AfriForum, a lobby group in South Africa, has suggested privatising the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and eliminating TV licenses. The group argues that the majority of South Africans do not pay for their TV licenses, which has a negative impact on the public broadcaster’s finances. AfriForum presented its proposal to the Parliament’s portfolio committee on Communications and Digital Technology in relation to the South African Broadcasting Corporation SOC LTD Bill [B32-2023]. The group believes privatisation and the abolition of TV licenses are viable solutions to the SABC’s longstanding financial, corruption, and mismanagement issues.
AfriForum contends that privatisation would lead to increased efficiency, higher-quality programs, and financial stability for the SABC. Additionally, the group argues that TV licenses are an outdated and inefficient funding source, with an evasion rate of 87% in 2023. They suggest replacing TV licenses with an alternative financing model.
In a separate development, the Constitutional Court has rejected former SABC chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng’s application to appeal a ruling ordering him to repay US$632,500, plus interest, to the SABC.
This ruling stems from a “success fee” Motsoeneng received for his involvement in securing a MultiChoice deal, which the court deemed unlawful and invalid. As a result, Motsoeneng will be required to pay just over R18 million in total.
