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The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)[a] is the public broadcaster in South Africa, and provides 19 radio stations (AM/FM) as well as 6 television broadcasts and 3 OTT Services to the general public.[3] It is one of the largest of South Africa's state-owned enterprises and the biggest state broadcaster in Africa.

Key Information

Opposition politicians and civil society often criticise the SABC, accusing it of being a mouthpiece for whichever political party is in majority power, thus currently the ruling African National Congress; during the apartheid era it was accused of playing the same role for the National Party government.[4]

Company history

[edit]

Early years

[edit]
Corporate arms of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (1958–1994)

Radio broadcasting in South Africa began in 1923, under the auspices of South African Railways, before three radio services were licensed: the Association of Scientific and Technical Societies (AS&TS) in Johannesburg, the Cape Peninsular Publicity Association in Cape Town and the Durban Corporation, which began broadcasting in 1924.[5]

These merged into the African Broadcasting Company in 1927, owned by I.W. Schlesinger, a wealthy businessman, but on 1 August 1936, they were sold to the SABC, established that year through an Act of Parliament.[6] The SABC took over the African Broadcasting Company's staff and assets. It maintained a state monopoly on radio until the launch in December 1979 of Capital Radio 604, then Radio 702 in 1980.[7] Although the subscription-funded television service M-Net launched in 1986, the SABC had a monopoly on free-to-air television until the launch of e.tv in 1998.

During National Party rule from 1948, it came under increasing accusations of being biased towards the ruling party. At one time most of its senior management were members of the Broederbond, the Afrikaner secret society, and later from institutions like Stellenbosch University.

The SABC was a radio service until the introduction of television in 1976. There were three main SABC radio stations: the English Service (later known as Radio South Africa), the Afrikaans Service (later known as Radio Suid-Afrika and Afrikaans Stereo) and the commercial station, Springbok Radio.[8]

Programmes on the English and Afrikaans services mainly consisted of news; plays such as The Forsyte Saga, Story of an African Farm, and The Summons, written and produced in South Africa; serious talk shows; BBC radio shows; children's programmes, such as Sound Box; and light music featuring South African orchestras, arrangers, musicians and singers. Accomplished musicians such as pianist and composer Charles Segal featured on all three stations regularly in shows like Piano Playtime. Accordionist Nico Carstens was a regular on the Afrikaans programmes.[9]

Recent history

[edit]
SABC offices in Sea Point, Cape Town

An IBA report on the state of the broadcasting industry in South Africa was released on 29 August 1995. Recommendations were given for the SABC to lose one of its three television channels, with the network being used for private television, demanding the creation of two or three private networks. The broadcaster would be restructured, and Sentech would be separated. Other recommendations included the sale of seven radio stations, while being granted eleven radio stations, nine of which in individual Bantu languages, provisions of an hour a day of regional programming windows on television and radio, at an estimated cost of 262 million rand/year, reintroduction of a third channel but on satellite television and the provision of an "education and information driven service" to the subcontinental region.[10]

All of the channels were set to be rebranded by March 1996, in line with a restructuring that began in the 1993 CODESA talks. Preliminary changes were set to take place in 1993, but were delayed after the elections in April 1994.[11]

In November 1995, Africa Monitor reported that the SABC was in talks with Channel 4 to deliver its television channels by satellite, to cover the entire population. Up until then, it was believed that a quarter of the national population received at least one of the three channels. By January 1996 a fourth channel carrying Channel 4's programmes was set to begin, and would convert to digital in July 1996, with the aim of creating an eight-channel pay-TV service.[12]

At the end of 1995, the SABC lost its contract with Sky News. Footage on news bulletins broadcast by the corporation's television channels was now supplied by BBC World.[13]

On 4 February 1996, two years after the ANC came to power, the SABC reorganised its three TV channels, so as to be more representative of different language groups.[14] The repositioning of the networks gave the SABC's television service the chance to be "the new voice and the new vision of the rainbow nation". Under the new structure, SABC TV was compared to a "tower of Babel" regarding SABC 1 and SABC 2's programming structure, in the eleven official languages, while SABC 3 was all in English. The relaunch party was also heavily criticised by some, such as Angela Van Schalkwyk, who mentioned that an American face presented the new television offer.[15] This resulted in the downgrading of Afrikaans by reducing its airtime from 50% to 15%, a move that alienated many Afrikaans speakers.[16] Starting July 1997, the corporation was commercialised.[17]

In late 1998, the SABC finally started broadcasting its channels on DStv, per an agreement with Sentech to convert its channels to digital. The agreement encompassed its three national terrestrial networks, Bop TV and its thirteen radio stations, with the hopes of starting two pan-continental television networks, an entertainment channel and a news channel.[18]

The launch of e.tv prompted the SABC to restructure its three television channels in late September 1998. The strategies were due to e.tv's promise that the service would be a "full-spectrum" channel as opposed to the niche programming of both the SABC and M-Net. SABC 1 repositioned itself as an entertainment channel for South African youth and young adults, SABC 2 would carry content related to educational and social issues from the rest of Africa to South African audiences, SABC 3 concentrated on a mix of news, current affairs and entertainment.[19] Two satellite channels, available on DStv, opened on 16 November 1998, SABC Africa and Best of Africa (later renamed Africa2Africa).[20]

In line with its ambitions to be "the pulse of Africa's creative spirit" (SABC's tagline at the turn of the millennium), the SABC opened up to protocols and co-operation agreements with partners such as URTNA, FRU and the Television Trust for the Environment, eyeing in at the rest of Africa.[21]

The SABC has since been accused of favouring the ruling ANC party, mostly in news. It remains dominant in the broadcast media.

Criticism intensified around 2003–2005, when it was accused of a wide range of shortcomings including self-censorship, lack of objectivity and selective news coverage.

On 20 October 2020, SABC and the government were in discussion to get TV and streaming providers in South Africa to collect TV licence on their behalf.[22]

On 27 March 2021, SABC and eMedia Investments expanded their partnership which allowed OpenView customers to receive 3 additional channels as well as their 19 radio stations.[23]

Leaders

[edit]

Director General of the SABC:

Surname Name From To
Caprara René Silvio 1936 1948
Roos Gideon Daniel 1948 1959
Meyer Pieter Johannes 1959 1980
de Villiers Steve 1980 1983
Eksteen Riaan 1983 1988
Harmse Wynand 1988 1994

Chairman of the SABC Board:

Surname Name From To
Matsepe-Casaburri Ivy Florence 1994 1996
Zulu Paulus 1996 2000
Maphai Thabane Vincent 2000 2003
Funde Sonwabo Eddie 2003 2008
Mkhonza Khanyi 2008 2009
Charnley Irene 2009 2009
Ngubane Baldwin Sipho 2010 2013
Tshabalala Zandile Ellen 2013 2014
Maguvhe Mbulaheni Obert 2014 2017
Makhathini Bongumusa Emmanuel 2017 2022
Ramukumba Khathutshelo Mike 2023

CEOs

[edit]
Chief executive officers of the SABC
Term Name
1994–1998 Sisulu, Z.
1998–2000 Mbatha, H.
2000 Khuzwayo, C.
2000-2005 Matlare, P.
2002–2008 Mpofu, D.
2008–2009 Mampone, G.
2009–2011 Mokoetle, S.
2011–2014 Mokhobo, L.
2014–2015 Motsoeneng, H.
2015 Matlala, F.
2015–2016 Matthews, J.
2017–2023 Mxakwe, M.
2023–present Chabeli, N.

