The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is celebrating 90 years of broadcasting history, reflecting on its role as the nation’s primary storyteller from its early origins on Commissioner Street in Johannesburg to its modern headquarters in Auckland Park.
Originally established after purchasing the assets of the private African Broadcasting Company under the Broadcasting Act of 1936, the public broadcaster has evolved from its early radio roots through the apartheid era and into SA’s democratic dispensation.
Over the decades, the broadcaster has built a rich archive capturing pivotal moments in the nation’s history, while shaping local pop culture through iconic radio personalities like Alex Jay on 5FM and landmark television programming such as SABC 2’s Dub, SABC 3 favorites, Friends Like These, Skeem Saam, and the flagship morning show Morning Live.
Cast and crew from Skeem Saam shared nostalgic memories of growing up with the broadcaster, noting how SABC programming inspired their careers in media and entertainment, with hopes that these flagship shows will continue to entertain future generations.
Speaking on the milestone, SABC Group Chief Executive Officer Nomsa Chabeli, highlighted the broadcaster’s legacy as SA’s premier archivist and storyteller, outlining a future vision focused on building a sustainable public broadcaster that continues to unify the nation, ensure universal access, and showcase South African content globally.
–Channel Africa–
