The SABC has announced Nomsa Chabeli as its new CEO with the board expressing confidence in the former MTN executive’s ability to drive revenue generation and growth for the ailing public broadcaster.
Chabeli takes over from Madoda Mxakwe who left the company at the end of his five-year term in June.
“The SABC board of directors has confidence in Ms Chabeli’s ability to drive revenue generation, strategic growth, innovation and uphold the values that have defined SABC’s legacy. In this pivotal role, Ms Chabeli will spearhead the strategic vision and operational excellence across the entire SABC Group,” the entity said in a statement.
Chabeli takes the reins at the public broadcaster as it faces a R745m debt pile. The Treasury recently rejected its request for R1.5bn in order to ensure that it has sufficient funds to cover the 2024 national and provincial elections.
The cabinet recently approved and sent to parliament a bill aimed at reforming the SABC’s existing funding model, including overhauling the manner in which TV licence fees are collected. The SABC is owed billions of rand in unpaid fees.
The SABC Bill is effectively aimed at providing the entity with a new funding model. It was allocated R3.2bn in 2019 to fund initiatives outlined in its approved turnaround plan aimed at transforming its financial sustainability.
Chabeli holds an MBA from Henley Business School and is completing a Masters in Digital Business at Wits Business School.
“Faced with the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape, together we will embrace innovation, foster meaningful connections and ensure that our content continues to inspire, inform and resonate with diverse audiences in this dynamic media landscape,” Chabeli said.
She was previously a GM of brand and marketing at MTN and also worked at MultiChoice where she was the marketing director of SuperSport.
In addition, she has served at SAB, Brand SA, Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) and Edcon.
“Some of her career highlights include leading the marketing and communications for the successful 2010 Soccer World Cup bid that resulted in SA’s confirmation as the host country. She was the marketing director of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 and the development and execution of SA’s communications and marketing strategy for various Davos World Economic Forums,” the SABC said.
“She also has a credible history of developing persuasive and highly influential brand messaging that attracts a diverse customer population while also being adept at overseeing market intelligence activities to identify market trends, customer behaviours and emerging technologies,” the SABC said.
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