SABC TV 20 YEARS - the untold story

Produced by Kevin Harris in 1996, on the 20th Anniversary of SABC, TV, the documentary "SABC TV 20 YEARS - the untold story" looks at the start up of television in South Africa in 1976 and the manner in which it was directly controlled by the Nationalist Party Government to propagate Apartheid ideology.

[@arigisku]

As a black African (if there is ever such a name), growing up in the 1970s, in other part of Africa. I learnt to hate the white Apartheid regime of National Party in South Africa. But now as an adult, I came to realised that not all white Boers or South Africans are that bad or supporters of Apartheid. I sincerely feel Apartheid suppressed and oppressed both black and white alike, though to different degrees. If a white guy can be fired for showing the reality, then Apartheid is no respecter of one's skin colour. Its a policy that primarily served certain class , even amongst the white, but the majority of the whites went along with it, simply becuase it served to give whites certain privileges they do not deserve or eliminated competition for them on the basis of skin colour. Secondly, its a real surprise that South Africa started having TV at the same time with my local county, despite being an industrialised state, with advanced economy. My great respect to those guys who withstood the tyranny and to the guy who upload this clip. Its really educating for me. Thank You

[@MJ-lz1km]

You are so right. The Broederbond controlled the National Party and the Dutch Reformed churches. The whites really did have no say, the same as the blacks......the Broeders will each have to stand before the throne of God one day and explain their behavior.

[@gfsteytler5383]

Lots of whites in sa suffered under apartheid!!far more than most...ostracized,degraded,hopeless,lonely!!

[@davidroux7987]

Not quite. Whites paid all the tax. Blacks got free handouts which rhey systematically destroyed.

[@isoboy1000]

They were given handouts because they were excluded from participating in the economy by refusing them to own anything including the land that was taken from them, how then do you expect them to pay taxes? Clearly you were living in a bubble

[@jjcale539]

@@gfsteytler5383 Yep...like having to fight a proxy war for the USA in Angola....I was 17 when I was called up in 1978 for 2 years plus another 2 years serving in the Citizen force....Failure to go meant 6 years in prison...what the hell for ?....today most young people in SA don't even know about this or care.... so being a young white male in the so called apartheid era in the late 70s early 80s wasn't all that cool!!!!

[@johnhanson5943]

I spent many formative years in South Africa and have a South African heritage. I remember well waiting eagerly for TV in the 1970’s as a young boy. Then when they arrived due to a u-turn by the government, my Dad decided we wouldn’t get one - much to the displeasure of all the children in the family. So, we watched by our mates. It was a let down. On reflection, our lives were much better before TV. The radio (Sqad Cars on Thursday evenings!), very occasional cinema/the drive-in/home movies via 16mm projectors and most especially ‘books’ gave all the information and entertainment in such enjoyable and a very social form. The TV just assisted the Orwellian / Huxley age via stealth. Now we see the consequences of this under the mainly US based ‘Global Crime Oligarchy’ - which will be far worse than even the ANC or Apartheid regimes. I only watch TV now when rugby or cricket is being broadcast. I even try to avoid that increasingly. Whatever your skin colour and heritage defend truth, free will, real choice, genuine democratic process, logic, critical thinking, freedom of speech, your inalienable rights, thoroughly independent science/media, moral goodness as defined in the Bible, your fellow man and God. TV is the medium of the Devil. As is the Internet. However, at this moment, the internet still offers freedom of choice/speech etc. However, not much longer?

[@DestinationTravel]

I lived in Fiji which was one of the world's last countries to get TV in 1994. TV really did destroy the local culture in so many ways. People used to wake up and start their day with the sunrise and went to bed soon after sunset. When TV arrived people stayed up extra hours to watch shows and therefore woke up later. But what was most noticable was children and families playing outside. Before TV arrived it seemed most people spent most of their time outside their house sitting and playing. After TV they spent their time inside watching. Also role and importance of religion declined as they listened to the propaganda news more than what religious leaders would say. Overall life was much better and friendlier without TV.

[@kobusesterhuizen5043]

The test for the validity of the claims made in this documentary can be made by asking the following questions: 1. Is the SABC better today than in those days. 2. Are less propaganda produced than then? 3. Talking about Bara. Is the hospital run better than then? 4. Trains. Are there even passenger trains running today? Finally. How did the education system improve?

[@quentinadkins432]

And I perceive all the 'sages' are mute on your questions. We can add: How about a documentary on the tin shanty towns now where single mothers raise up to 3 kids alone no running water no toilets 28 years after this documentary. How about one on the street corners that look like dump sites now? Or on Eskom? Why don't we do a detailed before and after?

