It was created in 1996, after the SABC restructured its television channels. SABC 1 carried much of its programming over from the defunct CCV (Contemporary Community Values) channel, which was itself made up of the old TV2, TV3 and TV4 channels created in the 1980s. SABC1 generates the widest audience in South Africa due to its programming diversity. Media critic Wallace Chipidza has described SABC1 as "Africa's best channel", due to its truly African feel.
The slogan for the channel is "Mzanzi fo sho".