Springbok Radio – Broadcast Media

About Springbok Radio:

History of Springbok Radio:

On 1 May 1950, the first commercial radio station in South Africa, Springbok Radio took to the airwaves broadcasting in both English and Afrikaans. This followed almost 5 years of intense investigation by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and after consultations with both Lord Reith of the BBC and the South African Government it was decided to introduce commercial radio in South Africa to supplement the SABC’s existing public service English and Afrikaans networks.

The first voice heard on the air that morning was that of Eric Egan. Eric would be well remembered for his daily “Corny Crack” and catch phrase “I Looooveee Yoouuu”. Many of the drama programmes during the 1950s were imported from Australia but as time moved on and more funding became available, Springbok Radio produced almost all of its programmes within South Africa through a network of independent production houses. However, in the 1980s the SABC ended up killing off many of these independent production houses when Springbok Radio closed down. If it was not for these production houses, Springbok Radio would not have survived. Almost 90% of programming came from them.

In 1976 television was launched in South Africa and this was followed by television commercials in 1978. Commercial TV was the major factor in the demise of Springbok Radio, which was very much dependent on advertising revenue. Springbok Radio closed on 31 December 1985.

List of Programmes

Springbok Radio’s programme schedules reflected the White, primarily English-speaking, suburban lifestyle of the period, when many women were housewives. Weekday schedules broadly comprised a breakfast session (05:00 – 08:30), women’s programmes (08:30 – 14:00), Afrikaans soap operas (14:00 – 16:15), teatime chat shows (16:15 – 16:45), children’s programmes (16:45-18:15), dinnertime programmes (18:15 – 19:00), the main news bulletin (19:00 – 19:15), and family shows (19:15 – 24:00). Saturday programmes were generally light: music, sitcoms and quizzes. Sunday was more sedate: music, chat shows, requests for the armed forces (during the 1970s and 1980s), news commentary and drama.

Programmes included:

Children

The Casey Kids (1960s)
Chappies Chipmunk Club
The Adventures of Jet Jungle (1973–1985) – … most amazing man of our time … Created by Brian O’Shaughnessy and sponsored for many years by the Tiger Oats Company makers of Jungle Oats and Black Cat Peanut Butter.
My Pal Shep (1960s)
Ricky Roper, Schoolboy Detective
Superman (1950–1957) – FROM AUSTRALIA
Tarzan, King of the Apes (1950–1955) – FROM AUSTRALIA
The Air Adventures of Hop Harrigan (1950–1957) – FROM AUSTRALIA
The Twilight Ranger (1950–1953) – ORIGINALLY FROM AUSTRALIA
Luck of the Legion (1979)
The BP Smurf Show (1982–1985)

Comedy/variety

Father, Dear Father (1974–1985) – Produced by Tom Meehan
Leave It to Van der Merwe
Loudspeaker Show
The Men from the Ministry (1969–1985) – “… the bowler, briefcase and brolly brigade …” – Produced by Tom Meehan, starring John Simpson, Roger Service, Maureen Adair, Tommy Reed, Frank Graham, Tom Meehan and Pat Simpson. Adapted from the BBC radio series.
The Navy Lark (1973–1985) – “… the craziest crew afloat …” Adapted from the BBC radio series.
The Pip Freedman Show (1968–1985)
Taxi -” (1969-1972) (1975-1978) … the trials and tribulations of a New York taxi driver …” – Written & Produced by Joe Stewardson & Directed by David Gooden at the Sonovision Studios, Johannesburg. It starred George Korelin as Chuck Edwards, Tony Jay as Red Kowalski & Patricia Sanders as Mertyl. The series started its run on Sunday evenings in 1969 & ended in 1972. A second season of the series started in 1975 & continued until 1978 on Monday evenings. Some of the second season episodes were written by Tony Jay & George Korelin. During the second season Tony Jay briefly left the series and the role was taken over by actor Adrian Egan. Tony however returned & the series became just as popular as what it was during the original run. Due to the success of the series, a full feature film was made in South Africa by Killarney Film Studios in 1971, starring the original stars from the radio series. The series is currently being rebroadcast on the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio & can be heard on Mondays.
Next Stop Makouvlei (1969–1972)
Life with Dexter (1967–1969) – FROM AUSTRALIA
The Goode Life (1969–1971)
The Bloodhounds (1975–1976)
Friends and Neighbours – Pat Simpson and Valerie Miller-Brown (later Jim Williams and Bella Mariani) as the Duffs, David Horner and Gillian Lomberg as the Loaders; and Frank Graham.

