FIFA Soccer World Cup, brought to all South Africans in conjunction with our lead partners, underlines the fact that the SABC is leading from the front to offer commercial value to its clients and the necessary platforms for major events such as this.
"The public broadcaster had massive financial support from the Corporate Sector - in fact, we are sold out on Soccer World Cup packages. The SABC is committed and equipped to lead the way to our own Soccer World Cup in 2010."
SABC1 and SABC Sport are bringing daily build- up packages ("Good morning Germany, "Good evening Germany" and either 10-, 15- or 30-minute build-up programmes) anchored from Germany, to ensure that viewers are as close as possible to the action. These programmes will provide viewers with an in depth and professional analysis of the games of the day, team and player profiles by top soccer presenters, namely Robert Marawa (stationed in Germany) and Walter Mokoena and Tshepo Mabona, alternating from the SABC studios in Auckland Park.
SABC 1 is screening no less than 51 matches live. Normal sport programmes will be disrupted in order to make space for delayed live matches and high-lights. Viewers who miss the action during the day will be able to catch delayed live matches on SABC3 from 12am onwards.
The public broadcaster will also use its various radio platforms (nine African Radio Stations, CK-I, SA fm, RSG and Radio 2000) to provide listeners with a memorable world cup while supporting to the four qualifying African teams through behind-the-scenes inserts and profiling of the respective teams.
MTN has a long-standing relationship with the SABC, the most high profile form being in the shape of the weekly highlights show, MTN SoccerZone, and the more recent partnership in broadcasting the MTN Africa Cup of Nations.
Bernice Samuels, GM of marketing, corporate affairs and foundation, MTN South Africa, says: "Soccer is the religion of sports-mad enthusiasts around the world. As staunch soccer supporters, MTN is delighted to extend the enjoyment of the beautiful game to all South African's during this international show-stopper."
MTN loaded subscribers - sports, entertainment and techno-savvy individuals - already enjoy a range of services from the lifestyle portal with a range of MTN 3G handsets in the marketplace. MTN will also be giving away R800 000 worth of airtime and R200 000 cash.
ABSA will be rewarding supporters with daily give-aways and on-air competitions.
