SABC 2

SABC 2 is a South African free-to-air television channel owned by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). The channel was createdin its current form on 4 February 1996, due to the restructuring of the three national SABC networks.

As of March 2024, SABC 2 broadcasts programming only in English, Venda, Tsonga, Sotho, Sepedi & Setswana.

In August 2018, the channel started broadcasting in high definition.

History

SABC TV

South Africa was already served by some closed-circuit systems in hotels before SABC-TV started. SABC began airing test cards in early 1975 on its transmitters and started trialling its first television service on 5 May 1975 in South Africa's largest cities, and officially launched its first television channel on 6 January 1976 under the name SABC Television/SAUK-Televisie. The launch of SABC-TV caused South Africa to become the last country in the industrialised world to introduce television and had a viewership base of one million. Around 222,000 television sets were tuned in to the inauguration. As with other countries, the launch of television had negative effects in other sectors of the country's entertainment industry, especially cinemas. Within the corporation, SABC's regional radio stations would suffer from loss of listeners to the new television network, but Radio 5's playlists remained unchanged.

The service opened at 6pm with a bilingual opening speech presented by Heinrich Maritz (Afrikaans) and Dorianne Berry (English), the culmination of a five-year project. The first programme seen was a special presentation from the Children's and Youth division, in Afrikaans, which presented Haas Kas and other characters produced by the unit. The English-language The Everywhere Express, which had been shown in the test service the previous year, was also introductory in nature.

The official opening of the service was at 8pm with a speech from Prime Minister John Vorster. One million viewers saw its opening night, while approximately 250,000 television sets were sold in the country in the second half of 1975 alone.

As of 1977, the SABC-TV service was delivered over eighteen transmitters:
*Alverstone-Durban-Pinetown: channel 4
*Bloemfontein: channel 9
*Cape Town: channel 8
*Davel-Bethal-Ermelo: channel 22 (UHF)
*East London: channel 9
*George Mosselbay: channel 5
*Glencoe-Dundee: channel 27 (UHF)
*Hartbeesfontein-Klerksdorp: channel 45 (UHF)
*Johannesburg: channel 13
*Kimberley: channel 4
*Kroonstad: channel 57 (UHF)
*Middelburg-Witbank: channel 41 (UHF)
*Port Elizabeth-Uitenhage: channel 7
*Port Shepstone-Margate: channel 8
*Pretoria: channel 5
*Theunissen: channel 5
*Villiersdorp: channel 7
*Welverdiend-Potchefstroom: channel 7

Two years after launch, a South African Sunday newspaper called the service "prissy and pricey": "prissy" due to the strict moral standards of the SABC and "pricey" due to the high costs of both buying a television set and paying the licence fee. The introduction of television advertising would at the time threaten advertisers in newspapers. The schedule lasted for five hours (6pm to 11pm, earlier closing on Sunday nights) with a few hours of sports on Saturdays. On a technical level, the SABC claimed to have the highest standards, but not at programming level. The service was also touted as a propaganda vehicle for the then-ruling National Party.

By 1979, the broadcasts were picked up by 80% of the white population and 42% of the black population. Censorship was still recurring, a famous example included SABC TV skipping an episode of ''Dallas'' in August 1979 that featured a homosexual affair, which was deemed "too sensitive" for the conservative South African mindset of the time, infuriating fans of the series.

TV1

On 1 January 1982, two television channels were introduced: TV2 broadcasting in Zulu and Xhosa and TV3 broadcasting in Sotho and Tswana, both targeted at a Black urban audience and broadcasting on the same television frequency. The main network, now called TV1, divided its broadcasting languages evenly between English and Afrikaans, as before. The channel introduced its first non-white continuity announcer, Vivian Solomons, for its Afrikaans segments in July 1983, who was of mixed race. Because SABC did not have a separate channel for mixed race and Indian South Africans, the corporation would increase the amount of non-whites appearing on the channel, though this caused complaints from viewers due to his appearance, making up most of the nearly 40 callers who contacted the corporation upon his introduction.

A sitcom comparable to ''All in the Family'', ''People Like Us'', had its 26 episodes taped throughout 1987, but only aired for the first time on 23 December 1989 at a late slot (10:25pm on Saturdays) in order not to offend its white audience, while the timeslot was also chosen on purpose as kids of any race were already asleep by then. One viewer accused the corporation of cowardice under the grounds that, in order to increase its white audience, the series should have been moved to a prime time slot on weekdays. The series aired weeks before Nelson Mandela's speech on 11 February 1990, which was broadcast by the corporation, breaking its biases for the first time in fourteen years.

