The SABC is facing mounting internal criticism over the appointment of an acting programmes manager at SAfm, with employees alleging inconsistent application of company policies and raising broader concerns about funding and staff treatment.
Image: Independent Media
A storm is brewing inside the SABC as a controversial SAfm appointment exposes deep fractures in the public broadcaster. Staff are accusing management of bending rules, ignoring internal policy, and misallocating millions in funding—sparking a crisis of trust that threatens both morale and public confidence.
What started as a dispute over a single acting programmes manager has quickly escalated into questions over fairness, governance, and accountability at South Africa’s flagship media institution.
Employees say the appointment of veteran broadcaster Ferdinand Mabalane, over 60 years old, contradicts internal policy, especially after other staff members over the same age were recently released. “Why were people over 60 let go, and he was hired?” one employee asked. “We are struggling to understand why rules are being bent and broken to accommodate him.”
Concerns go beyond age-based policies. Staff allege acting management positions are typically filled internally on a temporary basis, yet this process appears to have been bypassed. “It appears there are people to whom the rules don’t apply, and it is demoralising,” a source said.
SABC spokesperson Vuyo Mthembu defended the decision, saying appointments follow internal governance processes and operational requirements.
“The SABC employs independent contractors over the age of 60 in various areas due to their experience and specialist skills,” he said, noting that such moves are intended to ensure continuity in key roles. The broadcaster did not directly confirm whether Mabalane was appointed from outside the organisation.
Amid the staffing controversy, employees have also raised concerns about funding allocations. Despite receiving over R700 million in state funding, sources claim a significant portion of this funding went to Channel Africa, leaving other stations to share a smaller pool. Staff say this has created tension as contract negotiations are underway and salary increases remain constrained.
Mthembu clarified that the R704 million allocation from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is ringfenced for public service content, including children’s, educational, and religious programming, and support for Channel Africa.
The growing discord highlights a larger tension between management’s operational decisions and employee expectations of fairness, transparency, and consistent application of rules. Analysts suggest that if left unaddressed, these internal disputes could undermine both staff morale and the broadcaster’s credibility with South African audiences.
DAILY NEWS