DA welcomes SIU probe into SABC breakfast briefings

22 October 2024

The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the news that the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is finally being probed for hosting a series of lavish “breakfast briefings” in collaboration with the Gupta family’s The New Age (TNA) newspaper.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to grant the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) authority to investigate the state broadcaster’s involvement in these briefings between 2011 and 2016 is a much-needed step toward accountability.

The SIU has been tasked with investigating potential maladministration, violations of laws, and whether any state institutions incurred unauthorised or wasteful expenditure as a result of these agreements.

While this investigation is long overdue, it represents a critical move in the broader clean-up campaign at the SABC, which is already showing signs of recovery. The appointment of a seemingly fit-for-purpose Board last year has contributed to governance improvements, including the broadcaster receiving its first clean audit in 14 years. Additionally, its annual losses have decreased from R1.1 billion in 2023 to R590 million in 2024.

However, the fundamental issue of the SABC’s outdated business model remains unresolved. The corporation continues to rely heavily on fluctuating advertising revenue and unpaid TV licences, even from government departments. The DA opposes the SABC Bill 2023, as it fails to address the broadcaster’s financial sustainability. We call on the government to focus on developing an updated and viable funding model to secure the future of the public broadcaster.

Issued by Tsholofelo Bodlani, DA Spokesperson on Communications and Digital Technology, 22 October 2024