SABC Says It Can Survive Without Bailout But Urges Government to Back Guarantee

The SABC board says South Africa’s public broadcaster no longer needs a bailout—but it does need the government’s backing through a guarantee if it’s going to remain financially stable and continue fulfilling its public mandate.

Speaking to Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) this week, board members and executives from the South African Broadcasting Corporation emphasized that while operational survival is possible without fresh cash injections, access to market-based funding requires shareholder support.

“Yes, the SABC can survive without a bailout,” said Deputy Chairperson Nomvuyiso Batyi, “but that has to be contextualized. Any shareholder has a responsibility to reinvest in the company they own.”

Call for Government Guarantee, Not Another Bailout

The board’s position is clear: no need for a cash bailout, but a government guarantee is essential when the SABC engages with banks and suppliers or seeks financing for operations. Without it, the broadcaster’s ability to do business in a competitive market is severely limited.

In 2022, the SABC received a R3.2 billion bailout, but its financial struggles have persisted due to structural funding issues, an outdated business model, and low compliance with TV licence payments.

Urgency Around Finalising the SABC Bill

Group CEO Nomsa Chabeli stressed the urgency of finalising the SABC Bill, which is currently before Parliament. The bill proposes a new funding model designed to provide a sustainable revenue stream for the broadcaster, which is struggling under its current model.

“The current funding of the SABC is unsustainable. It would be remiss of me not to say that,” Chabeli told MPs.
“We’re not asking for another bailout. What we need is proper funding to deliver on our public mandate.”

The SABC serves millions of South Africans with news, educational programming, and local content, yet receives little consistent support to carry out its constitutional obligation as a public service broadcaster.

MPs Question Financial Sustainability

MPs at the SCOPA briefing raised concerns about whether the SABC might require another rescue package in future. But the broadcaster’s leadership insists that with a proper structure in place, including legislative support, it can stand on its own feet.

Batyi reiterated that what’s needed is not an open cheque, but a partnership with government that enables the broadcaster to operate with credibility and financial assurance in the open market.

The SABC’s message to Parliament was firm: no more bailouts, but don’t leave the broadcaster hanging. A government guarantee, a new funding model, and speedy legislative reform are the keys to keeping the SABC alive and independent—without burdening the taxpayer again.

{Source: EWN}

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