Radio

[edit]

Establishment

[edit]

Following its establishment in 1936, the SABC established services in what were then the country's official languages, English and Afrikaans, with the Afrikaans service being established in 1937.[24] Broadcasts in languages such as Zulu, Xhosa, Sesotho and Tswana followed in 1940.[7]

Springbok Radio

[edit]

Springbok Radio, the SABC's first commercial radio service, started broadcasting on 1 May 1950.[25] Bilingual in English and Afrikaans, it broadcast from the Johannesburg Centre for 113+1⁄2 hours a week.[26] The service proved to be so popular with advertisers that at the time of its launch, commercial time had been booked well in advance.[6]

The station featured a wide variety of programming, such as morning talk and news, game shows, soap operas like Basis Bravo,[25] children's programming, music request programmes, top-ten music, talent shows and other musical entertainment. One popular Saturday noontime comedy show was Telefun Time, whose hosts would phone various people and conjure up situation comedy, a similar brand of humour to the films of Leon Schuster.[27]

By 1985, Springbok Radio was operating at a heavy loss.[28] After losing many listeners with the handing over of its shortwave frequencies to Radio 5 and facing competition from television, it ceased broadcasting on 31 December 1985.[29]

SABC News Service

[edit]

The News Service was established in June 1950, replacing the programmes of the BBC.[30] Although this was because the BBC broadcasts were seen as giving a British viewpoint of current affairs, there were also concerns that the SABC service would become overly pro-government, or "Our Master's Voice".[31] By 1968, it had over 100 full-time reporters in the main cities and local correspondents all over the country, with overseas news provided by Reuters, AFP, AP and UPI.[32] There was a News Film Unit which, prior to television in 1976, produced films for news agencies and television organisations.[33]

SABC Symphony Orchestra

[edit]

The SABC Symphony Orchestra has its origins in its three studio ensembles in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town and the Municipal Orchestra of the Johannesburg City Council. When the SABC centralised its broadcasting in Johannesburg, the future of the three ensembles were in doubt but at the same time, the Municipal Orchestra of the Johannesburg City Council had been disbanded.[34] The SABC was able to form an orchestra of 80 musicians from these groupings in 1954, and while its main base was at the Johannesburg City Hall, it would tour the country.[35] The orchestra would be led for many years by the SABC's head of music, Anton Hartman, but had other conductors as well, such as Francesco Mander and Edgar Cree.[36] There were also international composers such as Igor Stravinsky.[37] The SABC Junior Orchestra was also created and began in February 1966 under Walter Mony.[38]

Regional radio

[edit]

Regional commercial FM music stations were started in the 1960s.

Station Launch date Replaced by
Radio Highveld 1964 947
Radio Good Hope 1965 Good Hope FM
Radio Port Natal 1967 East Coast Radio
Radio Jacaranda 1986 Jacaranda FM
Radio Oranje 1986 OFM
Radio Algoa 1986 Algoa FM
[edit]

Following the establishment of a republic and withdrawal from the Commonwealth in 1961, the Afrikaners' goal was to promote their culture and so, at first, the SABC's choice of popular music reflected the National Party government's initial conservatism, especially on the Afrikaans channel, with musicians such as Nico Carstens. However Carstens was also ostracised by the SABC, as his music was influenced by the Coloured and Malay communities of Cape Town.[39]

Eventually, musicians broke through the barrier, when the young, English-speaking Jewish musician and composer, Charles Segal collaborated with the older Afrikaans lyric-writer, Anton Dewaal, to write songs.[40] Segal's songs like "Die Ou Kalahari" became highly popular with the Afrikaans-speaking public.[41] However, there was tight censorship over all broadcasts, particularly of pop music, with, for example, the music of the Beatles being banned by the SABC between 1966 and March 1971.[42]

In 1966 the SABC established an external service, known as Radio RSA, which broadcast in English, Swahili, French, Portuguese, Dutch and German. In 1969 the SABC held a national contest to find theme music for the service. This contest was won by the popular South African pianist and composer, Charles Segal and co-writer, Dorothy Arenson. Their composition, "Carousel" remained the theme song for Radio RSA until 1992, when it was replaced by Channel Africa.[43]

In 1986, the SABC ran a competition to promote South African music. Each of the 15 radio stations, represented by an artist, entered a song to compete for the Song for South Africa in the National Song Festival. The finals were broadcast live on television. The Radio Port Natal submission won the competition with the Don Clarke song, Sanbonani, performed by P J Powers and Hotline.[44]

SABC compiled the album sales chart from the end of 1981 to 1995, and the singles sales chart from 1958 to 1989 when singles stopped being manufactured.[45]

1996 restructuring

[edit]

In 1996 the SABC carried out a significant restructuring of their services. The main English-language radio service became SAfm. The new service, after some initial faltering, soon developed a respectable listenership and was regarded as a flagship for the new democracy. However, government interference in the state broadcaster in 2003 saw further changes to SAfm which reversed the growth and put it in rapid decline once more.[citation needed] Today it attracts only 0.6% of the total population to its broadcasts. The main Afrikaans radio service was renamed Radio Sonder Grense (literally 'Radio Without Borders') in 1995 and has enjoyed greater success with the transition.

By contrast, SABC Radio's competitors, like Primedia-owned Radio 702, Cape Talk and 94.7 Highveld Stereo have grown steadily in audience and revenue, while other stations such as the black-owned and focused YFM and Kaya FM have also attracted black audiences.

Programming policy

[edit]

As of 12 May 2016, the SABC has implemented a policy to promote local content. 90% of all music played on the broadcaster's 18 radio stations will be sourced from local artists with a focus on kwaito, jazz, reggae and gospel genres.[46]

Station list

[edit]
Station Language Former name(s) Launch date Website Webcast
SAfm English "A" Service; Radio South Africa 1936 www.safm.co.za [1] Archived 30 January 2010 at the Wayback Machine
5FM English Springbok Radio 1975 www.5fm.co.za [2] Archived 30 January 2010 at the Wayback Machine
Metro FM English Radio Metro 1986 www.metrofm.co.za [3] Archived 31 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine
Radio 2000 English Radio South Africa 1986 www.radio2000.co.za [4]
Good Hope FM English and Afrikaans Radio Good Hope 1965 www.goodhopefm.co.za [5] Archived 28 August 2013 at the Wayback Machine
RSG Afrikaans "B" Service; Radio Suid-Afrika; Afrikaans Stereo 1937 www.rsg.co.za [6] Archived 12 June 2012 at the Wayback Machine
Ukhozi FM Zulu Radio Zulu 1960 www.ukhozifm.co.za [7] Archived 20 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
Umhlobo Wenene FM Xhosa Radio Xhosa (& Radio Transkei) 1960 www.uwfm.co.za [8]
Lesedi FM Southern Sotho Radio Sesotho 1960 www.lesedifm.co.za [9]
Thobela FM Northern Sotho Radio Lebowa 1960 www.thobelafm.co.za [10]
Motsweding FM Tswana Radio Setswana (& Radio Mmabatho) 1962 www.motswedingfm.co.za [11]
Phalaphala FM Venda Radio Venda (& Radio Thohoyandou) 1965 www.phalaphalafm.co.za [12]
Munghana Lonene FM Tsonga Radio XiTsonga 1965 www.munghanalonenefm.co.za [13]
Ligwalagwala FM Swazi Radio Swazi 1982 www.ligwalagwalafm.co.za [14]
iKwekwezi FM Ndebele Radio Ndebele 1983 www.ikwekwezifm.co.za [15]
tru fm English and Xhosa Radio Ciskei; CKI FM 1983 www.trufm.co.za [16]
Lotus FM English and Hindi (for
the Indian
community) 		Radio Lotus 1983 www.lotusfm.co.za [17] Archived 17 June 2012 at the Wayback Machine
X-K FM !Xu and Khwe 2000 [18]

Television

[edit]

Early history (1975–1995)

[edit]
SABC logo, used from 1976 to 1996

In 1975, after years of controversy over the introduction of television, the SABC was finally allowed to introduce a colour TV service, which began experimental broadcasts in the main cities on 5 May 1975, before the service went nationwide on 6 January 1976. Initially, the TV service was funded entirely through a licence fee just like the UK, but began advertising in 1978. The SABC (both Television and Radio) is still partly funded by the licence fee (currently R250 a year).

The service initially broadcast only in English and Afrikaans, with an emphasis on religious programming on Sundays.[47] A local soap opera, The Villagers, set on a gold mine, was well received while other local productions like The Dingleys were panned as amateurish.[48]

The majority of acquired programming on South African television came from the United States, although owing to their opposition to apartheid, some production companies stopped selling programmes to the country.[49] The British actors' union Equity had already started a boycott of programme sales to South Africa, which was not lifted until 1993.[50] However, the Thames Television police drama series The Sweeney and Van der Valk, were briefly shown on SABC TV,[51] as was the original version of Thunderbirds.[48]

Many imported programmes were dubbed into Afrikaans and other indigenous languages, but in 1985, in order to accommodate English speakers, the SABC began to simulcast the original-language audio of series on an FM radio service called Radio 2000, allowing viewers to watch them in the original language; the first English-language series to be simulcast was Miami Vice.[52]

SABC TV also produced lavish musical shows featuring the most popular South African composers, solo musicians, bands and orchestras. For example, the pianist and composer, Charles Segal, was given a half-hour special show: The Music of Charles Segal, where a selection of his music was performed by various local artists, such as Zane Adams, SABC Orchestra and others. However, it also broadcast pop music series like Pop Shop, which consisted of overseas and local music, and Double Track, which consisted entirely of local acts.[53]

