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SABC - Marginalised Languages: Xitsonga, Tshivenda

14 Jul 2004 14:2221 commentsBizLike
I am concerned about the news bulletins in both Xitsonga and Tshivenda.
These languages are mostly spoken in the Limpopo Province. They have never enjoyed equal status like their counterparts. My worry is that there is almost nobody watching that news slot because people are still driving back home from work, domestic workers are trying to wind up, while children/Learners have just come back from school. Why at 17h00, and not during the Prime time?
 
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LKJ
Stations just filling their local content-
What's the use of more local dramas and sitcoms that don't hold an audience. Sure, there are a few exceptions, but it seems that production companies are churning out shite to help the local TV stations to fill their local content quota. It's not helping the local industry to truly develop. The news is a case in point - the TV stations jst want to fulfill their local content requirements and couldn't care less whether anybody watches the news or not. Posted on 15 Jul 2004 15:45
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Humphrey Lastborn Mutangwa
All animals are but equal but others are more equal than others-
This issue is long over due and truly speaking something needs to be done.The airtime slot at which Tshivenda and XiTsonga news is placed in is not at all strategic.It shows very well that something is wrong within SABC itself especially on the authority and in the scheduling(programming) department.
Why not have a rotating system of news bulletin at 19h00 if really all languages as describe by the constitution of the country are equal and have to be given fair opportunity of airwaves.Furthermore, the news stories that is covered/broadcast at 17h30 for Tshivenda and Xitsonga is outdated and in most cases are old stories or breaking news.What is so amazing is that the SABC has one big pool of news department that feeds all the channels and mediums under the auspices of SABC.Therefore it suggest that at the time of news broadcast of Tshivenda and XiTsonga, news gatherers and reporters are at the time still out in the field,collecting news stories and only those who broadcast news as from 19h00 and upwards have fresh and news breaking stories.
The SABC doesn't have to be reminded of its role as a public broadcaster.If really the present status quo at SABC is something to go by, then the whole corporation is heading for a doom failure.It should be very clear to the SABC that provision of Tshivenda and XiTsonga news was/is not a previlege or a favour to the multitudes of Venda and Tsonga language speaking people,these humble people need a fair and justifiable opportunity as they fall within a population sector that was historically sidelined by the broadcasting authority.These are the people that never STOP paying the TV licenses even though they are not given fair coverage.

It is not late for SABC rectify this situation.The SABC must not wait for Vendas and Tsongas to loose their patience.This issue is long overdue.They(SABC) must effectively used their AGM's and Programs Review meetings to meet the public needs, and not to satisfy their biased egos.The Vhavendas and Tsongas don't need to have a "top management delegates" in the SABC excom structure to influence this noble idea,which is often the case at present.Just by looking on the majority of programs offered by SABC,ONE can realize that some languages are given plethora of coverage and transmission time because of someone "in-the-top-bracket" of the management who influences his or her descendency language[Asikhulume on SABC is an example;discusses and talks about issues of national interest but biased towards IsiZulu and Xhosa language.Look at the "who's who" top-bracket management of the SABC, where are they from?Which ethnic group are they from?Descendancy of which tribes?Where's fairness here?FULL STOP! Posted on 15 Jul 2004 16:08
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the one
NGUNI's RULE -
Hey- it's not our fault Nguni's are the superior ethnic tribes and get to top levels at the SABC. (JUST KIDDING - DON'T GET YOUR KNCIKERS IN A KNOT!!!)

But on a seriouse tip- in terms of demographics there are more Nguni's than any other ethnic tribe in South Africa. Broadcasting the nguni news for at 17:30 and the venda news (for 20 Venda's)at a prime time slot would make no sense. As a proud Xhosa person it pains me to admit that Zulu is the most understood language in South Africa- so it only makes sence that the main news bulletin should be in a language that the majority of South Africans understand- Zulu. Posted on 31 Mar 2005 12:14
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Princess
The bigger picture-
I'm not precisely sure how the SABC decides on its programming. Is it not true that certain programmes are placed during certain times as a result of ratings? Why should we move Venda news to a prime slot where the majority of the people prefer English/Afrikaans and Xhosa at seven thirty? The SABC will lose a lot of viewers if they had to move Venda news to the seven o'clock slot. In terms of business, it does not make sense.

