SABC must do the right thing
YESTERDAY we reported that the SABC is asking for the Broadcasting Act to be changed to include cell phones, tablets and computers as devices on which South Africans can watch television.
If the act were to be changed, it would open the way for the SABC to spread its television licence net far wider that at present.
Hence, in effect, when acting SABC chief executive James Aguma made this request to parliament this week, he was asking for pretty much everyone to be taxed.
If granted, this request would translate into all of us who own a cellphone – which is pretty much every second citizen these days – being liable to pay a TV licence.
Now, we realise that the state broadcaster is facing massive cash challenges and has been bleeding financially, particularly since implementing its 90% local content rule.
That decree by former chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng was welcomed by artists, but advertisers have been more sceptical as they have observed their audiences shrink.
In the world of 2017, citizens can and will look elsewhere for their viewing pleasure as they are no longer as dependent on the state as in the past.
And, even though a device may be capable of showing local television content, who is to say that it is indeed used for this?
The way consumers today watch video, whether it is via Facebook, YouTube, streaming or subscription, is less reliant on that public broadcast signal than ever before.
As also was reported yesterday, even though Motsoeneng is no longer in charge, the SABC is still a deeply troubled place to be.
Interestingly, lawmakers in the portfolio committee on communications laid the blame for this ongoing unhappiness at the feet of Aguma – who is seen as an ally of Motsoeneng.
Has it really then rid itself of the disastrous Hlaudi legacy? It appears not. The proposal to tax all devices capable of screening video smacks of desperation.
At the moment, it is hard enough for the SABC to collect its annual licences. This ill-considered proposal, however, is unlikely to be any easier to follow through on.
We hope that parliament does not consider it for one moment. The taxpayer is burdened enough as it is and there is simply no way to police a new system such as the one suggested.
We urge the national broadcaster to first get its own house in order. As your TV licence advertisements used to regularly proclaim, it’s the right thing to do.