Friday, August 29, 2025

SABC Cape Town Media Library launches Employee Mental Wellness Initiative

SABC Music Therapy Room launch - Cape Town Library 

A meaningful milestone for the SABC Cape Town Media Library: the official launch of its Employee Mental Wellness Initiative. Built on the strength of their rich and diverse music collection, this programme is designed to promote emotional wellbeing in the workplace.

SABC Music Therapy Room 

Why this initiative matters

This initiative aligns with the SABC Employee Mental Wellness Programme and was developed to support the emotional and psychological health of their staff. It acknowledges the period of challenges faced during the 2021 retrenchments and the challenges during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. By prioritizing wellbeing, they are investing in a healthier, more resilient workplace culture.

What’s included

SABC Music Therapy room


🎵 Weekly Curated Music Playlists

  • Each week, they roll out themed playlists crafted to help employees relax, rejuvenate, and relieve stress.
  • Music is widely recognized for its healing properties: it can ease anxiety, lift mood, and offer comfort through times of grief or trauma.
  • These playlists are a simple, accessible way to incorporate intentional wellness into the workday.

🛋️ Music Therapy Rooms

SABC Music Therapy Room - ambient lighting


  • They have established dedicated Music Therapy Rooms within the library.
  • Spaces include individual listening booths, comfortable seating, and ambient lighting.
  • The goal is to provide calming, immersive environments where staff can take mindful breaks and reconnect with themselves.

Launch highlights

🟢 Successful Launch – 5 August

Thembakazi Ntulini, Principal SABC Music Library Cape Town 

The official launch on 05 August was a success. It was heart-warming to see staff engage with the space and embrace this wellness resource with enthusiasm and appreciation.

More photos from the launch: 




Looking ahead

This marks just the beginning. They are committed to growing the programme to further support the wellbeing of their colleagues. Future plans may include expanding playlist themes, increasing accessibility to the Music Therapy Rooms, and exploring additional wellness activities that complement the music-based approach. The plan is also to open music therapy rooms in all of the regions, and to extend it to SABC in Johannesburg. 

Why this matters to the broader community

  • Employee wellbeing drives productivity and morale: When staff feel supported, engagement and performance tend to improve.
  • Accessible wellness resources matter: Providing spaces and curated content lowers barriers to taking time for mental health.
  • A culture of care resonates beyond the workplace: Wellbeing initiatives can inspire healthier habits at home and in the community.

If you’d like to learn more or share ideas for future playlists or wellness activities, they would love to hear from you. Let’s continue this journey toward a more mindful and resilient workplace. 

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Preserving Radio Bantu: SABC Safeguarding Cultural Audio Heritage for Future Generations

Radio Bantu logo
Radio Bantu

Introduction

Radio Bantu holds a special place in the hearts of many South Africans, offering a rich tapestry of cultural, social, and historical narratives. As we delve into the 21st century, the importance of preserving this invaluable part of our heritage cannot be overstated. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of Radio Bantu and the commendable preservation efforts the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). We will also discuss the vital role that individuals play in safeguarding this unique heritage.

The Historical Significance of Radio Bantu

Radio Bantu, a network of radio stations in South Africa broadcasting in indigenous languages, played a pivotal role in connecting communities across the country. It emerged during a time when apartheid policies were trying to divide and suppress South Africa's diverse cultures. Radio Bantu became a beacon of hope, a platform for communication, education, and cultural preservation.

These stations offered a voice to marginalized communities, allowing them to share their stories, music, traditions, and struggles. For many, it was the only source of information, entertainment, and a window into the broader world. This historical context underscores the importance of preserving Radio Bantu for future generations.

SABC Radio Archives Preservation Efforts

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has recognized the historical and cultural importance of Radio Bantu, and they have undertaken extensive preservation efforts to safeguard this unique audio heritage. The SABC Radio Archives team has been diligently working to digitize and archive the extensive collection of tapes and recordings, many of which are at risk of deterioration due to age and storage conditions.

Preserving these archives ensures that the stories and voices of the past remain accessible to future generations, allowing them to connect with their cultural roots and understand the struggles and triumphs of their ancestors. It also provides an essential resource for researchers, historians, and those interested in South Africa's history and culture.

Searching for Material in the Regions

Another crucial aspect of preserving Radio Bantu is the ongoing effort to locate and collect material from the regions where these radio stations are till thriving. Many listeners and community members may have kept recordings of radio broadcasts, interviews, music, and other content that holds historical significance. These materials can provide unique insights into the lives and experiences of people during the apartheid era.

The active search for material in local communities is essential to ensure that no piece of this cultural heritage is lost to time. It also encourages engagement and cooperation with the communities that were most affected by apartheid policies, furthering the dialogue on reconciliation and healing.

