Who is the owner of SABC?

Founded in 1936, SABC has developed into one of the largest state-owned enterprises in the country. This unique position as a public broadcaster means the SABC is not privately owned but is instead owned and operated by the South African government on behalf of the people of South Africa. Through government oversight, the SABC aims to fulfill a critical mission: educating, informing, and entertaining citizens, while also reflecting South Africa’s rich cultural diversity.

The Role and Mission of the SABC

SABC operates a wide range of media platforms designed to reach all segments of South African society. Its services include 19 radio stations and six television channels, including the popular SABC 1, 2, and 3, each catering to specific audiences and often broadcasting in multiple languages. The SABC’s digital platforms are also expanding, offering more ways for audiences to access its content online. The SABC’s mission is not only to entertain but also to educate and provide accurate information. This mission involves ensuring that all South African citizens have access to quality content that celebrates the country’s many cultures and languages, while promoting local talent and voices.

Ownership and Governance

As a public entity, the SABC is ultimately owned by the South African government, with the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies overseeing its operations. However, the corporation operates independently from the government in its day-to-day functions, particularly in its news reporting and programming. This independence is essential to maintain the objectivity and credibility of the SABC’s news services, which are among its most valued offerings. The broadcaster is expected to operate free from political influence, especially in its news division, to ensure it provides accurate, unbiased information to the public.

Funding and Financial Challenges

The SABC is primarily funded through television license fees paid by South African citizens and additional revenue generated from advertising and partnerships. However, the organization has faced financial challenges over the years, in part due to declining revenue from television license fees. These financial strains have prompted discussions on alternative funding models and ways to make the SABC financially sustainable while continuing to serve the public.

SABC’s Impact on South African Society

With its broad reach and mission to serve the public interest, the SABC is an essential part of South African society. It provides programming that caters to all age groups and abilities, offering educational shows, children’s content, local dramas, and sports broadcasts, including minority sports often overlooked by commercial broadcasters. The SABC’s diverse programming also celebrates South African culture, languages, and history, fostering a sense of unity and pride among citizens. By developing and showcasing local talent, the SABC plays an essential role in nurturing the country’s entertainment industry.

History and Purpose of SABC

SABC was founded in 1936 and has evolved into one of Africa’s most prominent broadcasters. Its mission is to deliver unbiased, high-quality content that educates, informs, and entertains, reaching over 19 million South Africans daily. SABC’s range of programming includes news, educational shows, and entertainment catering to a broad audience in multiple languages.

Management and Oversight of SABC

While the South African government owns SABC, it does not manage daily operations. Instead, the broadcaster is governed by a board of directors appointed by South Africa’s president, ensuring compliance with public broadcasting standards and transparency. SABC’s revenue comes from government funding, license fees, and advertising.

SABC’s Role in South Africa’s Media Landscape

Recent efforts to modernize the broadcaster include the 2022 launch of SABC+, its streaming service, which aims to expand its digital presence and reach a younger, more tech-savvy audience. SABC’s CEO appointment of a marketing and brand veteran in 2023 marks its commitment to staying competitive in a fast-evolving digital and broadcast landscape.

While the SABC faces financial challenges, it remains a critical component of South Africa’s media ecosystem, committed to representing the nation’s diverse voices and providing accessible public broadcasting.

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.