Cash-strapped SABC to escalate ad spend in defiance of National Treasury

1 September 2016 

The cash strapped SABC spent over R35 million on advertising in 2015/16 and will increase this amount by R7 million to R42 million next year, according to a reply to a DA parliamentary question.

Three years ago, the SABC spent less than R10 million on advertising, it is unclear why this amount would have quadrupled.

The SABC’s increase in advertising is in express defiance of Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan’s instruction to government departments and entities to cut unnecessary spending.

While it is indeed necessary for the SABC to advertise outside its own platforms from time-to-time, this should be kept to a minimum.  

The DA will submit further parliamentary questions to ascertain in which media platforms and for what purposes these adverts were placed.

The DA looks forward to the release of the SABC’s annual report in the next month, it is quite clear that the SABC will make significant losses. We intend to hold those responsible accountable.

Under the tenure of SABC COO, Hlaudi Motsoeneng who has the protection of Communications Minister, Faith Muthambi, the SABC continues to waste public funding.

Earlier this year, the SABC was revealed to have increased its spending to Gupta media, and its own internal choir.

The DA will continue to hold those at the helm of the SABC’s dysfunction accountable. The Public Broadcaster’s capture by cronies of President Zuma continues to distract from its core business, which is to deliver “a variety of high quality programmes and services through television and radio that informs, educates, entertains and supports the public at large.” 

We will ensure that we fight for the restoration of stability at the SABC.

Issued by Phumzile Van Damme, DA Shadow Minister of Communications, 1 September 2016