SABC faces major financial crisis as TV license payments remain low

The SABC is warning that its current funding model is no longer sustainable, with only 15% of households paying their TV license fees.

CEO Nomsa Chabeli says the broadcaster’s outdated funding model and widespread non-payment of TV licenses are forcing it to explore new ways to stay afloat and continue its public service mandate.

"We are looking for mechanisms that are going to allow us to be sustainable for the long-term."

Chabeli highlighted the critical role of the SABC in upholding democracy, particularly in offering programming in all official languages, but stressed that the current funding model is outdated and unsustainable.

"People don't watch the SABC because they don't have the money to watch DStv, etc. The SABC is the only platform in this country that offers programming in every language. People do want to listen to programming in their own languages. The SABC offers a platform for plurality of views where every South African really is represented and we tell proudly South African stories."

"The reality is we have a culture of non-payment in South Africa, where people generally don't believe that they should pay for services; it's not unique to the SABC, we see it with electricity, with water, etc."

Chabeli acknowledged the challenges of funding the SABC without government bailouts, pointing to alternatives such as a proposed household levy or streaming service contributions.

To listen to Nomsa Chabeli in conversation CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit, click the audio below: