In South Africa the SABC, the main public media, is struggling to find a sustainable economic system. The bill that was supposed to restore the economy was withdrawn by the Minister of Communications. For some this decision is reasonable, because the bill was not sufficiently clear from a financial point of view. For others it is indeed an absurd decision that puts the very existence of the channel at risk.
Digital transition failed
above all, in the camp “against” this bill, we regretted that the text did not mention the new habits of details consumption. Particularly online,via our smartphones. The SABC can no longer, for example, rely on the television license fee, paid by every household that owns a television, as its main source of income. “ Now people go to YouTube or TikTok. The SABC needs to adapt to this, being modern and not stuck in a somewhat traditional and old-fashioned viewassures Uyanda Siyotula, national coordinator of SOS Coalition, an organization that defends public media and which led a campaign for the withdrawal of this law. the problem is that this digital transition only lasts 3 % of the SABC’s annual budget, the goverment should dedicate at least half of the budget to this transition. »
Journalists’ fears
But according to Aubrey Tshabalala, general secretary of the SABC workers’ union, the withdrawal of this law has direct consequences for employees: ” Journalists enter the most risky terrain. The production departments work very hard. And all these people should not suffer for bad political decisions. It’s like having to jump into the void without a parachute.The withdrawal of this law is a waste of time and is dangerous. Because we have to start the entire parliamentary process all over again. If things continue like this, one day the SABC will truly collapse. »
The financing of the SABC is a new point of divergence in South Africa’s ongoing government of national unity. Political disagreements between parties could have serious consequences on the already fragile financial health of public media.
Interview: The Future of SABC Amid Economic Challenges
In this engaging discussion, we speak with Uyanda Siyotula, the national coordinator of SOS Coalition, and Aubrey Tshabalala, the general secretary of the SABC workers’ union, to explore the current crisis facing South Africa’s public media broadcaster, SABC. Their insights shed light on the implications of recent political decisions and the need for digital adaptation.
Q1: uyanda, could you elaborate on the recent withdrawal of the economic restoration bill for SABC? How does this decision impact the broadcaster’s future?
uyanda Siyotula: The withdrawal of the bill is indeed a critical setback for the SABC. While some may view this as a necessary step due to the lack of financial clarity, it puts the very existence of the channel at risk. The SABC is already struggling to sustain its operations, and without a new economic strategy or significant financial support, it faces an uncertain future.
Q2: What specific changes in audience behaviour are influencing SABC’s revenue model?
Uyanda Siyotula: The shift in content consumption patterns cannot be overstated. Many South Africans, especially the younger demographic, are gravitating towards platforms like YouTube and TikTok for their media needs. this trend has made the traditional television licence fee—once SABC’s primary income source—less reliable. The broadcaster must modernize its approach and engage audiences where they are—online and on mobile devices.
Q3: Aubrey, from a journalist’s perspective, what are the implications of not having a solid financial framework in place for the SABC workers?
Aubrey Tshabalala: The situation is indeed dire for journalists at SABC. The withdrawal of the law means we have to restart the entire parliamentary procedure, which is time-consuming and leaves employees in a precarious position.Journalists are already working in a risky environment, and without funding or a clear direction, it feels like we’re leaping into the void without a safety net.this instability not only affects job security but also the quality of journalism that the public deserves.
Q4: What do you think is the most pressing change that SABC needs to embrace to stay relevant in this digital age?
Uyanda Siyotula: The most pressing change is undoubtedly the digital transition. Currently, only 3% of SABC’s budget is allocated to this transition. I believe the government should invest at least half of the budget in adapting to new technologies and platforms. failing to do so means SABC risks becoming obsolete as audiences continue to evolve their viewing habits.
Q5: How do you envision the future of public media in South Africa amidst political disagreements?
Aubrey Tshabalala: The future of public media in South Africa will heavily depend on how political parties navigate their differences. the ongoing government of national unity must prioritize the funding and sustainability of public media to avoid further degradation of its financial health.Strong public media is essential for a functioning democracy, and everyone—including politicians—should recognize that.
Q6: What practical advice would you offer to SABC employees and the wider public regarding this situation?
Uyanda Siyotula: to SABC employees, I would say: stay resilient and continue advocating for a sustainable media model. Engage actively in discussions about the future of public media. For the public, support yoru local broadcasters through viewership. It’s crucial for our democracy to have a strong, independent media voice.
Aubrey Tshabalala: I echo Uyanda’s sentiments. The public can play a pivotal role by demanding accountability from the government and advocating for policies that support public media. We must collectively strive for a future where SABC not only survives but thrives,delivering quality journalism to all south Africans.
As South Africa navigates these challenges, the fate of SABC will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders—journalists, government officials, and the public alike.