SCOPA Raises Alarm Over SABC’s Financial Sustainability Despite Audit Progress

Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) has expressed serious concern over the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) fragile financial position, warning it may not be sustainable in the medium term — despite recent improvements in governance and audit outcomes.

The SABC appeared before SCOPA on Wednesday to account for its 2023/24 audit results and financial performance. The broadcaster received an unqualified audit opinion with a material finding, a marked improvement from the disclaimed opinion it was issued in the 2022/23 financial year.

SCOPA acknowledged this progress as a positive step, especially in the areas of governance and content delivery. However, committee members stressed that the SABC’s revenue levels remain insufficient to fully support its public broadcasting mandate.

“The SABC is using funds meant for operational needs to cover other critical functions, which is not sustainable,” SCOPA noted.

The committee also raised red flags around the broadcaster’s limited capacity to produce or procure content, further complicating its ability to compete and meet its obligations in a fast-evolving media environment.

While SCOPA commended the turnaround in audit performance, it emphasized that urgent financial reforms and long-term funding solutions are required to protect the SABC’s role as a public service broadcaster.

The committee is expected to engage further with the Department of Communications and relevant stakeholders to find ways to stabilise the SABC’s financial position.