SABC Faces Possible Signal Switch-Off as Debt Crisis Deepens

Parliament warns of looming blackout

South Africa’s national broadcaster is facing an unprecedented crisis, with warnings that its signal could be cut before the end of the year. Khusela Diko, chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, revealed on Monday that Sentech, the state-owned transmission company, has threatened to discontinue services unless the SABC settles its mounting debt, which now exceeds R1 billion.

“When we spoke to both Sentech and the SABC, they indicated they don’t believe they can continue operations beyond December in the current state,” Diko said. “Sentech has threatened to cut off the SABC signal because it can no longer carry the broadcaster.”

The dispute between the two state entities revolves around transmission tariffs. While the SABC initially approached the Competition Commission in 2020/21 alleging excessive fees, the complaint was dismissed. The broadcaster then took the matter to the Competition Tribunal but has since tried to negotiate directly with Sentech.

Unsustainable financial pressures

According to Diko, Sentech is losing over R70 million each month by continuing to transmit SABC signals without payment. “This arrangement is simply unsustainable,” she said, warning that both organisations are under severe financial pressure.

The challenge goes beyond Sentech. The SABC faces rising debt, outdated infrastructure, and a broken funding model largely reliant on TV licences, compliance with which has been declining for years.

“The SABC is burdened by unsustainable debt, outdated infrastructure, and a broken funding model,” Diko said. “The withdrawal of the SABC Bill has left the broadcaster without the reforms it urgently needs.”

The SABC Bill, introduced in October 2023, was designed to overhaul the broadcaster’s funding mechanism. However, it was withdrawn in November 2024 by Communications Minister Solly Malatsi, who described it as “flawed,” leaving the SABC without immediate relief.

A delayed lifeline

Malatsi’s department is now attempting to develop a new funding model through a tender process. Three bids have been received, with a provider expected to be appointed soon. The process, however, is expected to take approximately three months to complete, time that critics say the SABC may not have.

In the meantime, the broadcaster continues to rely on bailouts to remain operational, a stopgap solution that Diko warned is no longer viable. “Jobs, livelihoods, and the sustainability of both the public and community broadcasting sector are at risk,” she said.

Public concern and social media reaction

South Africans have reacted with concern to the potential signal switch-off. On social media, many viewers expressed frustration over years of mismanagement, while others lamented the potential loss of a trusted source of news and entertainment. Hashtags like #SaveTheSABC and #PublicBroadcastingCrisis have been trending across Twitter and Facebook, reflecting growing public anxiety about the fate of the national broadcaster.

The path forward

The SABC’s fate hinges on urgent reforms and a sustainable funding model. Without swift action, South Africa could face the unthinkable: a public broadcaster off the air, depriving millions of citizens of news, education, and cultural programming. For now, the clock is ticking, and the Parliament committee is urging immediate intervention before the lights and the signal go out.

{Source: BusinessTech}

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