SABC plans to broadcast Zulu reed dance for first time
by Staff Writer
2016-06-15 12:05:28.0
THE South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC’s) drive for more local content means the national broadcaster will provide coverage of the traditional Zulu reed dance ceremony later this year.
Speaking to TMG Entertainment this week‚ SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed that the broadcaster intended to cover the annual reed dance on its platforms for the first time.
Although the decision is historic‚ Kganyago insisted that the broadcaster was not concerned that it may affect viewership on its stations‚ saying he believed people would tune in.
"Why should we be concerned? We are not concerned. People will watch because we know that people want to watch content and events that are reflective of themselves and their heritage."
Kaizer said the decision to broadcast the event‚ held in September‚ was not new and was merely a reflection of the SABC’s strategy to increase local and traditional content on its platforms.
"This is not a new development.... We have always been committed to promoting SA’s diverse culture and heritage and we wanted to do that by showcasing all of the traditional ceremonies in SA‚ not just the reed dance."
Kganyago added that broadcaster aimed to increase its live coverage of these events and believed the reed dance would serve as a model of its coverage.
"Whether there is a live broadcast‚ at this stage will have to be looked at and determined‚ but the intention is there and we will try to show it‚" he added.
TMG Digital
Youths take part in the annual Zulu reed dance at KwaNongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, in September 2014. Picture: SUNDAY TIMES
THE South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC’s) drive for more local content means the national broadcaster will provide coverage of the traditional Zulu reed dance ceremony later this year.
Speaking to TMG Entertainment this week‚ SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed that the broadcaster intended to cover the annual reed dance on its platforms for the first time.
Although the decision is historic‚ Kganyago insisted that the broadcaster was not concerned that it may affect viewership on its stations‚ saying he believed people would tune in.
"Why should we be concerned? We are not concerned. People will watch because we know that people want to watch content and events that are reflective of themselves and their heritage."
Kaizer said the decision to broadcast the event‚ held in September‚ was not new and was merely a reflection of the SABC’s strategy to increase local and traditional content on its platforms.
"This is not a new development.... We have always been committed to promoting SA’s diverse culture and heritage and we wanted to do that by showcasing all of the traditional ceremonies in SA‚ not just the reed dance."
Kganyago added that broadcaster aimed to increase its live coverage of these events and believed the reed dance would serve as a model of its coverage.
"Whether there is a live broadcast‚ at this stage will have to be looked at and determined‚ but the intention is there and we will try to show it‚" he added.
TMG Digital
