SABC senior executives are some of the best paid in country. This is in spite of mounting losses for the state broadcaster. And widespread reporting that it may have to switch off its signal at the end of the year if it cannot settle billions in debt.
To muddy the waters further, it’s been revealed how much SABC senior executives earned last year amid these financial struggles. This came to light when the SABC released its financial results for the financial year ending on 31 March 2025.
SABC SENIOR EXECUTIVES
Net losses for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) increased in the last financial year. A net loss of R197.8 million in 2024 rose to R253.3 million in 2025, a 4.9% decline in profitability. The state broadcaster – technically insolvent – was already uncertain it would meet its financial obligations last year. Now it’s further in the red …
Central to its struggles are the increasing number of people using global streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, DSTV, Apple, Amazon and Showmax. And there’s a total unwillingness to pay TV licences. R4.9 billion in TV licences was billed in the year, of which only R758 million was collected. That’s a loss of R4.2 billion. Not great when you add a top-heavy pay scale for SABC senior executives.
MILLIONS SQUANDERED
In the financial results, the broadcaster revealed exactly how much SABC senior executives earned. Current SABC CEO, Nomsa Chabeli, received a basic salary of R3.5 million (R297 916 per month). Plus, a further R1.3 million in expenses and allowances. Meanwhile, OUTA has been calling for urgent law changes for more accountability of delinquent executives of state-owned entities (SOEs).
Moreover, the report revealed SABC senior executives were allocated R23.2 million for the year. This includes non-executive directors, executive directors and senior management, reports The Citizen. The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, is considering introducing a ‘streaming levy’ as a potential funding option for the embattled SABC.
What do you think? Should South Africans pay a ‘streaming levy’ to help keep the SABC afloat? Or should the state broadcaster disband once and for all?
