Springboks rugby test match on 12 July to simulcast on SABC2 after SuperSport and SA Rugby deal with SABC

Thinus Ferreira

SuperSport which has the rights and South African Rugby have reached a deal with the South African public broadcaster for the upcoming second Springboks rugby test match between South Africa and Italy on Saturday 12 July in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha to be simulcast on SABC2 at 17:00.

The agreement was announced at a press conference in Johannesburg yesterday afternoon at the Springboks store in the Sandton City Mall, attended by SA Rugby president Mark Alexander, MultiChoice's SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha, the SABC CEO Nomsa Chabeli and Gayton McKenzie, the minister of arts, culture and sport.

Many media said they were unaware of the planned press conference, not informed beforehand, or called to attend, getting only press statements afterwards from either the SABC, or SuperSport or SARU.

According to SARU, SuperSport and the SABC the agreement to shown the test match between the Springboks and the Azzurri was reached to make everything look good for the 30th anniversary of the Springbok's 1995 Rugby World Cup win.

Not a word was said at the press conference by SARU, the SABC or SuperSport about why the first Springboks test match against Italy on 5 July in Pretoria will not be made available on the SABC.

In reality, massive structural and financial problems remain pertaining to sports rights, the cost and acquisition of that and why so-called "big sport" like rugby isn't seen regularly on the public broadcaster.

Despite promises, Gayton McKenzie has so far been unable to fix the problem with making big sporting events available to the masses on television, with either the government or the SABC that will have to find the money to pay for sports rights to these sporting events when they become available.

SuperSport that has gobbled up essentially all South African rugby TV rights, as well as SuperSport, are both under increasing political pressure to find a way to make more rugby available on public television like SABC channels and eMedia's e.tv.

It's unclear what the SABC is paying to SuperSport, if anything, to televise the 12 July Springboks test match.

It's also unclear and not yet known whether MultiChoice, SuperSport and the SABC will block the match from being shown on the SABC2 channel carried on eMedia's Openview satellite service.

In a SARU statement, Mark Alexander in a prepared quote, says "As SARU, we are working closely with our broadcasters to ensure that all South Africans can be part of this historic occasion".

Mark Alexander didn't say why only this second test match will be shown on SABC2.

At the event, Nomsa Chabeli said "We extend our deepest appreciation to SARU and SuperSport for enabling this collaborative agreement".

"This partnership is testament to one thing: To the power of shared purpose where commercial imperatives and public interest converge to serve a higher calling and that is nation building." 

Rendani Ramovha, in a statement from SuperSport, says "SuperSport is pleased to be able to contribute to the country's celebration of 30 years of Springbok excellence since that unforgettable moment in 1995."

SuperSport dumps its SuperSport United football club after 31 years, offloads it to Siwelele FC as it's now deemed a 'non-core' business in Canal+'s MultiChoice takeover

by Thinus Ferreira

SuperSport has dumped its SuperSport United football club that was part of South Africa's Premier Soccer League (PSL) after 31 years, offloading it to Siwelele Football Club.

The move comes as France's Canal+ is getting ready to take over MultiChoice in a billion rand buyout and with Canal+ executives saying they believe MultiChoice has too many brands and are involved in "non-core" business activities.

Calvin Lee John, a business associate of Gayton McKenzie who is South Africa's minister of sport, is behind the purchase of SuperSport United through Siwelele FC.

SuperSport on Thursday afternoon in a terse statement confirmed that it's dumping SuperSport United, with SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha noting that neither SuperSport nor MultiChoice will talk about it "out of respect" for the PSL's "executive committee processes".

SuperSport United, wholly owned until now by SuperSport, is based in Atteridgeville in Gauteng and was founded 31 years ago in 1994.

SuperSport United had a professional football team, as well as various youth academy teams in the SuperSport United Youth Academy, with this youth academy widely seen as one of the best in South Africa

SuperSport United won the Premiership three times in the 2007-2008 season, as well as in the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 seasons.

Rendani Ramovha says SuperSport is dumping SuperSport United because "Shifts in the market, as well as the need to innovate in accordance with our core business, have necessitated focused direction to allow SuperSport to remain the best sports content provider on the continent and a leader in broadcast innovation".

