The SABC will broadcast PSL matches on its radio platforms after intervention from Communications Minister Nomvula Mokonyane and her Sport and Recreation counterpart, Tokozile Xasa.
The two Ministers on Monday convened a meeting with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) board and its executive management. This was after the SABC at the weekend announced it would no longer broadcast PSL matches after failing to reach an agreement with the PSL.
Briefing the Ministers, the SABC provided them with an in-depth understanding of the events that led to the stand-off. Among issues raised were also matters of liquidity affecting the SABC and the general acquisition of sport rights.
Both Ministers have expressed concern at the situation but pledged to support the public broadcaster in delivering on its mandate around the delivery of sport content.
“The Ministers are treating this matter with the utmost importance as their primary concern is to ensure that the South African public is adequately served by the SABC,” reads a statement issued after the meeting.
The Ministers also held a meeting with a PSL delegation led by its chairperson Dr Irvin Khoza, board member Kaizer Motaung and chief executive Mato Madlala.
“The parties have agreed that the SABC and PSL will immediately commence a process to finalize all pertinent issues relating to the agreements that govern the relationship between the parties,” the statement says.
In the interim, there has been agreement that all soccer matches will be broadcast on SABC radio platforms, as per the fixtures list of the PSL.
Ministers Mokonyane and Xasa, the SABC and PSL have apologised to those affected by the decision not to broadcast last weekend’s matches.
Coverage of live PSL matches would commence again on SABC radio stations with tomorrow’s clashes. - SAnews.gov.za
