By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
South Africa’s public
broadcaster, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), has marked 90
years of public broadcasting, with government recognising its longstanding role
in informing, connecting and entertaining citizens.
Minister of Communications
and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi congratulated the SABC on reaching the
milestone, commending current and former employees for their contribution to
building one of the country’s most influential public institutions.
Malatsi said the broadcaster
has played an important role in giving communities across South Africa a
platform and has remained a key pillar of the country’s democracy, particularly
during the past three decades of democratic governance.
He acknowledged the
dedication of SABC staff members who have contributed to the organisation’s
public service mandate through changing media landscapes and evolving audience
needs.
The minister reaffirmed
government’s commitment to supporting a strong, sustainable and independent
public broadcaster capable of continuing to serve South Africans for future
generations.
The SABC, established in
1936, has evolved from a traditional radio broadcaster into a multi-platform
public media organisation operating television, radio and digital services to
reach audiences across the country.
The 90-year milestone comes
at a time when public broadcasters globally are adapting to rapid changes in
technology, audience consumption patterns and the growth of digital media
platforms.
