DA seeks urgent answers on Government’s planned R1 billion TV channel

17 October 2023

The DA will submit a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application to the Presidency over GCIS’ plan to develop a streaming service, which will cost the taxpayer R1 billion.

In the context of unemployment and the cost-of-living crisis, the DA is appalled by reports that GCIS (Government’s Communication and Information System) has already auditioned presenters and voiceover artists, which indicates a done deal. This flies in the face of transparency, as the Presidency had not announced such plans for public scrutiny, let alone auditioning staff. Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni must urgently provide answers.

A Government streaming service is not only a waste of taxpayer funds but is also unnecessary, as GCIS already makes use of social media platforms and YouTube for its broadcasts. Parliament also shares its broadcasts on YouTube with no issues. Further, the SABC, South Africa’s Public Broadcaster, already has a streaming platform, as it seeks to make its constitutional mandate more accessible to the public. GCIS’ plans seek to contradict the SABC.

This once again demonstrates how out of touch and depth this Administration has become, with little regard for the genuine interests of South Africans. South Africans must put an end to these shambles by ensuring that they are registered to vote. Go to check.da.org.za to ensure that you are heard.

Issued by Natasha Mazzone, DA Shadow Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, 17 October 2023