Calling on Listeners to Contribute

Preservation efforts are not limited to institutions alone; individuals can also play a crucial role in safeguarding Radio Bantu's heritage. Listeners who possess old tapes, recordings, or any other audio materials from that era are encouraged to come forward and share their collections with the SABC Radio Archives.

By doing so, individuals can contribute to the collective memory of the nation and help ensure that the voices and stories of the past are not forgotten. Their contributions can help piece together a more comprehensive picture of South Africa's history and the role Radio Bantu played in it.

Conclusion

Radio Bantu is a cultural treasure that deserves to be preserved for future generations. It represents a time when diverse communities came together through the medium of radio to share their stories, culture, and resilience in the face of adversity. The preservation efforts of the SABC, coupled with the active involvement of communities and individuals, are essential to secure this rich audio heritage.

As we look toward the future, let us acknowledge the importance of Radio Bantu in shaping the nation's identity and history. By working together to preserve and share this legacy, we can ensure that the voices of the past continue to resonate with the generations to come.


Click here for more: 

Radio Bantu web

Radio Bantu Listen Live

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Celebrating World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2023 and SABC's Radio Bantu Preservation Pursuits

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2023
WDAVH 2023 

Introduction:

As we approach the 27th of October, a date of great significance for audiovisual preservation professionals and institutions around the world, we are thrilled to celebrate the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage. This day represents a key initiative for both UNESCO and the Coordinating Council of Audiovisual Archives Associations (CCAAA) as we come together to honor those who safeguard our heritage, ensuring it transcends time and remains accessible for generations to come.

The Power of Audiovisual Materials:

Audiovisual materials are the vivid threads of our shared history, revealing not only our stories but our truths and our presence in the world. They provide a powerful window into the past, enabling us to witness events we may never have the chance to attend, hear voices from bygone eras that can no longer speak, and shape narratives that both inform and entertain. The rich tapestry of human culture is beautifully woven within these materials, and through them, we gain valuable insights and understanding.

Radio Bantu: A South African Legacy:

This year, the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage is particularly significant for us as we highlight the remarkable preservation endeavors of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), specifically in the realm of Radio Bantu. In the 1960s, the SABC launched Radio Bantu as a fully-fledged station for African listeners in their various languages, with Zulu being the pioneering language. It was later joined by other vernacular languages, creating a platform that was initially intended to operate as the apartheid state's propaganda channel but soon found resonance among millions of African listeners.

On January 1, 1962, the SABC introduced a high-frequency modulation system, marking the birth of FM radio and 12-hour mass-based broadcasting, incorporating 12 languages, including Zulu, Xhosa, Southern Sotho, Northern Sotho, Tswana, Tsonga, and Venda. The immediacy, accessibility, affordability, and portability of this new format made Radio Bantu an integral part of black popular culture almost overnight.

Preservation Efforts and Challenges:

This was the beginning of iconic regional radio stations such as Radio Sesotho (now Lesedi FM), Radio Zulu (now Ukhozi FM), Radio Setswana (now Motsweding FM), Radio Lebowa (now Thobela FM), Radio Tsonga (now Munghana Lonene), Radio Venda (now Phala Phala FM), Radio Swazi (now Ligwalagwala FM), Radio Ndebele (now Ikwekwezi FM), and Radio Xhosa (now Umhlobo Wenene). These stations have evolved into their current status, contributing significantly to the vibrant media landscape of South Africa.

However, it is with regret that we acknowledge that very little of the invaluable Radio Bantu content has been preserved. This treasure trove of historical audio content is in danger of being lost to time. Nonetheless, a concerted effort is being made to recover and reinstate this collection within the SABC's archives. Regional archivists are tirelessly working to source and retrieve these precious materials. By doing so, we not only ensure the preservation of South Africa's cultural heritage but also contribute to the global initiative of safeguarding audiovisual content for future generations.

Join Us in the Celebration:

The World Day for Audiovisual Heritage is a day of recognition, gratitude, and celebration, and we look forward to your participation in this global effort. Together, we can ensure that the world's audiovisual treasures continue to inspire, educate, and entertain for years to come.

Don't forget to mark your calendar for the 27th of October and join us in celebrating World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2023!

Link to World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2023

Learn more about Radio Bantu

Tune in to Radio Bantu Live Stream

Monday, October 23, 2017

UNESCO World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2017 - SABC has more than one Archive

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2017 #WDAVH2017
SABC Archives
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has more than one archive, safeguarding television and radio broadcast material for preservation, rebroadcasting and research purposes. The upcoming World Day for Audiovisual Heritage on 27 October will again highlight the importance of these archives for future generations.