Calvin Le John, chairman of the Siwelele FC, in a prepared quote, only says "As Siwelele FC, we are privileged to have been given the responsibility of continuing with a rich winning tradition in the PSL."

"SuperSport and the MultiChoice Group laid an incredible 30-year platform that we wish to build upon, should we get the final vote of approval from the PSL executive committee."

MultiChoice to supply curated SuperSport Schools streaming channel to SABC+

by Thinus Ferreira

In a new deal between MultiChoice and South Africa's public broadcaster, curated content from SuperSport's SuperSport Schools will be funnelled to SABC+ as a SuperSport Schools streaming channel from 8 February.

Neither MultiChoice or SuperSport, nor the SABC is willing to say how much the public broadcaster is paying for carriage of the SuperSport Schools streaming channel.

The new SuperSport Schools streaming contract between SuperSport and the SABC is part of a concerted broader effort by specifically MultiChoice to improve and strengthen a commercial relationship with the public broadcaster, and through it to solidify the SABC's stance as an ally against eMedia's e.tv and its Openview satellite platform.

In future negotiations over - as well as deals for - the sublicensing of big-ticket sports content from SuperSport, it is important for MultiChoice and SuperSport that the SABC takes their side - or at the very least remain silent and neutral - if any three-way sublicensing carriage conflicts break out between MultiChoice, eMedia and the SABC like it did in 2024. 

The SuperSport Schools streaming channel on SABC+ will carry a selection of content from SuperSport Schools that filmed over 60 000 school matches in 2024 across a variety of sports disciplines.

The channel will showcase a diverse range of schools and youth sport, including football, netball, rugby, athletics, hockey and basketball.

SuperSport Schools has more than a million registered users with some of the content that has been available on it now getting a second window on SABC+.

Rendani Ramovha, SuperSport CEO, says "We want to encourage participation in sports at a grassroots level and reignite interest in sports across all schools in the country. Both SuperSport and the SABC share a common vision of providing young athletes with a platform to shine and inspiring future generations of sportsmen and women".

Nomsa Chabeli, SABC CEO, in a prepared quote, states "We are proud to be part of this life-changing partnership that extends beyond the fulfilment of the SABC’s mandate, by offering South Africans from all walks of life, a platform that nurtures young talent and provides unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional development".

"This partnership allows the SuperSport Schools channel to be accessible on the SABC+ streaming platform, enabling rising stars to gain recognition in the early stages of their lives, which will lead to more opportunities in the future.”

Thandolwethu Bakumeni, head of SuperSport Schools, says "We are thrilled that the SABC is joining us in the promotion of schools' sport".

"This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to nurture young talent and make schools and youth sports a key part of South Africa’s cultural fabric.  After all, World Cups are won 10 years before they are played.”
 
Keletso Totlhanyo, head of SABC Sport, says "SABC Sport is dedicated to providing our viewers with the best local sports content, and this new venture with SuperSport Schools will allow us to bring even more exciting and inspirational content to South African homes".

The curated content on the SABC Schools streaming channel on SABC+ will focus on some of the popular and significant sports in South Africa, including football, netball, rugby, athletics, hockey, and basketball.

Trying to lower Gayton McKenzie threats on sports rights, MultiChoice's SuperSport sublicense under a quarter of PSL matches to SABC.

by Thinus Ferreira

Trying to lower pressure from South Africa's sports minister Gayton McKenzie who wants more South African viewers to have access to national sports, MultiChoice and SuperSport have grudgingly sublicensed a quarter of the current season's Premier Soccer League football matches to South Africa's public broadcaster.

MultiChoice will allow the SABC to broadcast 51 out of over 300 PSL matches which include 23 Betway Premiership matches, 12 Nedbank Cup matches, 10 Carling Black Label Cup matches and 6 National First Division games.

League matches will be broadcast on SABC1 on Saturdays. SuperSport will broadcast all 240 Betway Premiership games live on DStv and MultiChoice's streamer Showmax.

In a joint statement MultiChoice and the SABC say SuperSport and the SABC "have reached an agreement on the sub-licensing of Premier Soccer League (PSL) broadcast rights for the new Betway Premiership season".

