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.

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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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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...

SABC Information Library Socks Drive for Mandela Month #67minutes

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!

Happy Africa Day!

 

SABC Media Libraries being represented by our beautiful colleagues in their African attire

Articles in celebration of Africa Day on SABC website:

SA joins continent to celebrate Africa Day

Watch Africa Day discussion

Democracy is taking root in Africa, but doesn’t always work  

SA Must do more to attract other Africans: Analyst

Africa Day commemorates formation of OAU

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

This #ValentinesDay 💐💐💞💞💕💕💞💞❤️❤️❤️💘💘💘💘💘💘😍🙂🙂 pic.twitter.com/B8Mq129jq3

— SABC Info Library (@sabcinfolib) February 10, 2017

We are Cupids this #ValentinesDay 💘💘💘💘 💞💞💕💕❤️❤️❤️ 😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/0BG9PjJlaC

— SABC Info Library (@sabcinfolib) February 10, 2017

Blind date with a book #ValentinesDay
So cool! @sabcinfolib pic.twitter.com/cx7d9OkPRO

— SABC Media Library (@SABCMediaLib) February 14, 2017

Closer look at our table #ValentinesDay pic.twitter.com/Kjo8mjPBZV

— SABC Info Library (@sabcinfolib) February 14, 2017

Library love from @sabcinfolib Books are like a box of chocolates... #quote #valentinesDay #librarylove pic.twitter.com/clvYvLMLsB

— SABC Media Library (@SABCMediaLib) February 14, 2017

"Book lovers never go to bed alone! -@sabcinfolib #librarylove #quote on #ValentinesDay pic.twitter.com/7xrS13sQ3e

— SABC Media Library (@SABCMediaLib) February 14, 2017

Valentine's Day @SABCInfoLib #valentinesDay #librarylove #blinddatewithabook Repost from @lawrence.jacobs

A post shared by SABC Media Libraries (@sabcmedialib) on Feb 14, 2017 at 12:23am PST

UNESCO World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2016 - SABC Radio Archives and Television News archives photos

The SABCRadio Archives and the SABC Television News Archives highlight the rich cultural heritage that they have in their audio and audiovisual collections for World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 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!

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

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:

Should #MandelaDay be a public holiday so people can spend more time on their goodwill activities?

— SABC News Online (@SABCNewsOnline) July 18, 2016

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!

Feedback from LIASA Marketing Seminar 12-13 May 2016 Durban

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 ogo

The presentation by Justice Leshilo on Prezi: Partnerships between Media & Libraries: Buying the media space for promotion and marketing of libraries

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

In the spirit of #BeMoreMadiba - a donation at Woodside Sanctuary

Loné Botha, the Fundraising Administrator of Woodside receiving the donation
from Peter Raseroka from the SABC Media Libraries

The SABC launched a Be More Madiba campaign this year during the month of July.

In the spirit of this initiative the SABC Media Libraries collected a monetary donation, as well as toiletries from a list generated by Woodside Sanctuary.


The following is a list of toiletries needed at Woodside who caters for 120 residents with severe to profound mental and physical disabilities. Woodside provides a high standard of holistic care within a stimulating and homely environment.

Shampoo and Conditioner
Bath Soap: anti- bacterial bars
Vaseline
Roll On
Colgate Toothpaste
Disposable Shavers/ Razors
Air Freshener
Sponges
Tooth Brushes
Aqueous Cream
Disposable Nappies Children and Adults Med /Large/ X-Large
Ear Buds 100 pack
Cotton wool Ball Packs
Fissan Paste
Baby Powder
Disposable nappies
Eye drops
Sun screen
Tissues
Shaving foam
Toilet paper
Under arm roll-on
Wet wipes



Bank details:


Woodside Sanctuary

Standard Bank Melville

Branch Code: 006105

Account Number: 201 098 784



Related posts:

- SABC Media Libraries' 67 minutes at Woodside

- Photos of SABC Media Libraries doing 67 minutes at Woodside Sanctuary on Mandela day #Do67Minutes

- SABC Media Libraries hand over gift voucher to Woodside Sanctuary, made possible by Jungle One Hour Projects

- SABC Media Libraries supports Woodside Sanctuary in their Christmas appeal

This week marks South African Library Week themed: Connect @ your library" - SABC News video

          Youtube video

Published on 16 Mar 2015 

"This week marks the National Library Week. This to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use. This year's theme is "Connect @ your library". From our Pretoria studios we are joined by Rebecca Senyolo from the Library and Information Association of South Africa-and with us here in the studio we have Themba Gadebe -who is the Spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Municipality-where a new library will be opened on Tuesday in commemorating this day.

