At least let us watch the Springbok games
If there was any doubt as to just how bad things are at the national public broadcaster, it is now clear for all to see with just a day to go before the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The cash-strapped SABC could not afford the R420m price tag to buy the sub-licence from SuperSport to be able to broadcast the World Cup, and now the majority of South Africans will not get the opportunity to watch the Springboks in action. For those with DStv premium subscriptions, it is not a big deal. But for others, it would require having to go to a pub or select shopping malls to catch the games.
And then there is the rest of the South African population living in remote areas who do not have DStv premium. For them, watching the games is simply not an option. This is yet another episode involving the SABC, which has been limping from one crisis to another.
It begs the question: what is the point of having a statefunded broadcaster if it cannot transmit – via radio and television – such important world events?
How do we get behind the boys if the majority cannot have access to watch the games?
Sport has also been regarded as a unifier – soccer, rugby and cricket World Cup events have, in the past, played pivotal roles towards nation-building.
It is thus unacceptable that we are now at this point. And it comes in a year where we have the potential to win the cup.
While shocking, it is not surprising that the SABC has degenerated to this point.
Years of maladministration and financial mismanagement have led to a situation where every other month, the SABC is asking government for a bailout just to be able to continue operating, or to pay salaries.
Efforts to turn things around are acknowledged, and even commended – especially in the wake of threats on the lives of some executives.
But we need to see swift, decisive action to get the corporation back on its feet.
And with the Springboks’ match against their long-time rivals, the All Blacks, only two days away, we are hopeful there will be an intervention to ensure that, at the very least, South Africans are able to watch the games in which the Springboks are playing.