South African public broadcaster SABC and the South African Rugby Union (SARU) today launched a campaign to mark the 100 days countdown to the Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand (9 September to 23 October).
The campaign aims to unite South Africans in support of the national rugby team, the Springboks, and encourage them to embrace Bok Days. On Bok Days South Africans will be encouraged to show their support by the wearing the Springbok team jersey, flying the South African flag and having a braai.
The launch of the 100 days countdown was broadcast live on Morning Live on SABC2, as well as Radio 2000, from the popular braai spot, Chaf Pozi in Orlando East, Soweto. The event was attended by Springbok coach Peter de Villiers, celebrities and the Deputy Minister of Sports and Recreation, Gert Oosthuizen.
The event was also used to launch the official Rugby Song by Freshly Ground and Goldfish.
“As the SABC, our main objective is to create a unified force behind our national team by bringing relevant and impactful programming to our Radio and TV audience’, said SABC Acting GCEO Robin Nicholson.
The SABC, in line with its sub-licence agreement with SuperSport, will broadcast 35 matches, with 28 being broadcast live and seven delayed. However, all South African games will be broadcast live as the SABC’s main priority is to follow the Springboks and keep South Africans up to date.
SABC 2 is the official Rugby World Cup channel, meaning all the games the corporation secured will be shown on this platform. SABC 1 and 3 will provide an alternative viewing experience, with documentaries and features and highlights of games.
The PBS radio station Radio 2000 will be the home of “live’ rugby matches – with all games being broadcast. In the run-up to the tournament, the SABC will provide its comprehensive broadcast schedule plan to the media and public.