The end of Apartheid caused a series of radical changes for the channel, distancing itself from its segregated past. Ethnic mixing was now possible; its morning show ''Good Morning South Africa'' now had a white man and a black woman side by side, impossible in Apartheid days. In 1992, four non-whites were hired for current affairs programming and a further four for religious programmes. An agreement was signed with Sky News on 21 September 1993, enabling TV1 to air the channel during off-air hours from 15 October that year, akin to sister channel CCV which already had a contract with CNN International. In 1994, with post-Apartheid democratisation, it was suggested that TV1 should broadcast entirely in English, by October that year, it was suggested that a model similar to the one adopted in 1996 would be suggested for two of the SABC channels, with the third channel being run for "profit and entertainment", entirely in English. At this time, the channel's slogan was ''This one's for you!'' ( in Afrikaans).

From February 1996, per a November 1995 decision, TV1 (under its new guise as SABC 2) would increase its programming in English, following the results of a demographic survey. The three channels combined would provide 65% English programming during prime time hours.

SABC 2

In 1996, the SABC reorganised its three TV networks with the aim of making them more representative of the various language groups."1, 2, 3, SABC!", ''Africa Film & TV Magazine'', nº. 9, April-June 1996 These were renamed to SABC 3 (formerly TV1), SABC 1 (formerly CCV) and SABC 2 (formerly NNTV). The amount of time allocated to Afrikaans-language programming on the new channel (SABC 2) fell from 50% to 15% - a move that alienated Afrikaans speakers. A spokesman for the SABC said that such a reduction was "inevitable in the post apartheid era", and that the SABC had not abided to the IBA's recommendations.

Under the new format, 40% of SABC 2's schedule was in English, with the remaining 60% given to the other languages. The new service catered at Afrikaans and Sotho speakers during prime time, all-day language breakdown was as of the time of the change: 41% English, 15% Afrikaans, 8% Sepedi, 6% Sesotho, 8% Setswana and 1% each for Xitsonga and Tshivenda. 21% of its programming was multilingual.

With the commercialisation of the SABC in July 1997, the channel decided to drop its loss-making breakfast show ''Good Morning South Africa'' that it had inherited from the Apartheid-era TV1. In late 1997, the SABC announced that the channel would house more public service programming. On 1 December that year, SABC 2 adopted a new look.

For 2002, the channel was committed to be "the voice, the heart and the mind of South Africans", owing to its broadcast footprint - the largest out of any SABC terrestrial network. Aiming at increasing its audiences in the Black and Afrikaans sectors, the channel sought to increase its local offering, reflecting individual South African cultures and communities. Three new projects were being developed, The Res, Dark City and Zero Tolerance. 7de Laan increased its number of weekly episodes to four, while Muvhango was planned to enter its third season in April that year.

On 1 March 2013, SABC 2 adopted its current logo. Blue is the main colour of the channel, but red, yellow and green are also used. However, at the time of rebranding, its programming was still seen as "dated"

SABC 2 was initially announced to begin HD broadcasts via DStv during July 2018, broadcasts started on 8 August 2018.SABC2: now also in HD
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Programming

After the SABC restructured its television channels, SABC 2 took the place of the old TV1 channel. The reduced prominence of Afrikaans angered many speakers of the language, although the channel still features a significant amount of Afrikaans programming, including a news broadcast every week night at 19:00 and weekends at 18:00.

M-Net seeing the market need, launched the Afrikaans subscription channel KykNet in 1999 and followed in 2005 with the music channel MK (originally known as MK89.) In 2009, M-Net launched Koowee, a kids channel broadcasting in Afrikaans.

Soapies, dramas and telenovelas

The channel is popular for its two longest-running soapies '' 7de Laan'' and '' Muvhango'', dramas such as ''Erfsondes'', ''Geraamtes in die Kas'', ''Roer Jou Voete'' and ''90 Plein Street'', and Telenovelas such as ''Keeping Score'', '' Giyani: Land of Blood'' and ''Die Sentrum''.

Series

SABC 2 has in the past, broadcast international series such as ''NCIS'', ''Pretty Little Liars'', ''Teen Wolf'' and ''The Vampire Diaries''. However, the channel is currently focused on local reality and actuality series such as ''Speak Out'', ''Relate'', and ''Saving Our Marriage'', comedies such as ''Ga Re Dumele'' and ''Ke Ba Bolleletse'', and a few international series such as ''American Ninja Warrior''.