Not everyone can be pleased unfortunately. Because by focusing on small issues such as that, we lose sight of the important thing - the news. The SABC most probably have their reasons for placing the Venda news slot at five. Posted on 20 Jul 2004 08:10
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B
Of course everyone can be happy!-
But then I'd like a bulletin in braille, Portugese, German, Chinese and French (for the Nigerian residents). Aren't all these South African entitled to a bulletin of their own too?
And what about a gay news bulletin? Posted on 20 Jul 2004 11:45
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Cece
Swing you magic wand then-
Yes, I see it now. Eleven news bulletins for each official language every night at seven?! That makes a lot of sense. And let's cater for every other foreigner as well. Think please. Posted on 20 Jul 2004 15:16
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Kangala
Foreignera!!!-
Hi Guys,

We need to face the reality. We have got 11 official languages that should enjoy same status as provided by the PANSALB ACT. The issue of accomodating the foreigners is not only nonsese ut is bullshit. We can have a slot for nigerians who are here as tourists, or any other reason.

If they are here to stay , they should have citizenship. We can't talk about Tsonga/Vendas and foriegners. The SABC, should alternate these news bulletins. You can't tell me that we should view the Xhosa news at 7h30, What makes to be more special than others. Let the SABC, rotate these languages.

The 17H30, news for these languages is illogical and nonsense. I would recommend that they screen popays at that time, Nobody watches that news,

Kangala Posted on 21 Jul 2004 13:49
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JC
You are nuts!!-
Are you guys listening to what you are saying?! Eleven different news bulletins a day! Not only is that extremely stupid but a waste of money. Should all the SABC's money now be spent on news? Someone please do the math. Eleven news bulletins (for each language as it was stated by certain individuals) for half an hour everyday = Five and a half hours of news every single day!!! That is not a feasible idea. Posted on 21 Jul 2004 17:13
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Erick
It is not Expensive -
We are not saying that we should have 11 news bulletins, ok but they cannot be screened on a day, all what these people are saying is that they should rotate these languages. It is expensive to do this, remember SABC, is a State Owned Media. The govt is promoting the issue of multilingualism in south africa becuase of diverse cultures.

If they fail to accomodate SABC, who else? We all know that e-TV, they make money. The SABC, should not make profit as other stupids view it, the role of the public broadcster t=is to inform. I am skeptical if all the grannies from these cultures can hear Afrikaans and English.

People should first think before they make comments, Posted on 21 Jul 2004 17:42
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TW
What?-
In your heading you say it's not expensive and then in your comment you say it is. What?

Rotate? What are you trying to say? Two language a day? I agree with JC, we should just stick to what we have and not complain about such an unimportant issue such as news in the official languages! Posted on 21 Jul 2004 18:41
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Erick
Inexpensive-
TW,

You didn't get the whole article ok, It is expensive of course, but in expensive because the government should be behind this, You can't say that it is an important issue,

We have celebrated a decade of freedom. We need to preserve waht we have, The govt is trying by all means to promote multilingualism, So how do they do it, if they don't want to use a state owned SABC.

So it is not ambigous T W. Read carefully

Erick Posted on 26 Jul 2004 09:12
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yabbat
The Answer-
The answer of course is to have privately-run regional/local TV stations that cater for their specific communities.

The USA has had community TV for ages... anyone who's seen 'Waynes World' knows that.

Think of the job opportunities... Posted on 30 Jul 2004 19:29
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TW
Good Idea-
Now that idea sounds more feasible than having Lord knows how many news bulletins at prime time as suggested by certain individuals in this forum. Posted on 4 Aug 2004 18:19
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C
Yes and they have 300 million people who pay taxes and for services-
W don't. Where would our funding come from? Regional stations work in countries with as few as 3 million people - like New Zealand, but they have a first-class infrastructure and a large portion of the population paying tax etc. We have a large population but our revenues are not that great, especially when money that could be apportined to arts and culture should really, at this stage, go to providing healthcare and other needs of the community. Posted on 16 Sep 2004 13:41
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Tondani
SABC need to really accomodate the Limpopo People-
when a VENDA documentary plays ar anything of sort plays,im proud to tell you that the viewership increases,you know why,because the Venda people are very supportive of their programes and patrotic of something of sort.so i really dont understand why SABC is not being accomodative and start doing a proper research about venda people and what they really want. Posted on 20 Aug 2004 15:34
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Chidino
SABC need to really accomodate the Limpopo People-
Thank you Tondani for raising such a wonderful suggestion. Yes, I bear with you for that marginalization.

