SABC faces R120m shortfall for South African elections

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is facing a R120 million shortfall required to cover the upcoming local government elections on 4 November. Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi has declined to support the broadcaster’s initial request for emergency government funding, stating that the application failed to meet the legal criteria for “unforeseeable and unavoidable expenditure”.

While the SABC maintains it lacks the necessary funds to fully finance election coverage, Malatsi noted that election coverage is considered a foreseeable public broadcasting responsibility. He emphasized that under Section 213 of the Constitution, funds from the National Revenue Fund must be withdrawn through parliamentary appropriation. The minister stated he is continuing to advocate for the broadcaster’s requirements through appropriate government channels.