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 2001 that significant strides were made towards the realization of these objectives. In its vision, Channel Africa states that it is "The Voice of the African Rennaisance”. In its mission statement, Channel Africa pledges “To promote the rejuvenation of Africa through the production and broadcast of dynamic, stimulating and interesting programmes. To provide programming that informs, educates, entertains, and empowers African citizens". The vision and mission of Channel Africa has, therefore, qualified Channel Africa as one of the world class players in international broadcasting.

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” 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.

VISION:

To be the Voice of the African Renaissance.

MISSION:

To promote the rejuvenation of Africa through the production and broadcast of dynamic, stimulating and interesting programmes. To provide programming that informs, educates, entertains, and empowers African citizens.

Our programming content shall reflect the following:
Locally -:

The new democratic dispensation in South Africa (Constitution/Bill of rights)
Promote the values of a non-sexist, non-racist, and people centred society
Promote poverty alleviation programmes and land resettlement programmes
Promote black economic empowerment
Reflect South Africa as a role player in continental and international affairs
Promote South Africa as a tourist destination (social, cultural, and environment)
Promote South Africa as a viable and attractive destination for foreign investments.

Continentally-:

To be the voice of the African renaissance guided by the values of UBUNTU (Humanism).
To endeavor in our programming to reinforce Africa’s dignity, pride and sense of self worth
To produce programmes that conceptualise and are process driven as opposed to events and personality driven
To portray the continent in a positive light promoting peace, development and prosperity
To encourage investment, and the resolution of conflicts through peaceful negotiations
promote inter-personal and  inter-cultural exchanges among African countries
To promote the African Union and its programme of action as reflected in NEPAD

VALUES:

Quality, Independent, Accurate, Responsible, and Impartial.