The South African Broadcasting Corporation faces potential collapse unless lawmakers act immediately to address its broken funding structure, executives warned on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Board leaders informed the Standing Committee on Appropriations that only 14 percent of citizens pay mandatory television license fees, resulting in an annual shortfall of approximately 3.8 billion rand. The broadcaster collects just 700 million rand yearly from licenses despite needing 4.5 billion rand to fulfill its public service obligations.
Chief Executive Nomsa Chabeli said the organization operates differently from its international counterparts, which receive substantial government support. She noted that state funding covers 80 percent of British public broadcasting costs while South African operations rely overwhelmingly on commercial advertising revenue. The network reported a net loss of 253.3 million rand for the 2024-25 financial year, representing a 28 percent increase from the previous period.
Board Chairperson Khathutshelo Ramukumba requested temporary government assistance of 1.1 billion rand annually for two or three years while permanent solutions are developed. He cited a withdrawn legislative bill that would have restructured the funding system as a missed opportunity for reform. The broadcaster serves as a primary news source for rural communities and employs over 3,000 people across various media sectors.
Chief Executive Nomsa Chabeli said the organization operates differently from its international counterparts, which receive substantial government support. She noted that state funding covers 80 percent of British public broadcasting costs while South African operations rely overwhelmingly on commercial advertising revenue. The network reported a net loss of 253.3 million rand for the 2024-25 financial year, representing a 28 percent increase from the previous period.
Board Chairperson Khathutshelo Ramukumba requested temporary government assistance of 1.1 billion rand annually for two or three years while permanent solutions are developed. He cited a withdrawn legislative bill that would have restructured the funding system as a missed opportunity for reform. The broadcaster serves as a primary news source for rural communities and employs over 3,000 people across various media sectors.
