State broadcaster SABC’s Group CEO Nomsa Chabeli has requested R15-million for her office.
According to Chabeli, the substantial amount is intended for strategic initiatives. She later revealed that the funds would be used for innovation and research projects. However, she has not provided any detailed breakdown of these initiatives.
Chabeli was presenting the public broadcaster’s strategic and corporate plan for the 2025/2026 to 2029/2030 financial years to the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies.
Tsholofelo Katlego Bodlani, a DA member of parliament, questioned Chabeli about how the funds would be utilised.
Political parties question the amount
“There is also R15-million that is going to be allocated for strategic initiatives in the CEO’s office. I want to know what sort of initiatives these are. What has been the benefit of similar allocations in the past? And what oversight is in place to ensure there is significant value from that lump sum sitting in the CEO’s office,” asked Bodlani.
“The SABC remains technically insolvent. We should be doing everything we can to support the SABC so that it can meet its mandate.”
Colleen Makhubele from Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) echoed Bodlani’s concerns. “There is no budget to begin with. In fact, the Auditor-General’s report should be the starting point. It highlighted serious concerns,” said Makhubele.
She criticised the SABC for presenting what she deemed irrelevant and unnecessary information.
“The question we ought to be asking is: Can the SABC survive on its own and fulfil its mandate? The answer is no, and the Auditor General has made that clear. This is despite the beautiful plans you’ve presented.
Glaring shortfall
“If you don’t have enough money to cover your expenses, your liquidity and solvency are at risk. The SABC should be telling us how it plans to cover the R1.9-billion shortfall that is glaringly obvious.”
SABC chairperson Khathutshelo Ramukumba was unable to explain why the R15-million must be allocated specifically to Chabeli’s office.
“What I can say is that the spending of any budgets across the SABC, including the CEO’s office, is subject to the SABC’s policies and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
“The board exercises oversight over all expenditures,” said Ramukumba.
CEO gave ‘vague’ answers
Chabeli also could not provide a detailed explanation. She only stated that the money is for innovation and research.
“It is not at the CEO’s discretion and goes through governance processes. In fact, I am the last person to sign off,” she said briefly.
Speaking to Sunday World, Bodlani said: “I can confirm that I did not get the answers from the CEO of the SABC. However, I’m mindful that there wasn’t enough time to explain. As such, I will be sending follow-up questions to obtain full details and clarity,” she said.