[@marco8081a]

The fact that the ANC is a failure does not negate the evil of the NP. Both are true. Given that the doc was made in 1996 I don't see how the issues highlighted relate to the current disastrous rail situation or whatever is going on in education. I can imagine the government then trying to censor the internet if they were still in power. To see docs like these you'd need a VPN like China.

[@michaelgilewicz5918]

Wow, its almost like if you keep the majority of the citizens of a country in a state of ignorance and abject poverty, when inevitably you have to relinquish the control of the country there will be problems. Damn. Could have never seen that one coming.

[@johnmcgregor5415]

@@michaelgilewicz5918 Not more so than what the ANC has been doing for the last 30 years. They also went to great lengths to remove competent white officials from their jobs, without having a period of skills transfer.

[@pdunderhill]

Thank you for this programme, as en ex BBC Staff member from 1983 to 1995 I can recognise many of their challenges when Politicians try and manipulate.

[@user-jr2ue9nu6y]

Funny thing is why everyone is silent on South Africa. Are they afraid to say that they bet on the wrong horse?

[@thobasiziba4109]

Many years later, i thank you for this documentary

[@CharlotteStrauss]

Ongelooflik...everything changes --- yet everything stays the same...

[@babaogundule4150]

I'm the most powerful spiritual helper in Ghana and I have helped a lot of people across the country and you can contact me on+233557603675

[@theodorosmoro-esperidis7035]

OMG this documentary is so profound and gives an overview of the apartheid era from micro experiences….well done this is on par with Spielberg the way an epic situation it shown from a micro perspective👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽well done

[@cayminlast]

Very interesting and informative, thank you!

[@babaogundule4150]

I'm the most powerful spiritual helper in Ghana and I have helped a lot of people across the country and you can contact me on+233557603675

[@moggiemoggs5950]

Vorster was correct in what he said about anti-South African slanted media presentation from abroad.

[@langadlamini7817]

Glad you agree. What was anti South African was oppressing people and subjecting people to poor treatment based on their race and that is the antithesis of being South African and human. I thought you were going to say something else but glad we understand what being South African is about and what the NP's narrative, racism, segregation and bigotry

[@babaogundule4150]

I'm the most powerful spiritual helper in Ghana and I have helped a lot of people across the country and you can contact me on+233557603675,pls don't text me if you don't serious need my help

[@yoservs]

@@langadlamini7817 100%. problem with sabc then, was it was still lily white. opportunities in this area was reserved for whites. astronomical salaries were paid. I met a storyboard artist who was paid R15 000 a month. Back in those days you could buy a house cash with two months' salary in an upmarket area with that kind of money. it was just ridiculous.

[@ivanshapiro250]

Vorster's analysis on most things was 100% correct - as we now know.

[@ryantuck4682]

Haha slanted media ="apartheid is wrong"

[@GoodVideos4]

A certain historical event had a big impact on South Africa getting television - the Apollo moon landing. It was an embarrassment for the country that they couldn't show it, when the rest of the world could. Many people in the country complained about that.

[@danielcoetzee5793]

You mean the fake moon landings...! It supposedly took place in 1969. This was a mere 7 years after S.A. gained independence form Britain in 1962. What is there to be "embarrassed about..? Up until then, they were ruled by the British who told them what they could do and what not and what they could have and what not. Within 13 short years of gaining their independence, (and being able to make their own decisions), S.A. have put the infrastructure in place, trained all the people and were ready to start test broadcasts in 1975. Not bad, I should say...! (and, as I said..; "nothing to be embarrassed about!").

[@bevanboth9125]

It is so amazing reflecting on the past! One finds oneself in a state of heartbroken awareness: But, what if the wrongs of the past is reflected in the institutionalized expressions of today? Do we deflect onto others the injustice of yesteryear? Do I vote to be safe and silently ask myself ..."what if it's just all the same?" Is there a political party that cares about all? really cares about all??? Under the apartheid rule, I had a purpose, Under Madiba's ANC I had hope ... Now all I possess is despair and the uncertainty of what I do NOT want. I've actually lost sight of what I want in this day and age, this politically dysfunctional climate of "The Game Of politics". Politicians claiming to fight for the right of others only not been held to accountability. A law that allows guilty to go free, more taxes looking after guilty rapists, murderers, dirty politicians, over-exaggerated human rights violations (taking millions from monies that could create sustainable jobs ) what do we do? how do I vote? ..... the lesser evil? Who will go for us? Who will speak for us? Who will actually fight for us? Who I ask... Is there no one? do I become the fray? Do I lose my humanity by just pretending it's not true?

[@johnburman966]

It starts with the individual, society is agreement of individuals. People have become "materialised domestic animals". We have to go back to spirit and drop the mental parasites that have replaced our souls. Don't look outside for hope that is not where it comes from. I'm on my 4th country so far, keep voting with my feet.

