It is becoming more apparent that another taxpayer-funded bailout for the SABC is likely. This revelation comes from SABC CEO Nomsa Chabeli’s 2025 Annual Report, which was published this month (October 2025). In her report, she acknowledged that the current business model for TV licences at the SABC was designed for a past era, specifically one that existed 50 years ago.
If this is true, and the CEO has stated it openly, why don’t we all face the facts and move on from the state broadcaster? The South African Post Office is seen as an outdated institution, and society seems to have accepted it. What justifies another bailout for the SABC? This state-run entity is so financially troubled that it struggles to pay the signal provider responsible for transmitting its channels. Reports indicate that all broadcasting could be halted on 31 December 2025, should millions in overdue payments remain unsettled.
SABC TAXPAYER BAILOUT
According to recent reports, the South African Broadcasting Corporation suffered a loss of R253 million in 2024. This marks a deterioration from the previously recorded loss of R197-million in 2023. Chabeli provided some insight into the broadcaster’s financial struggles, stating, “I assumed that captive radio and television audiences would generate substantial commercial revenue, which could fund the SABC’s public service mandate.”
“However, the reality is that the world has shifted. Non-payment of TV licence fees has become a growing problem, with high levels of evasion. The market is open to both global and local competitors, none of whom bear the same public obligation and associated costs,” argued Chabeli. This has led to discussions about the need for another SABC taxpayer bailout.
SABC’S LACK OF RELEVANCE
The CEO noted that an SABC taxpayer bailout would provide the necessary funds to keep the broadcaster competitive, stating “much-needed capital to remain competitive.” Furthermore, she indicated that revisions to relevant laws and regulations are essential. “We support the reintroduction of the SABC Bill in Parliament to provide necessary legislation. Addressing this funding gap is a critical aspect of our business model innovation,” she concluded.
This wouldn’t be the first time the SABC has received a taxpayer bailout. The government entity last saw significant financial support back in 2020. Similar to watching old reruns, the state broadcaster received R3.2 billion to address its financial issues, settle outstanding debts and execute a turnaround strategy. This situation sounds remarkably familiar, doesn’t it…
WORSE OFF AFTER LAST SABC TAXPAYER BAILOUT
Fast forward just three years after that bailout, in 2023, former Deputy Minister of Communications Philly Mapulane stated in parliament:
“The SABC is worse off now than before it received the bailout. You will recall we supported the SABC taxpayer bailout. It was implemented but the ‘turnaround plan’ never turned the finances of the SABC around. We are back to where we were, if not in a worse position than before the bailout,” concluded Mapulane.
What are your thoughts? Is there any hope for saving the SABC, or should we protect the taxpayers and let go of the notion of a state broadcaster altogether? Share your views in the comments section below…