Follow the day with the hashtags #AudiovisualHeritage
                                                      #wdavh2017

Facts about UNESCO, WDAVH and SABC Archives...

Thursday, October 19, 2017

2017 World Day for Audiovisual Heritage - SABC will be highlighting their collections

#WDAVH2017
#WDAVH2017
The World Day for Audiovisual Heritage is coming up on 27 October 2017.
The SABC Television and Radio Archives will be highlighting their collections on national radio and television on the day. They will also create awareness inside the organisation of the importance of the material that is being preserved. The vulnerability of the collections, which is a world-wide issue, will also be highlighted!

This year the theme of the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage

"Discover, Remember and Share"

Discover: 

Each day hundreds of thousands of  recordings  are captured, preserved and annotated  by archivists to enable search, discovery, new interpretations,  uses and enjoyment of moving image and sound recordings. The day celebrate the voyages of discovery made possible by your archive in your domain.  Showcase and promote  your mission and work.

Share: 

Digital media has created opportunities as never before for archives to connect directly with their publics, sharing and engaging with new audiences across digital  platforms in ever new ways.  Promote  your shared archive events and celebrations with the archive community worldwide .

Remember: 

Audio-visual archives are a  cornerstone of the memory of the world, with recordings that enable recall for future generations and give context to our shared history, culture and humanity for over a century.  Promote a greater understanding of the unique role of audiovisual archives and  the need for it to be safeguarded , preserved and protected as part of our world heritage.  


Related posts:

- World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2015

- World Day for Audiovisual heritage 2015 - plans by the SABC Media Libraries

- It's your story - Don't lose it!- World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2016

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

SABC Information Library Socks Drive for Mandela Month #67minutes

#67minutes, Mandela Day, Mandela Month
SABC Information Library Socks Drive Campaign

The SABC Information Library run a successful campaign for Mandela Day, doing 67 minutes at Soweto Letsibogo High School.

The photos of the day can be found here: SABC Information Library Sock Drive 2017

SOCK DRIVE REPORT  

BRIEF 

– Vision

Katleho Foundation is a non-profit making organisation formed in 2016 with the goal of providing disadvantaged youth and children with sustainable social and economic empowerment initiatives. Last year they celebrated Mandela day at Tshepisong in Roodepoort. A great number was donated; school shoes, food, sanitary pads, etc. on the day from different companies and media was also there to cover the initiative.

To commemorate Mandela day this year, Vision Katleho organised another event in Soweto Letsibogo High School. SABC Information Library received an invitation to donate anything to the school on the day. Socks and books were to be donated.  The Information Library also wanted to celebrate 67 minutes for Mandela Day. While the Information Library was brainstorming on a few ideas, they received an invitation to be part of the initiative.

IMPLEMENTATION


To celebrate 67 minutes for Mandela, Information Library decided to run a Sock Drive Campaign which were a huge success!. SABC staff was asked to donate new and old socks with no holes. Some of the Media Library staff contributed money towards the socks. Socks were bought with all the money that was contributed. All the donated socks were donated to the school. Communication about the drive was sent via corporate communication mail to all the staff. The socks were placed in branded boxes throughout the SABC in Auckland Park.

OUTCOME 

Approximately 300 Socks were donated in 2 Weeks. SABC Foundation came on board and 500 books were donated to the school. The principal together with the learners were happy to receive the books. The principal informed the Information Library team that the books will be kept safe in the school’s library and the socks will be given to Grade 8 learners. The event and the handover went very well.


28 JULY 2017 
 
GUESTS PRESENT AT EVENT 

SABC Information Library Team: Nomakhosi Mthembu, Justice Leshilo, Vuyelwa Mfula and Marks Moseri

SABC Foundation: Seipei Shole

Vision Katleho Foundation: Sylvia Kgoadi, founder and MD

Paramount Chief of Africa: His Excellency Francis Nwaneri

Andile Nebulane – Igazi Actor (MC at the event)

Gabriel Temudzani –Chief Azwindini Mukwevho from Muvhango

Zinhle Mthembu - Marketing Manager @ Tshepo Themba Private Hospital

Lorraine Steenkamp – Founder & CEO @ Start My Biz

Boo Prince – Professional Voice over artist

Nwabisa Bunde – Motivational Speaker

Dumisani Shabalala - Chief Education Specialist @ the Department of Education

Duma Mboni Chairperson @ Vision Katleho Foundation


SPECIAL THANKS

SABC MEDIA LIBRARIES' contributions towards the socks and SABC News Staff. SABC Foundation especially Seipei Shole and Katlego Tsholo. They managed to donate 500 books and also accompany the Information Library staff to the event on short notice. The Corporate Communication Team, specifically Lungelo Mbulwana for the marvellous work he constantly does, taking pictures effortlessly and with a smile.


