Jobs at The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

Main Purpose of the Position:

• To lead, guide and provide editorial direction to the Xhosa and English-speaking Audio News production team to deliver in-depth treatment of News and Current Affairs in the target languages and in accordance with SABC News’ editorial objectives and public mandate.

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead, guide and provide editorial direction to a team of Xhosa and English-speaking Producers / Presenters in a bid to provide in-depth coverage of News and Current Affairs issues in accordance with the public mandate.
• Research stories and identify potential interviewees through various news mediums.
• Attend daily diary and editorial meetings with or at the request of the Executive Producer.
• Compile the Radio Current Affairs programme running order, indicating stories, interviews and Questions & Answers (Q&As) for broadcast, publishing and posting.
• Lead effective, efficient and creative brainstorming sessions for Radio Current Affairs programmes and determine content depth and quality.
• Determine and assign stories and continuously give direction to the production and broadcast teams.
• Continuously follow-up on the progress of stories until delivered for on-air production, broadcast, podcasting and posting.
• Research, analyse and understand the undercurrents, subtexts and nuances in News and Current Affairs stories and developments, and determine their importance and relevance.
• Contact, schedule and line-up appropriate, relevant and diverse newsmakers, editors / reporters and analysts for meaningful input on stories.
• Write, translate, voice, package and edit quality News and Current Affairs stories and features.
• Brief, guide, mentor and give direction to the production team regarding writing, translating and compiling of cue-sheets, scripts, packages and podcasts and social media posts.
• Brief Producers / Presenters on different story angles to pursue.
• Edit all scripts and audio to ensure quality on-air production, broadcasts and podcasts, including facts, accuracy, balance and fairness.
• Brief the Technical Producer / Operator on the programme running order and work with them to prepare for and process all news audio items for broadcast, publishing and posting.
• Write and produce strong teasers and programme trails with defining, meaningful and memorable soundbites.
• Monitor and give direction during the broadcast of the Radio Current Affairs programmes.
• Professionally engage in, co-ordinate and check digital / social media activity and content to enhance overall programmes and online content.
• Assign on-air tasks to Producers / Presenters (social media, follow-ups and breaking / developing stories etc.).
• Determine where and when to slot in relevant and meaningful audience contributions during a programme, including doing pre-interviews and written / social media communication and comment.
• Manage all segments in the programme to comply with the allocated and available time.
• Continuously review content and programmes for improvements.
• Form and maintain good relations with all newsmakers and attend networking sessions.
• Consult and engage on stories daily and in advance of known news events, including briefing and debriefing sessions.
• Maintain good relations with all News teams to overcome challenges and defuse tension constructively.
• Archive all content and programmes – in script and audio – immediately after broadcast.
• Write / compile Outside Broadcast (OB) plans and submit feedback reports timeously.
• Contribute to compliance reports and audience complaints within required deadlines.
• Adhere to the Constitution, all laws, ICASA’s licence conditions and regulations, the BCCSA and Press Council codes and rulings, the SABC Editorial Policies, News style-guide and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) etc.

Requirements:

• National Diploma / Degree in Journalism or Media Studies or related equivalent qualifications (NQF 6 / 7)
• 6 years’ proven experience in writing and producing News and Current Affairs programmes, especially for radio, and broadcast journalism
• Xhosa and English proficiency and fluency, including exceptional reading, writing, translating, interpreting and speaking / presenting skills
• Strong news sense and editorial judgement
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of Audio News and Current Affairs production processes, systems and broadcasts
• Good understanding of current trends in the social, economic and political environment
• Knowledge of and interest in journalism, media and broadcast developments and trends
• Understanding multi-media platform production
• Understanding legislation and regulations impacting broadcasting
• Computer literacy

CLOSING DATE : 25 JANUARY 2026

go to method of application »

MAIN PURPOSE OF POSITION

• Maintenance of Record Library: acquisition, appraisal, cataloguing and preserving of SABC music collection in order to support broadcast content.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Collect, process and research catalogued items/material.
• Perform daily accurate capturing of CD information on Library database in line with library registration form and instruction.
• Ensure correct generation of shelve number through system.
• Paste barcodes with unique shelve number on CD, disc and box.
• Preserve cultural heritage in accordance with record library standards.
• Gather sufficient detail information in order to determine customer requirements.
• Document action in order to successfully research and acquire music.
• Follow up on customer requests as per record library service standards.
• Perform in-time research of anticipated information requests (SDI function)
• Compliance with relevant legislation e.g. Copyright Act
• Compliance with archival best practice
• Compliance with disaster/ recovery /contingency plan
• Maintain, repair and retrieve information in compliance with relevant SOP.
• Perform Library administration.
• Ensure classification of CD information in accordance with record library best practice
• Accurate tracking and submission of CD information from vendors /shops (e.g. artist, composer, publisher)
• Ensure that there is no duplicate information on database.
• Correct shelving of CD’s and CD boxes in accordance with SOP
• Provide monthly submission of reports/ information/ statistics in required format as per Manager request.
• Perform stock counts in accordance with schedules and SABC procedures and ensure nil variance between actual and counted stock items.
• Address all customer queries/ complaints.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree Information Science or a Music Degree (NQF 7)
• One year’s library experience i.e cataloguing, providing of information, library computerization and information retrieval systems.
• Good communication skills in dealing with internal and external clients on all levels.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Priority/preference will be given to people living with a disability.