With a limited budget, early programming aimed at children tended to be quite innovative, and programmes such as the Afrikaans-language puppet shows Haas Das se Nuus Kas and Oscar in Asblikfontein are still fondly remembered by many.[54]

On 1 January 1981, two services were introduced, TV2 broadcasting in Zulu and Xhosa and TV3 broadcasting in Sotho and Tswana, both targeted at a black urban audience.[55] The main channel, then called TV1, was divided evenly between English and Afrikaans, as before. In 1986, a new service called TV4 was introduced, carrying sports and entertainment programming, taking over the frequencies used by TV2 and TV3, which then had to end broadcasting at 21:00.[56]

In 1991, TV2, TV3 and TV4 were combined into a new service called CCV (Contemporary Community Values).[57] A third channel was introduced known as TSS, or Topsport Surplus Sport, Topsport being the brand name for the SABC's sport coverage, but this was replaced by NNTV (National Network TV), an educational, non-commercial channel, in 1993.[58]

Competition and restructuring

[edit]

In 1986, the SABC's monopoly on the television industry was challenged by the launch of a subscription-based service known as M-Net, which was backed by a consortium of newspaper publishers. This service was prohibited from broadcasting its own news programmes, which were still the preserve of the SABC. Direct-to-home satellite television in South Africa began when M-Net's parent company, Multichoice, launched its first-in-the-world digital satellite TV service, DStv, in 1995. At the time, SABC TV channels, were not broadcast on this network, but agreements were later reached that allowed DStv to carry the SABC channels as well. In 1998, the SABC's dominance of free-to-air terrestrial television was further eroded by the launch of the first free-to-air private TV channel, e.tv.

In 1996, the SABC reorganised its three TV channels with the aim of making them more representative of the various cultural groups.[59] These new channels were called SABC 1, SABC 2 and SABC 3. The SABC also absorbed the Bop TV channel of the former Bophuthatswana bantustan.[60] Between 1996 and 1998, the SABC had a satellite television service called AstraSat, which operated two channels, AstraSport and AstraPlus. Technological problems and advertising losses led to the scrapping of the service.[61]

SABC TV programmes in Afrikaans and other languages are now subtitled in English, but programmes in English are not usually subtitled in other languages, the perception being that all South Africans can understand English.[62] Previously, subtitling was confined to productions like operas and operettas.[63] It was not used on TV1, on the assumption that most viewers understood both Afrikaans and English,[64] nor on CCV, despite presenters using two or more different languages during a single programme.[65]

New services

[edit]

In 2005, the SABC announced proposed the creation of two complementary regional television channels, SABC4 and SABC5, to emphasise indigenous languages.[66] SABC4, based in Mafikeng, was to be broadcast in Tswana, Sesotho, Pedi, Tsonga, Venda, and Afrikaans, to the northern provinces of the country, while SABC5, based in Cape Town, was to broadcast in Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele, and Swazi, as well as Afrikaans, to the southern provinces. Unlike other SABC TV services, SABC4 and SABC5 were not to be available via satellite.[67] Apart from soundbites on news or current affairs programmes, no English-language programming would be shown on either channel.[68] However, the plans fell through and in 2015, the SABC stated that it would launch two new channels, SABC News and SABC Encore.[69]

In 2013, the SABC announced plans to launch a new news channel, SABC News, to be available on DStv, instead of waiting for the introduction of digital terrestrial television.[70]

In 2015, SABC partnered up with online TV platform Tuluntulu to launch two more channels which were SABC Education and SABC Children.

According to the SABC, the factors which are considered when deciding how much time a language gets on television are the following: how many home language speakers exist in the coverage area of a channel; the geographical spread of the language; the extent to which members of a language community are able to understand other languages; the extent of marginalisation of a language; the extent to which the language is understood by other South Africans; and whether there is available content that uses the language.[71] SABC currently plans to launch five channels, the four of them being language-targeted:[72]

SABC TV has an audience of over 30 million.[73] SABC1 reaches 89% of the public, SABC2 reaches 91% of the public, and SABC3 reaches 77% of the public, according to the broadcaster.[71] The SABC has 18 radio stations, which have more than 25 million weekly listeners.[73]

In 2018, SABC scrapped part of the plans from 2015 and downsized their DTT plans from 18 TV channels to just 9 TV channels due to financial woes. The SABC have SABC 1-3 and News falling under the 9 channels with the rest being:

  • A sports channel
  • A health channel
  • A history channel
  • A parliamentary channel
  • An education channel

All these channels needed funding in order to materialize and without it the channels remain a dream. All of these channels will be craft through partnerships and a group executive at the SABC mentioned that if they are able to get the sports channel running in SD then they may be able to get a ninth channel which is history.[74]

On 4 May 2020 amidst the coronavirus outbreak, the SABC launched its educational channel called SABC Education through DTT and YouTube with additional platforms added soon.[75]

SABC Encore shut down from the end of May apparently MultiChoice and SABC agreement for the channel ended back in 2018 giving the channel a 2-year open window. The SABC said they were exploring other the idea of continuing the channel through another platform.

In November 2020, SABC signed a channel and radio distribution agreement with Telkom for their new streaming service.[76] They also launched their own catch-up and video on demand streaming service called SABC Plus on 17 November 2022, similar to BBC iPlayer, following two years of announcements.[77]

Reception outside South Africa

[edit]
1970s SABC record for overseas transcription services.

Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini

[edit]

SABC television via satellite had also been widely available in neighbouring Lesotho and Eswatini, as well as Botswana.[78] During the AstraSat period, SABC 1 and SABC 3 had more audience than Swazi TV, as locals believed the service to be biased and underdeveloped. When the shutdown of AstraSat signals began on 11 September 2000 with SABC 3, the audience was deprived of its access, revealing the limitations of the Swazi media structure.[79] After complaints from rights holders in Botswana, SABC encrypted its TV channels, thereby cutting off viewers in those countries.[80]

Namibia

[edit]

Until 1979, the SABC operated broadcasting services in Namibia, which was then under South African rule, but in that year, these were transferred to the South West African Broadcasting Corporation (SWABC).[81] However, the SWABC retained technical personnel from the SABC, and a number of its programmes were prepared at the SABC's studios in Johannesburg before being dispatched to Windhoek for transmission.[82]

The SABC also helped the SWABC to establish a television service in 1981.[83] This comprised a mix of programming in English, Afrikaans and German, 90 per cent of which came from or via the SABC.[84] Programmes were shown locally a week after South Africa.[85] The SWABC received SABC TV programming (which it recorded, edited and rebroadcast) first by using a microwave link, and later via an Intelsat satellite link.[86] The SWABC became the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) after the country's independence in 1990.

However, Walvis Bay, an enclave of South Africa in Namibia until 1994, received the SABC's TV1 on a low-power repeater, which was broadcast live via Intelsat from 1986.[85]

Mozambique

[edit]

The cable company TV Cabo (Visabeira) offered SABC 1, SABC 3 and Bop TV in its first few years of operation.[87] These alongside e.tv were removed due to rights issues, in a situation similar to what would happen in Botswana ten years later, being replaced by other channels from the DStv bouquet, in August 2003,[88] causing uproar from subscribers.[89][90]

International services

[edit]

In 1998, the SABC began to broadcast two TV channels to the rest of Africa: SABC Africa, a news service, and Africa 2 Africa, entertainment programming from South Africa and other African countries, via DStv.[91] In 2003, Africa 2 Africa was merged with SABC Africa to create a hybrid service, drawing programming from both sources.[92] SABC Africa closed in August 2008 after the SABC's contract with DStv was not renewed.[93] In 2007, the SABC launched a 24-hour international news channel, SABC News International, but closed in 2010.[94]

Criticisms and controversies

[edit]

Accusations of pro-ANC bias

[edit]

The SABC has been accused of being a government and ruling party mouthpiece, particularly in the lead-up to the 2014 South African elections,[95][96] particularly after it refused to air the campaign adverts of various opposition parties,[97][98] and again in 2015 when it censored the video feeds of the 2015 State of the Nation address that portrayed the ANC and President Jacob Zuma in a negative light.[99] In 2015, Minister of Communications, Faith Muthambi reinforced the notion that the SABC was a state-owned company, and therefore, subject to control by the Department of Communications and the ruling party.[100]

In August 2005, the SABC came under heavy fire from independent media and the public for failing to broadcast footage in which deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka was booed offstage by members of the ANC Youth League, who were showing support for the newly axed ex-deputy president, Jacob Zuma.[101]

Rival broadcaster e.tv publicly accused SABC of biased reporting for failing to show the video footage of the humiliated deputy president. Snuki Zikalala, Head of News and ex-ANC spokesperson retorted that their cameraman had not been present at the meeting. This claim was later established to be false when e.tv footage was released which showed an SABC cameraman filming the incident.[102]

The SABC's government connections also came under scrutiny when, in April 2005, Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe was interviewed live by Zikalala, who is a former ANC political commissar.[103] The interview was deemed by the public to have sidestepped 'critical issues', and to have avoided difficult questions regarding Mugabe's radical land-reform policies and human rights violations.

