by Thinus Ferreira
The South African public broadcaster has relaunched its SABC+ video streaming app for the second time in seven months, but now requiring users to register again, adding back some catch-up content functionality and forcing users to see ads.
The SABC has relaunched its SABC+ over-the-top app again after its last relaunch in December 2023.
SABC+ users have to redownload the app again and register through the creation of a new user account and providing a cellphone number.
With the relaunched SABC+ app, the SABC is once again starting over from scratch to build a user base for the third time.
The SABC told TVwithThinus in May that SABC+ amassed over a million users. SABC+ originally launched in November 2022 when the SABC took over Telkom's sold-off Telkom ONE streamer.
When the SABC took over the Telkom ONE platform, users had to register to access it. With the relaunch in December 2023 the user registration requirement was dropped. The user account requirement is now back, although users are not required to provide a valid SABC TV Licence number.
The SABC says it "urges" all users to re-register on SABC+ by creating an account "in order to comply with the POPI Act".
To register on SABC+ a user must provide a cellphone number, name and surname, birth date, gender, country, province, and a password. Providing an email address is optional.
The latest SABC+ app will be available on Android, iOS and Huawei stores, Apple TV(TVOS), Google TV and Android boxes (the update will be delayed), as well as LG smartTVs.
The latest SABC+ app returns the catch-up functionality which was removed during the previous relaunch at the beginning of 2024, and adds voice command for content search, a TV schedule electronic programme guide (EPG) and "Radio Now Playing", as well as possible personalised recommendations and updates to the user interface.
Content download features will now be available on the mobile-only SABC+ version.
The latest SABC+ version gives unlimited access on multiple household devices but with the update comes display banner advertising and video adverts. An EPG reminder functionality is now also available.
The SABC has added Channel Africa broadcasting in the languages of Chinyanja,
Kiswahili, English, French and Portuguese for the African diaspora worldwide. Other radio stations which are accessible through SABC+ include Springbok Radio, Radio Bantu, 5FM and Radio 2000.
TV channels include SABC1, SABC2, SABC3, SABC Sport, SABC News, SABC Education and SABC Lehae.
Streaming video quality can be selected between 240p, 360p, 720p and 1080p.
In a prepared statement Nomsa Chabeli, SABC CEO, says "SABC+ will now be accessible across multiple devices,
ensuring that our audiences can enjoy their favourite content anywhere,
anytime. Our most beloved brands, including our top-rated radio stations as
well as exciting new range of podcasts, will now be just a tap away".