Documentary

Call Back the Past (1968–1982) – Devised & Presented by Percy Sieff. The series was broadcast every Tuesday evening at 18H45. The series is being rebroadcast at present on the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio & can be heard on Tuesdays.
Cameos of the Holy Land (1981–1985), compiled and presented by David Brown.

Taxi – The closing line of the show was “If I don’t see you through the week, I’ll see you through the window”…

Drama

Death Touched My Shoulder (1966–1970)
General Motors on Safari (1965–1969) – Highly acclaimed series of the African Bushveld. Most episodes were dramatised stories, although some of them were presented as true-life documentary. The series was produced by Michael McCabe & was broadcast on Friday evenings at 19H30. Sponsored throughout its run by General Motors South Africa. The series is being rebroadcast at present on the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio & can be heard on Tuesdays.
High Adventure (1972–1985) – A series of dramatised adventure dramas. Replaced the series “Next Stop Makouvlei” on Tuesday evenings. The series was directed by Henry Diffenthal at the Olympia Recording Studios in Durban. Writers included Ron Evans, Denver Morgan, Norman Partington etc. The series moved to Thursady evenings in 1976 and then Saturday Evenings in 1979 & ended in June 1985. Rebroadcasts of the series can be heard on the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio on Tuesdays.
Medical File (1969–1973, 1975–1979)
Tales of Antiquity(1975–1976) – Written & Produced by Kenneth Hendel. Broadcast on Springbok Radio, on Saturday evenings. The original series ran for 30 minutes per episode. The series made a brief appearance on Radio South Africa in 1986 but this time running for only 15 minutes.
The World of Dick Francis (1981–1984) – dramatised novels
The World of Hammond Innes – dramatised novels
Tales from the Seven Seas (1974–1979) – Written by Annette McKenzie and Jack Mullen and Produced by Andre Bothma. Can be heard every Thursday on the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio.
Scoop (1974–1977) ….True stories that have made headlines…. Produced by Delphine Lethbridge. Can currently be heard every Friday on the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio.