Accusations of censorship

[edit]

In May 2006, the SABC was accused of self-censorship when it decided not to air a documentary on South African president Thabo Mbeki, and in early June 2006, the news organisation requested that the producers (from Daylight Films) not speak about it. This was widely criticised by independent media groups.[104] In response, the International Freedom of Expression Exchange issued an alert concerning the SABC's apparent trend toward self-censorship.[105]

In June 2006, the International Federation of Journalists denounced the cancelling of the Thabo Mbeki documentary, citing "self-censorship" and "politically-influenced managers".[106]

Also in June 2006, SAfm host John Perlman disclosed on air that the SABC had created a blacklist of commentators.[107] A commission of inquiry was created by SABC CEO Dali Mpofu to investigate the allegations that individuals had been blacklisted at the behest of Zikalala.[108][109] Perlman eventually resigned from SAfm, and the broadcaster came under heavy criticism from free media advocates.

Shortly before the ANC's 2012 elective conference in Mangaung, the board of the SABC handed control of news, television, radio and sport to COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng. The board's decision was interpreted by some at the SABC as a calculated attempt to ensure that an ANC faction close to President Jacob Zuma was given positive coverage.[110] During a press conference held by the SABC on 6 December 2012, to explain why it had prevented three journalists from participating in a discussion on how the media would cover the ANC's elective conference in Manguang, Hlaudi Motsoeneng said that whenever the ANC is discussed on the SABC an ANC party representative must be present.

In April 2014, journalists were warned by SABC chairperson, Ellen Zandile Tshabalala, that their phones were being wiretapped by the NIA, and reminded them to be loyal to the ANC ruling party. When challenged on the matter, Tshabalala insisted that her comments had been taken out of context. The scandal erupted at the same time that the DA official opposition accused the SABC of censorship[111] when they stopped airing a television advert that referred to the ongoing Nkandlagate scandal.

In February 2015, the SABC was accused of censoring video and audio feeds of the State of the Nation address in Parliament, after opposition party EFF was forcefully ejected by armed plain-clothes policemen after interrupting the President's speech. Footage of opposition party DA walking out in protest over the presence of the armed personnel was also censored. This was in addition to the presence of a signal-jamming device that prevented journalists and MP's from being able to use their mobile devices to post news online.[112]

The SABC was criticised for banning footage that showed protests and demonstrations in the run-up to the 2016 local elections.[113] In July 2016, eight SABC journalists challenged the broadcaster's decision to censor news items, and were dismissed from the organisation.[114][115] A subsequent hearing at the Labour Court found the dismissals were unlawful and ordered the reinstatement of four of the full-time SABC employees.[116] During this period the eight journalists, including Suna Venter, were subjected to a number of death threats and other forms of intimidation.[117]

In October 2016,[118] the South African parliament began investigating corruption allegations against SABC and its Group Executive of Corporate Affairs - Hlaudi Motsoeneng.[119] On 12 December, the Western Cape High Court ruled that Motsoeneng be removed from office effective immediately.[120]

SABC Encore's launch party

[edit]

At the channel's launch event, the COO of SABC at the time used that event to rant about making pay-TV platforms like MultiChoice's DStv pay for SABC 1-3 and how the SABC is run by a 'blind person'. He also took the stage to call out those with their 'lack of knowledge' over the deal the public broadcaster has for the channel alongside SABC News.[121]

Notes

[edit]

See also

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References

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SABC

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The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is the state-owned public broadcaster of , established on 1 1936 under the Broadcasting Act to provide radio services in English and . Its mandate is to inform, educate, and entertain the South African public through diverse content across multiple languages and platforms. Initially focused on radio with services expanding to include African languages over time, the SABC introduced experimental television broadcasts in 1975, launching full nationwide color TV service on 5 January 1976 amid debates over the medium's potential influence. Today, it operates 18 radio stations and 5 free-to-air television channels, alongside digital streaming via SABC+ which has garnered over 1.5 million registrations through live sports and on-demand content. During the apartheid era, the SABC functioned as a mouthpiece for the National Party government, promoting state and censoring , a role that persisted in varying degrees post-1994 despite reforms aimed at and pluralism. It has faced ongoing controversies, including allegations of editorial interference, of opposition voices, and financial mismanagement leading to repeated bailouts, though recent efforts yielded South Africa's first unqualified audit for the broadcaster in years and an 80% deficit reduction to R200 million by 2024. These issues highlight persistent challenges in balancing obligations with operational sustainability under government oversight.

Establishment and Core Objectives

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) was established on 1 August through the Broadcasting Act 22 of 1936, which created it as a state-controlled entity succeeding the privately owned African Broadcasting Company. This legislation empowered the SABC to acquire existing radio infrastructure and operate national services, marking the transition from commercial experimentation—dating back to the first broadcast in 1923—to centralized public oversight. Initial operations prioritized radio transmissions in English and , reflecting the linguistic priorities of the era's government. At its founding, the SABC's core objectives centered on delivering unified, government-directed to foster national communication, cultural promotion, and public information dissemination, funded primarily through license fees and state support. These aims aligned with state interests in consolidating media under , though implementation emphasized services in dominant languages and later expanded to include for commercial elements by 1950. Subsequent legal frameworks, particularly the Broadcasting Act 4 of 1999, redefined the SABC as a broadcaster with a mandate to inform, educate, and entertain South Africa's diverse population while advancing , , and social cohesion. Section 2 of the Act specifies objectives such as developing policy in the , ensuring programming pluralism, safeguarding cultural identity, and addressing needs of marginalized groups including , women, and the disabled through accessible, multilingual content. This includes promoting South African expression, independent production, and a three-tier broadcasting system encompassing , commercial, and community services.

Governance and Regulatory Oversight

The governance of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is led by a , which functions as the accounting authority under the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999), responsible for strategic oversight, , and ensuring adherence to the corporation's public service mandate. The Board, guided by King IV principles, approves policies, monitors executive performance, and safeguards financial integrity, as detailed in the SABC's annual reports. Board members, numbering up to 12 including a chairperson and deputy, are appointed by the President on the recommendation of the , following a mandated by section 13 of the Broadcasting Act, 1999 (Act No. 4 of 1999). This involves public nominations, parliamentary shortlisting, interviews by the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, vetting for qualifications in , , , and related fields, and security clearances to promote and expertise. Delays in this , such as those preceding the 2023 appointments, have drawn criticism for undermining stability, with the current board chaired by Khathutshelo Ramukumba since its formation in 2023. Regulatory oversight falls under the Independent Communications Authority of (ICASA), established by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Act, 2000 (Act No. 13 of 2000), which licenses the SABC's broadcasting services and enforces compliance with conditions on local content, universal access, and technical standards under the Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act No. 36 of 2005). ICASA conducts audits, handles complaints via its Complaints and Compliance Committee, and imposes penalties for breaches, as seen in ongoing monitoring of SABC operations. Parliamentary accountability is maintained through the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, which scrutinizes annual performance plans, , and governance lapses, often initiating inquiries into issues like executive appointments or funding shortfalls. The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies serves as executive authority, setting broad policy via the SABC Charter incorporated in the Broadcasting Act, but structural safeguards aim to insulate operations from direct interference. Historical analyses indicate persistent challenges, including political influence in appointments and weak internal controls, contributing to financial distress and editorial controversies in the , though reforms post-2018 inquiries sought to bolster independence.

