The Minister of Communications, Ms. Nomvula Mokonyane, has extended a congratulatory message to the South African Broadcasting Cooperation (SABC) and MultiChoice for signing a new commercial channel supply agreement allowing the SABC News and SABC Encore channels to continue to be broadcast on DStv.

This partnership between the two broadcasters will ensure that the viewers continue to enjoy their favourite SABC classic shows and have access to a 24hours news channel as the previous contract is set to expire.

On the occasion of the budget vote of the Department of Communications, Minister Mokonyane said “Broadcasting plays a critical and meaningful role in providing a window and platform through which histories, languages, culture, experiences, views and interests can be expressed and shared. This underscores the importance of broadcasting as the sector that is at the heart of who we are - the sense of our identities”.

“The agreement, signed today is most welcomed development and it illustrate the importance of partnership in this sector and supports our objectives of social-cohesion and nation-building” said Minister Mokonyane.

“The new agreement also comes after the rebranding of the SABC News platforms which will contribute towards ensuring that we drive transformation within the sector” added Minister Mokonyane.

Issued by Government Communication and Information System