All Press Statements
March 28, 2024
The SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition (SOS), Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), and the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) acknowledge the legal opinion provided by the […]
February 29, 2024
The SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition (SOS) is very concerned at the abrupt cancellation of the public hearings on the SABC Bill in Parliament. The Coalition […]
February 2, 2024
Join SOS in its Call for the SABC Bill to be Withdrawn. The SOS Supporting Public Broadcasting Coalition calls on all organisations within the civil society […]
January 19, 2024
SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition (SOS), Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) and the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) collectively made a submission to the Parliamentary Portfolio […]
November 16, 2023
The SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition is deeply concerned that the Treasury has rejected a R1.5 billion cash injection request by the South African Broadcasting Corporation […]
November 8, 2023
The SABC Bill isn’t just regurgitating old, unworkable ideas; if enacted, it poses a real threat to our democracy and Parliament, and everyone who cares about […]
October 6, 2023
The new SABC Bill approved by Cabinet on 27 September 2023 presents extreme threats to editorial and institutional independence of the SABC, media freedom and the […]
September 12, 2023
SOS welcomes the decision by the SABC Board to remove Mpho Tsedu as Chairperson of the News and Editorial Subcommittee following allegations of unduly interfering with […]
August 15, 2023
MEDIA STATEMENT SOS appoints a Campaigns’ Coordinator SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition (SOS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Noor Ahmad as the new […]
July 15, 2023
SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition (SOS), Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), Right2Know (R2K) and Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) are not at all surprised that the SABC […]
June 29, 2023
SOS Support Public Broadcasting (SOS) and Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) are extremely concerned to learn of allegations of editorial interference at the SABC by newly-appointed Board […]
June 5, 2023
The SABC Board was appointed on the 18th of April 2023. There can be little doubt that the Board has been met with a deluge of […]
April 28, 2023
Like many others, SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition (SOS) expresses great relief at last week’s appointment of the SABC Board by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The public […]
March 1, 2023
As one of the many responses to the ongoing failure of the President to appoint the SABC Board, SOS Support Public Broadcasting (SOS) and Media Monitoring […]
February 24, 2023
The SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition states for the record that it is not part of the civil society organisations that have called on the President […]
February 11, 2023
The SOS Coalition and Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) are appalled and deeply concerned to learn that the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the South African […]
January 17, 2023
It is now three months since the term of office of the previous SABC Board expired on 15 October 2022. The litany of undue delays in […]
December 9, 2022
1.1. The SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition (SOS) is a non-profit, civil society coalition that represents a range of organisations and concerned individuals. It advocates for […]
October 25, 2022
Public accountability and integrity are fundamental in ensuring that those entrusted with the exercise of public power and authority conduct themselves in a manner that conveys […]
October 18, 2022
The SOS Coalition is taken aback by the absence of an SABC Board and warns of potential destabilization. The Board’s term of office ended on the […]
October 17, 2022
The SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition calls on the National Prosecuting Authority to follow through with the Zondo Commission’s recommendations regarding further investigations and possible prosecutions […]
October 9, 2022
The SOS Coalition’s alarmed by suggestion that an interim SABC Board may be appointed. The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Board‘s term ends in 6 days […]
September 30, 2022
Today is the last day to register for the government-subsidized set top box to enable those with analogue television sets to access digital terrestrial television. This […]
September 13, 2022
The SOS Coalition has objected to the shortlisting of four candidates pertaining to the appointment of 12 Non-Executive SABC Board members. Of the four, two are […]