          For more News visit: http://www.sabc.co.za/news

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sabcnewsonline

         Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SABCNewsOnline 

         Category News & Politics 
         Licence Standard YouTube Licence

SABC Polokwane celebrating South African Library Week 2015 - photos #SALW2015

SABC Polokwane Library and Archive are taking part in the South African Library Week celebrations this week. They are sharing their collections in the exhibition as well as showcasing the importance of the library/archive.

South African Library Week in pictures - Storify #SALW2015

SABC to celebrate South African Library Week by focusing on the services of the SABC Information Library

Internal Mailer promoting South African Library Week 2015 at the SABC

South African Library Week (SALW) will also be celebrated at the SABC this year, with a specific Library Day planned on Monday 16th March.

The following is copied from an article on the SABC Intranet by Keketso Magwai of Corporate Communications about the importance of the day, as well as the services that are rendered by the SABC Information Library.

"The SABC joins the rest of the country in celebrating one of the most fundamental information hubs, the library. The celebration of the South African Library Week (SALW) this year begins from the 14th to the 21st of March 2015. The week is meant to create awareness and appreciation for the role that the library plays in connecting, informing and educating the society. SALW was initiated by the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) in 1997 as a campaign with the first library week taking place in 2002.
[...]
The SABC Library Manager, Ms. Monica Van Deventer states that “First Citizens must be aware that the library has a vast collection of books, magazines, newspaper clippings, magazines and online resources. First Citizens are always welcome to visit the library, not only for academic purposes, but also for work related purposes and personal development. We urge all First Citizens to make use of the Information Library”. She further highlights that the employees can also access the catalogue from the Intranet, in order to get to the catalogue, click on more links on the Intranet and scroll down where the library link will be found and First Citizens will be able to search for resources from their work stations."

The Library Week campaign already kicked off this week with an internal "Did you Know?" mailers going out on the corporate communications informing personnel about the upcoming South African Library Week as well as focusing on the SABC Information Library.

The plans for SALW Day at the SABC includes a musical welcome on Monday to personnel arriving at work. Harp player, Ventura, as well as Suzette Lombard (Music Library Manager) will be playing music from 7:00 am to 8:30 am. The SABC Media Libraries personnel will also hand out leaflets to the personnel at the entrances, and directing them to the Information Library personnel in the foyer as well as in the Library. The plan is to acquaint personnel with navigating the Intranet to the SABC Information Library's information products that are made available to them. There are also three surprise parcels (including books, music CDs, stationary and note pads) to be won by personnel.


Related posts:

- South African Library Week 2015 - Did you know? #SALW2015

- South African Library Week from 14 - 21 March 2015

World Radio Day - Archivist Karen du Toit package for Radio Sonder Grense (Afrikaans)

World Radio Day is celebrated for the 4th time this year after it was established by UNESCO in 2011.

"From the news and public debate, music and entertainment, radio informs us , captivate and inspire us in a way that no other medium can." 

Archivist Karen du Toit , who is responsible for the Afrikaans language collection in the SABC Radio Archives, compiled a short compilation of the rich collection of radio material that is being kept by the Archives. The programme was broadcasted on Radio Sonder Grense, the Afrikaans language radio station at the South African Broadcasting Corporation. (The programme is in Afrikaans)

Translation of the text:

"SABC Radio Archives preserve a rich cultural treasure sound that includes the history and time period of the South African Broadcasting Corporation as well as that of South Africa .
This radio treasure is made possible by radio itself, which is the main source of our collection . The radio stations are in turn dependent on the archive that makes the material accessible to be uses again . We keep the radio material on sound tapes, cassette tapes, acetate records, mini tapes, CDs and electronically.
Most of the time we can not just press a button to give access, but we need to collect the audio format in the storage room, and dub it in real time and adapted it to make it available again to programme makers, journalists and the public.

