The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is facing a multiplicity of crises, ranging from cash liquidity problems, a loss of credibility and audience, and essential absolute technology that will not interface with Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) when the national roll-out takes place.
These problems were raised by the deputy chairperson of the interim Board, Mr Mathatha Tsedu, who briefed the Portfolio Committee on Communications on Monday. The Committee is currently holding a four-day strategic session in Stellenbosch, which started on Sunday afternoon.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Mr Humphrey Maxegwana, said the Committee had invited the Department of Communications and entities, as well as Government Communications and Information Systems (GCIS) to form part of the session.
“We invited them so that they could brief us on their respective programmes that will be implemented in the 2017/18 financial year. This will enable us to formulate effective and coherent oversight strategy,” said Mr Maxegwana.
Mr Tsedu said that since assuming office in March 2017, the interim Board has drafted a recovery plan, which proposes a multi-pronged strategy. The Board is also in talks with the Department of Communications and National Treasury for financial assistance in order to ensure that the SABC survives and thrives.
“The plan includes a proposal to reverse the 90/10 music policy, which has cost SABC radio R29 million and television R183 million. It also proposes the redrafting of the entity’s corporate plan,” said Mr Tsedu.
He briefed the Committee that their work had been made difficult by the former Minister of Communications, Ms Faith Muthambi, and some SABC staff members. The strategic planning session will continue until Wednesday.
Justice Molafo
24 April 2017
Arrange a tour