SABC finally fills long-vacant position of head of radio with Nada Worshela; appoints Thamsangqa Zikode as new chief audit exec.

The SABC has finally refilled its long-vacant position of head of SABC radio with the appointment of Nada Ndulelwa Wotshela, and has also appointed Thamsangqa (Thami) Phineas Zikode as the SABC's chief audit executive.

The SABC announced their appointments that started on 1 December on Monday morning 4 December.

Thami Zikode has a bachelor and honours degree in accounting sciences and has been a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) since 2009.

He is also a member of the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (Irba) and has most recently worked with the Auditor-General of South Africa (Agsa).

Nada Wotshela has a BA degree in psychology and sociology and a masters degree in developmental studies.

She began her radio career with Ubuntu Community Radio in Port Elizabeth in 1996 as a presenter, producers and newsreaders, and moved to CKI FM in 1998 that was relaunched as Tru FM in November 2007.

After working at Umhlobo Wenene FM she was appointed as SABC provincial general manager first in the Western Cape and thereafter in the Eastern Cape.

"We are delighted to welcome the two new group executive members," says Nomsa Philiso, SABC acting CEO in a statement.

"I am particularly thrilled that they are joining us at a point where we are still deliberating about the plans for the 2018/2019 fiscal and can make an impactful contribution. I urge all staff to support them in their new roles."

Trade union Bemawu reacts in shock after State Security Agency orders SABC staffer to undergo lie detector test: 'SABC employees did not apply for jobs as spies or government agents'.

The Broadcasting‚ Electronic‚ Media & Allied Workers Union (Bemawu) trade union says it is shocked after the State Security Agency (SSA) ordered a SABC staffer to undergo a polygraph test "to finalise your vetting process".

In a strongly-worded rebuke, Bemawu says "our members do not consent to polygraph testing" and that "SABC employees did not apply for jobs as spies or government agents".

It comes after a State Security Agency staffer ordered a SABC staffer working in the South African public broadcaster's procurement division to choose a date for a lie detector test.

Bemawu in a letter told the SABC to refuse the SSA to conduct lie detector tests.

"SABC employees did not apply for jobs as spies or government agents. They are employees at the SABC‚ dealing with procurement and broadcasting‚" says Hannes du Buisson, Bemawu spokesperson.

"Why is it necessary for the State Security Agency to conduct polygraph testing on SABC employees? Our members do not consent to polygraph testing".

In a letter a SSA staffer orders the SABC worker to choose a lie detector test date.

"I want to sensitize you regarding your outstanding polygraph examination. I will be responsible for your polygraph examination".

"We need to make arrangements for your polygraph examinations to be conducted to finalise your vetting process".

The SABC staffer is told topick a date: "As you can see I have 11 spaces and I have 11 members".

M-Net wants internet service providers to send warnings to pirate TV and film downloaders and asks for piracy sites to be blocked in South Africa.

 

M-Net wants internet service providers (ISPs) to send warnings to South African internet users who pirate TV shows and films through illegal downloads and also wants internet providers to block piracy websites in South Africa as part of the "massive" problem of copyright infringement of content happening on the internet.

In America some internet service providers have, at their own discretion, at times, issued warnings to users who illegally download TV shows and films that's copyrighted material.

Some film producers, the Southern African Federations Against Copyright Theft (Safact) and the pay-TV broadcaster M-Net have asked the South African government for tough anti-piracy measures to be included in the Cybercrimes and Cyber-security Bill.

The South African government currently doesn't plan to include the recommendations of ISPs sending warnings or for piracy sites to be blocked locally, saying that it doesn't fall within the scope of the proposed legislation.

According to the department the Cybercrimes and Cyber-security Bill doesn't deal with copyright infringements and is more suitable for the Copyright Amendment Bill.

Safact says it is currently investigating a number of models to curb BitTorrent piracy in South Africa and that one of these include engaging and collaborating with local internet service providers.

In their submissions, M-Net and others like the International Federation of Film Producers Association asked the South African government for tougher anti-piracy laws, to make it possible for ISPs to block piracy sites helping people to illegally download and watch content.

They also want ISPs to issue warnings to consumers who are illegally downloading content and who are involved in illegal file sharing.

"A balanced approach to address the massive copyright infringement on the internet is necessary," the groups said in their submission.