Drama: courtroom/detective/police

Address Unknown (1956–1970) – Originally came from Australia. In 1960 after the Australian run, the series was written & produced in South Africa. Many of the episodes were written in SA by Adrian Steed who also played one of the lead roles. The main role of Henry Simon was played by Stuart Brown. The series aired on Saturday Evenings & was produced at the Herrick Merrill Studios in Johannesburg.
Consider Your Verdict (1954–1985) – “… it’s time for you to take your place on the jury …” – written & produced by Michael Silver at the CRC Studios in Johannesburg. This series started in 1954 after a run of the Australian series “Famous Jury Trials”. The series aired on Tuesday evenings until 1979 when the series moved to Tuesday mornings. The series ended in June 1985.
The Epic Casebook (1957–1985) – “… in which Inspector Carr investigates …” – The highly successful detective series, starring Hugh Rouse as Inspector Carr. Written & Produced by Michael Silver at the CRC Studios, Johannesburg. The series aired originally on Thursday evenings at 21H30, sponsored by the Epic Oil Company of S.A. In 1977 the sponsorship ended and the series was renamed “Inspector Carr Investigates” and moved to the earlier slot of 20H30. The first actor to play Inspector Carr was Don Davis, he was replaced in 1959 by Hugh Rouse. Don returned briefly in 1964 for 14 episodes. However Hugh Rouse made this series his own. A short lived television series was made by the SABC in the early 1980s with Michael McCabe, playing the famous Inspector. The transformation from radio to television was a total disaster. The series ended in June 1985 on Springbok Radio. A local Johannesburg radio station, Radio Today 1485am tried to revive the series in 1997, sadly copyright issues could not be cleared up & the idea was abandoned. The series is currently being rebroadcast on the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio & can be heard on Thursdays.
The Sounds of Darkness (1967–1974) – “… Lee Masters, the blind detective …” Written by Brian O’Shaughnessy and Louis Ife and Produced by Gerrie van Wyk. Starring Tony Jay as Lee Masters (1967–1972), Louis Ife as Lee Masters (1973–1974), James White, Hugh Rouse and Brian O’Shaughnessy. Can be heard every Tuesday on the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio.
Squad Cars (1969–1985) – “… they prowl the empty streets at night …” – Produced by Colin Fish & Directed by David Gooden at the Sonovision Studios, Johannesburg. Writers included Adrian Steed, Bev Peirce & Anthony Fridjhon. Narrated by Hugh Rouse (1969), Adrian Steed (1969–1971) & Malcolm Gooding (1971–1985). The series originally aired on Sunday evenings unsponsored. When the series “General Motors on Safari”, which aired on Friday evenings came to an end in 1969, the series moved to the popular 19H30 slot on Fridays & remained there until 1979. It moved to the 20H30 slot in 1979 where it remained until June 1985 when the series came to an end. The series is currently being rebroadcast by the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio & can be heard on Fridays.
Best Sellers ….featuring great works by famous authors of today and yesterday… (1980–1985) – Originally aired Monday to Friday at 9pm. Moved to the 12H30 slot in July 1985. Is currently being rebroadcast on the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio and can br heard on Thursdays.
Springbok 930 Dosier ….from the files of interesting and fascinating people…. (1980–1985) – Originally aired Monday to Friday at 21H30. It moved to the 09H30 slot in July 1985. The series is currently being rebroadcast on the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio and can be heard on Wednesdays.
The Stories of Sherlock Holmes (1979–1985)-Starring Graham Armitage and Kerry Jordan. Produced by Michael Silver. Broadcast on Sunday Evenings at 6pm. Can be heard every Sunday on the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio.

Drama: espionage

The Avengers (1972–1973)
My Name’s Adam Kane – Written by Dale Cutts & Produced by Margaret Heale. It aired on Springbok Radio between 1973 & 1985 & then had a short run on Radio South Africa in 1986. It starred Don McCorkindale as Adam Kane until 1979 & then Richard Cox took over the role. It aired on Saturday nights at 21H30 & in 1979 it was moved to the 12H30 slot. The series is currently being rebroadcast on the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio & can be heard on Wednesdays.
The Man They Couldn’t Kill
Paul Vaga
Woman in Danger (1977–1979) Written by Brian O’Shaughnessy and Produced by Gerrie van Wyk

Drama: soap opera

Die Banneling
From Crystal, With Love
Dr Marius Hugo
Die Geheim van Nantes (1973–1974)
Die Indringer
Liefdeslied (1953–1959)
Die Mannheim Saga (1982–1983) – Written by Lerina Erasmus
Oupa Jasper (1974–1975) – Written by Mike Heine. This serial was redone again in 1997,with Zach du Plessis playing Oupa Jasper. It can currently be heard every Tuesday on the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio.
Wolwedans in die Skemer (1982–1983) – Written by Leon van Nierop
My Hartjie My Liefie (1984–1985) – Written by Lerina Erasmus
Doelwit R.S.A. (1979–1981)
Basis Bravo (1982–1984) – Written by Gerhard Venter
Agent 0-008 en K00S” (1981-1984)
Bruid vir ‘n Gestorwe Man (1983-1985)
Die Vrou van Shangetti (1981-1983)
Brug oor Satansvallei (1976-1978)