July 29, 2022
The SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition is dismayed to learn that, after 24 years of existence, one of the SABC’s investigative news and current affairs programmes, […]
July 20, 2022
On 21 April 2022 the SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition appointed Uyanda Siyotula as its new National Coordinator. The Coalition is delighted to have yet another […]
July 19, 2022
The SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition commends the SABC for agreeing to publishits Grievance Report by a Special Committee tasked to investigate allegations made by theformer […]
June 28, 2022
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) and the SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition (SOS) welcome the judgement by the Constitutional Court that the implementation of the process to […]
June 1, 2022
The SOS Coalition wishes Mr Moshoeshoe Monare all strength as he begins his tenure at the SABC today, 1 June 2022, as the SABC Group Executive […]
May 19, 2022
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) and SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition will be in the Constitutional Court on Friday the 20thof May 2022. MMA and SOS have […]
December 10, 2021
10 December 2021 As we near to the end of 2021, the SOS Support Public Broadcasting on December 13, 2021, as part of the Oxfam South […]
October 7, 2021
07 October 2021 On 05 October 2021, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, under the leadership of Minister Khumbudzo Ntshaveni, announced a new date for […]
August 11, 2021
11 August 2021 South Africa is running out of time. While the numbers have dropped due to lockdown for now, a fourth wave is looming. We […]
May 29, 2021
29 May 2021 The SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition, the South African Screen Federation (SASFED) and the Independent Producers Organisation (IPO) are delighted with ICASA’s announcement […]
May 3, 2021
Today marks over 30 years since the annual celebration of World Press Freedom Day. To mark the 2021 celebrations, we asked a number of young people […]
March 29, 2021
29 March 2021 The SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition and Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) welcome the distribution agreement between the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and […]
March 9, 2021
On 24 June 2019, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) launched an independent Inquiry into Media Credibility and Ethics. SANEF launched the Inquiry to investigate […]
December 6, 2020
The SOS Coalition and Media Monitoring Africa had laid three formal complaints to the BCCSA, the Press Council, and to the SABC itself. The three complaints […]
October 21, 2020
21 October 2020 The SOS Coalition and Media Monitoring Africa are deeply concerned by numerous[i] media reports that allege improper conduct on the part of the […]
October 20, 2020
20 October 2020 The SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition notes that the SABC and the SABC Unions, the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and the Broadcasting, Electronic, […]
September 2, 2020
The SOS Coalition delivered a presentation to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications at the Virtual Roundtable on Public Broadcasting, on 2 September 2020. “Digital technologies […]
August 21, 2020
21 August 2020 The SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition and Media Monitoring Africa are deeply concerned by reports that Cosatu is calling for the SABC Board […]
July 22, 2020
Noting: The Covid-19 pandemic and the interconnected climate crisis means that the SABC and its public broadcast mandate are now critically urgent in meeting the information, […]
July 3, 2020
3 July 2020 The SOS Coalition welcomes the publication of the final 2020 SABC Editorial Policies. SOS has consistently campaigned to safeguard the independence and integrity […]
July 1, 2020
1 July 2020 The SOS Coalition (SOS) and Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) take note of the SABC’s Notice of Possible Job Redundancy/Retrenchment and Notification in Terms […]
May 11, 2020
The SOS Coalition and Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) are deeply concerned by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa’s (ICASA) decision to publish amendments to its […]
February 13, 2020
The SOS Coalition is dismayed to hear that Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications has “raised a concern regarding the slow pace in the implementation of the […]
September 27, 2019
Date: 27 September 2019 As the Support Public Broadcasting Coalition SOS, we would like to thank AAA Entertainment’s Mayenzeka Baza and Pascal Schmitz, who on behalf […]
September 6, 2019
