A retrospective look at 33 years in the SABC Record Library

Thersia Francis, the Manager of the SABC Record Library, is leaving the SABC Media Libraries today to pursue other interests in life. She started as a woman assistant in the Record Library, and later became the Manager of the Record Library.


How long did you work for the SABC, and where did you start before you came to the Media Libraries?

I started in 1980, 33 years ago. I started in the Record Library.

What did it mean to you to work in the Record Library? 

That was a very big part of my life, and I have enjoyed every minute of it.

Did you meet interesting people, and who?

I have met a lot of bands, singers and artists. 
My highlight was being backstage with Jon Bon Jovi in their first concert in Johannesburg Athletics Stadium.

What do you remember about your time here?

99% was happiness in my job - to work with music and music related functions which I have enjoyed most.

What are your plans for the future?

For the near future; to relax and doing the things I never had time to do previously!


We wish you well, Thersia!


Related post:

Interview with the Manager of the SABC Record Library


Questions & blog post by Karen du Toit, SABC Radio Archives.

New Yamaha grand piano

By Suzette Lombard
Principal Music Librarian

Unfortunately even well-made pianos don’t last forever, and in 2012 the SABC Music Library had to say goodbye to one of our collection of pianos, of which the frame had cracked. 

Fortunately we were able to acquire a brand new Yamaha C5 grand piano to replace it.

Yamaha is the world’s largest manufacturers of musical instruments, and has been making pianos since 1897. This piano is a great example of the dedication, vast knowledge, skill and hard work that go into making a modern day concert standard piano. Not only does it have to have a good sound and excellent mechanical action to please even the most demanding pianist, but it also has to look beautiful and be strong and rugged, in order to withstand the constant moving and handling.
A combination of traditional craftsmanship and advanced acoustical technology has made this possible. 

We are looking forward to this beauty’s first performance. 


Photos taken last week Wednesday at the arrival of the new piano.

The Music Librarian looking on

Suzette Lombard

(Photos by Karen du Toit)

Wordless Wednesday - Sound Archivist with "records" t-shirt

World Radio Day 2013 Press Release

World Radio Day 2013

The second World Radio Day is upcoming on 13 February 2013.

The Press Release:

February 13 is the day proclaimed by UNESCO and endorsed by the United Nations General
Assembly to celebrate Radio as a medium; to improve international cooperation between
broadcasters; and to encourage major networks and community radio alike to promote access
to information and freedom of expression over the airwaves. 

UNESCO encourages all countries to celebrate World Radio Day by planning activities in partnership with regional, national and international broadcasters, non-governmental organizations, the media and the public.

The International Committee for the World Radio Day is constituted by agreement
among the most representative broadcasting organizations. Its purpose is to internationally
promote the celebration of the World Radio Day, whom the first edition will be held February
13, 2013 by means of different activities.

This Committee invites all public, private, online and community Radio organizations as well as
Radio professionals and listeners worldwide to participate in a global campaign and join voices
to tell the world why Radio still is the greatest media!

www.wrd13.com the World Radio Day International Committee web platform organizes
sound item exchanges in order to promote this medium (1 minute maximum). 

You are invited to produce and to send to this website your posts, whatever your link may be with the Radio world (public Radio, private Radio, community Radio, independent producer, listener …).

All international Radio organizations are also invited to actively ask their listeners to
participate by publishing the promo banners on their website or by sharing the link on their
Facebook or Twitter page. WRD13 could be the perfect opportunity to strengthen radio
relationships with listeners!

Any Radio organization will be able to freely download any content available on the platform
and celebrate World Radio Day by broadcasting all day, on Wednesday 13 February 2013,
audio messages on the importance of Radio from all over the world.

contact: info@wrd13.com

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The SABC Media Libraries will also make a contribution on the World Radio Day on their website.
We will keep you updated.

SABC Media Libraries 2012 end of year function

The SABC Media Libraries had their end of year function at the Vaal River.
A river cruise on the Liquid Lounge was followed by a lunch at the Emerald Hotel.

It was a great day in the South African sun!

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We are back and already working hard in the new year.
2013 seems to be a busy year!


Best of 2013 wishes to all the libraries and archives, as well as our SABC Viewers!