Soweto TV

Last updated

Soweto TV
CountrySouth Africa
Broadcast areaAfrica
Programming
Language(s)Multilingual
History
Launched26 November 2005
FounderForce Khashane and Ephraim Tshepo Thafeng
Links
Websitewww.sowetotv.co.za

Soweto Community Television (Soweto TV) [1] is a South African community television channel broadcasting in the biggest township in South Africa, Soweto. The channel is free-to-air in Gauteng Province and it also broadcasts to South African subscribers on the DStv pay TV service on channel 251 and Starsat on channel 488.

Contents

The channel's main studios are situated on one of the most popular streets in Soweto, Vilakazi Street; well known for being the only street in the world to have the historical residences of two Nobel Prize winners, namely Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The channel also has studios in Diepkloof, near the largest hospital in Africa, The Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, South Africa.

Company history

Early history

Soweto TV was founded in 2005 by Force Khashane, who was the Chapirperson of Soweto TV until his death in 2009; [2] and also founded by Ephraim Tshepo Thafeng, who was then both the CEO and head of marketing for the community channel then. [3] The channel received a 24-day special events broadcasting licence, from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) which would see the it broadcasting eight hours a day, from 26 November 2005 till mid-December. Despite financial constraints, Soweto TV started broadcasting to millions of Soweto residents from Saturday, 26 November as scheduled. The month-long broadcast was themed, 'World Aids Day' which falls on 1 December. The Dobsonville Shopping Mall provided some funding for basic staff needs, while the state-owned SABC financed the studio and installation. Volunteers; people like the late Force Khashane, Maril,Smarty Oliphant, media students from the community, team from GDTV namely Sthembiso Xaba, Nkalipho Nesheshe and Thami Mpisane provided manpower for the duration of the broadcasts.

Following the success of the broadcast, the channel received another special events broadcasting licence in 2006 and they completed another successful broadcast.

In 2007, the Soweto TV received a longer license which would see it broadcasting for a year. The license meant the channel would be live and uninterrupted for 24 hours a day from 1 July 2007 until 30 June 2008.

In May 2008, the channel submitted an application for a new licence, but the expiry date for the previous license, came and went without the channel receiving a new license due to a back-log at ICASA. [4] The channel's future seemed uncertain despite successfully broadcasting for a year. Despite not having a license, the channel was allowed to continue broadcasting whilst ICASA was processing the application, though terms of the Electronic Communications Act of 2005, which stated that: no-one may broadcast without a licence.

In line with the ICASA community television licence provisions, Urban Brew Studios put together a community training programme based upon the Soweto TV channel platform.

In 2010 the channel was granted its first seven-year broadcasting license by ICASA. Soon after, the channel announced a new chairman, Mr. Murphy Morobe, who was also the CEO of Kagiso Media. The channel, a non-profit entity, supported by Urban Brew Studios — a subsidiary of Kagiso Media.

In 2013 the channel went regional, with the installation of a new antenna. This meant viewers would be able to watch Soweto TV across Gauteng. The 360-degree antenna would allow viewers across a wider geographical area absolute access to the channel at no extra cost. The station opened its spread on 16 June 2013. It came after the old Bop TV transmitter was removed, which had restricted the TV station to broadcasting locally, only reaching Soweto. With the new antenna, Soweto TV would reach as far as Heidelberg, Benoni, Springs and Nigel in the east; Tembisa, Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging and Sasolburg in the south; and Pretoria North and Mamelodi in the north [5]

Recent history

In August 2018, Soweto TV announced Bridget Nkuna as their new CEO. [6] Nkuna was appointed by the channel; because her strong marketing background, having worked as a director for  Westcon Group, an international technology company. In the media space, she had a stint at the former Voice of Soweto, now known as Jozi FM. She also worked for the SABC as a continuity presenter. “I am delighted to be joining the Soweto TV team, it brings me right back to my passion which is entertainment and broadcasting," Nkuna said on her appointment. "It is our role help uplift and support the community using one of the most powerful mediums – television.” she added. With her marketing background and experience within the media space, she hit the ground running, re-branding the channel and revealing the channel's new logo within a month of being in the channel. In October 2018 she revealed new state-of-the-art broadcasting equipment donated by MultiChoice [7] [8] “We’re excited about the donation as it came at the right time when we are celebrating our 11th birthday. Community TV channels fulfil a very important role in communities – we tell the stories of our community and create a sense of belonging. We’re looking forward to continuing to play our role in the stories of the people of Soweto.”[ citation needed ]