Open letter to the Minister in the Department of Communications: Re: SABC Government Guarantee to the SABC Dear Hon. Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams, The failure to ensure a […]
September 20, 2018
The below is the prsentataion by SOS in Paranelent’s Add Hock Inquiry into the SABC on 14 Dec 2016 Note: The SOS Sgement starts at 2h […]
April 17, 2018
The SOS Coalition: Support Our Public Broadcaster and Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) are responding to the invitation, by ICASA, to make written submissions on any of the […]
March 23, 2018
The SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition condemns the attack on journalist Adriaan de Kock on 20 March 2018, by the Deputy Leader of the EFF and […]
February 23, 2018
The SOS Coalition and Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) note, with deep concern, the recent comments made by Communications Minister, Kubayi Ngubane on the Memorandum of Incorporation […]
January 22, 2018
The Board, staff and friends of SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition and Media Monitoring Africa are devastated by the untimely passing of Libby Lloyd (18 January). […]
January 16, 2018
The SOS Coalition and Media Monitoring Africa warmly welcome the news of the appointment of new SABC COO Chris Maroleng, subject to final security vetting processes. […]
December 15, 2017
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) and the SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition (SOS) note the strike action by the Broadcasting, Electronic, Media & Allied Workers Union (BEMAWU) […]
November 13, 2017
MMA and SOS note the intensifying strike action by Broadcasting, Electronic, Media & Allied Workers Union (BEMAWU) beginning 2 November 2017. We support the right of […]
October 19, 2017
Just a short video to remind us all of the journey we’re on. For some, this journey began 40 years ago, and for others it began […]
October 17, 2017
The SOS Coalition, Media Monitoring Africa and Freedom of Expression Institute Welcome the judgement in the SOS/FXI/MMA vs SABC/Minister of Communications/Hlaudi Motsoeneng matter. SABC 1 The […]
September 27, 2017
After a series of governance and financial crises at the SABC, the dissolution of the last board, and the subsequent appointment of the interim board in […]
September 1, 2017
The SOS Coalition welcomes the news regarding the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Proclamation, which has been awaiting the President’s signature for months. On the 25th of […]
July 11, 2017
SOS would like to echo the chorus of voices calling for President Jacob Zuma to sign the proclamation allowing the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) to probe […]
June 13, 2017
SOS welcomes the news of the adverse findings against Mr Hlaudi Motsoeneng, as well as his subsequent dismissal by the SABC Interim Board. Mr. Motsoeneng was […]
May 30, 2017
CORRUPTION AND STATE CAPTURE – GOOD PROGRESS BUT STILL MORE NEEDED SOS welcomes news concerning the interim board’s decision to suspend James Aguma from his acting […]
May 18, 2017
18 May 2017SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition supports the call by MPs for the SABC Board to consider the suspension of James Aguma as CFO and […]
February 22, 2017
A PDF of the below release can be downloaded here. MEDIA RELEASE SOS: SUPPORT PUBLIC BROADCASTING COALITION MAKES DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE SABC TO AD HOC […]
December 9, 2016
SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition (“SOS”) condemns the arrogant behaviour of Professor Mbulaheni Maguhve and the coterie of SABC executives led by the disgraced Hlaudi Motsoeneng. […]
November 22, 2016
On 03 October, the SOS Coalition and Media Monitoring Africa lodged a complaint with ICASA’s Complaints and Compliance Committee (CCC) concerning the SABC’s irregularly and unlawfully […]
November 15, 2016
The news that the SABC 8 have been receiving death threats pose a clear and present danger to our democracy. We call on the SAPS and […]
November 3, 2016
It is with shock and disbelief and incredible sadness that we heard yesterday about the passing of Jeanette Minnie. Jeanette played a significant role as a […]
September 30, 2016
The SOS Coalition welcomes the Cabinet statement delivered by Minister Jeff Radebe concerning the ongoing crisis of principled leadership at the SABC. In his statement Minister […]
July 26, 2016
In another landslide victory for the soul of the SABC, the Labour Court, today, found in favour of four of the SABC 8. In the robust judgment handed down […]
July 20, 2016
Since 02 July 2016, the Campaign to Save Our SABC, which constitutes individuals, organisations and movements campaigning for social and economic justice for all has campaigned […]
July 15, 2016
