Hollywoodbets swoops in to save the day for all SABC viewers
Rugby is a game for all. Thankfully, everyone in SA will have access to World Cup matches.
If you remember the last time we spoke about the South African Broadcasting Commission (SABC), they were battling it out with The Multichoice Group over the rights to broadcast the Rugby World Cup in France.
Many people in our country were left disappointed by the news earlier in September and there were doubts as to whether the SABC would be able to acquire the funds to obtain the rights to showcase the Springboks' World Cup defence.
Read more: England dispel Rugby World Cup jitters as Ireland hail Sexton
Well, a certain KwaZulu-Natal organisation together with South African Breweries (SAB) were able to buy the rights for the SABC.
According to The South African, a statement was made by the SABC saying that Hollywoodbets and SAB had reached an agreement to ensure that South Africans don't miss out on the Rugby World Cup.
The SABC have acquired a sub-licence agreement with Multichoice Group. In the statement made by the SABC, a total of 16 games will be broadcast on the SABC channels.
Read more: SABC refuses to fork out mega bucks for Rugby World Cup
The Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture in SA, Zizi Kodwa, was overjoyed that the two broadcasting companies came together for the sake of SA and resolved the matter just in time for the Springbok game on Sunday, 10 September.
"I welcome this groundbreaking agreement which will allow all South Africans to watch the world champions, the Springboks, as they defend their Rugby World Cup title," says Zizi Kodwa.
The minister, in his statement, also acknowledged how rugby as a sport has the power to unite people throughout South Africa.
"Rugby has the potential to unite our people, to foster social cohesion and national unity. We have seen this in the times the Springboks have won the 2019 Rugby World Cup," adds Kodwa.
MEDIA STATEMENT
— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) September 7, 2023
Minister Zizi Kodwa is pleased to learn that the SABC and MultiChoice have come to an agreement on broadcast rights for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
This means that millions of South Africans will be able to watch key matches 2023. pic.twitter.com/gTyjMdg33k
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Main image attribution: X/ Screenshot/ @Springboks