HBC has still limited information on South African television. We do know that because of the influence of the conservative Afrikanner movement, the country did not begin television broadcasting until the mid-1970s. Although this was years after TV began in other countries, the TV industry once established was one of the most modern in the wold. We do not know, for example, how the Afrikanns/English language split was dealt with. Until the fall of Apartheid, TV was mostly for and about white people. Since 1992 blacks have begun appearing on television. Presumbly more English programing is now on television. There are many tribal languages, but so many that quality programs can not be in each language. Thus English is a kind of lengua franca. At this time we have information on only one program, Die Swart Kat (mid-1980s).

Creation

We do know that because of the influence of the conservative Afrikanner movement, the country did not begin television broadcasting until the mid-1970s. Although this was years after TV began in other countries, the TV industry once established was one of the most modern in the wold. Relatively speaking for that time (the middle 1970s), South Africa was a very late comer to the world of television. Nationalist member of parliament, Albert Hertzog was dead against it and thwarted all attempts to introduce it before it's inception in 1975 when test transmissions began.

Early Television

In 1976, the South African Broadcasting Corporation SABC) officially launched with much fanfare it's one and only television service - TV 1, to broadcast daily only from 6 to 11 pm. With the then ruling Nationalist government's strict language policy, the two official languages, English and Afrikaans were strictly alternated between the days. There was a mandate that the evening broadcasts would commence and close with a Christian service.

Language

We do not know, for example, how the Afrikanns/English language split was dealt with.Since 1992 blacks have begun appearing on television. Presumbly more English programing is now on television. There are many tribal languages, but so many that quality programs can not be in each language. Thus English is a kind of lengua franca.

Apartheid

Until the fall of Apartheid, TV was mostly for and about white people. Needless to say, the news editorial was strictly controlled and promoted, defended and justified the Nationalists apartheid policies.

Technical Facilities

Also with the inception of TV, the SABC also had acquired the finest and the best technical architecture that was available. It's facilities and broadcast system were the best in the world. Even today it is still one of the best. It has a world renowned archive of media recordings.

Series

At this time we have information on only one program, Die Swart Kat (mid-1980s).

Created: SFebruary 23, 2003
Last updated: February 23, 2003br>