Specialist: Systems Administrator (Radio) – SABC

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Specialist: Systems Administrator (Radio) – SABC (Re-Advertisement)

Company: South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)
Position: Specialist: Systems Administrator (Radio)
Division: Technology (GP)
Department: Radio and Regional Technology
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: South Africa
Position ID: 60018655
Job Grade: Scale Code 401 (Peromnes 8, Paterson CU)
Reporting To: Manager: Broadcast Systems and Innovation Hub
Closing Date: 16 July 2026

Job Overview

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is inviting applications for the position of Specialist: Systems Administrator (Radio). This senior technical role is responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, securing and supporting broadcast production and playout systems used across SABC’s national and regional operations.

The successful candidate will ensure the reliability, availability and security of mission-critical radio and television broadcast systems while supporting continuous innovation, disaster recovery planning and digital transformation.

Key Responsibilities

Broadcast Systems Administration

  • Design, install, configure and maintain broadcast playout and production systems.
  • Support playout servers, workstations, storage and broadcast software.
  • Manage system security, antivirus protection and patch management.
  • Maintain user accounts and permissions according to IT security policies.
  • Ensure continuous integration between broadcast systems and scheduling platforms.

System Design & Innovation

  • Develop technical solutions aligned with business requirements.
  • Participate in CAPEX and OPEX planning.
  • Prepare technical specifications for new broadcast technologies.
  • Evaluate new software and hardware through proof-of-concept testing.
  • Drive workflow improvements and automation initiatives.

Operational Support

  • Monitor system performance across all SABC regions.
  • Perform preventative maintenance and health checks.
  • Troubleshoot software and hardware failures.
  • Ensure maximum system uptime and broadcast continuity.
  • Produce downtime reports and maintenance documentation.
  • Support major live broadcasts and special events.

Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity

  • Develop and maintain disaster recovery procedures.
  • Conduct regular failover and backup testing.
  • Ensure backup systems remain operational.
  • Minimise downtime during upgrades and maintenance.

Governance & Compliance

  • Maintain software licensing compliance.
  • Support internal and external audits.
  • Assist procurement processes for technical equipment.
  • Coordinate annual asset verification and management.
  • Ensure compliance with OEM specifications and SABC standards.

Stakeholder Management

  • Provide technical support to internal clients.
  • Collaborate with IT, broadcast engineering and production teams.
  • Liaise with software vendors and equipment suppliers.
  • Deliver user training and technical guidance.

Leadership

  • Mentor and coach System Administrators.
  • Assist with team supervision when required.
  • Contribute to staff development and knowledge sharing.
  • Support departmental planning and performance management.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have:

  • National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Computer Studies with Information Systems or
  • Three-year National Diploma (S4) or
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (Light Current).
  • Minimum 7 years’ technical experience within a broadcast IT or Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) systems environment.
  • At least 5 years’ experience as a Systems Administrator.
  • Strong knowledge of:
    • Windows Server Administration
    • Broadcast Automation Systems
    • Database Administration
    • Active Directory
    • Virtualisation Technologies
    • Network Infrastructure
    • Cybersecurity
    • Backup and Disaster Recovery
  • Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Visio).
  • Valid driver’s licence will be advantageous.

Preferred Skills

  • Broadcast technology expertise
  • IT infrastructure management
  • Server administration
  • Database management
  • Linux and Windows environments
  • Broadcast automation systems
  • Storage management
  • Network troubleshooting
  • Virtual machine administration
  • System integration
  • Disaster recovery planning
  • Cybersecurity best practices
  • Technical documentation
  • Project management
  • Analytical problem-solving
  • Communication and stakeholder engagement
  • Leadership and mentoring abilities

Key Competencies

  • Strong analytical thinking
  • Excellent troubleshooting skills
  • High attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently
  • Decision-making under pressure
  • Time management
  • Customer service orientation
  • Continuous improvement mindset
  • Technical research capability
  • Excellent written and verbal communication

Why Join SABC?

Working at SABC offers an opportunity to support South Africa’s leading public broadcaster while working with advanced broadcasting technologies. Employees contribute to delivering reliable radio and television services nationwide and gain exposure to large-scale digital broadcasting environments, enterprise infrastructure, and continuous technological innovation.

Application Closing Date

16 July 202

Apply Here