SABC Radio Stations and TV programmes were once again recognised and voted the Coolest in the Celebrity and Entertainment categories at the 13th Sunday Times Generation Next Brand Awards, which were held at the Sandton Convention Centre on Thursday, 11 May 2017. Metro FM affirmed its position as the Coolest Radio Station at the Awards for the 5th year in a row, followed by 5FM and Umhlobo Wenene FM. SABC1 drama Uzalo was voted Coolest TV Soap and Khumbul'ekhaya, Coolest Community Programmes 2017. The very popular Skeem Saam, also broadcast on SABC1 came in at 3rd place in the Coolest TV Soap category. “The SABC congratulates its Radio Stations and TV progammes for being recognised and receiving these important awards. This is an affirmation that SABC as the Public Broadcaster remains an important part of the South African media landscape and that it will continue to deliver on its Public Service Mandate to all South Africans, from all walks of life. These awards bear testimony that SABC Radio and TV brands are still relevant with younger South Africans and we must continue to use these platforms to inform, educate and entertain our listeners and viewers with new and exciting Innovations”, said Elouise Kelly, SABC Head of Marketing. The Awards are presented by the Sunday Times Generation Next Youth Survey, which gathers opinions and attitudes of young people between the ages of 8 and 22 to determine which brands they think are the coolest and most relevant in their lives. The survey is conducted by HDI Youth Marketeers. The survey has been running for the past thirteen years and has become the go-to source of information for brands wanting to tap into the younger segments of the market. The SABC is honoured to receive this recognition in a media landscape which is quite cluttered. It serves as a great motivation for the SABC to keep improving programming on its radio and television platforms. Other winners from the SABC stable at the Awards include: Muvhango (SABC2) - Coolest TV Programmes/series 2017 100% Youth (SABC1) - Coolest Community Programmes 2017 Skeem Saam (SABC1) - Coolest TV Soaps 2017 Soul City (SABC1) - Coolest Community Programmes 2017 Soul Buddyz (SABC1) - Coolest Community Programmes 2017 7de Laan - Coolest TV Soaps 2017 Generations - The Legacy (SABC1) - Coolest TV Soaps 2017 Isidingo (SABC3) - Coolest TV Soaps 2017 The Bold & the Beautiful (SABC3) - Coolest TV Soaps 2017 YoTV (SABC1) - Coolest Kids TV Channels/Blocks 2017 Survivor (SABC3) - Coolest Reality TV Shows 2017 Zaziwa (SABC1) - Coolest Reality TV Shows 2017