MONDAY, 11.30AM:
SA BROADCASTING Corporation chairman Zwelakhe Sisulu, in a newsletter to staff, has outlined a transformation strategy for the state broadcaster which includes privatisaing the operations division, a radical makeover for radion, and redfining the identity of each television channel.
Sisulu told staff that “the worst is now over”, while acknowledging a lack of dynamic leadership at all levels of the organisation.
He said production facilities will be privatised after a period of maximising skills and service levels to increase the value of the operations division. He added that once privatisation is complete, the SABC will form strategic relationships with the new owners.
Sisulu said that radio services face radical changes, but these will not go as far as station closures because of radio’s effectiveness as a public service medium. With regard to television, he said each channel will have to more sharply define its focus and identity.
Sisulu said the changes are vital as government has made it clear it will financially support the broadcaster indefinitely. Said Sisulu: “I truly believe we have the potential to turn the SABC around and achieve a dramatic improvement in our financial performace.”
BUSINESS BRIEFS
FIVE VIE TO BUILD PRIVATE JAILS FIVE black empowerment consortiums with foreign partners will bid for R10,5-billion in contracts to design and build four privately financed and owned prisons, to be in operation by January 2000, Public Works Minister Jeff Radebe said on Friday. Boksburg, on Gauteng’s East Rand, will get the country’s first private prison. The five consortiums are: Themba Le Africa, Wackenhunt, Ikhwezi, Siyakha Youth, and Lungisa.