Communications & digital technologies minister Solly Malatsi is at loggerheads with the chair of the parliamentary committee with oversight of his department on his withdrawal of the SABC bill so a funding model for the broadcaster can be developed.
Malatsi of the DA told National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza of his decision. But parliament’s communications and digital technologies committee chair Khusela Diko said she regarded the minister’s decision as “highly ill-advised and it is no exaggeration to say it would sound the death knell for the SABC”.
Diko is a member of the ANC’s national executive committee, and was President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson until July 2020.
The EFF criticised Malatsi’s withdrawal of the bill without first telling the committee, saying it was an attempt to undermine the public broadcaster and siphon off its advertising revenue to private broadcasters. The bill has been condemned, including by the DA, AfriForum, Media Monitoring Africa, the SA National Editors Forum and lawyers for e.tv and MultiChoice.
Critics said it did not address the state of the SABC, its mandate and how it might be funded.
The bill gives the minister three years to come up with a funding framework for the public broadcaster. Its finances are in the doldrums as more than 75% of households do not pay television licence fees, forcing it to seek state cash injections. The SABC had a R1bn loss in fiscal 2023.
ANC minister Mondli Gungubele introduced the bill in the previous parliament. The new parliament prioritised it, and the committee conducted public hearings on it in September.
Sustainability
Malatsi said in a statement that after extensive stakeholder consultation and a thorough review of public submissions, “it is clear that the SABC bill, as it stands does not serve the long-term interests of the SABC or the SA public. Most importantly, the current version does not adequately address the most important element regarding the SABC’s sustainability: a credible funding model that will steer the public broadcaster to success.
“Despite the broadcaster’s ongoing financial challenges and operational losses, the SABC bill suggests a delayed funding model ... This approach does not meet the urgency required to stabilise the broadcaster and risks perpetuating an outdated licensing structure that will not provide the SABC with the necessary resources to fulfil its mandate.”
Malatsi said the bill would give the minister extra powers, including influence over board appointments, which could erode SABC independence.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.