OUTA believes that the SABC Bill does not adequately address the SABC’s main challenge – that of funding – and therefore we want the Bill to be referred back to the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies. Here’s why. 

After careful consideration of the SABC Bill, OUTA has submitted various concerns to the Portfolio Committee of Communications and Digital Technologies. In our submission, we emphasized the need for strong legislation and policies to restore public trust in the broadcaster and ensure editorial independence for the financially unstable SABC. We have no doubt about the SABC’s value as a public broadcaster and believe this role needs support.

It is our view that the SABC Bill is not effectively addressing funding challenges but rather delaying the development of a funding model for three more years, potentially worsening the SABC’s financial situation. 

Our solution for providing a stable revenue stream for the SABC is a regular annual state grant, not the current TV license fee collection model. We are also concerned about government interference in the SABC's commercial and operational aspects, and we want the Bill to be referred back to the Department for reconsideration. Read more here.