In a recent agreement, MultiChoice has partnered with South Africa’s public broadcaster to launch a dedicated SuperSport Schools streaming channel on SABC+ starting February 8. This initiative will share curated content from SuperSport’s extensive library, documenting over 60,000 school matches across various sports in 2024.
While the financial details of this deal remain undisclosed, the collaboration aims to strengthen MultiChoice’s commercial ties with the SABC, reinforcing the broadcaster’s position to counter competition from eMedia’s e.tv and Openview satellite service.
This partnership is vital for future negotiations surrounding the sublicensing of high-profile sports content, as MultiChoice and SuperSport hope to secure SABC’s support or neutrality in the event of any disputes with eMedia over carriage rights, similar to conflicts that arose in 2024.
The newly launched SuperSport Schools streaming channel promises to highlight a wide array of youth sports, including football, netball, rugby, athletics, hockey, and basketball, making it an essential platform for showcasing young talent. SuperSport Schools currently boasts over a million registered users, and this new channel will provide fresh access to previously aired content.
Rendani Ramovha, CEO of SuperSport, emphasized the goal of promoting sports at the grassroots level and reigniting interest in athletics among South African schools. He stated, “SuperSport and the SABC share a mutual vision of creating opportunities for young athletes to shine and inspire future generations.”
Nomsa Chabeli, CEO of the SABC, expressed pride in being part of this transformative initiative. “This partnership not only fulfils the SABC’s mandate but also offers a platform that nurtures young talent and provides essential opportunities for personal and professional development,” she remarked.
Thandolwethu Bakumeni, head of SuperSport Schools, highlighted the commitment to embedding schools’ sports within South Africa’s cultural framework. “We are excited that the SABC is joining us in promoting school sports. World Cups are won ten years before they are played, and nurturing talent now is crucial for our future successes.”
Keletso Totlhanyo, head of SABC Sport, added, “SABC Sport is dedicated to providing our viewers with the best local sports content. This collaboration with SuperSport Schools will enhance the variety and quality of inspirational programming available to South African audiences.”
The SuperSport Schools channel on SABC+ will focus on the country’s most popular and significant sports, aiming to engage and inspire the next generation of South African athletes.
