SuperSport on Friday said it was proud to announce a partnership with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in celebration of 30 years of democracy in the country.
In collaboration with SA Rugby and the Ministry of Sport, Arts & Culture, SuperSport concluded a once-off agreement to mark the landmark, giving the SABC the rights to broadcast the iconic Castle Lager Rugby Championship match between the Springboks and the All Blacks at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday 31 August 2024.
“We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to SuperSport for collaborating with the SABC, which allows all South Africans to be a part of this historic event,” said Mr Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union.
“This partnership is a major milestone for our sport, showcasing the advances we've made over the last thirty years and reaffirming our dedication to promoting social unity.
“As we honour this tradition, we take pride in embracing our diversity as a strength, both in the game and within our organisation.”
SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha said: “Having had discussions with SARU and Minister Gayton McKenzie, we decided to join hands in celebration of 30 years of democracy. It is fitting that we have partnered with the SABC on this one particular occasion to bring this match to television viewers.
“This special match between the two great rugby-playing nations sits at the centre of the birth of democracy in our country, coupled to the fact that it is exactly 30 years ago that the Springboks and the All Blacks clashed for the first time in the post-election era; hence the broadcasting of this particular match by both SuperSport and the SABC in this once-off celebration.”
The match is taking place at the venue where the Springboks beat the All Blacks to lift the 1995 Rugby World Cup, barely one year into democracy. It was a moment that crystalised the country’s transition into unity, with the late former President Nelson Mandela handing over the Webb Ellis Cup to then-Springbok captain Francois Pienaar.
SuperSport said it was delighted that the occasion would be marked by the two titanic rugby nations doing battle once more at the famous Ellis Park Stadium, as the country celebrated this historic, democratic milestone.
The SABC Group Chief Executive Officer, Nomsa Chabeli, said: “We are delighted that we have worked tirelessly to ensure that the larger part of the South African population experience the rugby euphoria this weekend. The SABC has historically played a pivotal role in recording the successful story of the national rugby team for many decades and has been part of celebrating their key milestones, including the SABC being a host broadcaster of the 1995 World Cup.
“The SABC takes pride in fulfilling its commitment to providing universal access to sport of national interest and enabling South African citizens to enjoy and be part of the national moments. The SABC’s extensive reach and footprint allow for a wider access to the game of such national importance as part of celebrating 30 years of democracy.”
Catch the Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash between South Africa and New Zealand on Your World of Champions, SuperSport, live on SuperSport Rugby (DStv Channel 211) and SuperSport Grandstand (201), with a build-up from 15h45 on Saturday 31 August 2024. The build-up will be preceded by a 30 minutes-long documentary, celebrating 30 years of democracy and rugby’s unifying role in our young democracy.