SABC clarifies sales operating model and R704m funding

Source: © SABC SABC The SABC has provided clarity regarding the development of its new sales operating model

Instead, it says it has “initiated an organisational design review to ensure that the sales function is fit for purpose, both for the current market realities and for the future”.

It states that the intent of this process is not to cut costs, but “realign roles, reorganise functions, and create efficiencies that better serve our mandate and commercial objectives”.

It further says that the final structure may result in the same number of roles or even an increase, depending on the outcome of the consultation process and that “all affected employees will have the opportunity to be considered for roles in the new structure”.

“It is, therefore, misleading and irresponsible to report that the SABC’s objective is to “get rid” of staff,” it states.

“Our focus remains on strengthening our sales function to better compete in the market and to safeguard the SABC’s sustainability,” it adds.

R704m funding

Recently, the broadcaster also clarified that the government funding allocated to the public broadcaster, during the budget vote by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), was not new or additional funding but refers to a Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) allocation spread over three years, and not a once-off disbursement.

"This equates to approximately R235m per year over the MTEF period. Furthermore, it is important to note that the current MTEF allocation of R704m is lower than the total allocation received by the SABC in the previous MTEF period," it states.

It adds that this allocation is a continuation of a long-standing commitment by government to support the production and acquisition of children’s programming, educational and religious content as well as support towards Channel Africa in line with the SABC’s public service mandate.

"These funds are ringfenced and will be used strictly for the purposes for which they were allocated, to ensure that the Corporation continues to deliver quality educational content to the SABC’s audiences, especially underserved communities."