Job Openings at The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

•  Initiate and cover stories as assigned or commissioned.
• Provide quality script and clear voice-overs, including on-air broadcast.
• Investigate and break stories, and follow them through to final product before broadcast.
• Maintain special focus area (beat).
• Give informative and well-researched input to live Current Affairs programmes and debates; package stories for Current Affairs programmes, and do live crossings to News Bulletins.
• Check facts, accuracy and quality of stories.
• Set up interviews and lead discussions for broadcast, including cross-overs.
• Meet story deadlines.
• Keep abreast of news events/developments.
• Obtain broadcast quality sound using relevant recording equipment.
• Adhere to South Africa’s Constitution, all broadcasting and other legislation, ICASA’s
• licence conditions and regulations, the BCCSA Code of Conduct, the Press Code, including rulings, the SABC editorial policies, News and Current Affairs style-guide, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) etc.

REQUIREMENTS:

• National Diploma / Degree in Journalism, Media Studies or relevant equivalent qualification (NQF 6 / 7)
• Excellent command of English & Afrikaans, both written and spoken in TV, Radio, and Digital News to optimize the impact of editorial content
• Understand current media trends and developments and use / engage in multi-media platforms professionally
• Good general knowledge
• Computer literacy
• Ability to interact with and manage different stakeholders

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CLOSING DATE: 22 SEPTEMBER 2026

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: 

• To lead, guide and provide editorial direction to the production team to deliver compelling and incisive news programmes in accordance with SABC News editorial objectives and the public mandate.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

• Lead the team in identifying and selecting stories, compose rundowns in accordance with SABC News editorial objectives and the public mandate.
• Lead effective and creative brainstorming sessions to determine content breadth and quality.
• Working within tight deadlines, identify news stories appropriate for target audiences.
• Manage and direct staff in the writing and timeous processing of news stories. 
• Ensure the overall quality and accuracy of news content, language context, style, and tone.
• Ensure compliance with SABC News’ ethical, editorial and production standards.
• Optimise news impact with illustrative, audio-visual, and appropriately contextualised script.
• Advise on the best stories to lead and anchor news bulletins, and update stories as new information becomes available.
• Keep up to date with news reporters in the field or at base and brief team on latest news developments.
• Ensure balance in the stories to be featured in the news bulletins and address gaps as soon as it is possible to do so.
• Supervise the performance of the team and give constructive feedback on stories delivered.
• Continually communicate with relevant news editors to find further newsworthy angles.
• Liaise with technical support regarding the specific delivery of news items.
• Assist news presenters with accurate news reading delivery and pronunciations.
• Submit daily production reports to the line manager and indicate problems requiring attention.
• Together with the line manager, process leave applications and check impact on rosters.
• Generate a monthly roster for the desk and ensure adequate staffing.
• Communicate with platforms on structural changes, changes in time slots, bulletin durations.
• Lead productive and creative editorial team sessions to determine appropriateness of editorial content for bulletins.
• Ensure that news content meets the highest editorial and linguistic standards as per editorial policy.
• Be alert to any content that may require audience warnings and disclaimers and ensure that these are reflected prominently prior to airing the stories.
• Assign team writing and productions responsibilities as required.
• Adhere to the SABC Editorial Policies, BCCSA and Press Codes.
• Provide input in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and monitor the implementation thereof.
• Support effective implementation of Performance Management System in accordance with organizational policy and procedures.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• National Diploma / Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communication, Media Studies or equivalent qualification. NQF6/7
• 6 years’ proven experience in editorial and writing environment, two of which must be in a supervisory capacity.
• Mother-tongue proficiency and exceptional writing skills in the designated language (English) 
• Understanding of all regulations, legislation and policies impacting broadcasting.
• Knowledge and understanding of television news production processes.
• Exceptional editorial and journalistic acumen.
• Ability to work under pressure and perform outstandingly to tight deadlines.
• Extensive knowledge of the relevant systems and broadcasting operations.

