[3] However, when television was eventually introduced in South Africa, the SABC launched only one channel—SABC TV—which aligned with the planned TV One service.

[7] In 1992, TV2, TV3, and TV4 were merged into a single unified network called CCV (Contemporary Community Values), operating on the same frequency as TV2.

[10] In 1996, the SABC reorganised its three television networks to better reflect South Africa's diverse ethnolinguistic groups.

[14] The channel introduced a new identity at 5pm[15] on 18 August 2003, presenting itself as Ya Mampela (The Real Thing), aiming to solidify its position among an increasingly urban viewing audience.

[16][17] A controversial race reversal advertisement (PF Jones) appeared to tie in with the relaunch, over time, false information had emerged online that the advert was banned.

The channel has been known as 'Mzansi's Storyteller' due to its popular local dramas, including the well-known soap operas Generations: The Legacy, Uzalo, and Skeem Saam.

The channel features a variety of comedy shows, game shows, and reality series, including Nyan'Nyan, Now or Never, It Takes a Village, Plate it up, The next big thing, Ses' Top La, Friends Like These, The Remix, Lip Sync Battle, and Deal or No Deal.

On a daily basis, the channel showcases short religious shows catering to African Traditional Religion, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

SABC1 airs Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches during the weekend and also holds broadcasting rights for other football events such as the Africa Cup of Nations, the FIFA World Cup, and Bafana Bafana And Banyana Banyana international friendlies.

[21] The network airs classic action, horror, drama, comedy, sci-fi, adventure, thriller, romance, and fantasy movies on certain weekends.

In addition, it airs the longest-running local kids' show, YoTV, which broadcasts five times a week and once every weekend.