The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has embarked on an ambitious and nostalgic journey to breathe new life into its rich archives by reuploading classic television shows from the 1980s and 1990s to its streaming platform, SABC+.
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This decision, announced as part of the broadcaster’s 2030 strategic plan, aims to capitalize on the global trend of monetizing both new and vintage content, while reconnecting South Africans with the iconic shows that shaped the nation’s cultural landscape. The move has sparked excitement among nostalgia enthusiasts and raised questions about the SABC’s broader strategy to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving digital streaming era.
A Treasure Trove Of Nostalgia
SABC’s archives are a goldmine of South African television history, housing beloved shows that captured the hearts of audiences during the transformative decades of the 80s and 90s. Titles such as ‘Sgudi ‘Snaysi, Agter Elke Man, Interster, Ubambo Lwami, Pumpkin Patch, Haas Das en Nuuskas, Dikolong, and Hlala Kwabafileyo were once staples of South African living rooms, offering a mix of comedy, drama, and cultural storytelling.
These shows, many of which aired on channels like the former TV1, TV2, TV3, and the retro rerun channel SABC Encore, hold significant sentimental value for viewers who grew up during the apartheid and post-apartheid eras.
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The decision to reupload these programs on SABC+ comes as part of a broader strategy to leverage the broadcaster’s extensive catalog. SABC CEO Nomsa Chabeli recently told Parliament that major streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video generate substantial revenue by offering both new and old content, a model the SABC aims to emulate.
By making these classics available on SABC+, the broadcaster hopes to tap into the nostalgia market while introducing younger generations to the stories and cultural milestones that defined South Africa’s past.
SABC+ As A Flagship Platform
Launched in November 2022 as a rebranding of the TelkomOne streaming service, SABC+ has grown steadily, reaching an estimated one million active monthly users by May 2024. The platform’s relaunch in July 2024 introduced enhanced stability, new features, higher-resolution streaming, catch-up content, and support for new smart TV operating systems.
Despite these advancements, SABC+ is not yet profitable, and the broadcaster acknowledges that it is not large enough to replace its traditional TV offerings. However, Chabeli has emphasized that SABC+ will become a standalone business unit with dedicated resources, positioning it as the cornerstone of the SABC’s future.
The reuploading of old shows is a strategic move to bolster SABC+’s appeal. By offering a mix of free and subscription-based content, the platform aims to attract a diverse audience, from those seeking nostalgic comfort to younger viewers curious about South Africa’s television heritage. The SABC also plans to explore licensing opportunities, potentially making its archive available to global streaming services, which could provide an additional revenue stream.
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Challenges & Opportunities
While the decision to revive classic shows has been met with enthusiasm, it is not without challenges. The SABC’s archives have historically been difficult to access, with much of the content previously sold to MultiChoice, appearing on platforms like Showmax when it first launched.
Additionally, the SABC has faced criticism for its slow response to requests for archival footage and high costs associated with accessing it, as noted in online discussions. For instance, a Reddit user seeking 80s and 90s SABC newscasts for a school project highlighted the lack of a publicly accessible video archive on the SABC’s website and the prohibitive costs charged by the broadcaster’s archive team.
Moreover, the SABC’s financial struggles are well-documented. The broadcaster has acknowledged that two of its three TV channels, SABC 2 and SABC 3, continue to operate at a loss, with SABC 1 effectively subsidizing the television division.
With no further government bailouts expected, the SABC plans to borrow funds from institutions like the Industrial Development Corporation to cover production costs. The success of SABC+ and its nostalgic offerings will be critical to achieving financial sustainability.
On the opportunity side, the reuploading of old shows could resonate deeply with South African audiences, particularly those who associate these programs with significant moments in the country’s history.
Shows like ‘Sgudi ‘Snaysi, a groundbreaking comedy that tackled social issues with humor, and Haas Das en Nuuskas, a children’s program with enduring cultural impact, could rekindle a sense of shared identity. Additionally, the SABC’s focus on supporting local content creators through SABC+ aligns with its public mandate to promote South African stories, making the platform a natural home for both classic and contemporary programming.
Public Reaction & Industry Context
Public sentiment, as reflected in online forums and social media, suggests a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. On platforms like MyBroadband, users have expressed enthusiasm for revisiting shows like Die Nutsman and Die Kompleks, with some reminiscing about dubbed movies and children’s programs from the 80s.
However, there are concerns about the SABC’s ability to execute this plan effectively, given its history of mismanagement and outdated approaches to content delivery. One user criticized the SABC for being “stuck in an old mentality,” arguing that the broadcaster must compete with the immediacy and accessibility of international streaming services and pirated content.
The decision also comes at a time when the global streaming industry is increasingly valuing archival content. Platforms like Netflix and Disney+ have successfully monetized decades-old shows, proving that nostalgia can be a powerful draw.
The SABC’s move to emulate this model is timely, but it will need to overcome logistical hurdles, such as digitizing and restoring old footage, ensuring copyright compliance, and marketing the content effectively to a fragmented audience.
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Looking Ahead
The SABC’s decision to reupload classic shows on SABC+ is a bold step toward preserving and monetizing South Africa’s television heritage. By blending nostalgia with modern streaming technology, the broadcaster has an opportunity to reconnect with its audience and attract new viewers both domestically and internationally. However, the success of this initiative will depend on the SABC’s ability to navigate its financial challenges, streamline access to its archives, and deliver a seamless user experience on SABC+.
As South Africans eagerly await the chance to revisit their favorite shows, the SABC’s venture into nostalgia could mark a turning point for the broadcaster. If executed well, this strategy could not only boost revenue but also reaffirm the SABC’s role as a custodian of South African culture, ensuring that the stories of the past continue to inspire and entertain future generations.