MultiChoice and the SABC note that the sub-licensing deal "comes on the back of strong relations developing between the two broadcasters".

Besides being able to lower the pressure South Africa's new sports minister has put on the pay-TV operator and the South African public broadcaster, their strengthened relationship also serves both in an ongoing case against eMedia's e.tv when it comes to sports rights.

Rendani Ramovha, SuperSport CEO, says "The latest sub-licence agreement with the SABC is another step towards a strong relationship with the public broadcaster, for the benefit of football lovers across the country and the African continent".

"The PSL has proven itself time and again to be the most coveted football product among South Africans and we look forward to delivering another outstanding season of football action on SuperSport."

Nomsa Chabeli, SABC CEO, says "We are pleased with this acquisition, which is another demonstration of our commitment to delivering exceptional support content to our diverse audiences."

After MultiChoice backtracks on DStv sponsorship of PSL's Premiership SuperSport will continue to show all 240 Betway Premiership matches.

by Thinus Ferreira

Although a cash-strapped MultiChoice dropped and backed out of its sponsorship of the PSL's DStv Premiership a year and a month before its agreed contract was supposed to end, MultiChoice and SuperSport will continue to broadcast all 204 matches of what is now known as the Betway Premiership. 

SuperSport confirms that it will show all 240 Betway Premiership matches live.

MultiChoice, that is technically insolvent with Vivendi's Canal+busy with an aggressive takeover of the African pay-TV operator, abruptly scrapped its agreement with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to sponsor its DStv Premiership a year and a month before the multimillion-rand deal of 5 years was supposed to end.

MultiChoice and the PSL signed a deal in September 2020 and has been unwilling to say why it backed out of its signed 5-year contract

MultiChoice that backed out of its contract left the desperate PSL scrambling to find a new sponsor and forced it to sign a new contract with the Betway gambling company - something it previously said wasn't allowed and that the PSL wouldn't do.

"SuperSport is proud to announce that all 240 Betway Premiership matches will be live," it says in a statement.

"SuperSport will continue bringing viewers top-notch pre-game, half-time and post-match analysis from our expert pundits and legends, with the usual touch of midweek magazine programming."

Rendani Ramovha, SuperSport CEO, says "As a broadcaster, this is an amazing story to tell. The Premier Soccer League has once more proven itself to be one of the world’s most commercially attractive and enticing football leagues by partnering with Betway.

"We pride ourselves as the biggest funder of sports on the continent and together with the PSL, Betway, and the other PSL sponsors, we will continue creating the platforms for great football conversations," SuperSport says.

The start date for local football is 3 August with the MTN8. The Betway Premiership schedule is set for 14 September. The new football season also includes the Carling Knockout and the Nedbank Cup.

 
SuperSport says that the DStv Diski Challenge, Motsepe Foundation Championship and the DStv eKasi Games will continue being part of SuperSport's local football offering.
 
The English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, Italian Serie A and the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa and Conference League will all be carried live on SuperSport.

ALSO READ: MultiChoice and SuperSport abruptly end sponsorship of PSL's DStv Premiership a year before contract runs out, plunges PSL into financial crisis - report.

ALSO READ: MultiChoice silent over ending PSL Premiership sponsorship contract over a year early as BetWay takes over, now says it only paid for sponsorship to help football during Covid-19 pandemic as stopgap support.

SuperSport adds active rugby player Siya Kolisi as brand ambassador as MultiChoice and SuperSport ignore questions over conflict of interest.

by Thinus Ferreira

In a questionable move, SuperSport has added the still active rugby player Siya Kolisi as a SuperSport brand ambassador, with MultiChoice and SuperSport ignoring questions about creating a conflict of interest with the move.

SuperSport now pays Siya Kolisi to be a SuperSport brand ambassador. How will - or will - SuperSport do credible, critical commentary and reporting about Siya Kolisi and his on-field performance?

Why did SuperSport decide that it's okay to sign an active player as a SuperSport "brand ambassador" when and while SuperSport is also in the game of commenting and talking about active rugby players?

Since Rendani Ramovha took over as new SuperSport CEO following a lot of turmoil behind-the-scenes at SuperSport, SuperSport no longer seems inclined to respond to media queries. SuperSport was asked about the apparent conflict of interest in a media query and decided to ignore it.

