South African government appoints BMIT to design sustainable funding model for SABC

The Department of Communications has tasked BMIT Knowledge Group with developing a long-term financial strategy for the SABC. The Johannesburg-based ICT research firm will help the public broadcaster address its financial challenges and ensure its ability to continue serving millions of South Africans.

Public broadcaster the SABC’s Auckland Park headquarters.

South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has appointed BMIT Knowledge Group to create a new funding model aimed at stabilising the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

Based in Johannesburg, BMIT is a well-established ICT research and advisory company with extensive experience in economic modelling, broadcasting market analysis, and regulatory support.

Communications minister Solly Malatsi described the initiative as a crucial step toward securing the broadcaster’s future. “Given the strong public interest in SABC’s financial sustainability, we will provide updates as the process moves forward,” he said.

The SABC, one of 11 state-owned enterprises under the ministry’s portfolio, has faced long-term financial pressures. In 2024, tensions with state-owned signal distributor Sentech nearly resulted in the suspension of radio and television services to millions of households due to unpaid debts. That crisis highlighted the urgent need for a stable financial framework to protect the broadcaster’s operations and ensure it can deliver on its mandate.