Election coverage to suffer as SABC remains in dire financial straits
The broadcaster requested R6.8bn from the government to stay afloat, but its bid for funding has largely been unsuccessful
The SABC remains in dire financial straits, a situation that could compromise news coverage ahead of the elections in May. The broadcaster, remains the only source of news and commentary for millions of South Africans, requested R6.8bn from the government to stay afloat, but its bid for funding has largely been unsuccessful. While the government said in March that work is being done to help the SABC raise R3.2bn in interim funding from commercial banks, this has not been enough to stabilise the broadcaster’s cash flow crisis. “The SABC’s financial situation remains dire,” SABC spokesperson Vuyo Mthembu said last week. “However, we continue to focus on priorities of the organisation, with limited resources to cover the upcoming elections. The SABC remains fully committed to fulfilling its public service mandate.” Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa formally appointed eight nonexecutive directors to fill vacancies on the board of the public broadcaster, with immediate effect. T...
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