A week ago SuperSport in a press release announced that the former Springbok rugby captain who is currently playing for French club Racing 92 is now getting paid to be an official SuperSport brand ambassador.

This move makes it unlikely that SuperSport will ever say anything critical of Siya Kolisi as their official brand ambassador or will tone down anything "negative" about his gameplay, decisions, on-field mistakes or anything else that might be true or fair, but not deemed "positive".

"It is such an honour for me to be a brand ambassador for SuperSport, to join such an incredible team of people who are responsible to bring the world's best sport to the continent," Siya Kolisi said in a prepared quote in the press release. 

"I've always said I want to impact as many people as possible, whether on or off the rugby field, and this is another way to reach people across the continent and hopefully make a mark and inspire people."

Siya Kolisi is represented by Roc Nation Sports International.

Rendani Ramovha, SuperSport CEO, is also quoted in the press release saying "Siya Kolisi is someone who truly embodies the meaning of being a champion and we are extremely proud to welcome him to the World of Champions".

Sibusiso Mjikeliso, SuperSport spokesperson, was asked twice in a media query about the perception of a conflict of interest and how SuperSport will do independent and credible coverage, commentary and reporting on the gameplay of someone who is also a brand ambassador of SuperSport.

Sibusiso Mjikeliso didn't respond.

On Tuesday this week, MultiChoice was asked why SuperSport doesn't respond to media queries. 

Keabetswe Modimoeg, MultiChoice corporate affairs and stakeholder relations group executive, didn't respond to the media query.

MultiChoice boss Calvo Mawela's full internal memo to staffers on 'void left by seasoned executive' as Showmax CEO Yolisa Phahle steps down and other top exec shuffles.

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice staffers - especially those at Showmax - at shocked at the latest top executive changes the Randburg-based pay-TV operator announced internally late on Friday, which include Showmax CEO Yolisa Phahle stepping down and MultiChoice SA boss Marc Jury now also taking on this responsibility.

MultiChoice insiders are wondering about, and pointing to, what seems like a growing and ongoing lack of leadership and executive succession planning inside MultiChoice City - with especially Yolisa Phahle's exit as Showmax boss raising fears and anxiety levels since the relaunch of MultiChoice's video streamer set for mere months from now in partnership with Comcast's NBCUniversal and Europe's Sky pay-TV division.

News about Yolisa Phahle's exit as Showmax CEO first started circulating last week on Thursday, with MultiChoice staffers who got told in an internal memo on Friday evening.

Collen Dlamini, who was MultiChoice group executive for corporate affairs but who has now been replaced in this position, didn't respond to media queries made about this last week. 

TVwithThinus first asked MultiChoice on Thursday evening about Yolisa Phahle stepping down as Showmax CEO and her resignation. Collen Dlamini on Friday morning told TVwithThinus "to give me an hour and I will get back to you" but didn't.

On Friday afternoon when called again, Collen Dlamini asked for an emailed media query to again be sent and said he would "respond in writing" but never did.

Laura Cooke, Showmax publicist, didn't return calls and didn't respond with answers to a media query around Yolisa Phahle's resignation.

As TVwithThinus reported on Friday, besides MultiChoice SA CEO Marc Jury immediately taking over oversight of Showmax as well from 1 September and Yolisa Phahle providing "advisory support" for a period of 6 months, Collen Dlamini has been replaced by Dr Keabetswe Modimoeng as MultiChoice's new group executive for corporate affairs and stakeholder relations, reporting to MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela.

Besides being group exec for corporate affairs, Dr Keabetswe Modimoeng will continue to oversee stakeholder management and regulatory functions for the rest of Africa outside of South Africa.

MultiChoice has also moved up its sport prince to be, Rendani Ramovha's full-time appointment as new SuperSport CEO. Rendani Ramovha who would only have started full-time in the position from 2024 is now SuperSport CEO since 1 September.

Below is the full internal memo MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela sent out to staffers on Friday evening:

"I am pleased to announce the following leadership changes effective 1st September 2023.

In what could be characterised as the end of an era defined by a solid career and almost two decades with the Group, it is with mixed emotions to announce that our Showmax CEO, Yolisa Phahle, is making her way into the next chapter of her career.

Discussions have been underway with an understanding that she will be entering the retirement phase of her career in the near future, thus the need for a seamless transition.

Knowing the void that would be left by this seasoned executive, we have been planning a smooth and seamless transition with Yoli for a while. After careful deliberations, we have concluded that Yoli will start a handover process wherein Showmax will report to Marc Jury from 1st September, with Yoli providing full time advisory support to Marc for a period of six months.

From March 2024, Yoli will continue to consult to the Group for a period of 12 months and reporting into Marc. This means that Marc will run Showmax and our South African operations as we continue our search for a new Showmax CEO.

Yoli will be remembered for her unparalleled work since joining M-Net in 2005 as General Manager for Channel O, and later being appointed Channel Director for Local channels SA where she launched the Mzansi Magic portfolio of channels. 

Due to her distinguished work, Yoli was appointed M-Net CEO in 2015. In 2020 Yoli was appointed as CEO for Showmax and having worked with me and the board to set the new direction we wish her the very best of luck as she begins the new episode of her professional life.

Chief Executive Officer for SuperSport

We are pleased to follow up on the initial announcement made earlier this year regarding Rendani Ramovha’s appointment as SuperSport CEO.

On this note please be informed that Rendani will assume his new role from 1st September 2023, reporting to Marc in the interim to ensure a seamless handover of strategic relationships with sporting bodies. 

In his current role as Head of Marketing and Commercial, Rendani has led some exciting initiatives within SuperSport including SuperSport Schools, Super Picks (BetKing and SuperSport partnership) and the SA20 Cricket league.

Group Executive Corporate Affairs and Stakeholder Relations

In order to enhance our Group’s positioning in the industry, and to cement the stakeholder-centric posture of our platform vision, we have decided to make changes in the Corporate Affairs division.

These changes will form part of the broader process of reviewing and repositioning the division going forward. 

Collen Dlamini will step out of the role and provide advisory services on legislative, regulatory and policy effective from 1st September. We wish Collen well in his future endeavors and thank him for his contribution over the years- most notably his role in positioning MultiChoice as the platform of choice as well as his key role in various internal and external programmes.

I am pleased to announce Dr Keabetswe Modimoeng as the new Group Executive Corporate Affairs and Stakeholder Relations, reporting to me. He will continue to oversee the Rest of Africa Stakeholder management and Regulatory functions. 

In his current Corporate Affairs and Stakeholder Relations role within MAH, Kea has in a short space of time proven himself by assisting the business to navigate complex stakeholder issues and forging meaningful partnerships across the continent.

Kea, who is a former Sunday Times award-winning journalist, brings a wealth of experience from both the private and public sectors where he held senior corporate governance, corporate citizenship and public affairs roles across the African continent. 

He holds a PhD in Managerial Sciences from Durban University of Technology, a Senior Executive Fellows programme at Harvard University- and completed an Executive Development Programme at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

We wish Rendani, Marc and Kea the best as they take on their new responsibilities and gratitude goes to Tex Teixeira who has been diligently holding the fort on the SuperSport front. We look forward to their contributions as we pivot our bold content ambition to fruition.

Regards, Calvo"

ALSO READ: MultiChoice's Showmax CEO Yolisa Phahle resigns - plus other executive changes.

C-suite changes at MultiChoice and SuperSport as Nyiko Shiburi moves to head up new tech division, Marc Jury is in as new MultiChoice SA CEO and Rendani Ramovha is groomed as new SuperSport CEO.

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice South Africa CEO Nyiko Shiburi is relinquishing the role after three years to head up a newly-created technology division at the Randburg-based pay-TV company with SuperSport CEO Marc Jury becoming the new MultiChoice SA CEO.

Teix Texeira is stepping in as interim SuperSport CEO for a year, while Rendani Ramovha, the head of marketing and commercial for SuperSport, is being groomed for the SuperSport CEO position which he will take over from April 2024 as SuperSport CEO-designate.

In response to media query, MultiChoice told TVwithThinus on Friday afternoon that Nyiko Shiburi is exiting his position as MultiChoice SA CEO and becoming MultiChoice group chief technology officer.

