SABC AND SAFA REFLECT ON THEIR STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AND THE SUCCESSFUL ACHIEVEMENTS FOR 2024/5

During the meeting, the two organizations discussed the successful performances for 2024 and outlined the plans to deliver on the activities for 2025.

The SABC and SAFA are tasked with a great responsibility to ensure that the South African citizens have access to one of South Africa's national sport of interest, football. In this regard, both parties continue to intensify efforts to ensure that they deliver on this important mandate, continue to support the men and women's national football teams and create thrilling and memorable moments for South Africans.

The SABC and SAFA's partnership has ensured that the nation rally behind Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana. Some of the key highlights that were delivered in 2024 include the broadcaster’s successful live coverage of matches involving SAFA’s various national teams and the public broadcaster's pivotal role in galvanizing support for Bafana Bafana in qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The SABC has also been a supporter of women’s football, serving as one of the investors during its formative years. This support has contributed to the success of Banyana Banyana, who are now the reigning African champions.

Reflecting on the partnership, Ms. Chabeli shared: “I would like to take a moment to emphasise the significance of the longstanding relationship between the SABC and SAFA, which has successfully delivered football content to the South African public for over 30 years. This commitment by the SABC to fulfil its public mandate is unparalleled and critical to our shared mission.”

The SABC reaffirmed its unwavering support for South African football and its players. “Our collaboration is essential not only for our ongoing success but also for our National Teams. The SABC takes great pride in being a steadfast supporter, consistently profiling key moments for our country and its talent,” Ms. Chabeli added.

SAFA CEO Ms. Lydia Monyepao echoed these sentiments, stating:

“Despite a challenging and often unpredictable period that at times stretched all sporting codes, SAFA prides itself on having been able to deliver Bafana Bafana, Banyana Banyana, junior national teams, coaching activities, referees and numerous other activities to living rooms around the country with the assistance and support of the SABC, our sponsors and other partners.”

SAFA has constantly prepared and presented competitive teams in continental and regional tournaments. “Amongst our teams’ achievements, Bafana Bafana have qualified for the 2025 AFCON after medaling at this year’s tournament (since 2000); Banyana Banyana have qualified to defend their title in Morocco next year at the Women’s AFCON, and our U20 Men’s National Team won the COSAFA Cup thus qualifying for the CAF U20 AFCON in April next year. Our referees continue being called to serve in important CAF and FIFA tournaments and matches, and our technical department is producing more qualified coaches through various coaching courses. All these activities and successes can now be viewed on SAFA TV which is being produced by the SABC, to ensure that we keep the public and our fans well informed” added Monyepao.

The meeting underscored the importance of strengthening this long-standing partnership to ensure that football remains a cornerstone of South African culture and national pride.

In this meeting, both CEOs also expressed concern regarding the recent media enquiries and reports insinuating that the SABC owes SAFA R60m, and that the parties' relationship is strained. The SABC and SAFA refute the allegations and would like to place it on record that there is no truth in these allegations as the SABC does not owe SAFA R60m.

Both parties are committed in ensuring support for Banyana Banyana and Bafana Bafana as both teams are on a journey of writing great South African football stories.

Ends

Issued By:                              SABC AND SAFA

Media Enquiries:                   Mmoni Seapolelo (Head of Communications)

[email protected] T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590