EFF condemns Treasury's refusal to fund SABC, warns millions could be denied fair election coverage
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) says it condemns, in the strongest terms, the National Treasury’s refusal to allocate R120 million to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) for coverage of the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections.
The party warned that the decision threatens the fairness, accessibility, and integrity of South Africa’s democratic process.
EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said the SABC has warned that it does not have sufficient funds to provide comprehensive election coverage.
He added that in past election years, additional funding had always been allocated to ensure the broadcaster could fulfil its constitutional mandate.
”This year, however, Treasury’s refusal to provide the requested R120 million, and the lack of an alternative reliable funding mechanism, has thrown the SABC’s ability to fulfil its fundamental democratic role into question.”
“The SABC remains one of the few institutions capable of reaching millions of South Africans in all official languages through radio and television, including rural and marginalised communities who do not have access to subscription television, private news platforms or stable internet connectivity,” Thambo said.
He added that in a political environment where hundreds of parties are expected to contest the elections, denying the SABC the resources to provide full coverage effectively denies millions of citizens equal access to information.
“The implications of this will be severe because without proper funding, there will be reduced debates, limited voter education, weakened regional coverage, and less visibility for smaller political parties,” he said.
Thambo stressed that the SABC is a state institution, not a commercial broadcaster, it’s a state-established institution to serve the public interest and fulfil a constitutional mandate.
”As such, it is the responsibility of the state to ensure that it is adequately funded to carry out its duties, particularly during elections.”
Forcing the broadcaster to seek private funding is “reckless and dangerous” and could compromise its independence and public trust, he warned.
The EFF has called on Parliament to intervene and ensure the SABC receives sufficient resources for comprehensive coverage.
Thambo said Treasury must abandon its “selective rigid austerity posture” and recognise that safeguarding democratic institutions requires decisive public investment.
He added that the refusal to fund the SABC raises concerns about whether this is a deliberate attempt by the ANC to undermine elections after losing massively in the 2024 National and Provincial elections.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
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