444
Email: jenny@jennygriesel.co.za
 
About ESPN:
ESPN, Inc., is the world’s leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment enterprise featuring a portfolio of more than 50 multimedia sports assets. It has eight U.S. television networks and 26 International Networks, ESPN Audio (broadcast, satellite, digital, podcasts), the leading portfolio of digital sports services in the world, ESPN The Magazine, consumer products, ESPN Events and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. Hearst holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN.
 
About SABC:
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is South Africa’s only public service broadcaster, and was 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, in 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. Our 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. As the SABC forges ahead, 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 our radio, television and digital platforms.
 
About The Walt Disney Company EMEA:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes Disney Parks, Experiences and Products; Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution; and three content groups—Studios, General Entertainment and Sports–focused on developing and producing content for DTC, theatrical and linear platforms. Disney is a Dow 30 company and had annual revenues of $65.4 billion in its Fiscal Year 2020.
 
The Walt Disney Company has been in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for over 80 years and employs thousands across the region. Between Disneyland Paris and its other iconic brands, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, 20^th Century Studios and ESPN, The Walt Disney Company EMEA entertains, informs and inspires millions of consumers in more than 130 countries through the power of unparalleled storytelling. Disney+, the company’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, is currently available in 17 markets across Europe.