Service provider appointed to help turn around troubled SABC

JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has appointed a service provider to help turn around the financially troubled SABC. 

The public broadcaster is facing a potential switch-off at the end of the year, as Sentech, which carries its TV and radio signals, says it is losing more than R70-million a month covering the SABC's unpaid distribution costs. 

The SABC has been battling heavy losses for years, relying on bailouts to keep the lights on and struggling to meet its broadcasting mandate. 

The department confirmed that BMIT Knowledge group, a long-standing ICT research and advisory firm, has been tasked with developing a new funding model for the SABC. 

READ: SABC on the brink of collapse, warns Khusela Sangoni-Diko

Department spokesperson Kwena Moloto says Communications Minister Solly Malatse believes this move is crucial. 

"This step honours my commitment to prioritise the financial sustainability of the SABC's future. And given the massive public interest in the broadcaster’s financial sustainability. I will share updates as and when the need arises."

The minister said the appointment marks a major step towards long-term stability for the SABC, ensuring it can continue serving millions of South Africans.