Minister Malatsi / Department of Communications and Digital Technologies

I am Aphelele Mbotho, a journalism student from Durban University of Technology. I am currently working on a story about SABC's lack of funding for November local government elections coverage.

The story follows concerns raised by MP Imraan Subrathie regarding to what is seen as not being proactive from the Minister and the d
Department to secure funding for SABC elections coverage.

I would appreciate if the minister can respond to the following questions:

What steps has the Minister taken to address this issue and assist the SABC to secure funding for November 2026 local government elections?
Has the department or Minister had an engagement meeting with SABC or National treasury regarding this funding? If yes what were the outcomes of these engagements? If not, is the department or Minister planning to have engagement with SABC and National Treasury?
What is the department comment regarding the issue of SABC's mobility if they do not get sufficient funds to cover the elections?
How can these department ensure that people who rely on public broadcasters have sufficient knowledge about these upcoming elections?
I would appreciate the Ministers response so that it will provide fairness in our story.

Kind regards,
Aphelele Mbotho