[@LeeEarth]

Thank you, Kevin Harris, for this enlightening documentary. I directed the 1st 2 Big Brothers and Fear Factors in South Africa and see that you guys did not have our freedom of movement we had to create and grow an audience. You threw a fantastic spanner in the devil box works and should be proud of what has been achieved. Well done and do you have more?

[@ajs41]

A shame Kevin Harris hasn't replied to your comment.

[@user-jr2ue9nu6y]

May I ask are you still in SA or did the spanner in the devil's box get you to also go after 1994?

[@colibri67]

Hi Kevin. Just seen this for the first time, after my brother drew my attention to it. Much respect! Sorry to be cryptic, but my brother was in your year at HCGS and I was in Jeannette's year. I left SA before 'Bara' was aired, so never knew of it until now. Considering what was happening in SA in those days, you were truly courageous.

[@KevinHarrisProductions]

Many thanks. I did not pick up your name ?

[@colibri67]

@@KevinHarrisProductions Would be happy to give my name, but not here. Can't think of another way to do it. In 1961 I went to KC at BH, where we lived. Please be discreet, thanks.

[@KevinHarrisProductions]

No Problem

[@KevinHarrisProductions]

No problem

[@Andre_XX]

Fortunately I did not have to suffer SABC TV as I left the country permanently shortly after it was introduced. Believe me, SABC radio was bad enough. However, I must say that everywhere in the world interest groups know and understand the power of mass media and exploit it ruthlessly and shamelessly to their own advantage.

[@MrSmith1984]

There is a reason why people like William Randolph Hearst & Joseph Goebbels took Propaganda Seriously. Mainly because Comprehensive & Complete Propaganda had the power to convince whole nations of people. However, as the Boers & Anglo-American Conservatives have found out, it can only work if the majority of a nations population could be convinced in the first place.

[@e-moshe]

Yeah, media worldwide is heavily loaded with undercurrents of hidden agendas and propaganda. It just gets tiring to listen to purported news reports or read articles where, after learning to watch for it, the language itself is loaded and the frame is meant to mislead from the start.

[@danielcoetzee5793]

How was the BBC for you...; was it any different or any better..? Even here in good old SA we were suffocating under the thick layer of sh*t they were coating it with! How come the BBC never gave a damn about the freedom of the indigenous black peoples of SA while they were part of the British Empire? Why didn't the British public (or the rest of the English world) also NOT give a damn? Only once the "evil Apartheid Govt" took over and immediately proclamated freedom for every nation in SA WHICH THE BRITISH SUBJUGATED did they all of a sudden start caring about the freedom of these peoples. Not only did the S.A. Govt. grant them their freedom but undertook to lead them to independence and return their traditional land to them (which the British took from them). The BBC and the British govt and the British people then began their sustained propaganda campaign against S.A. to discredit them and to convince the word that the Apartheid Govt. was evil and was oppressing the black people and that they, the British people and the English world had their best interest at heart. How anyone could stand to listen to all that rubbish and then swallow it hook line and sinker, baffles the mind. And yet they did (and they still do). They simply can't think for themselves..!

[@melokuhledludla5827]

thank you for this beautiful documentary Kevin.

[@d.marques4700]

What happened with the SABC in South Africa (according to this documentary) also happens - on a daily basis - virtually everywhere in the World. State owned TV stations, and private ones as well, are constantly "invited to render a service" to political regimes, even to those considered "democratics". That has been the case with the BBC (public) and with CNN (private)... and one could give dozens, upon dozens, of well known examples, in Europe and in the US. No doubt, the NP did what others have done previously. Btw, SABC of today is no different from the old one, unfortunately! Thanks, Kevin, for this important "piece of History"...

[@Edgel-in6bs]

What? The BBC and CNN are generally attacked as both pro and anti government, which shows a general impartiality. Whereas this broadcaster generally suppressed reports and literally did the bidding of an evil regime. Your comparisons are like saying Der Sturmer is the same as the Times.

[@verkauf9310]

Is there a difference today I wonder? This was very interesting and informative 👍🏻🇿🇦

[@SwiSwiKat]

Back then we had a functional railway system. And functional public hospitals. And jobs.

[@goldenlion647]

the devils box

[@babaogundule4150]

I'm the most powerful spiritual helper in Ghana and I have helped a lot of people across the country and you can contact me on+233557603675

[@tokosekgothudi9084]

The devil Instrument to destroy the Human Carrectors

[@magickandre]

Lol, and you currently typed a message on a newer version of a devils box

[@Shack01]

Especially in SA the old politicians fears were realized in the fact that in the end TV was used as a powerful propagandist tool and ultimately cost them dearly and led to the ultimate destruction of the country as it is today

[@goldenlion647]

@@magickandre haha true.

