When Nelson Mandela died (read his obituary) on the evening of December 5, the SABC’s radio, TV and online news crews immediately initiated continuous live coverage of reactions and developments as they unfolded. This coverage continued until 16 December (Reconciliation Day) when a 9-metre statue was unveiled at the Union Buildings to honour the iconic former president.
Extensive coverage was available on the SABC’s 24-hour news channel, SABC1, SABC2, SABC3,SABC radio stations, the SABC News website, the Nelson Mandela sub-site (featuring related Events, Tributes and content about his Life and Legacy), and SABC News’ Twitter, Facebook, and Storify accounts.
Hundreds of video clips were uploaded to the SABC News’ YouTube channel, which was also used to live stream proceedings. Over 7 million minutes of video were watched in the period.
Special features were launched, including Mandela Kids (tributes from youngsters), My Madiba Prayers (religious messages), My Madiba Moments (meeting Mandela), My Madiba Memories (special impacts he had) and a mapped book of condolences (which received over 5000 responses from around the world).
For the SABC’s special report on former President Nelson Mandela, click here.
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