The South African Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies is forging ahead with the SABC Bill, despite Communications Minister Solly Malatsi's attempt to withdraw it in November 2024. The committee argues that the bill, aimed at replacing the outdated Broadcasting Act of 1999, is crucial for reforming the SABC. While Malatsi claims the bill is insufficient to address the broadcaster's challenges, industry stakeholders largely support his position, calling for a complete withdrawal and re-drafting of the legislation.
The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies in Parliament is continuing its work on the SABC Bill, aiming to finalize it by June of this year. The committee believes that the current Broadcasting Act , last amended a decade ago, desperately needs reform.
Despite Communications Minister Solly Malatsi's November 2024 attempt to withdraw the bill, citing its insufficiency in addressing the SABC's deteriorating state, the committee intends to proceed unless it receives formal notification from the Minister that he has the authority to do so. The committee maintains that the concerns raised by the Minister are not insurmountable and can be resolved during the amendment process. Introduced to Parliament in October 2023, the bill seeks to repeal the outdated Broadcasting Act of 1999, which governs the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). Malatsi's withdrawal attempt faced pushback, prompting the committee to seek clarification from the President's executive regarding the Minister's authority to withdraw the bill. Deputy President Paul Mashatile ultimately intervened, informing National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza that the decision to withdraw the bill was made during a cabinet meeting on November 22, 2024, emphasizing the need for cabinet and presidential involvement in such decisions.While Malatsi's spokesperson, Kwena Moloto, asserts that the Minister remains committed to his position and will explore legal avenues if needed to ensure adherence to parliamentary rules, the committee and several industry stakeholders disagree. Broadcasting experts, former SABC executives, and media watchdogs like Media Monitoring Africa and the SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition support Malatsi's stance, arguing that the bill's withdrawal serves the SABC's immediate economic interests. Critics, including Media Monitoring Africa director William Bird, contend that the proposed law fails to address the SABC's funding crisis and lacks innovative solutions. They favor a complete withdrawal and a comprehensive review and re-drafting of the bill. The SOS Support Public Broadcasting coalition's national coordinator, Uyanda Siyotula, echoes this sentiment, arguing that the bill is fundamentally flawed and requires extensive consultation and revision rather than mere amendments. She believes that withdrawing the bill will allow for the finalization of the audio and audiovisual content policy before it is reintroduced to Parliament
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