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CLOSING DATE: 22 SEPTEMBER 2026

Key Accountabilities

• Contribute to and operationalise the station’s programming strategy within mandate areas (Drama, Education, Religion, and Sport).
• Develop and implement a mandate content strategy and annual content plan for the commissioning, acquisition, and production of high-quality programming aligned with licence conditions and audience needs.
• Ensure a balanced and compliant mix of programming genres in line with licence conditions, including drama, education, religion, sport, culture, language development, social cohesion, and public value content.
• Integrate audience insights, research findings, PMRAC recommendations, and public feedback into content planning and execution.
• Lead the commissioning, development, and production of mandate programming across all formats and platforms.
• Ensure all programme briefs, scripts, and final content meet required editorial, creative, and technical standards.
• Oversee internal and external content providers to ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with station positioning and mandate objectives.
• Drive innovation in storytelling and content formats, including audio-first and multi-platform offerings.
• Ensure adherence to the station’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and approved production processes.
• Ensure full compliance with ICASA licence conditions, BCCSA Code, SABC Editorial Policies, and all applicable legislation.
• Monitor adherence to local content quotas, language obligations, and genre requirements.
• Quality assure all mandate content submissions before broadcast.
• Compile and submit all required compliance and regulatory reports (ICASA, SAMRO, SAMPRA, BCCSA, and related bodies).
• Maintain internal control measures and audit mechanisms to proactively manage compliance risks.
• Keep abreast of legislative and regulatory developments impacting the broadcast value chain.
• Execute programming formats and schedules in line with licence conditions, ensuring an appropriate balance across content categories and audience expectations.
• Monitor programme output to ensure alignment with station strategy, brand positioning, and quality standards.
• Conduct continuous reviews of programming, market trends, and audience behaviour to maintain competitiveness and relevance.
• Lead the development and distribution of mandate content across radio, digital, and emerging platforms.
• Ensure content is optimised for on-air broadcast, streaming, podcasting, and social media engagement.
• Implement multi-platform content plans in line with approved strategies and briefs.
• Track and analyse performance metrics (audience reach, engagement, consumption patterns) to inform content decisions.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders (Sales, Marketing, Research, Finance) to align mandate programming with broader organisational objectives.
• Collaborate with Commercial Enterprises and Business Development on sponsorships, trade exchanges, branded content, and revenue opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with external producers, partners, and industry bodies.
• Manage public engagement processes and respond to audience feedback and complaints.
• Develop and manage mandate programming budgets, ensuring cost-effective delivery and financial accountability.
• Manage and allocate resources effectively to ensure delivery of programming outputs within budget.
• Identify and implement opportunities for co-productions, pre-sales, and cost efficiencies.
• Ensure financial compliance and adherence to organisational policies and procedures.
• Monitor programme performance against audience, quality, and compliance indicators.
• Utilise research and analytics to improve content relevance, strengthen audience connection, and inform scheduling and format decisions.
• Conduct content reviews and post-broadcast evaluations to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
• Monitor and report on operational risks and compliance matters.
• Implement risk management plans in line with the organisational risk framework, including internal controls, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Conduct internal audits, identify gaps, and implement corrective actions.
• Lead, coach, and develop the mandate programming team to achieve high performance.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure effective communication, fair workload distribution, and optimal team utilisation.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties to ensure efficient and effective station operations.

Requirements:

• National diploma or degree in Media Studies, Speech & Drama, Linguistics, Education, or a related field (NQF Level 6).
• Minimum 4–5 years’ experience in radio and/or audio content production, including experience in mandate-driven programming.
• Excellent command of isiZulu, including advanced proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension, with a deep understanding of linguistic nuances, cultural context, and audience relevance.
• Comprehensive understanding of applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks, including ICASA, BCCSA Code, SABC Editorial Policies, and broadcast compliance requirements, as well as programme formats, clocks, and quality standards.
• Proven leadership and people management capability, including team development, performance management, and coaching.
• Proficiency in information and content management systems relevant to broadcast environments.
• Good understanding of the media landscape and key industry stakeholders.
• Proven creativity and innovation in developing programme concepts, briefs, and scripts.
• Demonstrated experience in digital and multi-platform content production, including streaming, podcasting, and social media integration.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning capability, with the ability to translate programming strategy into executable content plans.
• Ability to develop reporting frameworks and processes to ensure accountability and compliance.
• Advanced knowledge of radio production processes, systems, and workflows.
• Sound financial management, budgeting, and forward planning capability.
• Strong project management skills.
• Well-developed editorial judgement and acumen.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.