[@lutandongqakaza6795]

this is amazing, thanks for uploading!

[@johanviviers4brightupyourd999]

The first TV broadcast Saw, was MYSELF on a close circuit that was send to doctored around the country for information about mental health care! Bloemfontein with Dr Landis children psychologist and professor Harms of University of OFS. Visited the Oranje Mental hospital to watch certain mentally I'll people. It was declined to let me see patients in padded cells. They felt it will be negative for a kind and caring person to view Such scenes. What an experience that was. To this day, we protect our sences from uploading teach im our computer or brain that is merely a file and cannot dicern between Fact and fiction! Johan Wagner, a friend then started the TV towers.

[@smorrisby]

Vorster was bang on. What he said then is exactly what Western TV does now.

[@keikofilms]

Good work, fresh perspective

[@caz9719]

I was a friend of Anke Breytenbach, who if I recall was a producer for SATV in its first days Does anyone know the name? The person, and what became of her?

[@jdewit8148]

Thirty years on after apartheid, has it changed in any way for Soweto ???. Are the poor richer, are the children no longer malnutritioned.

[@claywilson6149]

(1:24) My first memory of SABC was staring at the test pattern waiting for the official first broadcast on a Sony Trinitron B/W television set . This exact same TV set . 😆

[@clintongraves8806]

Rhodesia had TV before South Africa. I first saw it from CNN World Report in 1989.

[@lynottlives]

Still hard to believe South Africa did not have TV until the late 1970s. Even tiny and (at the time) very backward Ireland had TV since the early 1960s.

[@christobosman5710]

We didn't need it our life's was full of life ,we had a clean life and didn't have to live in a dream world

[@lynottlives]

@@christobosman5710 ag kak man. Full of censorship, racism and Christian fundamentalist dogma more like. You romanticising they time is sad.

[@christobosman5710]

@@lynottlives now yes , back then we were not worried of not having t v ,maybe you are too young to remember ,

[@Markinthewoods]

Television offered a threat to government control. It would cause people to become dissatisfied, which of course is actually what happened.

[@danielcoetzee5793]

Well, the difference is that "tiny" and "very backward" Ireland was an integral part of a "Mighty" Empire that ruled the world..! They were part of the elite, ruling class. South Africa on the other hand was BEING RULED by this ruling class. They didn't have autonomy to make their own decisions but was being told what they can do and what they can have. This only changed when S.A. gained their independence in 1962. Only then could they decide for themselves what they wanted and what not. And within 13 years they have put the infrastructure in place and started with test broadcasts in 1975. It takes time and money to build a TV network from scratch and to train people to do the jobs. And it didn't help that the rest of the world decided to impose economic sanctions on the newly declared independent state and to actively engaged in a program of disinvestment in the country. Besides that, Ireland is an old country. They have had centuries to develop. South Africa was a relatively newly established country and had far less time to develop. Ireland is also part of the "developed world" and is close to (and have and have close ties) with the economic hub which is Europe while S.A. is on the far end away from the economic mainstream and at the bottom of a continent which was dubbed "dark Africa" by these developed countries. Even so, South Africa can kick Ireland's back side for them any day (both now and and back in the 60's)...! Not only economically but also physically (like we regularly do on the rugby field)...!

[@cathyabrahamse1929]

I remember i was 8y when tv came out my dad had passed and we struggled we had an old piano my mom sold it so we could buy a tv.I remember it ended very early at night. I remember alot of the children programs.Then Dallas was aired, everyone was glued to their chairs. When you a child you dont pay attention to politics and you listen to your mom and dads opions.When you get older you start to think for yourself. I was born in SA i have never traveled abroad dont want too.Black SA We're treated terribly disgusting. White english children were bullied by Afrikaans children. Not all white people think the same.I wish the black people of SA realise that.

[@paulshaw3882]

As a British child, I enjoyed much bullying and discrimination, even being blamed for and reminded of the Anglo Boer war which ended 64 yrs before I was even born . School projects vandalized, I was spat on , called many names etc even disregarded by the father of my first girlfriend who was Afrikaans. I would have married her but things fell apart. Even at work there was institutionalized discrimination, could never do anything right. The exclusion to social events etc was quite in your face but all that showed me was how not to be. I determined to be quite the opposite.

[@zeesa7639]

Hi Cathy unfortunately the likes of Julius Malema are part of this world, spreading hate and negative energy through and through. 😰😔😟

[@onethreeify]

very interesting. thank you very much

[@wicusjansenvanvuuren2614]

And it did, thanks to TV we live in what we have today.

[@guytero8812]

Mmmm. 🤔 🤔 🤔 🤔 🤔 Those were the days when everything ran properly. Now it's in the shit and won't be able to get out.

