Parliament Committee, Malatsi discuss SABC election coverage funding

The Communications and Digital Technologies Portfolio Committee at Parliament recently met with Communications Minister Solly Malatsi to discuss the South African Broadcasting Corporation's (SABC) request for R120 million to fund election coverage. Last week, the committee was informed that the funding request had been denied due to a lack of technical compliance in the submission.

Malatsi has since written to National Treasury and the Presidency, seeking alternative ways to resolve the situation. Committee members are not pleased with the lack of funding, as they argue that it is crucial to provide sufficient coverage for the election season, ensuring all political parties receive equitable treatment. Imraan Subrathie from the ANC and Alco Ngobese from the IFP both emphasized the importance of informed voters in choosing a party to run the Local Government.

The Department of Communications informed MPs that the SABC's election funding request was denied because it was submitted late and did not meet technical compliance requirements. However, the SABC denies the claim that the submission was late, and the committee has requested a timeline of the process from the Department.

Committee Chair Khusela Sangoni expressed concern about avoiding a scenario where political parties and independent candidates accuse the government of denying them funding, thereby preventing them from receiving adequate coverage. Malatsi defended his department, stating that no party would benefit from a lack of depth and scope in the coverage provided during elections.

He also added that all parties would be strongly affected by the level of coverage received. Malatsi further explained that he has sought assistance from both National Treasury and the Presidency to find a solution to the funding issue.