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SOUTH AFRICA'S INTERNATIONAL RADIO SERVICE
Since the advent of the new democratic dispensation in 1994, Channel Africa, the international radio service of the SABC has been engaged in the process of redefining itself and repositioning itself so that it is in line with the new democratic values underpinning the new South Africa. During this period, Channel Africa was faced with the task of formulating a vision and a mission that would cast the station as a major role player in the field of continental and international broadcasting.
WORLD CLASS PLAYER
Although the preceding years have seen much effort to bring about this turn around (above), it is only in the past three years (since 2001) that significant strides have been made towards the realization of these objectives. In its vision, Channel Africa states that it is committed to the production of “world class programmes by a professional staff” and will strive to be “the number one international broadcaster in Africa.” In its mission statement, Channel Africa pledges “to be the broadcaster of first choice, providing accurate, impartial and authoritative programming” to the rest of the continent.
WINDOW TO SOUTH AFRICA
As a station based in South Africa, Channel Africa recognizes that it has the responsibility to provide a window into the new democratic South Africa as well as a role to play in showcasing the democratic dispensation in the country. This also entails promoting a culture of respect for human rights as enshrined in our constitution. In the globalising world of today, the role of communication is pivotal to the survival and progress of the developing countries. As an African broadcaster Channel Africa is in the forefront of this struggle for development and the promotion of the ideals of the African renaissance.
COMMITIMENT TO AFRICA'S RENAISSANCE
It is in this context that Channel Africa states in its mission that “it is the voice of the African Renaissance guided by the values of UBUNTU” and that it will endeavor in its programming “to reinforce Africa’s dignity, pride and sense of self worth.” Channel Africa, as a role player in the field of international broadcasting has been thrust onto the forefront of the struggle for Africa’s development and revival.
BROADCAST PLATFORMS
Channel Africa broadcast live on three platforms; Shortwave, Satellite, and Internet. Its broadcasts are in Chinyanja, Silozi, Kiswahili, English, French and Portuguese. The Satellite broadcast is via PAS 10 and is accessible through SENTECH's vivid decoders.
The Shortwave broadcast covers the south, east, central and west Africa. The Satellite broadcast covers the sub-Saharan region although it can be picked as far as London. The Internet broadcast covers the entire world.
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