[@lynnmothibeli325]

The problem is that the country is run by incompetent people.

[@stels2756]

Hi Kevin..wys ons die documentary oor die Joodse meisie asseblief.Dankie vir die share.

[@babaogundule4150]

I'm the most powerful spiritual helper in Ghana and I have helped a lot of people across the country and you can contact me on+233557603675

[@frederickngwenya4082]

Wow, I didn't know that in SA all white people were equal but some other white people (afrikaners) were more equal than others (the English, Portuguese, Germans, French, Italians, etc). It was rough indeed. That afrikaner SABC producer was way ahead of time though, hats off to him. If he is still alive I honestly will love to carry his bags- salute to him. Conclusion: Lots of white people hated apartheid with its ugly racism elements. To all those true biblical Christians - salute. Lots of love from South Africa

[@lillipad3503]

Wonder if Malema knows or understands this.

[@gerritkruger4014]

Well if you look from an Afrikaner viewpoint, they lost their country's (transvaal and oranje vrystaat) to so called "uitlanders" in 1897-1901 . When they finally regained control of south africa in 1948 they saw it as their liberation. This also caused a lot of them to disregard anyone else living in South Africa as outsiders (meaning blacks, asians, europeans, jews) and a big reason for them implementing apartheid. Mix that with the idea of divinity and superiority in churces and apartheid is formed. Also im not trying to be sympathetic to racists, only explain their thought process and justification.

[@Markinthewoods]

They had had the opportunity to take control for decades before then. Britain had made it a democracy for white people. It was after the War that the National Party swept to power - actually through the process of weighting rural votes at the expense of urban votes - because of economic and other changes at the time. Natal and Cape had never been Boer countries.

Lest the National Party-sort of chauvinistic tyranny happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. Best wishes from a country ravaged by myriad National Parties, sowing hatred and fear all over what used to be called Yugoslavia.

[@garethrichards8642]

This archive now the property of Media24, proud hosts of ANN7

[@babaogundule4150]

I'm the most powerful spiritual helper in Ghana and I have helped a lot of people across the country and you can contact me on+233557603675

[@cilliersbrink365]

Fascinating, especially the reflection at the end. So interesting to compare to the events of the past three decades. Does the SABC still produce doccies like this?

[@ericricky8460]

As a black South African, this has validated my thought that English Speaking whites of S.A were and will always be the sweethearts of this Country. To this day (2020) it is still the same case. Such non racist beings of god ❤

[@raymondglad5593]

No sir, you are generalizing, I know plenty of English people that is racist and plenty of Afrikaaners that is not and visa versa.

[@ericricky8460]

@@raymondglad5593 i have worked with English folks for many years and i have seen the kind of people they are

[@raymondglad5593]

@@ericricky8460 I'm Afrikaans and the people that work for me say exactly the same. All communities have there good and bad. The Afrikaans people I associate with is decent people. If you disrespect others you not my friend. You still can't generalize just because of your own life experiences.

[@christobosman5710]

Give a foreigner les than 6 months to work with a black in south africa and he turns into the biggest racist, worse than any white south african ,I'm talking out of experience ,even the Russian's turned racists when they trained them to fight us on the border .

[@wernerschneider4460]

@@raymondglad5593 That's what I think too: A scumbag is a scumbag and a crook is a crook. None of them has a specific skin-color. They can be found in all societies/countries and among all skin-colors.

[@hawkeye-vv4kb]

Were there ever a program produced on who or what was the Broederbond? I heard the name fairly often, but never facts about the makeup of the Broederbond. At some stage I even worried whether the Broederbond and the Vrye Messelaars (who were they?) were the same thing?

[@maggiefollett636]

The Broederbond was not the same thing as the Freemasons, which remain a universal society comprising many religious beliefs. The former was exclusively only open to an elite group of white, male Afrikaners with a specific 'pedigree' and Calvinist religious belief. Furthermore, attempting to leave the Broederbond was difficult and would have a negative impact upon ones career (and more besides).

[@KoenieManuels]

Mr Harris, I must salute you

[@luthando8285]

The first television broadcast was in 1927. To think SA was so entrenched in Apartheid we only got it in in 1976 is wild to me.

[@frankdegouveia3827]

What a wonderful country it was growing up on a farm together with our black farm workers and their kids eating and playing together The English the Americans journalists are just Toxic worse than kgb agents

[@djokawari1]

Any way you can upload Bara (1979)?

[@KevinHarrisProductions]

Sure - I'll see what I can do.

[@quentinadkins432]

This was created 1996 Now we just need a Bara CBD Municipalities SABC Railways Education system Homelands 1976 vs 2024 To verify the claims and wisdoms or lack thereof. I'm english and experienced Afrikaner hostility (over boer war) but could'nt help ask: Who took it on themselves to raise the Afrikaner education system to world class schools & universities at the time?

[@stevensexton7038]

I wonder how many of them still live there now

[@jennypienaar147]

None...fucking liberals.fucked up our country and all.living in europe in america now

[@babaogundule4150]

I'm the most powerful spiritual helper in Ghana and I have helped a lot of people across the country and you can contact me on+233557603675

[@babaogundule4150]

I'm the most powerful spiritual helper in Ghana and I have helped a lot of people across the country and you can contact me on+233557603675

[@sicolilenkosi2070]

We were not humans nor did we have rights and we are yet to undo the unevenly benefits

[@louisvanniekerk2612]

Start taking responsibility for your life's and stop complaining. You are entitled to nothing. Hard work is the only way forward. Therefore, do not embarrass yourself by exposing yourself through your foolish comments.

[@sicolilenkosi2070]

@@louisvanniekerk2612 uyanya wena m fene msunu

[@sicolilenkosi2070]

Hamba kabo nyoko wakho mdd e Nederlands sibunu sqnyoko dd

[@theairsoft8326]

I wonder how many of these guys are still in South Africa and not in Australia and New Zealand

[@thenyloncurtain]

I loved the dubbed european films and series' 🇿🇦And then America entered SA😥

[@menzimngadi6793]

Ngathi le ewu John Voster ibiwushaya kakhulu ugologo 😂😂😂

[@james1947ful]

Brandy

[@LindaM6275]

Ons kom van vir af...

[@chigal0926]

Let me get this straight: television didn’t exist in South Africa until the 1970’s?? Am I missing something?

[@josephp1345]

Yep. TV only came to South Africa in 1976

[@colleen19711]

Yes

[@ericcastle7296]

True

[@jasejj]

As a kid growing up in the UK in the 1980s I did notice that we got imported shows from US/Aus/NZ/Canada and Ireland but I never recall seeing anything from SA - I guess part of the reason for that was all the political unpleasantness, but the fact that it only started in the '70s and from what I've seen was very "worthy" and lacking in home-gown entertainment, probably didn't help. One big exception to this was the "Oscar" puppet series which we did get for a while, although you wouldn't know it as it was dubbed into English by Tyne Tees Television and IIRC SABC weren't even acknowledged in the credits. Still, I'd have liked to have seen the odd drama or comedy from the country!

[@thenyloncurtain]

I suddenly feel sick😥🇿🇦😢😌

[@DS-hy6ld]

Not sure how I got here. I was actually researching the history of the Bantustans -- namely, Transkei and Ciskei. I was particularly interested in how, even after they received their own freedom right to self-determination, in 1987 President Matamzima of Transkei (hereafter, 'Trans') attempted to invade and take over Ciskei (hereafter, 'Cis'). I could not understand why the Trans-folks would attempt to force their agenda on the Cis-folks. Even though they now had their own freedom, their own right to self-determination -- which is all they claimed to have desired -- it seems it just wasn't enough for them: The Trans-folks felt the need to bully and cajole the Cis-folks, and impose the will of the Trans on the Cis. They didn't respect one bit the Cis-folks beliefs, and _their_ way of life; the Trans-folks felt they had to be the boss -- that they had to have it _ALL_ -- and if that meant they had to impose their will by force on the Cis-folks, then so be it.... History is _FASCINATING,_ man!!!

[@whoami7292]

So happy I left years ago to the states

[@Markinthewoods]

It’s coming to you in the US, too, make no mistake.

[@bushbabybotha9943]

And missed the great era of South Africa before it fell apart! I pity you.

[@elsadupreez4324]

So happy you’re watching a programme on SA

[@watchingyou4571]

Ofcourse things are SO much better now Kevin…

[@TheodoreAndor]

Beautiful safe years. Everything was clean and working. No corruption. A jewel of a country it was. Now....effed up

[@thobanimthethwa2081]

Lool what do you mean no coruption?

[@christobosman5710]

@@thobanimthethwa2081 their wasn't any

[@zeesa7639]

@@christobosman5710 there was not what? You must be high on dried lion shit.

[@Markinthewoods]

Actually, I had a friend who worked in the Durban Corporation. He said corruption, jobs for pals, etc., started after the Nats came to power in 1948. Nothing compared to today, granted, but there was a fair amount.

[@Aaron-ir4he]

No way that Danie Nortje doesn't have quite a bit of African and Asian ancestry.

[@Mo-yd8xc]

Why didn't they just go to Zimbabwe?

[@truckerbob94]

Very informative documentary, question can anybody name who the group of people who are in the documentary at 1:43, 2:06 or 2:27? Thanks in advance.

[@tomster1414]

Really enjoyed this , but the nerd at 3:58 and elsewhere really made me laugh 😂

[@babaogundule4150]

I'm the most powerful spiritual helper in Ghana and I have helped a lot of people across the country and you can contact me on+233557603675

[@kambrose1549]

The horror of the nationalist government was how life was smothered by a suffocating atmosphere of threat and innuendo. So people became warped in order to keep jobs stay alive or not be jailed or deported or banned or simply murdered. It was ghastly.

[@eugenehaley3860]

And yet today as a “free” nation it is appalling in its violence, murder, corruption and massive abject poverty as every facet of a successful society is being destroyed

[@viskovandermerwe3947]

2020. How did all that work out?

[@thobanimthethwa2081]

Nycly sir

[@brianmuvuti2102]

Fascist prick.

[@viskovandermerwe3947]

@@brianmuvuti2102 Does this mean that you don't know how it all worked out? Please refrain from you insults on KZbin and treat people on this platform with respect. Please answer my reasonable question of how did all that (in this video) work out until 2020. That should not be too difficult for you to answer?

[@brianmuvuti2102]

@@viskovandermerwe3947 Worked out more than just fine

[@johnm84]

He was a great man and he was a great leader.

[@npcc2009]

It feels upsetting how ZA couldn't get TV until 1975, while other African countries at the time did with help from colonial countries like UK and France.

[@gandalf87264]

I would have cut the first frame at the beginning of the documentary. I obeyed my instruction.

[@Tracertme]

It was black and white TV first as well, and only for a few hours in the evening…

[@andrekeulemans473]

It's surprising that Dallas was allowed to be aired

[@Spillers72]

So if you lived in South Africa, could you get any TV signals from other countries? That's weird, TV had been out for 30 years by that point.

[@barbaraholzmann946]

no other channels but those from the SATV who also purchased the rights to certain overseas shows. Mainly variety shows. Also when TV first came out they broadcast only from 6:00pm - 9:00pm each day

[@thenyloncurtain]

😥I remember

[@watchingyou4571]

Johan Pretorius… no broadcasting company was ever independent. They’re all owned by higher influence in government… even more so today.

[@user-jr2ue9nu6y]

I wonder how many of these well meaning guys who worked at the SABC are now in Australia or New Zealand. Guess that Democracy was a bit of a touch and go situation.

[@seandineen999]

Meyer got a rand soaked handshake to keep him onside

[@mosesbullrush8051]

Explain more ?

[@seandineen999]

When the national party decided to introduce tv in 1975, Piet meyer was dead against it. The government brought his home at thirty present above market value and let him stay in it. The broaderbond gave him the right to decide on all Afrikaans programming for a year and fifteen percent of the lisenceing fee

[@dgbnntt]

Haha. I had the same curtains as those in the background to Robin Knox-Grant. Woolies, eh?

[@Daud76]

Notice how stiff South Africa was back then. Quite hilarious actually. Just to note. There was a show called "Unbanned" on SABC back in the early 1990s which aired productions that were seen as too liberal for the white nationalists. Anyone remember that show? I wish someone would upload it to KZbin.

[@SamboNsovo]

David Snell it would be nice to find a stash of those. They probably have the archives stored somewhere.

[@Daud76]

@@SamboNsovo Yes I agree. Maybe all can be found in archives at the SABC? I have one episode on USB that I copied from VHS a few years ago. It is all about the early life of Sandra Laing. A documentary by Anthony Thomas. I must find a way to upload.

[@Markinthewoods]

Why “hilarious”? People actually had more dignity then, across all races.

[@Daud76]

@@SamboNsovo Goodness me. I had completely forgotten I had made this initial comment and your reply. Since then, I had made contact with the director of "The Search for Sandra Laing" and he sent me a copy of it together with his other two anti apartheid documentaries, "Six Days in Soweto" and "Working for Britain" on DVD. I wish I could upload them all onto KZbin, but he made me promise never to release.

[@Daud76]

@@Markinthewoods Dignity is one thing and being a stiff prude is another. BJ Vorster looked like a miserable sod. Just like the rest of the National Party big wigs.

[@willemvanaswegen1937]

I wonder if they shoot this video in the year 2022 - what would they say. I hope they can show all the videos they put in archive. Why hide it anymore?

[@SwiSwiKat]

Jaaa, the good old days.

[@scheepersbrandon]

Well what changed now?? Its exactly the same but just turned around now and they are close to bankrupt now!

[@babaogundule4150]

I'm the most powerful spiritual helper in Ghana and I have helped a lot of people across the country and you can contact me on+233557603675

[@andzagatsheni521]

salary increase on the first day at work ???

[@babaogundule4150]

I'm the most powerful spiritual helper in Ghana and I have helped a lot of people across the country and you can contact me on+233557603675

[@l.ferrandino5939]

@@babaogundule4150 What´s that got to do with salary increase???

[@ericcastle7296]

He made it happen

[@greenpedal370]

Who funded the construction of the studios, transmitters and upgrading the microwave network. It must have been a huge cost for the nation to absorb.

[@Golftwenty]

SABC proposes new media levy to replace TV licence regime

[@maskedone215]

where are the shak's I see today ?. did shak's only appear later ?

[@maskedone215]

The NG Kerk was a big issue. I remember how they controlled everything, ! and ended up me totally regretting Afrikaans and it's culture.

[@Roxnolds]

39:45 the English press were probably just jealous: you were pioneering SA Television and working with new technology, while they were stuck with a declining, obsolete medium, and working in grimy old newspaper offices.

[@babaogundule4150]

I'm the most powerful spiritual helper in Ghana and I have helped a lot of people across the country and you can contact me on+233557603675,pls don't text me if you are not serious in need of my help

[@markhalleen5849]

These old law makers would of had heart failure if they had to see the social media of today i also think social media has destroyed the behaviour of kids .

[@bmerchanreina]

Wow, so much Illuminati symbolism in these screen shots.

[@thenyloncurtain]

😱 That pointing finger

[@markhalleen5849]

These old law makers would of had heart failure if they had to seevthe social media of today i also think social media has destroyed the behaviour of kids .

[@seandineen999]

OOM BJ! Divillars graaf, is laughing his well coffed head off!

[@babaogundule4150]

I'm the most powerful spiritual helper in Ghana and I have helped a lot of people across the country and you can contact me on+233557603675

[@gershonnundkumar6444]

They thought TV propogated Communism 😂 Wow how far we have come

[@gershonnundkumar6444]

@Louis van der Merwe the role of TV back then also helped steer the heavy-right agenda to ostracise us blacks and hide the imploding state Win win for all of us I guess, huh?

[@gershonnundkumar6444]

@Louis van der Merwe you just made this about you You typed a whole paragraph to hone in on your selfish subjective white-central opinion TV and all forms of media back in the day were used as propoganda to conceal the plight of the black man. And people have a problem admitting that? People like yourself still mke comments that it only spread communist narratives. Let's not talk about how the oppression of Europeans during the holocaust and Germanys woes in dismantling white supremacy was still being structured into Our South African education system. Yet we are so quick to defend what really happened on our own soil? I feel that you are being ignorant and maybe even a liar and I hope one day that you, your family, your friends and those around you will learn to look at this thing from outside of your precious little cacoon. Tell the truth

[@gershonnundkumar6444]

@Louis van der Merwe I didn't have to read your paragraph of nonsense. Read your the first two sentences of your most recent reply. Exactly what I was referring to- ignorant white supremist apologetics for defending a media that propogated a fake reality You exposed yourself

[@babaogundule4150]

I'm the most powerful spiritual helper in Ghana and I have helped a lot of people across the country and you can contact me on+233557603675,pls don't text me if you are not serious

[@Mo-yd8xc]

Imagine what the apart hate authorities would've thought of the internet?

[@miel1074]

But the Cubans WERE trying to take over Angola and South African forces DID take Bridge 14 and one soldier DID kill several Cubans alone on that bridge!! He won a Honorus Crux medal for doing it….You can’t change history: it may appear “Hollywood”, but I’m sorry, it DID happen! The soldier who did it was not, as shown, driving an Eland armoured car….he was a white Moçambiquan who joined the SADF, but the incident DID happen!

[@awesomewelles9174]

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

[@subbangovender3476]

You cannot clean this

[@cm2973]

Eh. The African SABC director talks about diversity of viewpoints, but we all know its just the ANC/Black view that matters to them.

[@JosiahManganyi-xs8bi]

As a black schoolboy and 15yr old the first time to watch TV was in 1973!I was working as a gardener in Mountaiview (PTA)!Mr Dutoit invited me in the house to come and watch rugby!It was a colour screen TV!Somewhere in 1980 blacks could watch black screen TV!

[@Greeny_isthegoat]

My mom only had a radio in her home😂

[@RoelofMalan]

LIAR you COULD NOT WATCH IN 1973 as south africa got TV only in 1976

[@joshuataylor3943]

1996

[@davidverster9523]

Ronnie Wilson in the background....

[@babaogundule4150]

I'm the most powerful spiritual helper in Ghana and I have helped a lot of people across the country and you can contact me on+233557603675

[@HIOAZA1523]

A better South Africa

[@alexdladla6976]

Vorster died shortly after his scandal , he is in hell now