Minister Malatsi details advancements in SABC's funding model

Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi has said that once the funding model has been completed for the SABC, he will seek the concurrence of the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana.

Responding to IFP MP Thokozani Langa, Malatsi said the department appointed the service provider, BMIT Knowledge Group, on September 12, 2025, following an open procurement process fully compliant with the Public Finance Management Act in line with his commitment to prioritise the development of a funding model for the public broadcaster.

He said the inception report was delivered on October 9, 2025, and the baseline report was delivered on October 22, 2025.

“These reports cover the meetings to date with stakeholders, research, reviews of relevant documentation, and benchmarking. Progress reports are provided on the 6th of every month.”

He said BMIT had requested in October an extension from December 15 to February 6, 2026, to submit the final report that takes into account the holiday period and difficulties anticipated with consulting relevant parties.

This extension was approved to ensure a high-quality deliverable that considers stakeholder inputs.

“Once completed, I intend to seek the concurrence of the Minister of Finance,” Malatsi said.

His statement was in response to Langa’s parliamentary questions, where he noted persistent financial challenges at the SABC.

Langa wanted to know about the measures Malatsi has put in place to ensure that the new funding model entrenched long-term financial sustainability without compromising editorial independence.

He also enquired about the specific accountability mechanisms that will be built into the model to prevent future governance lapses.

According to Malatsi, the SABC continued to enhance its internal controls and to implement recommendations from the Auditor-General to support sound governance and effective financial management.

“The impact of these measures is reflected in the SABC having achieved an unqualified audit opinion for two consecutive financial years, namely 2023/2024 and 2024/2025.”

When the department appointed BMIT Knowledge Group, Malatsi described it as a longstanding South African ICT research and advisory firm with a proven track record of economic modelling, broadcasting market analysis, and regulatory policy support.

“This appointment is in fulfilment of the commitment I made to prioritise the development of a funding model for the public broadcaster. Given the substantial public interest in the SABC’s financial sustainability, I will provide key updates as and when the need arises,” he said.

“This represents a major step forward in charting sustainable solutions to secure the SABC’s long-term financial stability, safeguarding its ability to fulfil its mandate for millions of South Africans,” said Malatsi at the time.

mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za