Viu acquires SABC content ahead of South African launch
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Rebecca Hawkes
| 19 February 2019

South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is making its content available to PCCW Media’s over-the-top (OTT) video service Viu, which is set to launch in South Africa on 28 February.

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is making its content available to PCCW Media’s over-the-top (OTT) video service Viu, which is set to launch in South Africa on 28 February.

South Africa’s most watched TV show, Uzalo, and the popular programme Skeem Saam, will be among the SABC content licensed to Viu following the two year agreement. Currently the shows are available to view on YouTube, though at the end of February, the digital content will be exclusive to Viu.

Viu has also secured video-on-demand (VOD) rights to 18 South African shows such as series The Docket, as well as dramas and telenovelas including Yizo Yizo, Single Galz, Taryn and Sharon, Ngempela, The Sober Companion, When We Were Black, and Emoyeni.

“As a broadcaster, it is imperative that we continuously move with the times and ensure that our programmes are available through VOD platforms,” said Madoda Mxakwe, GCEO, SABC.

“With its experience in delivering and successfully monetising OTT and VOD services across the globe, Viu SA will assist the SABC’s mandate of ensuring universal access for South Africa’s rich home-grown content. This strongly aligns with our strategic objective to identify new revenue streams and, in this particular case, increasing revenue through sub-licensing SABC’s owned Intellectual Property, specifically in the video entertainment space.”