SABC funding model revision kept under wraps for now

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies says it is still working on a new funding model for the SABC and cannot yet discuss its options publicly.

The department was supposed to brief the portfolio committee on Friday on its progress in developing a new model for the public broadcaster, which is set to be completed this month.

However, Minister Solly Malatsi requested that today’s meeting be closed because of the sensitivity of the process.

The SABC currently operates on a mixed funding model that includes advertising revenue, TV licence fees, and state funding. However, it is struggling financially due to the non-payment of TV licences and the arrival of streaming networks.

Communications committee chairperson Khusela Sangoni Diko says Minister Solly Malatsi requested that today’s meeting be closed to the public because a new model is still being considered.

"That is because, firstly, as I indicated, the funding model is not yet complete, so they’re not at that stage where they are consulting and taking it out into the public for discussion. At this sensitive stage, they would want just a consultation with MPs around it."

Malatsi says they are trying to protect the process, which is in its final stages.

"But it is done solely in the interest of safeguarding an incomplete process from becoming the source of unnecessary engagement externally."

He says they need space to consolidate their work after consultation with interested parties.