As Vhavenda people we seem not to be given a chance to enjoy the fruits of the democracy we all fought for.

These other ethnic groups only need us when the goping gets tough.

Look, Limpopo voted in numbers than other provinces but we are ignored when the party is rulling.

As the Vhavenda, we need to do something about that.

Let us unite and fight marginalization.

Heita da,

Chidino Posted on 27 Jun 2006 10:01
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Murendeni
Too few, too poor, too iliterate and too black to appeal to SABC's potential clients.-
My dear friends, Tshidino & Tondani!

It has come to my attention that if we as the very few Vhavenda who understand the media game, don't come together and exhibit to the world what we are trully all about, no one will and we will kiss the dust till the terminal point of age.

There are more questions than answers the SABC can provide for the vehement crucification and reaping off, of the beautifull, intelligent breed of Limpopo-THE VENDA PEOPLE. The perception that we are too few, too poor. too illiterate and too black to appeal to good brands is nonsense. They fail to understand that we are part of the growing market of South Africa and the stupid programming market research conducted does not reflect who we are. I think there's more to it than just denying us good indegineous Venda TV shows. I don't have much time now, but there's more to alude. lets meet and discuss the future of our people in the media context!!!!

REX! (filmmaker)
072 623 6688 Posted on 24 Jul 2006 19:34
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Catcher
What about English or Esperanto for all?-
The world evolves, people die, nations rise, nations fall. Not too many people speak Latin anymore...

My point... the world has always changed and if your language is not mainstream, then join the international trend. A local language isn't going to get you a top post in Europe is it? We worry about losing our heritage and culture but never stop to think that this is the way the world works and why humans, who are pretty useless in a nutural environment flourish... we adapt.

I know this is not PC but nature is cruel and for the world to run properly and for people to avoid being marginalised, then we must move on... who laments the fact the the San (whatever the PC name is) have no local news content - what is wrong with their language?

This may sound harsh but it is realistic and pragmatic... surely? Posted on 16 Sep 2004 13:36
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ms_charlie
You make a good point-
Even as I read your comment, I must admit that it's a very practical one, no matter how harsh and unidealistic it sounds.

The world does indeed evolve, and whether we like it or not, we adapt to it's changing needs and effects. The best thing to do, I reckon, is to stop carping and readjust, or actually do something about it before your turn comes to fall off the earth and that way you can say "at least I tried" if it will let your conscience be at ease. Posted on 29 Sep 2004 14:38
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Erick
Hey Man Catcther-
Hey, what nosense are you telling the masses pf the land. We need to move on with our our heritage and culture. The world does not belelong to Europe okay. We often hear about African Renaissence. What does this mean to you. Let me stop here b4 I ...... Posted on 4 Oct 2004 16:10
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kwaze-kwabuhlungu-impela
chill ------------ erick!-
don't be so emotional, we are trying to help each other out here erick. catcher was just giving us a suggest - a practical one nogal. people we can't all be happy, if limpopo people / tsongas and vendas don't understand the other languages they should just watch english/afrikaans news. or they can watch sepedi news on sabc 2 (isn't that another limpopo language?)
if you can't beat them, join them.
zulu is not my favourate language, but - sad as it may be -- i hear the language everywhere because most people understand it. that is the reality that we have to live with. boy! wouldn't i love it if every next person in this country (or tv stations for that matter) spoke my very difficult xhosa with its x, c, q, in each word pronounced. but the reality is i have to adapt, empeleni ke kubuhlungu. look i can even speak zulu now, i think it helps. Posted on 5 Jul 2006 18:20
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