Talk and magazine

The channel has a small number of talk, travel and magazine shows. Shows include ''Motswako'', ''Vusaseki'', ''Nhlalala ya Rixaka'', ''50/50'', ''Voetspore'' and ''TalkAbility''.

Music

SABC 2 plays local afro-soul and pop music interludes in between shows. It also has music shows such as ''Afro Cafè'', ''Soul'd Out Sessions'', ''Kliphard'', ''Musiek Roulette'' and '' Noot vir Noot''.

Religion

The channel has religious shows aimed at Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism. Local shows include longest running show ''It's Gospel Time'', ''Gospel Classics'', ''Psalted'' Simcha" ''Derech Eretz'', and ''Issues of Faith''.

Sports

SABC 2 rarely broadcasts live sports due to funding issues, and instead focuses on sporting highlights. It is mostly focused on boxing, rugby, swimming and athletics. In the recent year, it has broadcast a few football matches due to a high load of football broadcasting. It broadcasts Bafana Bafana, Banyana Banyana and CAF Champions League matches

News and current affairs

The channel provides two primetime bulletins for the TshiVenda/xiTsonga, and Sotho/Setswana/ Sepedi languages. In addition, it has current affairs programmes including ''Ngula Ya Vutivi'', ''Zwa Maramani'' and ''Leihlo La Sechaba''. It also airs the longest-running breakfast show ''Morning Live''. It is known for national events such as presidential inaugurations, State of the Nation Address, Budget Speeches, and parliamentary events. On 4 March 2024, the Afrikaans bulletin has been moved to SABC 3 on Mondays to Fridays @ 20:30 and Weekends @ 18:15.

Movies

The channel is known for family-friendly and dramatic movies, autobiographies and animated movies.

Youth and education

SABC 2 has a roster of shows from its SABC Education slate, most notably '' Takalani Sesame'', ''It's For Life'', ''The Epic Hangout'', among others, and also brings educational shows on how to manage money and a focus on senior citizens, as well as other children's shows from Disney Junior, either in their original English soundtrack or dubbed in South African languages, such as '' The Lion Guard'' in isiZulu, ''Ben 10'' in Afrikaans and ''Doc McStuffins'' in Sotho. For teens and preteens it offers comedy series from Disney Channel and Nickelodeon, such as ''ICarly'', '' True Jackson, VP'', '' A.N.T. Farm'', '' Sanjay and Craig'', ''The Sparticle Mystery'', '' Star Falls'' and ''Cookabout'', as well as local series including ''Signal High'', ''Snake Park'' and '' Hectic Nine-9''. Content that is most watched among the youth is the 17:00 slot, for airing anime series from Toei Animation, Studio Pierrot and TV Tokyo'', ''Yu-Gi-Oh! GX'', ''Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's'', '' Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V'', ''Beyblade'', ''Dragon Ball'', ''Dragon Ball Z'', '' Dragon Ball Z Kai'', ''Dragon Ball GT'', '' Dragon Ball SUPER'', ''Naruto Shippuden'', ''One Piece'' and ''Bleach''.

List of Programmes

Imported Programmes

Current

=Children's

=
* '' Rhyme Time Town''
* '' What About Mimi?''

