SuperSport is proud to announce a partnership with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in celebration of 30 years of democracy in the country.
In collaboration with the South African Rugby Union (SARU) and the Ministry of Sport, Arts & Culture, SuperSport concluded a once-off agreement to mark the historical occasion celebrating 30 years of democracy, giving the SABC the rights to broadcast the iconic Castle Lager Rugby Championship match between the Springboks and the All Blacks at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday 31 August.
As the country celebrates this historic democratic milestone, SuperSport is delighted that the occasion will be marked by the two titanic rugby nations doing battle at the famous Ellis Park Stadium.
This is the same venue where the Springboks beat the All Blacks to win the 1995 World Cup, barely one year into democracy.
It was a moment that personified the country’s transition into unity, with the late former President Nelson Mandela handing over the Webb Ellis Cup to then-Springbok captain Francois Pienaar.
It is also 30 years since the Springboks played the All Blacks for the first time after South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994.
JOIN HANDS AND CELEBRATE
Says SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha, “Having had discussions with SARU and Minister Gayton McKenzie, we decided to join hands in celebration of 30 years of democracy. It is fitting that we have partnered with the SABC on this particular occasion to bring this match to television viewers.
“This special match between the two great rugby-playing nations sits at the centre of the birth of democracy in our country, coupled to the fact that it is exactly 30 years ago that the Springboks and the All Blacks clashed for the first time in the post-election era; hence the broadcasting of this match by both SuperSport and the SABC in this once-off celebration.”
The SABC Group Chief Executive Officer, Nomsa Chabeli stated, “We are delighted that we have worked tirelessly to ensure that the larger part of the South African population experience the rugby euphoria this weekend.
"The SABC has historically played a pivotal role in recording the successful story of the national rugby team for many decades and has been part of celebrating their key milestones, including the SABC being a host broadcaster of the 1995 Rugby World.
The SABC takes pride in fulfilling its commitment to providing universal access to sport of national interest and enabling South African citizens to enjoy and be part of the national moments. The SABC’s extensive reach and footprint allow for a wider access to the game of such national importance as part of celebrating 30 years of democracy.”
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Said Mark Alexander, President of the South African Rugby Union, “South African Rugby is pleased by this agreement between SuperSport and the SABC relating to this match tomorrow which is of historical significance to South Africans.
“We want to thank SuperSport for this selfless act of generosity in partnering the SABC which will result in South Africans being able to share in this momentous occasion. It is a significant milestone in our sport, reflecting the progress we've made over the past three decades and underscoring our commitment to fostering social cohesion.
As we celebrate this legacy, we are proud to embrace our diversity as a source of strength, both on the field and within our organisation.
“We express our deepest appreciation to South Africans who steadfastly support our team. Your unwavering dedication is the cornerstone of our success and unity.”
Catch the Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash between South Africa and New Zealand on Your World of Champions, SuperSport, live on SuperSport Rugby (DStv Channel 211) and SuperSport Grandstand (201), with a build-up from 3:45pm on Saturday 31 August.
The build-up will be preceded by a 30 minutes-long documentary, celebrating 30 years of democracy and rugby’s unifying role in our young democracy.
The SABC will broadcast the game on SABC 2, SABC Sport Channel, SABC+ and various SABC radio stations at 5pm on Saturday, 31 August, with the build-up from 4pm on SABC 2.
MORE THAN JUST A MATCH
Outside of the live-match broadcast, SuperSport offers an unrivalled viewing experience when it comes to bringing you extended coverage of the world champions.
Build-up
Starts an hour before the 5pm kick-off, with former Boks Owen Nkumane, Gcobani Bobo and Victor Matfield joined in studio by All Black legend Justin Marshall.
Presenter Layla Arrison will be joined by Hanyani ‘Shimmi’ Shimange on the field, while Behind the Ruck stalwarts Rudy Paige and Juan de Jongh will be taking their high energy and spirit into the fan zones.
There will also be an unmissable 30-minute documentary on the 30 years of rugby in a democratic South Africa.
Languages
Viewers will be able to choose between English, Afrikaans and Xhosa on their decoders.
Wrap
The experts will give their summations after the match of what will no doubt be another thrilling encounter in rugby’s greatest rivalry.
Highlights
Short and extended highlights become available on Catch Up on DStv soon after the fulltime whistle.