South Africa's state broadcaster will receive its revised funding framework later than planned after consultant BMI TechKnowledge requested additional time to complete stakeholder consultations. Communications Minister Solly Malatsi told legislators the final report would arrive in early February rather than mid-December, citing concerns about holiday disruptions interfering with engagement processes. The extension affects efforts to replace the failing television license system, which currently sees 86 percent of households avoiding payment and leaves the SABC collecting only R700 million against a potential R4.5 billion annual revenue.
The consultant will deliver an initial draft before year's end, followed by discussions between Malatsi and the Finance Minister to align any proposed model with treasury allocation procedures. Options under consideration include household levies and involving the South African Revenue Service in collections. The broadcaster recorded a R253 million loss while outstanding license debts exceeded R4.8 billion, prompting CEO Nomsa Chabeli to characterize the existing system as obsolete and advocate for government loan guarantees during the transition period.
The consultant will deliver an initial draft before year's end, followed by discussions between Malatsi and the Finance Minister to align any proposed model with treasury allocation procedures. Options under consideration include household levies and involving the South African Revenue Service in collections. The broadcaster recorded a R253 million loss while outstanding license debts exceeded R4.8 billion, prompting CEO Nomsa Chabeli to characterize the existing system as obsolete and advocate for government loan guarantees during the transition period.
