Malatsi under fire as SABC fights for R120m election coverage funding
The ANC has criticised Solly Malatsi over the SABC’s R120 million election funding shortfall, warning that the public broadcaster could face challenges preparing for and covering November’s local government elections.
The ANC has accused Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi of failing to secure R120 million in additional funding for the SABC's election coverage. The SABC needs the money to support personnel, technology and broadcasting infrastructure for the November 4 polls. Parliament's portfolio committee has called for the funding to be secured urgently, citing the need for critical ICT infrastructure, staff training, and equitable multilingual coverage, particularly in underserved communities.
Malatsi acknowledged engaging National Treasury and the Presidency to explore resolution options but failed to support the application twice during the budget process. The minister's non-action has been described as a "deliberate move that cripples the SABC", jeopardizing its ability to deliver comprehensive election coverage across the country.
The ANC has called on Malatsi to provide a detailed timeline and records of decisions, as well as for Finance and Communication and Digital Technologies Ministers to appear before the portfolio committee. They further request a formal report on all interactions with National Treasury and the Presidency, along with legal advice on the minister's compliance with Treasury Regulations.
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