Like in the European Union (EU), they want access to pirate sites in South Africa cut off by ISPs, saying South Africa "should consider adopting technology-neutral 'no fault' enforcement legislation that would enable intermediaries to take action against online infringements, in line with Article 8.3 of the EU Copyright Directive (2001/29/EC), which addresses copyright infringement through site blocking".

"ISPs should co-operate with rights-holders and government to police illegal file-sharing or streaming websites and and [to] issue warnings to end-users identified as engaging in illegal file-sharing."

Kasia Kieli appointed as Discovery's new head of Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

Kasia Kieli has been appointed as the new head of Discovery Networks International's Africa, Europe and Middle East region, with the title of president and managing director of EMEA, effective immediately.

Kasia Kieli has been with Discovery for 17 years and has managed operations across 112 markets.

"Kasia Kieli has demonstrated great vision and determination with unmatched expertise in managing what is probably one of the most complex and diverse regions in the world," says Jean-Briac Perrette, CEO and president of Discovery Networks International.

"EMEA represents our largest region in terms of revenue as well as the focus of considerable investment in the past and big ambition for the future."

"I have no doubt that under Kasia's strong and effective leadership, we will see our combined EMEA organization continue to grow to new heights and in unimaginable ways."

Kasia Kieli says "I joined Discovery in 2000 because I loved the brand, believed in its values and saw the opportunities it was creating".

"I still share that very same excitement with millions of viewers who come to watch our programs every day to be entertained, inspired, and amazed."

"After 17 years, my belief in Discovery is stronger than ever. It is an exhilarating time as we can now offer our fans so many new ways to engage with the content they love through multiple partnerships, platforms and devices".

Marinella Soldi becomes chief strategy officer for Discovery Networks International EMEA, and managing director of Southern Europe.

James Gibbons meanwhile has been appointed as general manager for the United Kingdom/Ireland, Australia and New Zealand and head of commercial development EMEA.

The moves come after Discovery appointed Susanna Dinnage as the first global president for Animal Planet (DStv 183).

kykNET marks 50th anniversary of South Africa's first heart transplant with moving new docudrama, Hartstog.

The new docudrama, Hartstog, will be broadcast tonight at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv 144) to mark the 50th anniversary of the first heart transplant in South Africa that was done by dr Christiaan Barnard exactly half a century ago, today.

The docudrama, written by Deon Opperman with Andre Velts as director, doesn't tell the story of Chris Barnard, but the human drama around the factors and the very dramatic events that took place 24 hours before, during, and after the first successful heart transplant in the world.

By using parallel narratives unfolding between the Darvalls, the Washkanskys, the car accident and the heightened stress, difficult decisions and choices amidst the medical drama in the hospital corridors and operating theatre, the film focuses in on the human stories and drama that played out around the first heart transplant.

Hartstog, an Afrikaans pun meaning "heart's passion" but also "heart's journey", is in Afrikaans and English.

Louis Washkansky (played by deur Russel Savadier) and his wife Ann (Camila Waldman) and his sister, Ann Taibal (Tiffany Barbuzano) are standing on the receiving end as Louis is in urgent need of a heart transplant due to medical conditions.

Viewers will see the Washkansky family's futile search for a heart donor while they're clinging to hope.

The Darvalls is a happy family of four, whose lives intersect with the Washkanskys when Myrtle Darvall (played by Corine Broomberg) and her daughter Denise (Caitlin Kilburn) are involved in a car accident just a few blocks from the hospital when they tried to cross the road. Carel Nel plays Chris Barnard.

Heart wrenching scenes in Hartstog not only tell the tale of how the family's lives were ripped apart, but also of how Denise (25) became Louis' (53) new chance on life.

Viewers will be kept spellbound by the tension between the various doctors and medical personnel to not just try and save a life, but to also do the first heart transplant, together with the ethical values and dilemmas at play, as well as sadness, hope, life and death factoring into the equation as time is running out.

"It was an extremely moving process to rework the remarkable events in the 24 hours around Chris Barnard and his team's first heart transplant into a script," says Deon Opperman.

"Before I started my knowledge of the events, like most, was limited to 'Chris Barnard did the first heart transplant'. And that was basically it. As my research advanced, the full drama and remarkableness of everything that happened during those 24 hours astounded me and deeply moved me".

