SABC Bill: Portfolio Committee Briefed on Funding Model Options

Posted 06 February 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Communications & Digital Technologies

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Communications & Digital Technologies has received a briefing on potential funding model options for the South African Broadcasting Corporation SOC LTD Bill.

In terms of the legislative process currently before Parliament, the committee is considering a revised version of the South African Broadcasting Corporation SOC LTD Bill. This follows the November 2024 announcement by the Minister of Communications & Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, regarding his intention to withdraw the Bill. However, the withdrawal has been delayed due to allegations of procedural irregularity, necessitating further committee deliberation on the Bill’s substantive content, specifically its financial sustainability.

The briefing focused on the following regulatory and procedural developments:

  • The presentation of funding model options intended to replace or supplement the current television license fee system.
  • The status of the Bill following the contested withdrawal attempt by the Executive.
  • The anticipated public participation process regarding the proposed funding mechanisms.

While specific details of the preferred funding model were discussed in a closed session, a general presentation document has been made available via the Parliamentary Monitoring Group. Committee chair Khusela Sangoni-Diko indicated that the public will be afforded an opportunity to comment on the funding proposals, although it remains unclear whether this will occur via a new draft Bill or an amendment to the existing version.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Monitor the transition from the current TV license regime to the proposed funding model to advise on future statutory compliance and personal liability changes.
  • For your business: Media, telecommunications, and technology firms should assess how a new public broadcasting levy or funding model might impact industry-specific regulatory costs or universal service obligations.
  • For your clients: Corporate and individual clients currently liable for SABC television licenses should prepare for a potential shift to a household levy or other statutory funding mechanism as the Bill progresses.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/sabc-bill-national-assembly-committee-briefed-on-funding-model-options

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