Thanks to the SABC staff at large and finally to the SABC Information Library team for making this happen!

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

How to spot fake news - Infographic by IFLA


The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) has compiled the "How to spot fake news"- infographic based on FactCheck.org’s 2016 article How to Spot Fake News.

As librarians, information professionals and archivists we need to be vigilant with regards media literacy and critical thinking. Especially when working in the broadcasting industry where the facts should be reliable.

IFLA encourages downloading, printing, sharing and crowdsourcing this Infographic.

The more we crowdsource our wisdom, the wiser the world becomes.

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Library love from the SABC Information Library


The SABC Information Library went big on Valentine's Day this year!

SABC Information Library on Facebook

SABC Information Library on Twitter



A post shared by SABC Media Libraries (@sabcmedialib) on

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

SABC TRC CD collection – an oral memoir of the truth and reconciliation commission

In anticipation of UNESCO World Day for Audiovisual Heritage on 27 October, the SABC Radio Archives share a product from the Archives. A 6 CD set called  called south africa’s human spirit – an oral memoir of the truth and reconciliation commission.

This six-hour documentary transports the listener through raw sound to the unprecedented public hearings at which survivors - victims, perpetrators and others – testified about gross human rights abuses since 1960.
SABC Truth and Reconcilaition CD
It contains award-winning and brand new radio stories with lots of gripping and contextual sound. Well-known musicians, storytellers, poets, former political prisoners, exiles and most of the Truth Commissioners thread the story of South Africa's past with music, song, poetry and commentary.
This oral record aims to preserve for posterity the rich gamut of viewpoints, memories and emotions of South Africa's history - apartheid and democracy. Another aim is to make it accessible to individuals, schools, centres of higher learning, libraries and human rights organisations world-wide. The production was made possible with a grant by the Norwegian Agency for Development Co-operation (Norad).

Production scripts and sound from the TRC recordings are available on the website, or a CD set can be ordered as well!

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

"It's your story - Don't lose it!" - World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2016 theme

It's your story - Don't lose it!, #WDAVH2016

The annual World Day for Audiovisual Heritage will again be hosted worldwide on 27 October.

Bertram Lyons, IASA Editor and working at AVPreserve, has posted the following:  

The World Day for Audiovisual Heritage has become a key initiative for both UNESCO and the Coordinating Council of Audiovisual Archives Associations (CCAAA) to honour audiovisual preservation professionals and institutions that help to safeguard this heritage for future generations despite the many technical, political, social, financial, and other factors that threaten its survival. Audiovisual archives around the world join together annually on 27 October to celebrate their work with activities and events that not only highlight the vulnerability of this heritage, but also celebrate the often unheralded work of the heritage institutions that protect it.

The theme of the World Day this year is "It's Your Story - Don't Lose It". 


READ MORE: New CCAAA Website and the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage!

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

#AskAnArchivist Day on Twitter

Ask an Archivist Day, 5 October

Today is the perfect day to ask the questions you have always wanted to ask about the Archives on Twitter:
Just add the hashtag #AskAnArchivist and the specific archives you want to know more about.

The SABC Radio Archives is available here: @SABCRadioArc

More info: What is #AskAnArchivist Day?

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Mandela Day - a celebration of an icon's life by giving back


#bemoreMadiba, #67minutes, #MandelaDay
Woodside Sanctuary donation from SABC Media Libraries
Even though every day should be a Mandela Day, it is great to have a specific day on the calender which makes us plan to help and contribute to our fellow human beings.

When asked to vote, the overwhelming majority feels that Mandela Day should be a public holiday:


The SABC had a busy day yesterday with many outreach activities. The SABC website hosts a page specifically dedicated to Mandela.
Check out a compilation of #bemoreMadiba

The SABC Media Libraries supported Woodside Sanctuary for Mandela Day. They contributed a collected donation of much-needed toiletries as well as a monetary donation. The thought is that although Woodside Sanctuary is struggling with an overload of issues to stay afloat, it is better to give something than nothing at all!

Woodside Sanctuary takes care of the profoundly intellectual disabled in Cottlesloe, just around the corner from the SABC in Auckland Park in Johannesburg!

Thanks to everybody who contributed to their cause!

