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The recent developments of news censorship and ongoing internal leadership ructions within the South African Broadcast Corporation (SABC), has raised many questions about the apparent lack of professionalism and declining service output to the public, says OUTA.

“Having had ten CEO’s over the past seven years and many board resignations, dismissals and suspensions, combined with serious misconduct and corrupt findings by the Public Protector, we find the state of the broadcaster as being an embarrassing shambles,” says Wayne Duvenage, OUTA’s Chairperson.

These developments which point to poor leadership combined with political interference at the state broadcaster, has the potential of significant negative consequences in the following areas:-

• Stimulating a justified revolt by the public who are questioning the need to pay a license fee under such conditions. 
• A loss significant revenue from their advertisers who may feel it necessary to reduce their spend and association with the state broadcaster.
• A loss of talent and institutionalised skills through the loss of good people within the SABC.

OUTA is also concerned at the extent of the bonuses paid by the SABC whist the entity continues to make losses and is constantly attracting negative attention due to the variety of developments at this once proud institution.

We call on the those in authority and Government to restore the order and professionalism required by the public of their state broadcaster, failing which, the SABC will have to contend with the possible public backlash which is looming under such conditions.

Issued by OUTA