Historical Development

Origins and Pre-Apartheid Foundations (1920s-1940s)

The foundations of in emerged in the early 1920s amid amateur and experimental efforts. Regular amateur music broadcasts commenced in in July 1920, followed by the first wireless transmission in the city in 1923, conducted under the auspices of the South African Railways and early private initiatives. By 1924, the inaugural regular station, JB Calling, began operations in on July 1, with additional stations launching in and later that year, marking the shift from sporadic experiments to structured private primarily serving urban English-speaking audiences. These private ventures consolidated in 1927 when financier I.W. Schlesinger acquired key stations—including those in , , , and —and formed the African Broadcasting Company (ABC), securing a for a decade-long monopoly on commercial radio. The ABC expanded programming to include , , and educational content, funded by advertising and listener licenses, but faced growing scrutiny over content control and national cohesion amid linguistic tensions between English and speakers. Government intervention intensified in the 1930s, influenced by models; in 1934, BBC director-general Lord Reith advised J.B.M. Hertzog's administration on nationalizing to prioritize over commercial interests. This culminated in the Broadcasting Act No. 22 of 1936, which dissolved the ABC—purchased by the state for an undisclosed sum—and established the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on August 1, 1936, as an autonomous public entity funded by annual radio license fees averaging £1 per household. The SABC inherited the ABC's infrastructure and launched initial services in English via , followed by an Afrikaans counterpart in 1937, aiming to foster unity in the bilingual . Into the 1940s, the SABC consolidated its role during , introducing targeted broadcasts such as Zulu-language programs from in December 1941 and communal loudspeaker services for African communities in the by 1940, partly as tools to align non-white populations with Allied war efforts under Prime Minister . These expansions laid infrastructural and programmatic groundwork, with over 200,000 licensed receivers by mid-decade, though access remained skewed toward white urban households due to equipment costs and licensing barriers. The pre-apartheid era thus positioned the SABC as a state-supported monopoly emphasizing official languages and national narrative, free from the overt policies that would follow 1948.

Apartheid-Era Operations and Expansion (1950s-1980s)

During the 1950s and 1960s, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) expanded its radio operations in alignment with the National Party government's apartheid policies, introducing segregated services to promote separate development for racial groups. Springbok Radio, the SABC's inaugural commercial station broadcasting in English and Afrikaans, launched on 1 May 1950 from Johannesburg. The first SABC news radio bulletins in these languages aired on 17 July 1950 from Broadcast House on Commissioner Street. To serve black South Africans under the Bantu self-government framework, Radio Bantu began operations on 1 January 1962 with initial broadcasts in Sesotho and isiZulu, phasing in additional African languages through the decade as FM networks grew. These ethnically divided stations disseminated government-censored content, reinforcing apartheid ideologies and limiting exposure to dissenting views. The SABC's programming across services functioned as a state propaganda tool, prioritizing narratives that upheld and National Party authority, as later acknowledged in Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings where former executives admitted to promoting apartheid through biased news and content. Radio expansion increased listenership among diverse populations but entrenched divisions, with white-oriented English and stations receiving preferential resources and airtime compared to Bantu services. Television broadcasting marked a significant expansion milestone, delayed until the mid-1970s despite earlier proposals in the due to concerns over potential social unrest. Experimental transmissions commenced in major cities on 5 May 1975, followed by the official nationwide launch on 5 January 1976, initially as a single bilingual English- channel targeted at audiences. By the early , the service grew to three channels to reflect apartheid's racial classifications: TV1 for general viewership, TV2 oriented toward black audiences with African-language programming, and TV3 focused on content. This structure extended segregation to visual media, with content vetted to align with state ideology and exclude anti-apartheid perspectives. Throughout the era, the SABC maintained a monopoly, funded primarily by fees and grants, which enabled infrastructural growth including transmitter networks but subordinated journalistic to political directives. While reach expanded—reaching millions via radio and emerging TV—the operations prioritized ideological conformity over balanced information, as evidenced by systemic and the absence of coverage for opposition movements until the late .

Democratic Transition and Initial Reforms (1990s)

As South Africa's political landscape shifted following President F.W. de Klerk's unbanning of the (ANC) and release of on February 11, 1990, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), long a tool of apartheid propaganda with segregated radio and television services for racial groups, faced pressure for reform to align with emerging democratic norms. Prior to this, the SABC operated under direct government control via the Broadcasting Act of 1976, prioritizing state messaging over pluralism. Early transitional coverage included multi-party negotiations from 1990 onward, though initial broadcasts retained biases favoring the National Party government. The Independent Broadcasting Authority Act 153 of 1993 marked a pivotal legislative reform, establishing the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) as an autonomous regulator to oversee broadcasting in the public interest, ending the state's monopoly on airwaves and introducing competition. The IBA commenced operations in early 1994, shortly before the April 27 democratic elections, issuing licenses for the first independent radio stations and community broadcasters, while imposing local content quotas (initially 20% South African programming for television) to foster cultural diversity and reduce foreign dominance. For the SABC, this meant transitioning from unchecked state mouthpiece to a public broadcaster under regulatory scrutiny, with mandates for balanced election coverage and impartiality, though enforcement relied on the IBA's nine-member council appointed by Parliament. Further restructuring occurred in 1996 when the SABC relaunched its three television channels—rebranded as , , and —with updated programming to dismantle apartheid-era ethnic divisions, emphasizing national unity and broader audience representation, including increased African language content and youth-oriented shows. This aligned with advocacy from groups like the Campaign for Open Media, which pushed for de-monopolization. Culminating the decade's efforts, the Act 4 of 1999 redefined the SABC as a limited by shares (SABC Ltd.), with the as sole shareholder, while enshrining its mandate for educational, informational, and entertaining content reflective of South Africa's multicultural society, alongside provisions for commercial revenue to supplement license fees. These reforms, driven by the 1998 on Policy, aimed to embed pluralism but preserved public funding dependencies that later drew scrutiny for potential political influence.

Post-1994 Restructuring and Challenges (2000s-2020s)

Following the initial post-apartheid reforms, the SABC underwent further in 1999, converting into SABC Ltd with the as its sole shareholder, which formalized public ownership but introduced vulnerabilities to ministerial oversight in board appointments. This structure aimed to balance commercial viability with mandates, including diversified programming to reflect South Africa's demographics, yet it coincided with early financial strains, such as the 2000 closure of the Afrikaans-language Punt radio services due to mounting losses. By the mid-2000s, competition from private broadcasters like and eroded audience share, exacerbating revenue shortfalls from advertising and the under-collection of TV license fees, which covered only a fraction of operational costs. Financial crises intensified in the late 2000s, culminating in the SABC's bankruptcy declaration, which necessitated a government guarantee enabling loans from commercial banks to avert collapse. Persistent mismanagement led to irregular expenditure accumulating to billions of rand, with the Auditor-General reporting disarray by 2013 and the deeming governance "pathological" in 2014. These issues stemmed partly from failed diversification into costly initiatives, such as excessive local content quotas without corresponding budget safeguards, and reliance on a TV license system where compliance hovered below 20%, yielding insufficient funds for infrastructure like delayed migration. Government interventions included a R3.2 billion in 2019, disbursed in tranches starting October 2019, yet losses persisted, with net shortfalls before interest and tax at R1.13 billion in 2022/23, narrowing to R318 million in 2023/24 amid retrenchments and downsized channel plans from 18 to 9. Governance breakdowns were marked by recurrent board instability and executive controversies, including the 2016 parliamentary ad hoc committee inquiry into the board's fitness, which exposed fruitless expenditure, unlawful decisions, and editorial meddling, leading to the board's dissolution and the resignation of its last member in December 2016. A central figure was Hlaudi Motsoeneng, whose 2014 appointment as chief operations officer was ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court of Appeal due to falsified qualifications—he lacked a matric certificate despite claiming otherwise—and involved directives for "positive" coverage aligned with nation-building narratives. Motsoeneng's tenure included a R11 million "success fee" later ordered repaid by courts in 2025, alongside the suspension and firing of eight journalists (the "SABC8") for protesting a May 2016 policy banning footage of violent protests, which the inquiry linked to efforts to suppress coverage embarrassing the ANC government. Board vacancies persisted into the 2020s, with the SABC operating without a full board in 2022, delaying strategic reforms. Political interference, facilitated by ANC cadre deployment in appointments, undermined , as evidenced by the 2006 Sisulu Marcus Report revealing blacklisting of government critics under and similar suppression of opposition or scandal coverage under . The on later documented how such politicization prioritized ruling-party narratives over journalistic standards, eroding public trust and credibility. Into the , reform attempts like the 2023 SABC Bill sought to repeal the 1999 Broadcasting Act and enable commercial partnerships for sustainability, but faced criticism for potentially entrenching ministerial control over funding and appointments, perpetuating dependency on bailouts amid calls for insulating the broadcaster from partisan influence. These challenges reflect systemic failures in aligning public funding with accountable management, resulting in repeated fiscal rescues and diminished role as an impartial informer in a multiparty democracy.

