In light of recent media coverage and comments in Parliament regarding the SABC, we wish to provide clarity and reassurance. The matters raised, particularly the funding of the SABC’s public service mandate, are not new. They form part of ongoing work by Parliament and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) to address the structural funding model of the SABC, a process which has been under discussion for several years and to which all parties remain committed.

The process of trying to amend the SABC Bill is also not new; it has been in the pipeline for several years. In 2021, the Bill was introduced in Parliament and again in 2023. There were also attempts before then to review the broadcasting policy with the aim of amending legislation to ensure the SABC’s long-term sustainability.

Throughout this period, the SABC’s leadership has implemented stringent financial controls and exercised strong governance to ensure operational stability. These measures have enabled us to continue delivering to audiences and stakeholders without disruption, despite the structural funding challenges that persist. Importantly, in the most recent financial year (2023–2024), the Auditor General of South Africa issued the SABC with an unqualified audit opinion, affirming the strength of our governance, internal controls, and risk management environment. Following that audit opinion, the Executive and Management have continued to actively strengthen and sustain improvements highlighted in last year’s audit.

The SABC has consistently highlighted that fulfilling an extensive public service mandate without adequate public funding is unsustainable. This structural issue affects our ability to compete, invest in fresh and compelling content, and fully deliver on our democratic mandate to inform, educate, and entertain all South Africans. The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee has rightly emphasised the urgency with which government should prioritise and conclude this matter.

We wish to reassure you that the SABC remains on air, fully operational, and committed to its statutory obligations under the Broadcasting Act, 4 of 1999. While financial pressures are real and ongoing, they are being actively managed through prudent measures, commercial growth initiatives, and close engagement with government and stakeholders. Our focus is firmly on maintaining stability, strengthening partnerships, and securing a sustainable funding framework for the future of public broadcasting in South Africa.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we work towards a strong, independent, and sustainable SABC.

Yours sincerely,

Nomsa Chabeli

Group Chief Executive Officer

South African Broadcasting Corporation