SuperSport, SABC in once-off partnership in celebrating 30 years of South African democracy

In collaboration with the South African Rugby Union (SARU) and the Ministry of Sport, Arts & Culture, SuperSport concluded a once-off agreement to mark the historical occasion celebrating 30 years of democracy, giving the SABC the rights to broadcast the iconic Castle Lager Rugby Championship match between the Springboks and the All Blacks at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday 31 August 2024.

As the country celebrates this historic democratic milestone, SuperSport is delighted that the occasion will be marked by the two titanic rugby nations doing battle at the famous Ellis Park Stadium.

This is the same venue where the Springboks beat the All Blacks to lift the 1995 World Cup, barely one year into democracy. 

It was a moment that personified the country’s transition into unity, with the late former President Nelson Mandela handing over the Webb Ellis trophy to then-Springbok captain Francois Pienaar.

It is also 30 years since the Springboks played the All Blacks for the first time after South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994.

SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha shared: “Having had discussions with SARU and Minister Gayton McKenzie, we decided to join hands in celebration of 30 years of democracy. 

"It is fitting that we have partnered with the SABC on this one particular occasion to bring this match to television viewers.

“This special match between the two great rugby-playing nations sits at the centre of the birth of democracy in our country, coupled to the fact that it is exactly 30 years ago that the Springboks and the All Blacks clashed for the first time in the post-election era; hence the broadcasting of this particular match by both SuperSport and the SABC in this once-off celebration.”

The SABC Group Chief Executive Officer, Nomsa Chabeli stated that, “We are delighted that we have worked tirelessly to ensure that the larger part of the South African population experience the rugby euphoria this weekend. 

"It is a well-known fact that the SABC has played a pivotal role in recording the successful story of the national Rugby team for many decades and has been part of celebrating their key milestones, including the SABC being a host broadcaster of the 1995 Rugby World. 

"The SABC takes pride in fulfilling its commitment to providing universal access to sport of national interest and enabling South African citizens to enjoy and be part of the national moments. 

"We are cognisant of the fact that our extensive reach and footprint allows for a wider access to the game of such national importance as part of celebrating 30 years of democracy, as such our audiences can catch the game on SABC 2, SABC Sport Channel, SABC+ and our various SABC radio stations in their preferred languages.”

Mark Alexander, President of the South African Rugby Union, added: “South African Rugby is pleased by this agreement between SuperSport and the SABC relating to this match tomorrow which is of historical significance to South Africans.

“We want to thank SuperSport for this selfless act of generosity in partnering the SABC which will result in South Africans being able to share in this momentous occasion. 

"It is a significant milestone in our sport, reflecting the progress we've made over the past three decades and underscoring our commitment to fostering social cohesion. 

"As we celebrate this legacy, we are proud to embrace our diversity as a source of strength, both on the field and within our organisation.

“We express our deepest appreciation South Africans who steadfastly support our team. Your unwavering dedication is the cornerstone of our success and unity."

Catch the Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash between South Africa and New Zealand on Your World of Champions, SuperSport, live on SuperSport Rugby (DStv Channel 211) and SuperSport Grandstand (201), with a build-up from 15:45 on Saturday 31 August 2024. 

The build-up will be preceded by a 30 minutes-long documentary, celebrating 30 years of democracy and rugby’s unifying role in our young democracy.

The SABC will broadcast the game on SABC 2, SABC Sport Channel, SABC+ and our various SABC radio stations at 17h00 on Saturday, 31 August 2024, with a build-up from 16h00 on SABC 2.