Johannesburg, South Africa – Saturday, 01 August 2026 – Today, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) celebrates its 90th anniversary, marking nine decades of its establishment since 1936.
The SABC has grown alongside the nation, evolving from traditional radio broadcasting into a dynamic multimedia organisation that is currently serving audiences through its 6 television channels, 19 radio stations, digital platforms, including the streaming platform SABC Plus.
As the country’s only public broadcaster, the SABC champions local content, nurtures home-grown talent, and celebrates the country’s rich cultural heritage. Through its extensive ecosystem, the Corporation plays a vital role in promoting South Africa’s 12 official languages, music, traditions, and stories while creating opportunities for multitudes of broadcasters, journalists, producers, actors, creatives, and other professionals in the broadcasting space.
Nomsa Chabeli, SABC Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) says, “The SABC’s 90th anniversary is far more than a celebration of longevity. It is a moment to reflect on the extraordinary journey of an institution that has evolved alongside South Africa itself. For ninety years, the SABC has documented the nation’s defining moments, recording periods of hardship and hope, division and reconciliation, and preserving an unparalleled audiovisual record of our country’s history for future generations.
As South Africa’s democratic public broadcaster, the SABC today has a constitutional responsibility to inform, educate and entertain all South Africans, while reflecting the diversity of our people, languages and cultures. Every day, we strive to give voice to the nation’s many perspectives, uphold editorial independence, earn public trust, and ensure that every South African can see themselves, their communities and their stories reflected on our platforms.
This milestone belongs to the thousands of employees, past and present, whose dedication has sustained the SABC across generations, as well as to the millions of South Africans who continue to place their trust in us. As we celebrate ninety years of broadcasting, we also look ahead with confidence. Our ambition is to build a world-class public service media organisation that combines ninety years of public legacy with the innovation required to serve the next generation of South Africans, one that is financially sustainable, digitally led, guided by editorial integrity and indispensable to our democracy.”
The SABC extends its heartfelt gratitude to the millions of viewers, listeners, advertisers, partners, content creators and employees who have contributed to its success over the years. Their unwavering support and trust have enabled the Corporation to remain a vital institution dedicated to informing, educating and entertaining South Africans.
The SABC’s 90th anniversary is a reminder of how South Africa has evolved, enduring power of broadcasting to unite people and foster understanding and strengthen democracy.
The Corporation remains committed to serving all South Africans and shaping the conversations that matter for generations to come.
ENDS
Issued By: Group Communications
Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)
NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590
