Coalition supports SABC guarantee

2009-11-26 12:12

Johannesburg - The SOS Coalition, which represents trade unions, media NGOs, independent producers, academics and freedom of expression activists on Thursday welcomed government guarantees given to the SABC.

"The SABC is suffering from serious liquidity problems, and the guarantees should enable the corporation to borrow money more easily and cheaply," it said.

"The easing of liquidity problems should create the space for the SABC to be stabilised and restored to a sound financial footing."

The guarantees also showed "significant progress" in ensuring stabilisation.

The coalition supported the arrangement that the initial R1bn would be made available immediately, but that the remaining R473m be dependent on the development of a detailed project plan that commits the SABC to explicit revenue targets and cost cutting measures.

"This is important - the SABC needs to be held to account."

The agreement between the new SABC board and the minister of communications should ensure the effective spending of public money and should not influence editorial independence. The agreement should also be made public.

Communications Minister Siphiwe Nyanda said the money could be used for urgent needs like payment of outstanding debts and other matters of priority.

- SAPA