SABC requires R120 million for comprehensive 2026 local government election coverage

The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies called for urgent funding, emphasizing the SABC's critical public service mandate. SABC chairperson Nomsa Chabeli stated that these resources are essential for equitable coverage of all political parties and independent candidates, reaching voters nationwide. The funding would support editorial operations, technology, results data, digital capabilities, and operational support.

The committee stressed the SABC's indispensable role in South Africa's electoral democracy, noting its constitutional and legislative responsibility to provide reliable information to citizens, including those in underserved communities. Khusela Sangoni-Diko, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, warned that the SABC is on the brink of collapse and cannot fulfill its mandate while chronically underfunded. The committee expressed concern over the government's slow progress in establishing a sustainable funding model.

EFF MP Sixolise Gcilishe raised concerns that a lack of budget could lead to favoritism and biased political coverage, citing past editorial decisions and questioning the allocation of Political Election Broadcast slots. The committee will continue to monitor the SABC's preparations and resource acquisition for the upcoming elec