Outdated, command economy thinking permeates various spheres of the government. The draft white paper on the audio and audiovisual content services policy framework, published by communications minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, aims to require South Africans to pay a TV licence fee for viewing “broadcasting services”, for which it broadens the definition to include streaming services whether on a TV set or a phone.
The apparent goal of the broader definition is increased revenue collection to aid the ailing SABC. After decades of administrative and financial mismanagement, the government wants to step in on behalf of yet another state-owned enterprise (SOE) and reallocate precious resources, while ignoring those entitled to welfare grants, who must now go without...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.