The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) now has its own streaming service, thanks to the launch of SABC+.

The national broadcaster made the announcement on 17 November. In its statement, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the SABC Madoda Mxakwe noted:

“SABC + signals a new digital era for the SABC and a key accomplishment in addressing universal access for all citizens.”

The streaming service includes both a free plan and premium subscriptions for users, meaning that anyone in South Africa can access it so long as they have an internet connection.

TelkomONE becomes SABC+

The launch of the service follows the decommissioning of TelkomONE on the same day, which has been transferred to the SABC.

This means that existing TelkomONE users will be notified and migrated to SABC+. Those who subscribed to TelkomONE AMP plans will automatically get access to SABC+, which also offers AMP subscription plans.

The national broadcaster has also entered a partnership with Hisense to distribute the SABC+ app on Hisense VIDAA smart TVs and mobile devices. As a result of its partnership, the service will air 28 matches of the FIFA World Cup and the daily FIFA World Cup Show.

How to watch SABC+

If you want to try out the streaming service, you can visit the SABC+ website.

To view content, you will need to sign up for the streaming service with your mobile number and a password. The service will send you an activation code by SMS.

Once signed up, you can log in and immediately begin streaming content, including live SABC channels like SABC 1, SABC 2, SABC News, and more.

The service also includes radio streaming, allowing you to stream from radio channels like MetroFM, 5FM, Good Hope FM, and others.

On-demand content is also available in the Catch Up section. For example, you can stream the 10th and 11th seasons of Skeem Saam for free.

There are also a number of edutainment documentaries and series available on the service.

What content comes with a SABC+ subscription?

Certain content is only available through an AMP or AMP It Up subscription. The subscription options vary between R7 per day to R49 per month. Telkom customers can also receive data bundles with their AMP subscription.

Content that requires a subscription is filtered through the AMP tab on the website. It includes international content and live channels from BBC World News and Boing. You can also watch content from Toonami, TNT Africa, and Vox Africa, among others.