'Mokonyane should provide more leadership at SABC'

“The SABC under the Department of Communications headed by Minister Nomvula Mokonyane, looking at what is happening, we are convinced that she could have done more to provide leadership and in attending to the challenges that are there.

“Up to now, whatever initiatives and efforts that are there are those done by the SABC without the requisite input from her," said Scopa chair Themba Godi during the public broadcaster’s appearance at the committee. 

The SABC needs at least R3-billion to ensure it is able to pay salaries beyond March next year.

The public broadcaster is also locked into negotiations with unions and the CCMA over its plans to retrench more than 2000 workers. 

Scopa believes more needs to be done by Mokonyane to assist the SABC. 

“Mokonyane should be assisting them to secure a guarantee, organising the meetings with the relevant people in government with the minister of finance and the president, all those things the SABC is doing by itself and there isn't any tangible initiative and effort from minister Mokonyane.

“The current situation is calling out for intervention, belated as it is, it requires urgent attention and assistance. We understand that the SABC has requested a meeting with her, the president and the minister of finance. We believe that this meeting should have been organised by her on behalf of the SABC,”  Godi said.