House Chair, firstly we appreciate the severe challenges the SABC faces, but we wish to commend them for showing Saturday Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and England. Seldom has such an event united our nation not to stand in the many challenges we face. May we build on the hope that it has created in our nation.
We are indeed #StrongerTogether. Now, on the downside, we the ACDP played a key role in the ad hoc committee of exposing fraud and corruption in the SABC - in the Fifth Parliament. And while much is still to be done, clearly, some advances have been made and we look forward to the further outcomes of the SIU investigations into fraud and corruption.
We note that an additional R3,2 billion has been granted to the SABC. These funds are intended to pay bills,
acquire new content and conduct maintenance. One issue I have raised with the hon Minister is the unpaid royalties due to local musicians doing business and who have already provided services to the SABC.
By the end of September, they owe them almost
R160 million. Most of these musicians rely on those royalties to survive, and it is thus disgraceful that they have not been paid, notwithstanding the fact that their content has been shown on radio and on television. How can we support and encourage local artists if we don't pay them for services rendered.
We welcome the SABC commitment to pay them their fees due in terms of payment arrangement. And we trust that they would be paid without any further delays. In this regard we would like to thank the Kiffness who raised this issue with us and who continues to lobby for the payment of musicians royalties. In our view, they are doing an exceptional job and let us ensure that local artists are paid what is due to them. I thank you.