The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has made a significant stride by appointing Nomsa Chabeli as its Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO). This strategic decision comes as the SABC endeavors to navigate through a period of financial turbulence and embrace a transformative trajectory to uplift its operations.
Chabeli brings a wealth of experience garnered from prominent roles in the marketing sphere. Her tenure at Multichoice, where she served as the Marketing Director for Supersport and DStv portfolio, as well as her contributions to entities like SAB, Brand South Africa, GCIS, and Edcon, underscores her expertise in brand management and strategic positioning.
Notably, her impactful stint at MTN SA is recognized for propelling MTN to secure the esteemed title of the most valuable brand in South Africa, culminating in the prestigious accolade of the 2022 Brand of the Year conferred by Brand Finance South Africa.
Her career trajectory is also marked by pivotal engagements in iconic events, such as steering the marketing and communications for South Africa’s 2010 World Cup Bid and serving as the Marketing Director for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003. Her involvement in shaping and executing South Africa’s communications and marketing strategy for various Davos World Economic Forums underscores her adeptness in handling high-stakes global platforms.
Academically, Chabeli’s credentials are robust, boasting an MBA from Henley Business School and ongoing pursuit of a Master’s in Digital Business at Wits Business School, attesting to her commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast of evolving business landscapes.
The Board of Directors at SABC has expressed unwavering confidence in Chabeli’s ability to spearhead revenue generation, foster strategic growth, drive innovation, and uphold the cherished values that define the legacy of the broadcasting corporation.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Chabeli conveyed, “I am truly honored and excited to join the SABC as its new GCEO. This organization holds a rich legacy of public service through broadcasting, and I am committed to advancing its mission and intensifying efforts to significantly improve revenue generation and lay the foundation for enduring success.”
Acknowledging the challenges posed by a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Chabeli emphasized a collective approach in embracing innovation, cultivating meaningful connections, and ensuring that the SABC’s content remains impactful, informative, and resonant within the diverse spectrum of audiences in today’s dynamic media landscape.
However, Chabeli’s ascension to the leadership role at SABC is accompanied by profound financial challenges facing the organization. The group faced a staggering loss of R1.1 billion during the 2022/23 financial year, amplifying concerns about its fiscal sustainability. A critical factor contributing to this financial strain is the substantial outstanding amount of R44 billion in unpaid license fees, owed by over 9 million South Africans.
Chabeli’s leadership will be instrumental in navigating these financial hurdles, devising innovative revenue-generation strategies, and fostering sustainable growth while upholding the SABC’s core values of public service and impactful broadcasting.
As she steps into this pivotal role, all eyes are on Nomsa Chabeli, envisioning a new chapter of resurgence and relevance for the South African Broadcasting Corporation under her leadership.