Organizational Structure

Leadership and Key Executives

The executive leadership of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is headed by Group Nomsa Chabeli, who is responsible for the overall and operational oversight of the public broadcaster. Key executives under Chabeli include Lungile Binza, who was confirmed in the permanent role effective March 1, 2025, after serving as acting COO from February 2024; Binza focuses on operational efficiency and service delivery across broadcast platforms. Chief Financial Officer Tendani Matore handles fiscal planning, budgeting, and financial reporting amid the SABC's ongoing efforts to address revenue shortfalls and debt. In a strategic move to bolster commercialization, Enver Groenewald was appointed as the inaugural on October 2, 2025, drawing on over 20 years of experience in media sales and to drive advertising revenue and partnerships. Maijang Mpherwane assumed the position of Group Executive for Video Entertainment on August 1, 2025, overseeing content production and distribution for television channels with an emphasis on audience engagement. These appointments reflect the SABC's recent push to stabilize its executive team amid financial pressures, including a reported basic of R3.5 million for Chabeli in the prior fiscal year, plus allowances totaling R1.3 million.

Board Composition and Accountability Mechanisms

The SABC Board consists of twelve non-executive directors, including a chairperson and deputy chairperson, appointed by the President of South Africa on the recommendation of the National Assembly following a public nomination and parliamentary interview process stipulated in the Broadcasting Act of 1999, as amended. This process aims to ensure members possess expertise in broadcasting, finance, law, and public administration to oversee the corporation's strategic and fiduciary responsibilities. The current board, appointed on 18 April 2023 for a five-year term, comprises Chairperson Khathutshelo Ramukumba, Deputy Chairperson Nomvuyiso Batyi, and members Dr. Renee Horne, Advocate Tseliso Thipanyane, Palesa Kadi, Phathiswa Magopeni, David Maimela, Aifheli Makhwanya, Dinkwanyane Mohuba, Magdalene Moonsamy, Ronald Rowntree, and Thembi Simelane. Accountability mechanisms for the board derive primarily from the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) of 1999 and the Broadcasting Act, which mandate separation of public and commercial broadcasting divisions under board oversight to prevent cross-subsidization and ensure . The board reports annually to Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, submitting audited prepared under the Auditor-General's oversight, along with performance plans and compliance reports on conditions enforced by the Independent Communications Authority of (ICASA). Internal controls include risk committees, ethics oversight, and whistleblower protections, with the board holding fiduciary duties to act in the corporation's best interests amid historical challenges like irregular expenditures exceeding R1 billion in prior years, addressed through remedial actions such as those ordered by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). Parliamentary scrutiny involves public hearings on board appointments and annual performance, enabling removal of members for via a two-thirds vote, as occurred in past terms amid governance lapses. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies provides ministerial oversight without direct operational interference, while SIU probes and rulings, such as the October 2025 order requiring former board members to repay R11.5 million in unauthorized fees, exemplify judicial enforcement of . These layered mechanisms, though tested by delays in appointments and political influences documented in parliamentary records, prioritize transparency through public processes over executive discretion.

Radio Services

Historical Evolution and Key Milestones

The origins of radio broadcasting in predate the SABC, with experimental transmissions beginning in 1923 at the South African Railways headquarters in , followed by the first regular station, "JB Calling," launching on July 1, 1924, from the same city. A second station started in in 1927, but these early private and experimental efforts operated without centralized coordination until regulatory changes in . The South African Broadcasting Corporation was established by parliamentary act in August 1936 as a public entity to consolidate and nationalize broadcasting, with initial radio services commencing operations in English and on February 1, 1937. These channels, known as the English Service and Afrikaans Service, focused on news, education, and entertainment, reflecting the bilingual official languages of the time, while the SABC maintained a monopoly under government oversight. Expansion continued modestly through the , including the first targeted broadcasts for African audiences in Zulu from in December 1941. In the apartheid era, radio services proliferated under state control to align with segregationist policies. On May 1, 1950, debuted as the SABC's first commercial station, broadcasting bilingually in English and with sponsored programming, music, and serials, alongside the inaugural daily news bulletins in those languages on July 17, 1950, from Johannesburg's Broadcast House. To extend reach into black communities while enforcing ethnic separation, Radio Bantu launched on January 1, 1962, initially in Sesotho and isiZulu, evolving into dedicated stations like Radio Zulu, Radio Xhosa, and others by the mid-1960s, often disseminating government-approved content that promoted "separate development." These services expanded to cover nine African languages by the 1970s, with Radio Bantu studios formally opened on August 22, 1967, though programming remained heavily censored to support apartheid narratives. ceased operations on December 31, 1985, replaced by restructured channels like Radio South Africa (English) and Radio Afrikaans Stereo. The prompted significant reforms to depoliticize and diversify SABC radio. During the early 1990s negotiations, SABC stations provided neutral coverage that facilitated public discourse and contributed to the peaceful shift from apartheid, broadcasting updates on political talks to wide audiences. A major restructuring in 1996 rebranded services—such as the English Service becoming SAfm, the Service evolving into Radio Sonder Grense (RSG), and African language stations gaining autonomy—aiming to reflect South Africa's multilingual society and mandate under the new . This era saw the introduction of FM stereo, community-oriented programming, and eventual growth to 18 stations by the , emphasizing inclusivity while grappling with funding shifts from license fees to and government grants.

Current Stations and Programming Focus

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) maintains 19 radio stations as of 2025, divided into (PBS) comprising 15 stations, public commercial services (PCS) with three stations, and Channel Africa as an external service. PBS stations adhere to mandates for informational, educational, and cultural content to foster national cohesion and public discourse, while PCS stations emphasize and to drive listenership and commercial viability within a public framework. African language services (ALS), integrated within PBS, target speakers with localized programming. PCS stations—5FM, Good Hope FM, and —prioritize popular music formats blended with talk segments to appeal to broad demographics and generate advertising income. focuses on contemporary , and electronic music for a youthful, urban audience, featuring chart-toppers and shows. Good Hope FM targets listeners with adult contemporary hits in English and , incorporating regional news and community events. , the leading commercial outlet, delivers urban contemporary programming including R&B, hip-hop, and , with recent 2025/26 lineup updates introducing new hosts to weekday music and entertainment slots while retaining core drive-time formats.
StationPrimary Language(s)Programming Focus
SAfmEnglishNews, current affairs, , and public debates for national and international coverage.
RSGEducational content, literature, history, and emphasizing cultural preservation.
Radio 2000EnglishSports, travel, motoring, and updates alongside general news.
Lotus FMEnglish, , Bollywood music, Indian cultural programs, and discussions for South Asian heritage audiences.
ALS stations within broadcast in South Africa's official African languages, emphasizing , , , and rural to serve underserved populations. (isiZulu) highlights maskandi, gospel, and traditional genres with audience interaction shows. Umhlobo Wenene FM (isiXhosa) mixes folk music, talkback, and developmental topics. Lesedi FM (Sesotho) and Thobela FM (Sepedi) feature regional , , and family-oriented content. Motsweding FM (Setswana), Ligwalagwala FM (siSwati), Ikwekwezi FM (isiNdebele), and Munghana Lonene FM (xiTsonga) similarly prioritize indigenous artists, moral education, and listener call-ins to promote linguistic diversity and social issues. Channel Africa, the digital and shortwave external broadcaster, delivers multilingual news and African affairs programming in English, French, , and indigenous languages to continental audiences, focusing on , development, and pan-African perspectives via online streaming and . All stations integrate digital platforms for extended reach, with emphasizing social cohesion amid declining traditional listenership trends.

Television Services

Introduction and Technological Milestones

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) initiated television services with experimental broadcasts on 5 May 1975 in major urban centers including , , and , following government approval in 1971 to expand beyond radio operations. Nationwide regular programming commenced on 5 1976 from studios in Auckland Park, , initially featuring a single channel with bilingual content in English and to serve the white population under apartheid-era policies. These services utilized the PAL-I analog standard from inception, transmitting at 625 lines and 50 fields per second, which enabled high-quality color reception compared to contemporaneous black-and-white systems elsewhere. Technological advancements in the included the launch of additional channels—TV2 on 31 December 1981 targeting black audiences with content in African languages, and TV3 (later TV4) in 1985—expanding transmitter to cover approximately 70% of the population by the decade's end through VHF and UHF bands. sound transmission was introduced in the late 1980s for select programming, enhancing audio fidelity via NICAM encoding. The post-apartheid era saw initial satellite uplinking capabilities in the 1990s for international feeds, but the primary technological shift focused on digital migration, approved by the government in 2006 with trials commencing in 2008 in areas like and . Digital terrestrial television (DTT) implementation, intended to replace analog signals with standards for improved spectrum efficiency and HD capabilities, faced repeated postponements due to set-top box subsidy disputes, policy shifts, and infrastructure costs exceeding R7 billion. A dual-illumination phase began in 2012, allowing simultaneous analog and digital broadcasts, but full analogue switch-off—initially targeted for 2015, then 2018, 2020, and 2022—remained incomplete as of October 2025, with only partial DTT rollout affecting urban viewers and ongoing analogue reliance in rural areas. This delay has limited SABC's adoption of high-definition , though pilot HD trials occurred in 2018 for events like the .

