Minister appoints team to probe SABC problems

Communications Minister Siphiwe Nyanda has appointed 12 industry experts to investigate problems at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), his office said on Tuesday.

This was to “ensure a turnaround of the situation at the SABC and Sentech”, a statement said.

“Several meetings were held between the department [of communications], the SABC and Sentech to look into challenges faced by the two organisations. A 12-member team was subsequently appointed.”

The team comprises “industry and labour experts”.

It will advise the minister on “strategies to ensure that the public broadcaster achieves its constitutional mandate of providing quality and reliable public broadcasting services to the public”.

The team will conduct a review of the SABC’s human resource needs, advise the minister on the best funding model for the broadcaster and decide if the current business model between the SABC and Sentech should be changed.

The team will also review the business plans of the SABC and Sentech.

“It is also important to note that the above process is being carried out simultaneously with a forensic audit being conducted by the Auditor General’s office based on recommendations by Parliament.”

The team is expected to submit a final report to the minister in October.—Sapa