SABC outlines RWC offering

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.