Sabc Bill Has In Fact Not Been Withdrawn Mashatile

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his role as leader of government business, has written to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza to inform her that the SABC Bill has, in fact, not been withdrawn.

Early in November, Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi withdrew the bill, citing the need for a credible funding model for the public broadcaster, which he said the bill does not adequately address. During the post-cabinet briefing to the media today, the status of this bill was questioned.

Malatsi said the bill did not meet the urgency required to stabilize the public broadcaster. He was also concerned about the powers that would be granted to the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies if the bill is passed in its current form.

At the time, the Communications and Digital Technologies Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Khusela Diko, criticized this move saying it would delay the implementation of the reforms needed at the public broadcaster. This week, Cabinet was briefed on the matter.