For the past few weeks insiders have also told TVwithThinus about planned C-suite executive changes coming to various countries within the MultiChoice Africa fold - notably Kenya, Angola and MultiChoice's overall team of regional African executives, but MultiChoice didn't confirm any of these changes on Friday.

MultiChoice says that it is garden-walling its broadcast technology division, enterprise business systems, group digital, DStv streaming technology and project management office under one division, with Nyiko Shiburi moving over as MultiChoice chief technology officer.

"We are repositioning our technology area to lead our next growth phase and to deliver on our vision of becoming the technology platform of choice for African households. We have consolidated everything related to technology, engineering, and technical divisions into a technology hub," says Calvo Mawela, MultiChoice group CEO.

"Nyiko has extensive leadership experience in the technology space, having grown within the MultiChoice ranks from senior manager for broadcast engineering and group GM for the broadcast technology division."

"His technology background and experience together with his commercial experience from having ran SA and the Southern region places him in good stead to lead this new division and deliver the best technology to achieve our goals."

Nyiko Shiburi's seat is filled by SuperSport CEO Marc Jury as the new MultiChoice SA CEO.

"Marc has a track record of excellence in execution in SuperSport. He has extensive experience in leadership roles across the sports and entertainment sectors in Europe, Africa and the Middle East," says Calvo Mawela.

Prior to being SuperSport CEO, Marc Jury was responsible for the commercial aspects of SuperSport which included managing sports-related programming across the SuperSport channels and marketing the content of these channels.

SuperSport changes

Rendani Ramovha is now SuperSport CEO-designate and will take over a year from now in April 2024.

He is currently head of marketing and commercial, responsible for driving the commercial growth and building partnerships opportunities for SuperSport across the African continent.

Calvo Mawela says "Rendani has driven some of the most exciting innovations within SuperSport, including SuperSport Schools, SuperPicks (the BetKing and SuperSport partnership) and the SA20 Cricket League".

Teix Texeira who be the interim SuperSport CEO for the next 12 months.

Teix has been chief content officer for SuperSport over the past year, having recently re-joined SuperSport from Sky in New Zealand, where he occupied various leadership roles including CEO of Sky Sports. Within SuperSport he has previously held several roles, including head of productions and head of channels.

"We are excited about this new leadership team and believe they will play a key role in our journey to become a technology platform of choice," Calvo Mawela says.

SuperSport Schools and National Premier League bring youth cricket, hockey and golf coverage to viewers in a new 3-year NPL deal.

by Thinus Ferreira

SuperSport and the National Premier League (NPL) body have signed a new agreement that will bring youth cricket, hockey and golf coverage and content from the NPL to SuperSport viewers under a new 3-year deal.

Content from all leagues under the NPL that was formed in 2008 - the Lenasia Premier League (LPL), Cape Town Premier League (CPL), Durban Premier League (DPL), Joburg Hockey League (JHL) and the Golf Premier League (GPL) - will now be added and will be available live and as video-on-demand on the SuperSport Schools streaming platforms.

SuperSport says that SuperSport Schools will now cover all of the NPL sporting events and fixtures across the calendar year.

Rendani Ramovha, SuperSport senior commercial manager, says "At SuperSport Schools we recognise the importance of our youth sports structures and as much as we have a wonderfully established school sport environment, clubs and franchised youth sport are an important part of the youth sport ecosystem".

"It is for this reason that we are particularly pleased to have the various NPL Leagues and Clubs signed to the SuperSport Schools platform for the next three years."

"Ziyaad Desai and his various franchise owners have done a remarkable job in building their various leagues and franchises and are bringing a fresh approach to youth sport in South Africa. We are proud to be the official broadcast partner of these leagues."

Ziyaad Desai, NPL CEO, says "We are delighted to announce this ground-breaking partnership. It changes the sporting landscape as it allows for talented players within our structures to showcase their talent to the world."

"The possibilities of the partnership are limitless. Players and coaches get to display their skills, there will be insight into the lives of the next generation of sporting superstars; it is truly a doorway of opportunity for all our young cricket, hockey and golfers."

The NPL content can be accessed by downloading the SuperSport Schools app or registering on www.supersportschools.com with SuperSport that says there will be no subscription fees payable as all content on the platforms is free to consume.