SABC Systems Administrator (Radio) Job

The SABC Systems Administrator (Radio) job is now open within the Technology division, supporting Radio and Regional Technology across South Africa. This senior specialist role is ideal for experienced broadcast systems professionals with strong IT, security, and playout system expertise who are passionate about ensuring reliable radio broadcasting nationwide.

This position plays a critical role in designing, maintaining, and supporting radio broadcast and production systems to ensure secure, uninterrupted services across all SABC regions.

South African Broadcasting Corporation is South Africa’s national public broadcaster, delivering radio and television content that informs, educates, and entertains millions of listeners daily. The organisation relies on highly skilled technical specialists to maintain broadcast continuity and innovation.

About the SABC Systems Administrator (Radio) Job

The SABC Systems Administrator (Radio) job is a Specialist-level role reporting to the Manager: Broadcast Systems and Innovation Hub. The position focuses on playout servers, production systems, system security, and integration with music, news, sport, and advertising scheduling platforms.

The role requires strategic input, hands-on technical expertise, and the ability to support mission-critical broadcast systems on a 24/7 basis.

Key Responsibilities of the SABC Systems Administrator (Radio)

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

Designing, installing, configuring, and maintaining radio broadcast and production systems
Ensuring high availability, security, and performance of playout and workstation systems
Integrating broadcast systems with scheduling platforms for music, news, sport, and adverts
Supporting CAPEX and OPEX planning with technical research and system designs
Managing system upgrades, antivirus software, remote connectivity, and lifecycle planning
Driving system changes through the Change Advisory Board (CAB)
Conducting proof-of-concepts and supporting special broadcast projects and events
Monitoring systems daily to identify risks and prevent on-air disruptions
Managing system security, user access, patching, and antivirus updates
Conducting failover testing and maintaining disaster recovery readiness
Developing SOPs, user guides, workflows, and technical documentation
Providing escalation support and mentoring junior system administrators
Ensuring compliance with OEM specifications, broadcast standards, and IT security policies
Maintaining asset registers and coordinating annual asset verification
Producing monthly performance, downtime, and system health reports

Business Operations, Governance, and Compliance

In this role, you will also:

Contribute to CAPEX and OPEX budgets and business cases
Ensure broadcast systems meet internal SLA targets and availability standards
Support audits and implement audit recommendations
Ensure compliance with ICASA, SAMRO, and SAMPRA reporting requirements
Coordinate disaster recovery planning and risk mitigation
Engage with suppliers, OEMs, and service providers
Ensure adherence to procurement, OHS, and company governance policies

Skills and Competencies Required

To succeed in the SABC Systems Administrator (Radio) job, candidates must demonstrate:

Advanced IT broadcast systems knowledge
Strong database administration and IT security skills
Excellent analytical, planning, and problem-solving ability
High attention to detail and documentation accuracy
Ability to work independently and prioritise tasks
Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
Leadership ability, including mentoring and knowledge transfer
Commitment to service excellence and broadcast reliability

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Three-year National Diploma (NQF 6) in Computer Studies, Information Systems, or Electrical Engineering (Light Current), or a relevant Bachelor’s Degree
Minimum of seven years’ technical experience in an IT broadcast environment
At least five years’ experience at systems administrator level
Strong proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio)
IT security and database administration expertise
Valid driver’s licence (advantageous)

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