As the Afrikaans archivist, it is very difficult to pick some sound clips to illustrate this rich diversity .

I would like to share the following from our Afrikaans language collection :

1. The first broadcast of Radio Sonder Grense on 28 September 1996, with a soundtrack of the late President Nelson Mandela on the importance of this medium.

2. Our first melodramatic radio drama from the thirties, Liefdesdroom (Love Dream), which was broadcasted on December 15, 1937. 

3. With the 25th anniversary of Radio in 1949 in the Cape a Mister CD Fuchs ( the then Regional Director of Natal ) aspoke on the first days in radio. 

4. The first newscast in Afrikaans from Auckland Park.
              
5. Finally, an audio clip of a portion of a reading of a poem of NP van Wyk Louw : "Image of a youth - pigeon and horse". It is read by Fred le Roux in 1965. The youth poem was chosen because World Radio Day this year focuses on youth and radio. 

6. And sometimes we get recognition as archivists, such as the recent death of André Brink. Colleague Bernard Mashiane came in on Sunday to help with sound clippings for producer Wilna Matthee for a feature on the RSG programme Monitor the next morning."

World Radio Day on 13 February 2015 #WorldRadioDay

World Radio Day

World Radio Day is on 13 February 2015.

The SABC Radio Archives supports this day each year by showcasing our collections from all the SABC Radio Broadcast Services.
We have a duty to preserve this rich heritage, as well as make this collection available for research, re-broadcast and re-use.

Celebrating Radio 

From news and public debate to music and entertainment, radio continues to inform, captivate and inspire us in a way that no other medium can. 

But radio is so much more than a forum for information and entertainment. It reaches more people in more places than any other medium. It’s a bridge of communication for remote communities, developing regions and vulnerable populations, sometimes with no other connection to the outside world. Perhaps no other platform can have the real-time reach between people and across cultures. 

Radio is also the medium best-adapted to navigate the new digital frontiers that are pushing the media and communication into unchartered waters. Technologies such as the Internet, mobile communication and geolocation have shifted the traditional dynamic in which the media operate, with young people at the fore-front of these converging trends, at the same time embracing radio as enthusiastically as ever. 

So let’s come together on 13 February not only to celebrate the importance of radio in our lives today, but to ensure it lives up to its huge potential in the future.

World Radio Day Message: UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova 



Related posts:

 - The importance of radio – on World Radio Day 2013 #WRD13 #worldradioday

- World Radio Day 2013 Press Release


Blog post by Karen du Toit, Archivist, SABC Radio Archives. 

Archivists of SABC Radio Archives being interviewed about World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2014 #wdavh2014

Three of the archivists of SABC Radio Archives were interviewed by SABC Radio stations about the importance of World Day for Audiovisual Heritage that is celebrated yearly on 27 October 2014.

The interviews are uploaded on SoundCloud.

Morongwa Mokwena, English Archivist, on 26 October on Media@SAFM on SAFM




Karen du Toit, Afrikaans Archivist, on 27 October on Loslip, on RSG. (interview in Afrikaans)




Peter Raseroka, Ikwekwezi Archivist, on 27 October on Ikwekwezi FM (interview in isiNdebele)





Related posts:

- World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2014 today

- World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2014 on 27 October

Steve Kekana launches his new album at the SABC Record Library

Steve Kekana: Risen

Report by Jacqueline Wilson
Music Librarian


Renowned music legend, composer and artist Steve Kekana blessed the SABC Record Library with his presence at the launch of his 44th album called “Risen” on Friday 22 August.

Risen is a re-recording of some of his biggest hits. This album includes  memorable songs like “Slow Drive to Soweto”, “Sanibonani”, “The Bushman” and other songs that will put you in a dancing mode.

With the man of the moment speaking, the one thing taken from his speech is that he has always loved music and wants his music to be part of South Africa’s past, present and future. He loved being at the SABC Record Library and in his own words he said: “The Record Library is the epicentre of a music earthquake”.

Present at the launch were members from Next Music Record Company and the publishers who deal with the distribution and marketing of the album, as well as music compilers from different radio stations and other music guests from inside and outside the SABC.

The room was filled with warmth and so much laughter, and the Record Library is humbled to have had such an amazing person in their presence.