For the second consecutive year, the Auditor-General of South Africa has provided an unqualified audit opinion on the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) financial statements for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025.
The SABC has reported several key achievements in its audited annual report, including a 10% year-on-year increase in TV licence revenue, a significant turnaround compared to a 7% decline in the previous year. This improvement can be attributed to enhanced performance from debt collection agencies, the addition of new agencies, and more effective renewal and GIS collections.
Despite challenges in encouraging payments for TV licences, particularly among new device owners, progress is being made. SABC CEO Nomsa Chabeli previously informed the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) that less than 20% of South African households currently pay their TV licence fees.
While debates continue regarding the necessity of TV licence payments, some citizens are fulfilling their obligations. The SABC has urged South Africans to contribute towards licence fees, especially after experiencing a drop in revenue during the 2023/2024 financial year. The SABC’s Annual Report indicated that the broadcaster collected over US$39 million in TV licence fees the previous year.
Notably, the non-compliance rate for TV licence fees surged to 85.6% in 2024. On a positive note, the Public Commercial Services division demonstrated a strong performance, with revenue growth of 9.63%, generating a profit before interest and tax of US$8.4 million.
However, the SABC continues to face significant challenges due to the high costs associated with fulfilling its public mandate—especially in the absence of government funding and a suitable funding model. Chabeli remarked, “Receiving an unqualified audit opinion for two consecutive years signifies that the SABC is making progress towards restoring stability, strengthening governance, and meeting its public obligations.”
In the financial results for 2025, the SABC recorded a net loss of US$14 million. This decline was largely due to a modest revenue increase of only 1.3%, which was outpaced by a 3% rise in expenditures, resulting in a net margin decrease of 1.7%.
“We are dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of the SABC, fostering trust, and continuing to serve the South African public,” Chabeli emphasised.