Drama: supernatural

Call of the Sea
The Creaking Door (1964-1969) – “… the creaking door is opening, so do come in …” Based on the long running American radio series “The Inner Sanctum Mysteries”. The series was produced by Michael Silver and for many years was sponsored by State Express 555 Cigarettes. The series can currently be heard on the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio and is aired every Friday.
Beyond Midnight (1968–1969) Horror drama’s, adapted and produced by Michael McCabe.
SF’68 (1968) Science Fiction drama, adapted and produced in Johannesburg by Michael McCabe.
Suspense (1968–1970) (1982–1985) – Original series adapted by Michael McCabe, Second Series from numerous writers & producers.
Hitchcock’s Half Hour (1973–1984) – Adapted by Michael McCabe
The Eleventh Hour (1963–1971) – The first 52 episodes originated from Australia. From 1964 the stories were all original & produced in South Africa. This series is currently being rebroadcast on the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio and can be heard on Saturdays.

Games shows/quizzes

Castle Lager Key Game
Check Your Mate (1973–1985) The Family quiz game hosted in Cape Town by Percy Sieff and Judy Henderson.
Eyegene Jackpot Show (1964–1971) – Hosted by Bob Courtney
Bingo at Home (1967–1970) – Hosted by Douglas Laws
Road to Fortune (1975–1976) – Hosted by Donald Monat, devised by Paul Beresford and June Dixon.
The Cold Power Hotline (1973–1978) – Produced by Gerrie van Wyk
Dial A Tune (1975–1984) – Hosted by David Gresham
Super Dooper Shopper Show (1976–1983)
Hundred Thousand to Go
More Miles with Mobil
Number Please
Pick a Box (1955–1975) – “… the money or the box? …” Originally hosted by Jack Bryant and Kim Shippey. Produced by National Studios, Durban. Later by Bob Courtney and Peter Lotis.
Quiz Kids – Hosted by Henry Howell
Test the Team (1954–1985) – “… the three wise men …”
Twenty-One”
Venture (1967-1985) – “… the exciting, dangerous quiz game …” Hosted by Kim Shippey and Neville Dawson.
Fun with the Forces (1976-1980)

Greetings/requests

Hospitaaltyd – (1957-1979) “… daar’s ‘n lied en ‘n glimlag vir jou …” Aired every week day Monday to Friday at 12H30 from 1957 to 1979. Hosted by Dulcie van den Berg & produced at the CRC Studios in Johannesburg. The popular signature tune was composed by Bob Courtney and the vocal is performed by Jimmy Rayson.

Interviews/chat shows

Guess Who with All Gold – Presented by Stuart Brown
In Town Tonight (later simply “Tonight”)
Tea with Mr Green
Springbok Spotlight

Music

Esmé’s Music Album – Sunday night music programme presented by Esme Euvrard
From the Bell Tower (1964-1985) – Religious music programme hosted by Simon Swindell in Cape Town. Broadcast every Sunday at Noon. Can currently be heard every Sunday on the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio.
Memories Are Made of This / Ek dink nog aan die dae (1972-1985) Musical request programme which aired at 17HOO on Sundays. Hosted by Isador Davis, Evelyn Martin, Paul Beresford and Eric Cordell.
Mr Walker Wants to Play
Pepsodent Platter Parade – pop – Presented in London by Bob Holness & Produced in Durban by Henry Diffenthal.
Radio Jukebox – Radio Speelkas
Radio Record Club – pop
The Springbok 4:30 Special (1982-1985) – pop
The Springbok 5:30 Special (1977-1982)
The David Gresham Show (1985)
Springbok Radio Top 20 – pop
Musical Moneybox – Munt Uit Musiek (1973-1985)
The Voice of Firestone (1955-1965)
Keep it Country (1976-1985) – Hosted by Lance James. Moved to Radio Orion after the closure of Springbok Radio. Restarted in 1997 on Radio Today 1485AM, it still airs on Radio Today and can be heard on Tuesday evenings. The programme is also aired every Friday on the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio.