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of current affairs
• Knowledge of information retrieval systems
• Knowledge and understanding of library services best practices.
• Knowledge and understanding of library developments and trends.
• Knowledge and understanding of information systems.
• Knowledge of relevant subject discipline
• Knowledge and understanding of cataloguing standards.
• Knowledge and understanding of broadcast standards.
• Wide general knowledge

CLOSING DATE: 25 JANUARY 2026

go to method of application »

Main Purpose of the Position:

• To Produce and Present Xhosa and English Audio News and Current Affairs content and programmes as part of a team that broadcasts, publishes and posts newsworthy, compelling, accurate and fair stories for its target audience.

Key Accountabilities:

• Initiate, translate, produce, broadcast, publish and post Xhosa and English News and Current Affairs content as assigned.
• Produce and Present Audio Current Affairs programmes, Special Programmes / Broadcasts and Outside Broadcasts.
• Identify, initiate, brainstorm, research, plan, record, produce, broadcast, podcast, publish and post Audio Current Affairs stories and content / material that are newsworthy, compelling, accurate and fair for the target audience.
• Plan and deliver the content of identified Audio Current Affairs stories and programmes.
• Adhere to the specific language requirements.
• Interpret and analyse the undercurrents in and subtexts of stories.
• Conduct field, archival and other research.
• Conduct interviews and Q&As.
• Write / script, translate, voice, edit, package, publish and post stories.
• Deliver Audio Current Affairs content / programmes on time.
• Establish and maintain news networks and contacts.

• Engage professionally with the target audience to promote and enhance News and Current Affairs, including on social media.
• Adhere to South Africa’s Constitution, all laws, ICASA’s licence conditions and regulations, the BCCSA and Press Council codes and rulings, the SABC Editorial Policies, News’ style guide and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) etc.

Requirements:

• National Diploma / Degree in Journalism or Media Studies or any related equivalent qualifications (NQF 6 / 7).
• 4 years’ experience in the news and journalism environment, preferably radio / audio.
• Must be proficient and fluent in speaking, presenting, reading, writing and translating Xhosa and English.
• Have a good understanding of social media and its usefulness as a journalistic tool.
• Keep abreast of news, current affairs, trends and developments.
• Excellent general and news knowledge.
• Good and clear broadcast voice.
• Sound understanding of current social, economic and political trends.
• Good ability to plan, organize and work in a team.
• Good ability to work under pressure, including long and irregular hours.
• Good understanding of the news, media and the broadcasting environment.
• Well-developed computer literacy relevant to the news, journalism, media and broadcasting environments.

CLOSING DATE: 25 JANUARY 2026

go to method of application »

Main Purpose of the position

• To source and provide quality news copy that accurately reflects the latest news events regionally, continentally and internationally, in order to attract and retain the various targeted audiences

Key Accountabilities:

• Identify leading news stories for target audiences across all language platforms on Channel Africa.
• Ensure the overall quality and accuracy of news content, language and regional context, style and flavour – that meets the SABC’s ethical, editorial and production standards.
• Ensure accuracy, impartiality and on-time delivery of news for various Channel Africa audiences
• Ensure a thorough and well informed approach to covering activities and events in all regional blocs on the continent
• Liaise with reporters and search news sources for breaking stories, fresh angles and updates on stories.
• Rewrite copy from the newsroom and other sources within tight deadlines.
• Produce voice reports where necessary.
• Contribute content for online publication.
• Seek/give advice on the delivery of top stories.
• Manage, coach and mentor junior news desk staff.
• Adhere to the Channel Africa style guide.
• Utilise research and social media platforms to understand target audience needs and consumption trends.
• Adhere to changes of schedule and time of newscast.
• Liaise and co-ordinate in time with technical producers for all live crossings.
• Assist presenters to achieve accurate news reading delivery/presentation.
• Ensure quality of sound clips for broadcast.
• Generate and put out customised news bulletins and headlines as per schedule and as per target audience preferences.
• Attend to internal and external customers/clients queries/ complaints.
• Network with other newsmakers and sources of news.
• Communicate with other news outlets inside and outside the SABC.
• Determine and serve customers/clients’ needs.
• Contract with team on the SABC’s Performance Management System in accordance with the organizational policy and procedures.
• Allocate responsibilities and schedule team in a fair and transparent manner.
• Coach, mentor and develop the team.
• Provide input in the retention and attraction of talent.
• Manage employee relations to ensure conducive and productive work environment.
• Oversee the implementation of organisational development initiatives were required i.e. Wellness, Employment Equity, Career Progression, Talent Management, and Human Capital Planning etc.

Requirements:

• Degree or National Diploma in Journalism or related field (NQF6)
• 3-5 years’ experience in a news broadcasting environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of broadcast standards, Policies and SOP’s.
• Advanced understanding of SABC broadcast operations
• Excellent English communication (including writing) skills.
• Problem solving skills.
• Good understanding of equipment and facilities within a broadcast environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of transmission chain.
• Knowledge and understanding of play-out and recording system e.g. Dalet or Dira!
• Sound understanding of current trends and issues in the social, economic and political environment on the African continent.
• Ability to work with people of diverse languages and cultures.
• Excellent news sense.
• Ability to work under pressure and long, irregular shifts.

CLOSING DATE: 25 JANUARY 2026