Changes at SABC News: Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh to host a one-hour show

Author, lecturer and popular political commentator, Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, has landed a one-hour show on SABC News. 

His show was announced as part of the new lineup alongside an announcement of the news channel’s new editor. 

SABC News gets a new editor 

Media practitioners in the news fraternity are celebrating the appointment of Lumko Jimlongo as Editor of the SABC News Channel as announced by The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) earlier this week. 

The SABC News Channel is the public broadcaster’s 24-hour News Channel on DSTV (channel 404). Jimlongo will take over with effect from 01 April 2023.

Who is Lumko Jimlongo?

According to the SABC, Jimlongo is an award-winning journalist and multi-skilled media professional, with a career that spans over 18 years. 

“He has risen through the ranks and held various positions in the newsroom including Executive Producer of the SABC’s flagship news breakfast show, Morning Live.”

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“This appointment comes at a time when the News Channel is implementing changes that will assist in retaining its position as the most trusted news source,” commented Moshoeshoe Monare, Group Executive for News and Current Affairs. 

Monare added that Jimlongo will immediately execute the channel’s look and feel and implement the line-up and shows from Monday.

Line up changes 

Along with the new appointment comes a few line-up changes as follows:

Unfiltered, currently on free-to-air channel S3, makes its debut on the News Channel with the introduction of academic and renowned podcast host Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh. 

The SABC promises show will bring hard-hitting interviews that take an in-depth look into issues beyond the headlines. Unfiltered will feature twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 8pm – 9pm.

Former SABC News politics reporter Mbali Thethani makes her return to the News division to anchor our brand-new daily news wrap show, Late Edition between 9pm – 12am. Together with Flo Letoaba, they will wrap up the news of the day and give the viewer an opportunity to catch up on all the stories of the day and late-breaking stories.

Liezle Wilson will move to anchor SA Today, weekdays from 2pm – 5pm. Liezle has been instrumental in the success and growth of the current weekend offerings, and the SABC is confident that she will continue in the same trajectory.

Asanda Magaqa also makes her return to the SABC News division. She will host weekend slots Week-In-Review and The Week Ahead, between 1pm – 2pm Saturdays and Sundays respectively.

The popular Sports Live moves to a new time slot from 8pm – 9pm every Sunday. The new time slot will see seasoned Sport broadcasters, Thabiso Sithole and Kate Nokwe tackle leading Sport stories of the week.

Trendz Live will provide viewers a mixture of both travel and lifestyle content on Fridays at 8pm. Anchored by Nkosazana Dambuza and Tiisetso Masike, the show will also explore different cultures, unique neighborhoods, and an array of activities within the arts and culture space.

Mr Monare says the changes reflect the public broadcaster’s commitment to deliver quality and relevant content to the South African viewers.

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