The division produces news content for the SABC's platforms, including bulletins for its television channels, radio stations, and digital properties, in English and other national languages.

Although this was because the BBC broadcasts were seen as giving a British viewpoint of current affairs, there were also concerns that the SABC service would become overly pro-government, or "Our Master's Voice".

During the apartheid regime, SABC News was understood as "his Master's Voice", a mere propaganda tool.

[6] SABC News head Jimi Matthews stated that the channel was part of an effort by the SABC to account for changing viewing habits, explaining that "very few people are still satisfied waiting for bulletins in the evening.

Its permanent staff members moved to other programmes produced by the unit.