On 30 June 2018 Soweto TV founder and board member, Mr. Thafeng, tendered a formal resignation as board member of the channel. On 4 July 2019, he announced that he was cutting ties with the channel, citing toxicity within the board and the ill management of the channel.[ citation needed ]

Months later, the remaining board members would also resign from the board leaving only Mr. Tuis Jabulani Nkutha in the board. Following the decision by the board to step down, ICASA gave the only remaining board member, Mr Nkutha and CEO, Ms Nkuna a mandated to appoint people from the community to a steering committee that would be in charge at the channel for six months in preparation for the Annual General Meeting (AGM). In an article, it would be alleged that Nkutha and Nkuna appointed their own preferred people to the board, who also happened to be their personal friends. [9] Soon after the new board was appointed, Ms. Nkuna, was placed on special leave. Board member, Thabo Molefe also known as Tbo Touch [10] was then appointed the channel's acting CEO. [11]

His appointment promised to bring positive change to the channel. As part of his first project, he organised a soccer tournament where soccer legends played a heritage game against local celebrities at Soweto Nike Stadium on 24 September and promised he would be rolling out documentary series, reality TV shows and soapies that resonate with the local market in the next coming months.

His appointment including of the board didn't come without controversy.

It is alleged that at his first meeting with the Soweto TV staff he threatened staff, saying they [board members] are not afraid of anyone and they have a budget for CCMA and any court action taken against them.

By the end of 2019, it was reported to ICASA that an illegitimate board had been appointed and was running the channel. Speaking to Sowetan LIVE in an article [12] released on 17 January 2020, Mr. Thafeng said ICASA was fully aware of what's happening at the channel but was not doing anything about it. ICASA spokesperson Paseka Maleka confirmed receipt of the complaint in relation to the election of the board. "The complaints and compliance commission is investigating the matter," he said.

During November 2021, it was announced that founder of Soweto TV, Ephraim Tshepo Thafeng had died at 54. [3]

Content Producers Suspended

Upon returning from festive season holidays on 6 January 2020, 9 Soweto TV producers (Ayanda Dyantyi, Cinderella Mpahlwa, Dennis Segwe, [13] Jonathan Ramotsei, Masego Ruele, Nompilo Mlotshwa, Samulelisiwe Sibiya, Sipho Mpungose and Themba Thanjekwayo) were placed on suspension without being charged. About two weeks would pass till they were charged with gross negligence or, failing to perform duties without proper cause, loss of revenue and viewership for the channel and failing to sign a performance contract during November 2019.

On 27 January 2020 the channel's Chairperson, Mr Spencer Malongete addressing the suspension of the channel's producers amongst other things.

The statement read: Soweto TV has been mismanaged for a decade and was on the verge of liquidation when all the members of the board resigned with immediate effect leaving only 1 board member who also one of the founding members of Soweto. The regulator ICASA instructed the remaining member to properly constitute a team of directors who will stabilize the channel and take it forward.

The new board appointed an investigator and the following was discovered:

• Soweto TV has not been compliant with the regulator ICASA in News and factual content.

• The channel accumulated an unpaid SARS bill amounting to R14,439 400 million rand.

• No performance management or monitoring contracts to measure deliverables and accountability.

• The channel had excessive amount of repeats for the year 2017, 2018 and 2019 with constant incorrect electronic program guide for viewers

• The previous management never submitted Tax returns for years with violations and penalties from the revenue service

• There was no policy or any form of governance on the day to day operations, service providers were appointed with no procurement processes and business processes were compromised

• Churches and key community organizations terminated their contracts with the Channel

• Channel had 84 staff members, a couple of them were ‘ghosts’ employees earning a salary with no trace of working at Soweto TV, some have been with the channel for almost a decade with no contribution to the Channel.

Interventions to date:

  • The Board has alleviated the risk of the channel from being liquidated.

The Board has engaged ICASA and relevant stake holders on its plans to stabilize the channel and ensure that Soweto TV succeeds.

The board took a resolution to appoint Mr. Thabo Molefe as the new Acting CEO and the following has been effected:

• Since September 2019, the channel has committed to paying the receiver and has reduced the bill from R14 439 400 to R4 567 000.

• The channel has complied with the local content regulation and continues to reflect the community back to the audience.

• The channel has instituted both an acquisition and editorial policy putting Soweto TV amongst the leading broadcaster’s in South Africa

• We’ve implemented new automated commercial systems that enables advertisers and sales agencies to monitor their investment and maintain schedule stability

• The channel has formulated policies that speaks to governance, accountability and performance.

• The channel has attended Multichoice content and management workshops

• The channel has hosted auditions for new shows with new faces to be introduced in February 2020.

