SOS Coalition welcomes BMIT appointment to develop SABC funding model

The SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition has welcomed the appointment of a private service provider to develop a new funding model for the SABC.

This follows the announcement of the appointment of BMIT Knowledge Group by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi last week.

National Coordinator for the SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition Uyanda Siyotula says while they are concerned about the outsourcing of such critical work, they welcome the approach taken by Malasti.

Siyotula says they have consistently raised concerns about the SABC Bill being passed without a funding model that is fit for purpose for the SABC in the digital era.

“So, we are really, really looking forward to seeing the funding model. We are very eager to see what revenue streams are going to be proposed especially in terms of the innovative approaches to monetise the SABC’s digital platforms and various offerings that the SABC has.  You know which are being profitable for other broadcasters on the online space. We also hope to see concrete proposals on the direct public funding. We continue to believe that it is essential that the SABC as the public institution is funded through the fiscus.”

BMIT to develop SABC’s funding model