Johannesburg - The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) launched its new
IRB Rugby World Cup 2015 campaign - Habashwe, Let’s do this - at Auckland Park in Johannesburg on Friday.
The Habashwe campaign will seek to galvanise all South Africans
behind the Springboks for the World Cup; and highlight the fact that the SABC
will broadcast the tournament live on SABC 2 and various radio stations.
As the public service broadcaster the SABC has gone to great
lengths to ensure that all South African’s have the opportunity to enjoy
the tournament.
“We wanted to bring rugby to all South Africans, especially those
who do not have access to games on a regular basis. We believe that our world
class coverage in English and vernacular languages across television and radio
means we are perfectly placed to do just that,” said Hlaudi Motsoeneng, the
Chief Operations Officer of the SABC.
“This year the SABC will be the home of rugby for all South
Africans, bringing the game to our audiences including of some of the
tournament favourites such as host nation England, Australia and the defending
champions New Zealand. The SABC is the window through which the nation can
experience events on a global stage, making sure that we keep our audiences
informed, entertained and educated about the IRB Rugby World Cup 2015”, said
Bessie Tugwana, Group Executive of SABC Sport.
Our Springboks are two-time IRB Rugby World Cup champions, with the
first trophy lifted in 1995 in South Africa and we repeated this feat in 2007
in France. At the 2015 IRB Rugby World Cup, the Springboks will take on the
rest of the world in pursuit of our third Webb Ellis Cup.
The SABC’s World Cup offering is as follows:
? The IRB Rugby World Cup 2015 will be live on SABC platforms from September 18 until October 31.
? On SABC 2 we will have 36 matches with 29 matches live, as well as 7 matches delayed.
Umhlobo Wenene FM will cover all the 49 matches of the World Cup live. Our
other radio stations will cover all the Springbok matches live and other
selected matches.
? South African audiences will enjoy all Springbok
Matches live
with excellent match build up and commentary from our expert panel of
analysts and sport anchors
? As a build up to the IRB Rugby World Cup 2015, SABC 2 will
broadcast a series of documentaries which will be highlight the history and the
significant moments of the Rugby World Cup.
? From September 19, for the duration of the World Cup, Morning
Live will provide a daily 15 minute Rugby World Cup update live from London,
every morning at 07:15.
? We have adjusted the schedule of SABC 2 to accommodate the IRB
Rugby World Cup 2015, but we have retained the fan favourite shows like 7de
Laan, Pasella, Muvhango and Musiek Roloutte and the News bulletins.
? We have lined up the best possible talent as part of our
presentation team. The TV presentation team is made up of Udo Carelse who is
now a member of the SABC family since leaving our competitor, Pieter Hendriks,
Thando Manana, our former Springboks coach Peter de Villiers as well as James
Small to just name a few.
? Using the power of our radio stations to reach the masses of our
nation, our radio commentators will give captivating and passionate commentary
of the IRB Rugby World Cup 2015 as it happens live. Our talent includes
Mthuthuzeli Scott from Umhlobo Wenene FM, Lawrence Mahatlane from Radio 2000,
Pieter van den Berg from RSG and Mandla Mtshali.
Now
it is time for all South Africans to once again show their support for the
Springboks and help our boys in green and gold bring the Webb Ellis Cup back to South Africa for the third time.
The
Springboks who are two-time world champions are loved by the nation and come
World Cup time they always enjoy fanatical support from all of us.
For
now we want to call on all South Africans to wear their Springbok jerseys every
Friday in support of Bok day and remember there is still more to come from the
SABC, Habashwe, let’s do this!
Elouise Kelly, SABC Head of Marketing explains the motivation
behind the Habashwe campaign.
“Habashwe is a personal mantra adopted by go getters with a new
meaning: ‘Let’s do this!’ It suits the no guts no glory nature of rugby and, most
importantly it is a call to action that all South Africans can get behind. To
capture the imagination of the country ahead of the tournament we have produced
an exciting television commercial. We are also calling on all South Africans to
don their Springbok rugby jerseys on Fridays in support of the Boks.”
“We have ensured that the effect on regular programming is as
minimal as possible. We will regularly update members of the public of any
schedule changes via the media as well as on our 5 TV channels, 19 radio
stations, on the website www.sabc.co.za and our social media channels. We are committed to delivering
entertainment for all viewers and South Africans will still be able to keep up
with their favourite shows.” said, Hlaudi Motsoeneng.
The Rugby World Cup 2015 kicks off on Friday, September 18.

Team SABC at the Habashwe Launch at SABC’s M1 studio (from left) Kaizer Kganyago SABC spokesperson; Sully Motsweni Group Executive Corporate Affairs; Elouise Kelly SABC Head of Marketing; Frans Matlala Group Chief Executive Officer; Bessie Tugwana Head of Sport; Hlaudi Motsoeneng Chief Operations Officer (Group Communications)