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

SABC Media Libraries in support of Woodside Sanctuaries for Mandela Day

Woodside
Mandela Day is coming up again on 18 July this year.
The SABC will  mark Mandela Month and the Nelson Mandela International Day with a number of planned events with the hashtag #bemoreMadiba



SABC Media Libraries are once again collecting necessities for Woodside Sanctuary.
Their needs are even more pressing than before. Woodside Sanctuary looks after the profoundly intellectual disabled.

This is a list of items that would be of great assistance to Woodside:

Nappies 
•    Adult – Sizes: S, M, L, XL
•    Children: size 6 and up

Toiletries - Any and all toiletries are always of great assistance to Woodside especially:
•    Aqueous cream
•    Soaps (like dettol or protex)
•    Shampoos
•    Roll on deodorant
•    Toilet paper
•    Tissues
•    Vaseline

Another option would be items for their nursing staff such as:
•    Disposable Gloves
•    Plastic Aprons


Woodside Sanctuary are also experiencing a crisis with regards their Laundry. They have three large industrial washing machines of which one has been in disrepair for many years, so the ladies in the laundry have been using only two machines to wash up to 1500 nappies a day as well as all the dirty clothing from all 5 of our wards. The third machine has packed up as well which has left them with a crisis. As a registered Non-Profit organisation, Woodside simply does not have the funds readily available to replace this R167 000.00 piece of essential equipment.


Woodside Sanctuary has a donation page, as well as a number of events coming up to help them.


Ways to help:

A night with the Stars

Sponsor a resident

Get a MySchool Card

Run for Woodside

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

#ArchivesRock on International Archives Day 2016


archives, ICA, ICA Congress, poster, International Archives Day,
International Archives day #IAD16
The SABC Media Libraries will be celebrating International Archives Day on 9 June again this year! The themes and archive content that will be shared will reflect the rich heritage of music, musical instruments and archive content that we preserve!

International Archives Day 2016 #IAD16 is coming up! Like every year Follow An Archive and Ask Archivists organize a celebration event on Twitter.
With the celebration event we join the June 9 theme ‘Archives, Harmony and Friendship‘ of the International Council on Archives (ICA).
The theme of the annual Twitter event will be #archivesrock. It’s about music in archives.
Archives rock!

Music makes a perfect match with the ICA theme ‘Archives, Harmony and Friendship’!
Remember the song ‘Ebony and Ivory’, a 1982 number-one single by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder?
“Ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmony | Side by side on my piano…”.
It contains music and lyrics worth to keep in an archive, performed by two friends singing and playing together in perfect harmony!
So let archives rock on June 9, International Archives Day, and contribute to Friendship and Harmony!  -
AskArchivists
The following is a photo that was shared on SABC Music Library's Facebook Page
 



See you on Twitter on Thursday?


Twitter: @SABCMediaLib 

             @SABCRadioArc

              @SABCMusicLib

              @SABCInfoLib

               @SABCRecordLib

              @SABCAudioRest 
 
               @SpringbokRadio

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Feedback from LIASA Marketing Seminar 12-13 May 2016 Durban


LIASA, NLSA, SANC Information Library

The Library and Information Association of South Africa LIASA and The National Library of South Africa requested representatives from the SABC to present at the Library Marketing Seminar in Durban.
Justice Leshilo (Information Librarian) and Jacqueline Wilson (Music Librarian) represented SABC Media Libraries

Both librarians appreciated the fact that the seminar included SABC Information Library as partner with LIASA and NLSA. They even adjusted their programme to help the SABC librarians add up all the topics to include in their presentation.

The topic of their presentation: Partnerships between Media & Libraries: Buying the media space for promotion and marketing of libraries.

Justice Leshilo introduced his  presentation with a lengthy background to the  SABC Information Library whileJacqueline Wilson spoke about the SABC Music Library and what we do on a day-to-day basis.

Justice Leshilo explained the logo based on the SABC's visual identity standards. The meaning of the logo and the importance of branding were also explained. He spoke about the regulations on the usage of logos.

SABC, logo
SABC ogo

Some photos from the event:

Justice Leshilo



Jacqueline Wilson






More photos on The National Library of South Africa Facebook Page: Kwazulu-Natal Library Marketing Seminar

Also on SABC Information Library Facebook Page


Tuesday, April 19, 2016

World Book Day on 23 April 2016

World Book and Copyright Day (also known as International Day of the Book or World Book Day) is a yearly event on 23 April. The day is organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), to promote reading, publishing and copyright.


"A book is a link between the past and the future. It is a bridge between generations and across cultures. It is a force for creating and sharing wisdom and knowledge.
Frank Kafka once said, “a book must be an ice-axe to break the seas frozen inside our soul.”
A window onto our inner lives, books are also the doorway to mutual respect and understanding between people, across all boundaries and differences."
Read more at UNESCO