"That's where the title from the script of Hartstog comes from because Chris Barnard and his team, and Edward Darvall who agreed to donate his daughter Denise Darvall's heart, and Louis Washkansky who received the hart, as well as Louis' wife, were all together on an unbelievable journey where the holy grail was the first transplant of a heart from one person to another".

After Sunday night's broadcast Hartstog will be available on Naspers' Showmax video-on-demand (VOD) streaming service from Monday.

SVEN-TASTIC! It's Olaf, Anna, Elsa and that dog-like, sleigh-pulling animal on e.tv as the channel rolls out Olaf's Frozen Adventure and other Disney Christmas movies for December.

Let it go, let it go ... on: e.tv filling its TV schedule stocking again for December, as in previous years, with Christmas films and specials, including some high-quality Disney snowballs.

Films like The Santa Clause, Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas, Snow Dogs and Disney's A Christmas Carol will be broadcast over the next few weeks on e.tv in family-friendly time slots.

The brightest Christmas trinket on the e.tv tree this year is however Disney's adorably brilliant short film follow-up to Frozen, Olaf's Frozen Adventure, that e.tv will broadcast on Saturday 23 December at 19:30.

It's superbly Sven-tastic!

In Olaf's Frozen Adventure is the festive season in the kingdom of Arendelle and Elsa tells her sister Anna that there's been no new Christmas tradition in the kingdom since the death of their parents, the king and queen.

Cue the socially awkward snow savant, Olaf, who, together with Sven, go on an epic adventure to try and find the perfect festive tradition for the sisters before the big day arrives.

Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff all make appearances, with of course, new songs.

Marlon Davids, e.tv managing director says that providing quality, family-friendly content is an important part of e.tv's programming strategy.

"December is a special time for families and it gives us the opportunity to bring premium family content to our viewers. Our partner, Disney, is at the forefront of offering the best family entertainment – and we're delighted to be able to offer their magical content to our viewers, for free."

Here's the dates and times of the Disney films on e.tv in December:

The Santa Clause - Sunday 3 December 15:10
Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas – Sunday 10 December 15:40
Snow Dogs – Sunday 17 December 15:00
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure - Saturday 23 December 19:30
Disney's A Christmas Carol – Saturday 23 December 20:00

M-Net to broadcast The Royal Variety Performance 2017 on Sunday 31 December as a New Year's Eve special.

M-Net will once again broadcast The Royal Variety Performance 2017 and will play out this year's variety concert on on Sunday 31 December at 22:00 as a New Year's Eve special.

The Royal Variety Performance is the British entertainment industry's annual fundraising event since 1912.

It features legendary British and global artists and acts - especially notable stars and performances from the past year - who stage a variety concert that gets filmed and with members of the British royal family annually in attendance.

The Royal Variety Performance 2017 has Miranda Hart as the host this year and will include appearances and performances by Cirque du Soleil and Circus Abyssinia, the Annie The Musical cast and the 42nd Street cast, as well as James Blunt, Seal, Amber Riley and Louis Tomlinson.

Also part of the variety stage show this year are Alfie Boe, Beverley Knight, Cassidy Janson, Jason Manford, Kelsey Grammar, The Killers, Michael Ball, Paloma Faith, The Script and Tom Allen.

As the scandal that has engulfed DStv keeps growing over dealings with the Guptas and ANN7, MultiChoice finally relents after public pressure; says it will now investigate possible corruption.

MultiChoice has finally bowed under growing public pressure as a widening scandal involving its massive payments to the controversial Gupta family for the ANN7 (DStv 405) channel has engulfed the pay-TV operator running the DStv service, and said on Friday morning that MultiChoice will now conduct an investigation into possible corruption and governance failures.

On Tuesday this week TVwithThinus asked MultiChoice if it will possibly undertake or is going to undertake any investigation following the various #GuptaLeaks emails, contracts and email trail linking MultiChoice, the disgraced former minister of communictions, the Gupta family and the ANN7 TV channel.

MultiChoice didn't want to give any clear yes or no answer and simply said in response to the media enquiry that there was nothing unusual or inappropriate about its interactions with the minister and its contract with ANN7.

The past week, since last Friday's latest revelations of allegedly inappropriate dealings between MultiChoice and the Guptas over ANN7 - including questionable payments together with exorbitant amounts of money paid by DStv to the Guptas for the highly-criticised and low quality ANN7 channel - MultiChoice and Naspers has been enveloped in a growing tsunami of bad press and an avalanche of public criticism.