Channel Portfolio and Content Strategy

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) maintains a portfolio of five primary television channels designed to fulfill its mandate by providing (FTA) content that informs, educates, and entertains diverse audiences across South Africa's linguistic and demographic spectrum. These include , , and as core FTA channels broadcast via analogue, (DTT), and satellite platforms such as , Openview HD (OVHD), and ; , a dedicated 24-hour channel available primarily on DStv channel 404; and SABC Education, focused on instructional programming accessible across multiple platforms. Additional specialized feeds, such as SABC Sport on OVHD, supplement the portfolio during major events. All channels operate under licenses valid until December 2038 for the main FTA services, emphasizing accessibility to over 80% of the population through FTA reach.
ChannelTarget Focus and LanguagesKey Programming ExamplesLocal Content Quota Compliance (FY2023/24)
Youth-oriented, mass-market appeal in IsiNguni languages (e.g., isiZulu, isiXhosa) and EnglishSoaps like (4.59 million viewers peak) and ; music awards; youth dramas86.41%
Family and community in Sotho languages (e.g., Sesotho, Setswana) and English; awards; documentaries like Surviving a ; sports events such as finals (2.86 million viewers)97.63%
Upscale lifestyle, entertainment, and business in English with 10% indigenous languagesReality shows like ; sports like AFCON matches (2.34 million viewers); pageants such as Miss SA85.24%
Current affairs and news for national and pan-African audiences (51 countries covered)18 hours daily live broadcasts; election and summit coverage (e.g., BRICS, elections)N/A (news-specific)
SABC EducationInstructional content for learners and public enlightenmentMatric results announcements (accessed by 148,000 pupils on 18 2024); curriculum-aligned programsN/A (educational mandate)
The SABC's content strategy prioritizes local production to comply with Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) quotas, achieving high adherence across channels while commissioning from independent producers to support 9 programs in the Top 20 lineup during FY2023/24. Programming reflects 's multilingual context, with emphasis on African languages to promote cultural relevance and national cohesion under the ethos of Ubuntu-inspired family and societal values. Strategic partnerships, such as with the and , augment acquired content, while R544.2 million was committed for program rights in 2024, including sports acquisitions covering 26 events like the Olympics and ICC Cricket World Cup. In December 2025, SABC secured rights to broadcast the Proteas Women's matches against Ireland and Pakistan on SABC 2/3 for free for the first time, and the Proteas Men's T20I series against West Indies at the end of January 2026. Digital initiatives form a core pillar, with the SABC+ over-the-top (OTT) platform relaunched on 3 July 2024 to extend reach amid analogue switch-off (ASO) completion targeted for end-2023, garnering over 1 million views for events like AFCON 2023 and 2 million unique monthly users since December 2023. This supports a hybrid linear-digital model, revitalizing underperforming channels like SABC 3 through new business models and content diversification, alongside revenue enhancement via advertising growth of R108 million (6.8%) in TV for FY2023/24. Overall, the strategy counters audience fragmentation by leveraging public funding dependencies and event-driven peaks, such as primetime shares of 18.7% for SABC 1, though challenges persist in meeting targets (e.g., SABC 1's 22% goal versus 18.8% achieved).

International and Regional Reach

External Broadcasting Initiatives

The South African Broadcasting Corporation established its external broadcasting arm with the launch of Radio RSA on 1 May 1966, a shortwave radio service designed to reach international listeners, particularly in Africa and beyond, by transmitting news, cultural programs, and commentary aligned with the apartheid government's perspectives. Operating from transmitters including the Meyerton site, Radio RSA broadcast daily schedules that emphasized South Africa's official narratives, often countering criticisms from foreign media outlets regarding domestic policies. The service continued until its discontinuation in 1992 amid the transition from apartheid. In 1992, Radio RSA was restructured and relaunched as Channel Africa on 1 , shifting toward a post-apartheid mandate to promote South Africa's national interests and contribute to continental development through balanced coverage of African issues. Channel Africa produces content in five languages—Chinyanja, Kiswahili, English, French, and —focusing on news, current affairs, and discussions supportive of the . By 2001, it had expanded its programming to align with democratic objectives, reaching over 50 countries with an estimated 126,000 daily listeners via satellite (PAS 10/ 20) and internet streams. The service's shortwave operations, historically central to its reach into , faced challenges leading to the closure of the Meyerton shortwave station in 2019, after which Channel Africa transitioned to digital platforms including streaming and for 24/7 broadcasts. This evolution reflects broader adaptations in amid declining shortwave infrastructure, while maintaining a focus on pan-African dialogue and South African priorities.

Accessibility in Neighboring Territories

SABC television and radio services are accessible in neighboring Southern African territories primarily through satellite pay-TV platforms like , operated by , which retransmits SABC channels across the (SADC) region, including , , , , , and . The SABC News channel on 404 extends to over 50 African countries, enabling real-time access to South African news and programming for regional audiences reliant on imported content. In border areas of , , and , terrestrial SABC signals historically spilled over due to proximity and limited local , providing reception of channels like , 2, and 3 before these countries developed domestic . This spillover persists in fringe zones but is supplemented by digital satellite for broader coverage, though subscription fees limit universal access amid economic disparities in the region. South Africa's digital terrestrial television migration includes bilateral engagements with six neighbors—Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, and Mozambique—to mitigate cross-border interference and spectrum conflicts, ensuring continued signal integrity. A 2023 policy white paper proposed legislative mandates for SABC to launch dedicated international satellite television, radio, and internet services targeting Africa, aiming to formalize and expand regional footprint beyond ad-hoc satellite carriage. Radio accessibility relies on FM border reception and online streaming via SABC+, though geo-restrictions and data costs hinder penetration in low-connectivity territories; shortwave services, once used for external , have diminished post-1990s. Overall, while integration provides the most reliable mechanism, accessibility remains uneven, tied to private infrastructure rather than public mandates, reflecting SABC's domestic focus amid constraints.

Financial Operations

Funding Sources and Dependencies

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) derives the majority of its from commercial sources, with and sponsorships accounting for approximately 54% of total income, totaling R2.8 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year, reflecting a 1.9% increase from the prior year. This commercial dependency exposes the broadcaster to fluctuations in the market, particularly amid competition from digital platforms and economic pressures in . Television licence fees constitute a smaller but statutorily mandated portion, comprising about 13% of revenues at R686 million in 2024, collected from roughly 2.1 million accounts despite an 86% non-compliance rate in the 2023/2024 period, resulting in billions in uncollected potential revenue. Enforcement challenges, including outdated collection mechanisms and public resistance, have led to calls for reform or abolition of the licence system, with the SABC advocating for a hybrid model incorporating subsidies or increased allocations. Government grants form a diminishing direct funding stream, reduced to around 3% of by 2022 following the exhaustion of prior bailouts, though the SABC's mandate incurs an estimated R2.1 billion annual unfunded cost for which sustained state support remains a priority. This reliance on parliamentary appropriations heightens vulnerability to political priorities, as evidenced by delays in funding resolutions and historical instances where fiscal shortfalls prompted operational cuts or pressures. Overall, the SABC's funding model, heavily weighted toward commercial income (64% including ), undermines its independence from while insufficient public funding perpetuates deficits, with losses widening to over R1 billion in recent years despite unqualified audits. Proposed reforms, including diversified digital revenues and a dedicated levy, aim to mitigate these dependencies, but implementation hinges on legislative consensus amid ongoing fiscal strain. The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has experienced persistent operating losses amid efforts to stabilize finances, with net losses before interest and tax declining from R1.13 billion in the 2022/23 financial year to R318 million in 2023/24, reflecting a 72% reduction driven by cost containment and revenue diversification. grew modestly by 1.3% in the 2024/25 financial year, but this was outpaced by a 3% rise in expenditure, resulting in a net loss of R253.3 million compared to R197.8 million the prior year. revenue, a core funding stream, saw a 10% year-on-year increase in 2023/24 after prior declines from R815 million in 2022 to R687 million in 2024, bolstered by enhanced collection efforts. Over the past decade, losses have trended downward from a low of R1.143 billion in FY2017, though the entity remains dependent on government grants and faces risks from outdated funding models. Recent audits by the Auditor-General of (AGSA) mark a shift toward cleaner financial reporting, with unqualified opinions issued for the second consecutive year in 2023/24 and 2024/25, signifying no material misstatements or significant deficiencies in internal controls. This progress follows historical qualified audits marred by irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure, with irregular spending notably reduced due to the expiration of multi-year contracts lacking proper compliance. The 2024 annual report highlights ongoing investigations by the Special Investigating Unit into past irregularities, though no new material findings were noted in the latest AGSA review. Parliamentary oversight, including Standing Committee on Public Accounts hearings, has emphasized sustained cost discipline to prevent regression, amid projections for potential profitability of R1 billion by 2026/27 if revenue strategies succeed.

