SABC ‘not meant to turn a profit’ says Hlaudi Motsoeneng

Nevermind the fact that the national broadcaster runs on tax and TV license money; the SABC’s notorious COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng believes the broadcaster doesn’t have to make a profit, but should be given millions a a year to keep the lights on.

Since taking up his position, Motsoeneng has been found guilty of lying on his CV by the Public Protector and the courts, but was kept at the helm of the bankrupt SABC thanks to communications minister Faith Muthambi and the SABC board.

He was speaking to the parliamentary oversight committee about the SABC’s annual performance when he told MPs that the SABC didn’t have to generate profit as it’s only purpose is to “serve the people.”

Motsoeneng added that SABC lost more than R120m when covering Madiba’s funeral, “But for us it wasn’t a loss. It was a matter of the SABC fulfilling its mandate of serving the people.”

He added that the SABC would apply to National Treasury for an exemption, as its performance should not be based on profit.

One of the MP’s complained that the SABC isn’t giving the ANC enough TV coverage, but Motsoeneng reassured him, saying that the SABC is representative of SA’s democracy and as such “we will use the same representation to make sure there is fair coverage and that the ANC gets more time as the majority party.” 

On Tuesday morning Communications minister Faith Muthambi told MPs that her departments R1.34 billion budget wasn’t enough and that there were shortfalls at the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa), the SABC, Media Development and Diversity Agency, Film and Publication Board, and Brand SA.

“We are working tirelessly to review their funding models to ensure long term  financial viability of these institutions as they carry their mandates respectively.”

Muthambi complained that the South African public’s contribution to SABC revenue is a measly 20%.

 “This has a profound impact on the nature and services provided by the SABC.”