Question NW408 to the Minister of Communications, Telecommunications and Postal Services
18 April 2019 - NW408
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Communications, Telecommunications and Postal Services
(1)Whether the Government will give any guarantees so that the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) can implement its turnaround plan; if not, why not; if so, (a) on what date will it take place and (b) what is the monetary value of the guarantees; (2) how does the Government intend to ensure that the SABC remains functional without dismissing staff; (3) how will the Government protect the SABC board members against the consequences and personal liability in terms of the Companies Act, Act 71 of 2008, due to the SABC's threatening insolvency?NW471E]
Reply:
I have been advised by the Department as follows:
1) The Department is currently engaged in ongoing discussions with the National Treasury for a Government Guarantee and / or financial bail-out in order for the SABC to implement a Turnaround Strategy that will be finalized before 30 September 2019. While the Government recognizes that the SABC requires urgent financial assistance, a final
decision on the type of assistance (Government Guarantee or bailout or a combination of both) as well as the exact amount has however not been reached at this stage.
2) Dismissal of staff members is the responsibility of the SABC management team wherein staff members found to have transgressed any of the SABC policies as applicable as and when required, due process will be followed by the SABC management.
3) The department of Communications and National Treasury’s GTAC are assisting the SABC in its application for both a Government Guarantee and financial bailout. These applications are meant to assist the SABC in its looming insolvency.
Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, MP
Minister