• 9 New shows have been produced and being released throughout the next months

• The brand of Soweto TV has been revived and in 2020 the audience will have an opportunity to view more local content and engage with a number of new initiatives. The new Board is committed to the success of Soweto TV. Once we have achieved programming and commercial stability, the Board will roll out the next phase of its work programme which shall consist of increased community engagement including scheduling editorial consultations as well as membership rules to enable increased community participation. The new Board will not be distracted by the opportunistic campaigns which are waged by people who have failed the Channel before. The community must not be misled by such people.


On Friday, 6 March 2020, all the producers received emails dismissing them from the channel. The producers have taken the matter to the CCMA.

Awards and nominations

Programming

Soweto TV programming is mostly Sowetan content as per ICASA's regulations of over 60% local content.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soweto</span> Township in Gauteng, South Africa

Soweto is a township of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng, South Africa, bordering the city's mining belt in the south. Its name is an English syllabic abbreviation for South Western Townships. Formerly a separate municipality, it is now incorporated in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and is one of the suburbs of Johannesburg.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Munghana Lonene FM</span> South African radio station

Munghana Lonene FM is an SABC radio station broadcasting in Tsonga language in South Africa. In Tsonga, "Munghana Lonene" means "a true friend." Munghana Lonene FM is geared to listeners who understand Xitsonga. Munghana Lonene FM is branded as an "infotainment" radio station with a 50% split of music and talk. It offers an environment interactive with its listeners, providing a mixture of news, music, current affairs, talk shows, education, sport, weather and traffic. The music repertoire consists of Jazz, R&B, Kwaito, House, Gospel music and African music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kelly Khumalo</span> South African singer

Kelly Nonhlanhla Khumalo is a South African singer, actress, and television personality. Born in Vosloorus and later moved to Nquthu, KwaZulu-Natal, where she grew up.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cape Town TV</span> Community television channel in South Africa

Cape Town TV is a community television channel that broadcasts in Cape Town, South Africa. It launched in September 2008 with a one-year, "temporary" license and thereafter won another such license in September 2009. It is a non-profit organisation that is licensed as a community broadcaster in terms of South Africa's Electronic Communications Act.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jozi FM</span> South African radio station

Jozi FM is a local radio station that started in 1995 as Soweto Community Radio. In 1999–2000, Soweto Community Radio and Buwa Radio merged to form Jozi FM, to form the largest community radio station in South Africa, broadcasting in several languages including: English, isiZulu, Sesotho, Sepedi, Setswana and Xitsonga. The station's radio format is 50 percent music and 50 percent discussion. The studios are based at Khaya Centre in Dube, Soweto, in South Africa, and the station covers regions all across Soweto, Kagiso, Lenasia, Krugersdorp, Randfontein, Kempton Park, Germiston and Alberton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Khaya Mthethwa</span> Musical artist

Khaya Mthethwa is a South African singer-songwriter, musician, composer, arranger, and a multi-instrumentalist. Prior his solo career, was a choir member of the gospel group Joyous Celebration.

The Protea Glen Mall is a shopping mall in Protea Glen, in Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa, which opened in September 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tats Nkonzo</span>

Mthawelanga "Tats" Nkonzo is a South African stand-up comedian, singer, and television personality. He is best known as the host of the e.tv reality competition SA's Got Talent. He was also a co-host on Uyangithanda na?.

Thando Thabethe is a South African actress, and Radio DJ who was the presenter for the television show Thando Bares All on channel TLC and current drive time host on 947. She is Nivea's first brand ambassador in Africa. In 2019, Thando was named one of Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30. She is also the host of 947 Drive With Thando.

Relebogile Mabotja is an actress, presenter, radio host, singer, producer, writer, musical director and is currently based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Tlou Cleopas Monyepao, professionally known as DJ Cleo, is a South African Kwaito, House music and Hip hop producer. He was born in Gauteng. DJ Cleo has enjoyed a long and fruitful career in the South African music industry, he produced successful singles and albums for various artists before going on to produce and release his debut album "Es'khaleni" in 2004. His 2012 Single "Facebook" earned him three awards at 18th SAMA. His eleventh album Eskhaleni 11 (2019), which include single "Yile Gqom" and Yile Piano, Vol. 1 (2019).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Khanyi Mbau</span> South African actress (born 1985)

Khanyisile Mbau is a South African actress, musician, television presenter and socialite. She received recognition as the second Doobsie on SABC 2's soap opera Muvhango (2004–2005); as Mbali in the SABC 1 soap opera Mzansi and SABC 1's mini-series After Nine. As of 2018, She is the host of the SABC 3 entertainment show The Scoop and The Big Secret on BET Africa, and plays Tshidi on Mzansi Magic's Abomama.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moja Love</span> South African satellite TV channel

Moja Love is a South African digital satellite television general entertainment channel produced by Siyaya Media Network for DStv. It is a female-skewed channel geared towards content that showcases various forms of love.