MultiChoice upped its payments to ANN7 from R50 million per year to R100 million per year and then a whopping R141 million per year and threw in a questionable R25 million once-off payment.

These MultiChoice payments have been made while ANN7 has remained mired in biased, slanted coverage and has been accused of fostering racial discord in South Africa through its one-sided coverage - particularly contantly slating politicians and people who are against State Capture and president Jacob Zuma's alleged looting of the public purse.

Meanwhile ANN7's on-air mistakes and embarrassing gaffes, including low production values continues unabated.

On Friday morning MultiChoice issued a statement saying that because MultiChoice's reputation has been "negatively impacted" it will now launch a probe into the ANN7 deal and whether there's been any corporate governance failures at MultiChoice".

MultiChoice is investigating itself, instead of any independent, external investigation by group owner Naspers where Naspers chairperson Koos Bekker has been dismissive of criticism from the public and investors about possible corrupt dealings by MultiChoice, and where CEO Bob van Dijk bristled with irritation in the week when asked by Naspers isn't investigating the allegations.

MultiChoice isn't saying whether the outcome of the investigation will be made public once it has been concluded.

In the MultiChoice statement, attributed to Don Eriksson, an independent non-executive director in his role as the chairperson of MultiChoice's audit and risk committees, Don Eriksson said the MultiChoice board is "aware that the ANN7 channel has caused real public concern".

"The MultiChoice board has read the various media reports alleging that MultiChoice has entered into an irregular relationship for the carriage of the ANN7 channel".

"The board is aware that the ANN7 channel has caused real public concern because of the allegations of corruption levelled at the former owners of the channel".

"These allegations have negatively impacted the reputation of MultiChoice. The MultiChoice board has therefore instructed its audit and risk committees to assess whether there has been any corporate governance failures at MultiChoice and report back to the board".

"Based on what is contained in that report, the MultiChoice board will take the necessary action; assess whether the total amount paid to ANN7 is comparable to payments made for other locally-produced channels with due consideration being given to the estimated costs of running a 24-hour news channel."

MultiChoice says it will also "draw on any expertise and skills necessary in order to fulfil the mandate given by the board".

"In addition, Adv Kgomotso Moroka, one of the MultiChoice board members, was requested by the board and has agreed to, assist the audit and risk committees in this matter".

After MultiChoice paid the controversial Gupta family - involved in widespread allegations of State Capture and improper transactions with multiple state-owned enterprises and other companies worth billions of rand - the Guptas earlier this year sold ANN7 to Mzwanele "Jimmy" Manyi's Afrotone Media Holdings.

EXCLUSIVE. Sally Burdett returns to anchor e.tv's 8pm TV news bulletin from Monday 4 December.

TVwithThinus has learnt that the highly respected and veteran TV news anchor Sally Burdett will return to her former on-screen role as news anchor and will again become the TV face of e.tv's flagship TV news bulletin from Monday 4 December at 20:00.

The experienced Sally Burdett who previously anchored the e.tv news and also filled in on eNCA (DStv 403) will permanently return to the e.tv news bulletin from this coming Monday night.

Sally Burdett has been the head of the anchor team at eNCA with years of experience at the eMedia Investments' channels following years of being an journalist and news anchor at the SABC previously.

As part of the senior editorial team she will continue to work behind the scenes and to help the team develop new talent.

"I am delighted to be back on e.tv, on a bulletin I have always loved," says Sally Burdett. 

"The news at 20:00 will be to-the-point and hard-hitting, continuing a fearless tradition of seeking the truth."

"In this era of fake news, state capture and information overload, I see my job primarily as helping audiences navigate a path through a pivotal time in our country’s history."

"We are glad to be able to infuse an experienced, authoritative energy into our news offering. Sally has always been a credible and consistent voice on the broadcast news circuit,” says Phathiswa Magopeni, head of terrestrial news.

"Sally is no stranger to South African viewers and we are thrilled to welcome her back to e.tv’s lineup," says Marlon Davids, e.tv managing director.

"She is a formidable journalist who brings a wealth of experience and gravitas to our news offering. Our prime time English news bulletin has always defined the direction of our news and current affairs programming on the channel and we are confident that our viewers will continue to enjoy the refreshed bulletin." 

The lunchtime news bulletin on etv will continue to be anchored by Duduzile Ramela on weekdays.