Former

=Children's

=
* '' 3-2-1 Penguins!''
* '' 6teen''
* ''Action Man''
* '' The Adventures of Blinky Bill''
* ''The Adventures of Portland Bill''
* ''The Adventures of the Aftermath Crew''
* ''Alvin and the Chipmunks''
* '' Amigo and Friends'' ''(In Both Afrikaans and English)''
* ''Animaland''
* ''Animated Tales of the World''
* ''Anna Banana''
* '' Anthony Ant'' ''(In Afrikaans)''
* ''Archibald the Koala''
* ''Arthur''
* '' A.J.'s Time Travelers''
* '' Barney''
* ''Bear in the Big Blue House''
* '' Bertha''
* '' The Big Garage'' ''(In Sepedi)''
* '' Billy the Cat''
* ''Blue's Clues''
* '' The Blunders''
* ''Bob the Builder''
* '' Bobobobs'' ''(In Afrikaans)''
* '' Boohbah''
* '' Bookmice''
* '' Brambly Hedge''
* '' The Brothers Flub''
* '' Brum'' ''(In Both Afrikaans and English)''
* '' Budgie the Little Helicopter''
* ''Bump''
* '' The Busy World of Richard Scarry''
* ''Buzz and Poppy''
* '' Captain Planet and the Planeteers''
* '' Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future''
* '' Chip 'N Dale Rescue Rangers''
* '' The Crayon Box''
* '' Dennis and Gnasher''
* '' Dig & Dug with Daisy''
* ''Dinosaur Train''
* ''Dog City''
* ''Dog Tracer''
* ''DuckTales''
* ''Earthworm Jim''
* ''Enid Blyton's Enchanted Lands''
* '' Festival of Family Classics''
* ''Fireman Sam''
* '' The Forgotten Toys''
* '' Fourways Farm'' ''(In Xhosa)''
* ''Fudge''
* '' Funnybones''
* '' Gadget Boy & Heather''
* '' Garfield and Friends''
* ''Ghostbusters''
* ''The Happy Castle''
* '' The Hot Rod Dogs and Cool Car Cats'' ''(In Both Afrikaans, English and Tswana)''
* '' Jellabies''
* ''Jimbo and the Jet-Set''
* '' Johnson and Friends''
* '' Junglies''
* '' Kaboodle''
* '' Katie and Orbie'' ''(In Zulu)''
* '' Kipper''
* '' Kissyfur''
* '' Kitty Cats''
* '' Kleo the Misfit Unicorn'' ''(In Tswana)''
* '' The Legends of Treasure Island''
* '' Magic Adventures of Mumfie'' ''(In Both Afrikaans and English)''
* '' Medabots''
* ''Mona the Vampire''
* '' Monty the Dog who wears glasses'' ''(In Sepedi)''
* '' The Morph Files''
* ''Mumble Bumble''
* ''The Mysterious Cities of Gold''
* ''Ned's Newt''
* '' Noddy's Toyland Adventures''
* '' Oakie Doke'' ''(In Xhosa)''
* '' Old Bear Stories''
* '' Orson and Olivia'' ''(In Afrikaans)''
* '' Ovide and the Gang'' ''(In Afrikaans)''
* ''Peppa Pig''
* ''Petals''
* ''Pingu''
* '' Popeye and Son''
* ''Pokémon''
* ''Postman Pat''
* '' Press Gang''
* ''Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders''
* '' Pugwall's Summer''
* '' Quaq Quao''
* '' The Raggy Dolls''
* '' The Rainbow Fish''
* '' Renford Rejects''
* '' Robinson Sucroe''
* ''Rocko's Modern Life'' ''(In Afrikaans)''
* '' Rosie and Jim''
* ''Rugrats''
* '' Salty's Lighthouse''
* ''Samurai Pizza Cats''
* '' The Sarah Jane Adventures''
* '' Shining Time Station''
* '' The Shoe People''
* '' Skippy: Adventures in Bushtown''
* '' The Slow Norris'' ''(In Afrikaans)''
* ''Spheriks''
* ''Supermodels''
* ''Teddy Drop Ear''
* '' Teddy Trucks'' ''(In Afrikaans)''
* '' Titch''
* '' Toad Patrol''
* '' Tots TV''
* '' Transformers: Armada''
* '' Transformers: Energon''
* '' Truckers''
* '' Tube Mice''
* '' Victor & Hugo: Bunglers in Crime'' ''(In Afrikaans)''
* '' Where's Wally?''
* '' The Wild House''
* ''The Wild Thornberrys''
* '' Wimzie's House''
* '' The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends''

=Comedy

=
* '' ALF'' ''(In Afrikaans)''
* ''The Critic''
* ''The Nanny''
* ''The Sinbad Show''
* '' The Tony Danza Show''
* ''Who's the Boss?''

=Drama

=
* '' Counterstrike''
* ''Dallas''
* '' Dellaventura''
* '' Magnum, P.I.''
* ''Miami Vice'' ''(In Afrikaans)''
* '' Xena: Warrior Princess''

=Magazine

=
* '' Cybernet''

=Soap Opera

=
* ''As the World Turns''

=Documentary

=
* ''Story of a People''

=Talk Shows

=
* '' The Dr. Phil Show''

See also

* List of South African media
* List of South African television channels

References

External links

*

{{Greater Johannesburg, media

Television stations in South Africa
Television channels and stations established in 1976
Afrikaans-language television