Johannesburg \u2013 Friday, 20 December 2024 \u2013 The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), led by Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Ms. Nomsa Chabeli, and the South African Football Association (SAFA), headed by CEO Ms. Lydia Monyepao, held a highly productive meeting at the SABC headquarters in Auckland Park on Thursday, 19 December 2024.
\nDuring the meeting, the two organizations discussed the successful performances for 2024 and outlined the plans to deliver on the activities for 2025.
\nThe SABC and SAFA are tasked with a great responsibility to ensure that the South African citizens have access to one of South Africa’s national sport of interest, football. In this regard, both parties continue to intensify efforts to ensure that they deliver on this important mandate, continue to support the men and women’s national football teams and create thrilling and memorable moments for South Africans.
\nThe SABC and SAFA’s partnership has ensured that the nation rally behind Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana. Some of the key highlights that were delivered in 2024 include the broadcaster\u2019s successful live coverage of matches involving SAFA\u2019s various national teams and the public broadcaster’s pivotal role in galvanizing support for Bafana Bafana in qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
\nThe SABC has also been a supporter of women\u2019s football, serving as one of the investors during its formative years. This support has contributed to the success of Banyana Banyana, who are now the reigning African champions.
\nReflecting on the partnership, Ms. Chabeli shared: \u201cI would like to take a moment to emphasise the significance of the longstanding relationship between the SABC and SAFA, which has successfully delivered football content to the South African public for over 30 years. This commitment by the SABC to fulfil its public mandate is unparalleled and critical to our shared mission.\u201d
\nThe SABC reaffirmed its unwavering support for South African football and its players. \u201cOur collaboration is essential not only for our ongoing success but also for our National Teams. The SABC takes great pride in being a steadfast supporter, consistently profiling key moments for our country and its talent,\u201d Ms. Chabeli added.
\nSAFA CEO Ms. Lydia Monyepao echoed these sentiments, stating:
\n\u201cDespite a challenging and often unpredictable period that at times stretched all sporting codes, SAFA prides itself on having been able to deliver Bafana Bafana, Banyana Banyana, junior national teams, coaching activities, referees and numerous other activities to living rooms around the country with the assistance and support of the SABC, our sponsors and other partners.\u201d
\nSAFA has constantly prepared and presented competitive teams in continental and regional tournaments. \u201cAmongst our teams\u2019 achievements, Bafana Bafana have qualified for the 2025 AFCON after medaling at this year\u2019s tournament (since 2000); Banyana Banyana have qualified to defend their title in Morocco next year at the Women\u2019s AFCON, and our U20 Men\u2019s National Team won the COSAFA Cup thus qualifying for the CAF U20 AFCON in April next year. Our referees continue being called to serve in important CAF and FIFA tournaments and matches, and our technical department is producing more qualified coaches through various coaching courses. All these activities and successes can now be viewed on SAFA TV which is being produced by the SABC, to ensure that we keep the public and our fans well informed\u201d added Monyepao.
\nThe meeting underscored the importance of strengthening this long-standing partnership to ensure that football remains a cornerstone of South African culture and national pride.
\nIn this meeting, both CEOs also expressed concern regarding the recent media enquiries and reports insinuating that the SABC owes SAFA R60m, and that the parties’ relationship is strained. The SABC and SAFA refute the allegations and would like to place it on record that there is no truth in these allegations as the SABC does not owe SAFA R60m.
\nBoth parties are committed in ensuring support for Banyana Banyana and Bafana Bafana as both teams are on a journey of writing great South African football stories.<\/p>\n
Ends<\/p>\n
Issued By: SABC AND SAFA
\nMedia Enquiries: Mmoni Seapolelo (Head of Communications)
\nSeapolelomv@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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