next Springboks match
The SABC will broadcast 16 out of 48 matches of the Rugby World Cup. Images via Twitter: @springboks

Home » ‘What about load shedding?’: SABC’s World Cup broadcast rights bring little joy

‘What about load shedding?’: SABC’s World Cup broadcast rights bring little joy

Springboks supporters will have to grapple with load shedding and just one third of the Rugby World Cup matches being broadcast on SABC.

By Megan van den Heever
08-09-23 11:14
in Sport
next Springboks match
The SABC will broadcast 16 out of 48 matches of the Rugby World Cup. Images via Twitter: @springboks

Despite the SABC finally acquiring the broadcasting rights to the Rugby World Cup – one of a third of it, to be exact – Springboks supporters are grappling with another annoying hindrance – loadshedding!

This week, Eskom implemented staged Stage 6 rolling blackouts to the frustration of many South Africans. The power cuts will likely affect viewing of the tournament hosted in France, which kicks off on Friday, 8 September, and ends on 28 October.

The Springboks will play their first match against Scotland on Sunday.

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SABC TO SCREEN ONE-THIRD OF RUGBY WORLD CUP MATCHES

In a brief statement on Thursday, 7 September, the SABC announced that it would broadcast 16 out of 48 matches in the Rugby World Cup.

The public broadcaster struck a last-minute sub-licencing deal with Multichoice.

According to the statement, SABC will air “a total of 16 matches may be broadcast by the SABC, including the opening ceremony and opening match, all matches that the Springboks participate in, two quarterfinal matches, one semifinal, the bronze final, the final and the closing ceremony”.

ANC message to Springboks
The controversial ANC graphic. Photo: @@MbalulaFikile / X.

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According to the Rugby World Cup site, 48 matches will played over seven weeks in nine stadiums around France.

LOAD SHEDDING PUTS A DAMPER ON TOURNAMENT

While many South Africans have claimed that the SABC’s limited Rugby World Cup viewing is “better than nothing,” others have bemoaned another colossal factor – load shedding.

This week, Eskom implemented stage six load shedding, which will end on Friday morning.

ALSO READ: ‘Springboks weakness’: Zeenat Simjee dragged by rugby fans

According to a statement, stage five load shedding will be implemented from 05:00 to 16:00 on Friday. This is likely to change again over the weekend.

But rugby fans are annoyed – and with good reason. 

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“How are we supposed to support our country and Boks with stage 6 load shedding?” asked one tweep.

Another added: “The way loadshedding is set up, not a single South African will be watching the Rugby World Cup opener.”

Tags: featured HNelnny Important load shedding South Africa SABC World Cup broadcast Springboks