Controversies and Criticisms

Allegations of Political Bias

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has faced persistent allegations of favoring the ruling (ANC) in its editorial decisions, stemming from its reliance on government funding and appointments to its board and executive positions by the communications minister. Critics, including opposition parties and organizations such as the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI), argue that this structure enables political interference, leading to skewed news coverage that amplifies ANC narratives while marginalizing dissent. A 2011 Johannesburg ruling ordered a into censorship practices under former news chief Snuki Zikalala, an ANC veteran, who was accused of blacklisting commentators critical of then-president Thabo Mbeki's policies and muting coverage unfavorable to ANC-aligned figures like Zimbabwe's during the 2005 elections. In the lead-up to the 2009 national elections, the SABC newsroom encountered claims of editorial interference, including the of political analysts perceived as anti-ANC and of content challenging the party's dominance. These issues contributed to perceptions of the broadcaster as a mouthpiece rather than an independent entity. By 2008, even the ANC publicly criticized the SABC for biased reporting, though opposition groups highlighted a consistent pro-ANC tilt in election coverage and policy discussions. A 2013 internal project titled "Project Kindle," commissioned by the SABC to investigate declining news viewership, revealed that a majority of participants across racial demographics viewed the broadcaster's political reporting as biased toward the ANC, with decisions influenced more by politicians than editors. The report, which linked this perception to events like the Marikana massacre and Nkandla scandals where viewers sought alternative sources for balance, was rejected and buried by SABC management, fueling accusations of deliberate suppression to conceal favoritism. Similar concerns arose in 2016 when the SABC adopted a policy barring footage of protest violence deemed destructive, interpreted by watchdogs as shielding the government from scrutiny amid widespread unrest. More recently, ahead of the 2024 elections, the and Campaign for Free Expression raised alarms over SABC board members holding pre-meetings with ANC study groups before parliamentary oversight sessions, warning that such coordination risked editorial bias, , and eroded public trust in fair coverage. In January 2025, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party accused the SABC of partisan language in reporting on the Government of National Unity, claiming it undermined opposition narratives. These incidents underscore ongoing debates about the SABC's , with evidence from court-mandated inquiries and suppressed internal data pointing to systemic vulnerabilities rather than isolated lapses.

Instances of Censorship and Editorial Control

In May 2006, executive Snuki Zikalala instructed staff to blacklist certain political commentators perceived as critical of the ANC government, including figures like Aubrey Matshiqi, as documented in an internal 79-page report leaked to the media. This policy aimed to limit dissenting voices ahead of elections, prompting complaints to the (ICASA) and denials from the SABC, though a 2011 court ruling ordered further probes into such practices. Allegations persisted into 2009, with ICASA hearings examining claims, where the SABC maintained no formal list existed but admitted to vetting contributors for balance. During the 2009 national elections, the SABC withdrew a on one week prior to voting, citing editorial concerns over its timing and potential bias, which critics labeled as preemptive to protect the . Similarly, the current affairs program The Big Debate was abruptly canceled amid coverage of President Thabo Mbeki's recall, with internal directives overriding journalistic decisions to avoid controversial ANC internal strife. A prominent case occurred in May 2016, when SABC chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng issued a directive prohibiting the broadcast of footage depicting the destruction of during protests, arguing it would glorify and encourage copycat acts. The policy, applied selectively to service delivery unrest, drew widespread condemnation as favoring government narratives; ICASA ruled it unlawful in July 2016, ordering its immediate reversal for violating duties. Eight journalists, known as the "SABC 8," publicly protested the ban and were dismissed, but a Labour Court ordered the reinstatement of four in July 2016, deeming the firings unfair retaliation. In the lead-up to the 2014 elections, the SABC banned advertisements from opposition parties like the Democratic Alliance and , citing violations of electoral codes, though legal analysts argued the decisions reflected disproportionate editorial scrutiny on anti-ANC content compared to ruling party materials. A 2019 internal inquiry into editorial interference from 2012 to 2017 revealed systemic issues, including executives bypassing newsroom protocols to insert or suppress stories under external political pressure, often from figures like former Communications Minister Faith Muthambi, fostering a and policy circumvention. More recently, in May 2024, the SABC rejected a Democratic Alliance election advertisement featuring a burning South African flag, justifying it as promoting national destruction, which the party contested as viewpoint discrimination ahead of polls. These episodes highlight recurring tensions between the SABC's public mandate and influences exerting control over content dissemination.

Financial Mismanagement and Governance Failures

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has faced persistent financial mismanagement, characterized by substantial irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure, as highlighted in recent audits. For the 2023/24 financial year, irregular expenditure totaled R6.2 billion, while fruitless and wasteful expenditure reached R24.6 million, largely from penalties incurred due to non-compliance. These figures reflect ongoing weaknesses, including multi-year contracts that previously inflated irregular spending, though reductions occurred as some expired. Governance failures have exacerbated the crisis, with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) attributing the SABC's financial distress to chronic lapses over the past five to eight years, including inadequate oversight and accountability. The Auditor-General flagged persistent gaps in internal controls, despite claims of progress, noting unresolved corruption cases and failures in consequence management for financial irregularities. In response, the SIU recovered R58 million from irregular contracts involving the SABC. High-profile board misconduct has compounded these issues, exemplified by a ruling in October 2025 ordering three former interim board members to repay R115 million in unlawful bonuses approved without proper authority, stemming from SIU probes into . Earlier scandals involved figures like Hlaudi Motsoeneng, whose appeal against findings of misconduct was dismissed by the of Appeal in May 2024, linked to irregular appointments and expenditure during his tenure. Such failures have necessitated bailouts, including R2.1 billion to address insolvency risks from irregular practices and wage bill pressures. Despite achieving a second consecutive unqualified opinion in 2025—indicating fairly presented —the presence of material findings underscores incomplete remediation of risks. Parliamentary scrutiny, including by , has emphasized the need for stricter monitoring to prevent recurrence, as lapses in and accountability continue to threaten sustainability.

Stakeholder Responses and Proposed Reforms

Stakeholders, including parliamentary committees, government officials, and organizations, have repeatedly criticized the SABC for lapses and financial instability, urging structural overhauls to restore viability. The Portfolio Committee on Communications, in meetings such as the July 2020 session with internal stakeholders, highlighted operational disruptions and called for enhanced amid ongoing crises. Similarly, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts () expressed concerns in May 2025 over the SABC's reliance on declining TV license fees and government grants, which fund only 55% of its public mandate, despite improved audit outcomes. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), under Minister , responded to these issues by withdrawing the controversial SABC Bill in late 2024, citing flaws in its approach to funding and governance, though this move sparked disputes with parliamentary bodies aiming to review it early in 2025. , introduced in October 2023, sought to repeal the outdated Broadcasting Act of 1999 and transition from TV licenses to a three-year household levy collected via tax authorities or entities like , followed by a permanent funding model to reduce state dependency and mitigate bias risks from bailouts. groups, such as the SOS Coalition, advocated for expediting the Bill's passage in July 2025 to address persistent funding shortfalls, arguing that delays exacerbate the SABC's vulnerability to political influence. Proposed reforms emphasize sustainable financing and . In July 2025, the DCDT solicited proposals for a new SABC funding model to replace ad-hoc grants, aiming for long-term stability amid projections of potential signal blackouts by late 2025 due to decay. The SABC itself has implemented measures, including suspending 80% of capital projects and limiting content spending, while achieving consecutive audits in 2024 and 2025 through tightened financial controls, though net losses persisted at R318 million in 2023/24. Stakeholders like recommend diversifying revenue via digital platforms and enforcing stricter compliance to curb mismanagement, with the SABC's 2023-2026 corporate plan incorporating risk frameworks for . These efforts reflect a consensus on decoupling funding from direct control to preserve mandates without compromising neutrality.

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