Parliament, Saturday, 1 August 2026 - The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Ms Khusela Sangoni Diko, joins millions of South Africans in celebrating the 90th anniversary of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), marking nine decades of public broadcasting that have informed, educated and entertained generations while reflecting the country’s evolving democratic and cultural landscape.
This milestone presents an opportunity to acknowledge the SABC’s enduring contribution as South Africa’s public broadcaster and a strategic national institution that has chronicled defining moments in our country’s history. From the struggle for freedom to the dawn of democracy and the ongoing project of nation-building, the SABC has remained an indispensable platform for public discourse, cultural expression and the promotion of constitutional values.
Ms Diko recognises that the SABC continues to play a critical role in ensuring universal access to credible news and information, educational programming, indigenous language content, sports and entertainment. As the country’s most accessible broadcaster, it remains central to deepening democracy, fostering social cohesion and ensuring that no community is left behind in the digital era.
She further acknowledges the resilience demonstrated by the SABC in navigating significant financial, governance and technological challenges over the years. While much progress has been made in stabilising the institution, sustained efforts remain necessary to secure its long-term financial sustainability and enable it to fulfil its public service mandate in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving digital broadcasting environment.
“The 90th anniversary of the SABC is not merely a celebration of an institution’s longevity. It is a celebration of a national asset that has amplified the voices, stories and aspirations of South Africans across generations,” said Ms Diko.
Furthermore, she commends the generations of journalists, producers, technical professionals, artists, administrators and executives whose dedication - under limited resources- has shaped the SABC into an institution that continues to connect South Africans across geographic, linguistic and cultural divides.
As South Africa celebrates this significant milestone, Ms Diko remains confident that the SABC will continue to adapt, innovate and fulfil its constitutional and public service responsibilities for generations to come.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, MS KHUSELA SANGONI DIKO
For media enquiries, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Mr Justice Molafo
Cell: 081 424 7481
Email: jmolafo@parliament.gov.za
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