News/current affairs

Deadline Thursday Night – “… for your edification and your delight …” (LATER “DEADLINE MONDAY NIGHT”)
Top Level
The World at Seven P.M. (1950-1985)
World News and Africa Survey

Radio plays

Castle Playhouse (later Playhouse 90) – “… from the stages and studios, producers and playwrights of the world …”
Lux Radio Theatre aka Radio Theatre (1950–1985) – “… the finest in radio drama …” – This was the longest running series on Springbok Radio, which started on the very first night of Springbok Radio’s opening day. Many of the episodes from the early 1950s were rebroadcasts of Australian made episodes. The series originally aired at 20H30 on Monday evenings until 1979 when the series moved to the earlier 20H00 slot. The main sponsors of the series was Lever Brothers until 1978, after which the sponsorship ended & the series was renamed “Radio Theatre”. The series ended in June 1985. Certain selected episodes are being rebroadcast on the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio & can be heard on Mondays.
Sunlight Theatre of the Air (1950–67)
Shell Theatre of the Air (1967–1972)
Tuesday Theatre (1972–1985)

Science fiction

The Mind Of Tracey Dark (1974–1978) Aired Monday to Friday at 19H15. Starring Erica Rodgers as Tracy Dark, Written by Dennis Folbigge and recorded at the Sonovision Studios, Johannesburg. Produced by David Gooden.
No Place To Hide (1958–1970) – “… the world’s strangest investigator, Mark Saxon …” Created by Monty Doyle. Later scripts were written by Adrian Steed. The serial starred Dewar McCormack, Brian O’Shaughnessy, Paddy O’Byrne, Adrian Steed, Stuart Brown and Bruce Anderson.
Strangers from Space (1961–1963)
Probe (1969)

Show business

Springbok Spotlight – “… you’re right on the beam …” Presented by Neville Dawson
Movie-Go-Round – Presented by Pierre Louw

Women’s interest

Midday Mirror – Changed to Weekend Mirror in 1980, Hosted by Hugh Rouse, co-hosts included Valerie Dunlop, Patricia Sanders and Clare Marshall. Produced by CRC Studios, Johannesburg
Nestlé Greets The Bride
So Maak Mens (1957–1985) – Hosted by Esme Euvrard and Jan Cronje. Moved to Radio Suid-Afrika after the closure of Springbok Radio in 1985 and finally went off air in 1987.
Women’s Forum

Springbok Radio Preservation Society of South Africa:
Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, this was a non-profit organisation which had collected and archived all sorts of material including sound recordings and photographs related to Springbok Radio. It housed the biggest sound recording archive of the station in the world and was an internationally recognized sound archive. The Society was formed in 2002 by Frans Erasmus in Johannesburg. The archive held many original recordings on tape, reel to reel and transcription discs and also has many private off-air recordings of the station. The society was engaged in a restoration project, transferring the analogue recordings to a digital format. On 1 July 2008, this Society launched Springbok Radio Digital, a service where many of the restored programmes can be heard. On 8 May 2012, the archives of the Society was handed over to the SABC Sound Archive and the society was officially disbanded.

Springbok Radio Digital / Springbokradio Digitaal:
A creation of the Springbok Radio Preservation Society of South Africa with assistance from the SABC, in which certain of the Society’s restored programmes are streamed. The service started operating on 1 October 2008 and operates a 12 hour service from Mondays to Sundays, repeated 4 times. The service concentrates on presenting a selection of old time Springbok Radio programing restored and preserved at the Springbok Radio Preservation Society Archive. Springbok Radio Digital was officially handed over to the SABC Sound Archive on 8 May 2012.

For more information, click on the link below:
Springbok Radio