Albertina Jaxa is a South African actress.Tina Jaxa had a role in BET Redemption as Evelyn Zikode who wants to continue his father's legacy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fumani Shilubana</span> South African actor

Fumani N Shilubana, is a South African actor, director and producer. He is best known for his roles in the popular films Zama Zama, My Father's War and Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu. His the founder of FatherFigureZA, a Foundation that seeks to integrate man back into the family unit and former Chairman of Midrand Heat Basketball Club. In 2022 May 6 with Yerhu Film Commission they launched Yerhu News a Xitsonga News bulletin. every Friday at 19:00.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Focalistic</span> South African rapper

Lethabo Sebetso, professionally known as Focalistic, is a South African rapper. He rose to prominence after his single "Ke Star", reached number 16 on Billboard Top Triller Global charts. Born and raised in Pretoria, Sebetso was a footballer prior pursuing a music career as a rapper, released his debut studio album Sgubhu Ses Excellent (2020).

Lerato Kganyago, also known as LKG, is a South African actress, model and media personality she is also known as the Queen of Soweto. She is best known for the roles in the films. Apart from that, she is also a MC, entrepreneur, model, and a DJ.

Thembi Seete is a South African actress, musician, multimedia personality and model. She is best known as a member of former kwaito group Boom Shaka. She played the role of "Gladys" in the Mzansi Magic telenovela Gomora. from its debut in 2020 to its finale in 2023.

Sizakele Emelda Nkosi-Malobane is a South African politician who is currently serving as the Chairperson of Committees in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature since 2019. She was formerly Gauteng's Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Community Safety from 2014 to 2019, and she has represented the African National Congress (ANC) in the provincial legislature since 2009.

Mbali Sigidi is a South African sports broadcaster and MC.

References

  1. ↑ "Home". www.sowetotv.co.za. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  2. ↑ https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/i-was-awakened-by-gunshots-455105#:~:text=BONA%20editor%20and%20veteran%20journalist%20Force%20Khashane%2C%2060%2C,many%20of%20whom%20he%20worked%20with%20and%20mentored. [ bare URL ]
  3. 1 2 "Soweto TV founder dies". SowetanLIVE. 30 November 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
  4. ↑ "South Africa: Soweto TV given permission to broadcast without licence until ICASA catches up | Balancing Act - Africa". www.balancingact-africa.com. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  5. ↑ "Soweto TV goes regional". www.joburg.org.za. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  6. ↑ "Bridget Nkuna takes over as Soweto TV new boss". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  7. ↑ Sithole, Siyabonga (16 October 2018). "After months of detailed planning, Soweto TV finally unveils an independent high-tech broadcasting fascility | Corporate Social Investment". NOW in SA. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  8. ↑ "MultiChoice: MultiChoice donates new broadcast equipment to Soweto TV". pr.africannewsagency.com. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  9. ↑ "Almighty Soweto TV Hijacked By The Greedy And Corrupt Politicians". Polity.org.za. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  10. ↑ "Tbo Touch | TVSA". www.tvsa.co.za. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  11. ↑ "Tbo Touch gears to grow Soweto TV". Sunday World. 17 September 2019. Archived from the original on 25 December 2019. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  12. ↑ "Tbo Touch accused of hijacking Soweto television station". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  13. ↑ "About Chiefrocka". Deeboi Chiefrocka. 15 January 2013. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
  14. ↑ "AWARD WINNERS 2019 | Global Brands Magazine". www.globalbrandsmagazine.com. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
  15. 1 2 3 "Previous Winners | ingoma". www.ingoma.org.za. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
  16. 1 2 "Gauteng Sport Awards". www.gpsportawards.co.za. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
  17. ↑ "Gauteng Sport Awards". www.gpsportawards.co.za. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  18. 1 2 "SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards: Full list of winners". Music In Africa. 26 November 2018. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
  19. ↑ "GAUTENG SPORT AWARDS FINALISTS ANNOUNCED". DailySun. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  20. ↑ "Maanda Tshifularo (33)". Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans. 25 June 2019. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
  21. ↑ "Linda Mnisi of Soweto TV named M&G Community Media Journalist of the Year". The Mail & Guardian. 13 April 2017. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
  22. ↑ "Gauteng Sport Awards". www.gpsportawards.co.za. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
  23. ↑ "Nimrod Nkosi | TVSA". www.tvsa.co.za. Retrieved 27 January 2020.