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The DA welcomes the withdrawal of the SABC Bill by Minister of Communications & Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi. We commend the minister for relinquishing executive powers that would have extended overreach into the SABC—a step that few ministers would be willing to take.

In the myriad challenges the Public Broadcaster faces, the Bill was significantly counterproductive.

It sought to provide further powers to the Executive over the SABC’s operations and finances, jeopardising its independence and going against constitutional precedent.

In particular, it would have kicked the SABC’s funding model down the road by three years, while the entity currently battles to stay afloat.

The SABC expects to incur a R590 million financial loss for 2024/25, from a R1.1 billion loss in 2023/24. It has received its first clean audit in over decade, after a bruising history of State Capture.

From its introduction in the 6th Parliament to its revival in this Parliament, the DA along with civil organisations has long been opposing the Bill for its failure to address the SABC’s immediate concerns.

Following this decisive action, the DA looks forward to soon hearing from the Minister on what comes next for the SABC’s financial model. It is a matter of urgent priority.

A viable public broadcaster is essential for media freedom and our constitutional democracy.

Issued by Tsholofelo Bodlani MP - DA Spokesperson on Communications and Digital Technologies