Statement on the Withdrawal of the SABC Bill by Minister Malatsi
Parliament, Sunday, 10 November 2024
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Ms. Khusela Sangoni Diko, has expressed serious concerns over the decision by the Minister of Communication and Digital Technologies, Mr. Solly Malatsi, to withdraw the SABC Bill from Parliament. The announcement, as reported today in the Sunday Times, 10 November 2024, has taken many by surprise, including members of the Portfolio Committee, who have yet to receive an official notification in accordance with the Rules of the National Assembly.
According to the report, Minister Malatsi’s rationale for pulling the Bill includes his view that it is fundamentally flawed, does not adequately address the SABC’s funding model, and centralizes excessive authority in the minister’s role, particularly in appointing board members.
While acknowledging the minister’s prerogative to withdraw legislation before it reaches a second reading in the National Assembly, the Chairperson, Ms. Sangoni Diko, has voiced concerns over this decision, describing it as misguided and counterproductive. In her view, this step could have severe implications for the future stability and sustainability of the South African Broadcasting Corporation.
Ms. Sangoni Diko emphasized that the SABC’s current challenges demand a well-considered and prompt response, rather than abrupt actions that may disrupt ongoing efforts to resolve longstanding issues.
