By Thabo Mosia
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have condemned the Democratic Alliance Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, for withdrawing the SABC Bill, alleging that the decision was influenced by “White Monopoly Capital” (WMC) and aims to favour private media corporations.
The EFF’s strong reaction follows Malatsi’s announcement on 10 November 2024, where he justified the withdrawal of the bill as a step towards developing a more sustainable funding model for the SABC.
The SABC Bill was initially designed to reform and streamline the SABC Board while enhancing its financial viability as a public broadcaster. According to the EFF, Malatsi’s decision represents a “disregard for parliamentary processes” and prioritizes the interests of WMC over the public broadcaster’s mission to serve all South Africans.
In a statement issued on 11 November 2024, the EFF expressed concern that Malatsi failed to notify the Portfolio Committee formally, leaving committee members to learn about the withdrawal through the media. The party described this as a disrespectful “middle finger” to the Portfolio Committee, accusing Malatsi of undermining the legislative process.
Allegations of White Monopoly Capital Influence
The EFF argues that Malatsi’s decision reflects an agenda aligned with White Monopoly Capital, suggesting that his move aims to protect private media interests and limit the reach of the SABC. According to the EFF, this action would strengthen the dominance of private broadcasters such as eNCA, which is part of the eMedia group, a subsidiary of Remgro, chaired by Johann Rupert. The EFF claims that the DA’s approach to media reform is focused on consolidating power among white-owned media giants, restricting the public broadcaster’s capacity to compete.
“This ill-advised decision is an attempt to frustrate processes that are currently underway,” stated the EFF, alleging that Malatsi’s decision ultimately benefits WMC, which is actively working to “redirect advertising revenue away from the public broadcaster.”
Concerns Over Media Freedom and Public Interest
In his statement, Malatsi defended the withdrawal of the SABC Bill, citing extensive stakeholder consultations and public submissions that raised concerns about the bill’s structure. He indicated that the current bill did not adequately address the SABC’s financial sustainability, and instead, his department would focus on developing a sustainable funding model to support the SABC’s mission as a reliable, independent source of information.
Despite this justification, the EFF insists that Malatsi’s decision undermines the SABC’s role as a public broadcaster and threatens media diversity in South Africa. They argue that the bill’s withdrawal is a deliberate tactic to diminish the SABC’s influence and favour private media corporations with vested interests.
The EFF further criticized the delayed implementation of a dedicated funding model for the SABC, asserting that it is “evidently a puppet show” for DA interests within the Government of National Unity (GNU). They argue that the GNU’s structure has allowed DA ministers to exercise undue influence over national policies, using their positions to serve the interests of powerful private stakeholders.
EFF’s Criticism of the DA’s Legislative Tactics
The EFF also drew attention to what they described as a “systemic behaviour” among DA ministers, noting that this is not the first instance where the DA has allegedly undermined government processes. They referenced the DA’s boycott of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill signing, led by DA-aligned ministers, as an example of similar tactics used to block legislation that serves the public.
“The DA is actively working to undermine the SABC, deliberately preventing it from reaching its full potential,” the EFF claimed, emphasizing their view that the withdrawal of the SABC Bill marks a dangerous precedent for public media in South Africa. They argue that this decision is an extension of the DA’s broader agenda to impose neoliberal policies, favouring private over public interests.
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