I have been advised by the SABC as follows:
(1)(a) The signed Business Case was received by SCM on the 9 March 2018. This is a date in which vests were deemed necessary equipment for staff in the SABC News Division.
(1)(b) Mayehlome Communications
(1)(c) A total of 100 vests with various sizes were purchased
(1)(d)
Bullet proof vest Sizes |
Number |
Price per Unit (Excl. VAT) |
Price per Unit (Incl. VAT) |
Total Price |
Medium |
25 |
R9,305.88 |
R10,701.76 |
R267,544.05 |
Large |
25 |
R9,667.35 |
R11,117.45 |
R277,936.31 |
X-Large |
25 |
R10,175.28 |
R11,701.57 |
R292,539.30 |
XX-Large |
25 |
R10,978.53 |
R12,625.31 |
R315,632.74 |
TOTAL PRICE |
R1,153,652.40 |
(1)(e) The vests are to be distributed equitably to all SABC News offices and not assigned to individual reporters.
(2) Yes, the wage bill for July 2020 was R11 million which was R9 million actual paid, plus a further R2 million for accrued expenses and not R4 million as alleged.
(2)(a) During the hard lockdown period, journalists were complemented by the independent contractors, and this is the period that more COVID-19 cases were reported in the News Division, and freelancers were utilised.
(2)(b) The nature of the SABC news operation is such that services of independent contractors are indispensable.
(2)(c) The total independent contractors spend from April to October 2020 is R58.4 million.
(3)(a) Total = R65 351 000.00
(3)(b) Total breakdown is as per attached Annexure A.
4. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SABC used the Nasrec Sentech DR site for a period of about 6 months free of charge. This was the agreement between SABC and Sentech which was extended to the end of September 2020.
5. The SABC has a Wellness Centre which conducts wellness programmes for all SABC employees. Individual counselling is also available for employees with such needs. An assistance programme will be rolled out for all employees affected by the Labour Relations Act section 189 process.
MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES