The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) celebrates its 90th anniversary on 1 August 2026, marking nine decades as the nation’s primary public broadcaster. Established by the Broadcasting Act on 1 August 1936, the corporation took over radio operations from the earlier African Broadcasting Company to bring standardised public broadcasting to the country.
Evolution Of A National Broadcaster
Since its inception, the SABC has expanded from a limited radio service to a multi-platform media entity providing content across radio, television, and digital channels in all official South African languages. The broadcaster marks significant historical milestones, including the introduction of services in African languages in 1940 and the launch of its first dedicated news bulletin in July 1950.
Record And Role As Archivist
Reflecting on the broadcaster’s legacy, SABC Group Chief Executive Nomsa Chabeli noted the corporation’s unique position in preserving the nation’s history. During a media briefing regarding the milestone, Chabeli stated: “We are South Africa’s greatest archivist. No one has the type of archives we have because we continue to be the most important storyteller, not just to South Africans, but also taking South Africa to the rest of the world.
Beyond its archives, the SABC significantly altered the domestic media landscape in January 1976 when it transmitted its first live television broadcast. The broadcaster remains a critical, state-owned institution tasked with informing, educating, and entertaining the public while navigating a complex history of political change. Preparations are currently underway for formal commemorative events as the SABC reaches its official 90th year of operations on 31 July 2026.