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) and SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition welcome the application for direct access to the Constitutional Court by the “SABC 8” MMA & […]
July 15, 2016
We have reached out to the ANC to insist that the Party refrain from interfering in the affairs of our national public broadcaster, the SABC, which […]
July 5, 2016
Basebenzi, In recent days we have seen the situation at the SABC decline even further. We have watched the renegade COO, Hlaudi Motsoeneng, enabled by a […]
July 4, 2016
Hlaudi Motsoeneng has lied to us again. He didn’t bother to even turn up for a meeting he committed himself to, to address the current suspension […]
July 2, 2016
Today, media workers in the SABC convened and led a gathering and march from the SABC to Constitution Hill to draw attention to the crisis in […]
July 1, 2016
The Chief Justice Mogoeng and all Justices of the Constitutional Court Johannesburg Chief Justice, MEMORANDUM: CALL FOR INTERVENTION REGARDING SABC APARTHEID-STYLE CENSORSHIP Seven days ago SABC journalists were […]
June 30, 2016
Dear Comrades, Friends and concerned South Africans, Six days ago, SABC journalists were suspended for refusing to compromise their integrity by complying with Hlaudi Motsoeneng’s orders […]
June 27, 2016
SOS and MMA heartily welcome the judgment of the Competition Appeal Tribunal and its vindication of our public interest campaign for bringing to light the full […]
June 27, 2016
We welcome the news by Jimi Matthews that he has resigned. As we explained to Mr Motsoeneng on Friday, it’s never too late to do the […]
June 22, 2016
Dear Comrades, Friends and concerned South Africans, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CALL TO PROTEST AGAINST SABC FOR CENSORSHIP OF PROTEST ACTION On 2 June 2016, Media Monitoring […]
June 8, 2016
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) has lodged a formal complaint with Icasa over the SABC’s ban on violent protest footage across its news and current affairs bulletins. […]
May 31, 2016
31 May 2016 The SOS Coalition (SOS) and Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) heartily welcome the judgment handed down by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), today, […]
May 9, 2016
SOS and MMA note with concern that the SABC has finalised and is implementing its revised editorial policies without having completed the public participation process it […]
May 5, 2016
05 May 2016 On 11 February 2016, the Competition Tribunal handed down judgment on the contractual arrangement between the SABC and Multichoice Africa (MCA) concerning […]
February 29, 2016
SOS Support Public Broadcasting Campaign is calling for an urgent investigation into whether SABC management ordered staff to drop open call-in lines until after the elections, as reported […]
December 8, 2015
A bill approved by cabinet in the aims of stabilising the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has been met with resistance. The Broadcasting Amendment Bill removes […]
November 30, 2015
The SOS Coalition heartily welcomes the judgment handed down by the Western Cape High Court, setting aside Hlaudi Motsoeneng’s permanent appointment as SABC COO on […]
November 22, 2015
With no fewer than eight GCEOs at the helm of SABC since its financial meltdown in 2008, we can no longer take the SABC Board, […]
October 8, 2015
SOS welcomes the judgment handed down by the SCA, this morning, confirming Mr Hlaudi Motsoeneng’s suspension and directing the SABC to institute disciplinary procedures against him […]
October 7, 2015
This article originally appeared in the Daily Maverick on 7 October 2015. By: William Bird Media Monitoring Africa The deal entered into by the SABC and […]
October 7, 2015
This article was originally published in the Star Newspaper on 6 October 2015 By: Sekoetlane Phamodi The SABC has abandoned its obligation to act as an […]
September 27, 2015
Various members of the broadcasting community gathered at Constitutional Hill to discuss the Department of Communications draft proposal for the Community Broadcasting Support Scheme. The […]
September 25, 2015
The Minister of Communication issued a draft proposal for the implementation of the Draft Community Broadcasting Support Scheme on 1 July 2015. The scheme is aimed […]
September 23, 2015
The SOS Coalition calls for South Africans to support the Unite against Corruption marches on 30 September at the Union Buildings in Pretoria and Parliament in […]
September 22, 2015
The SOS Coalition is alarmed by reports that the SABC has been paying the legal fees of Hlaudi Motsoeneng and Ellen Tshabalala to defend their wilful […]
June 1, 2015
Hosted by: SOS Coalition, Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI), Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and Right 2 Know (R2K) WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Sekoetlane Phamodi (SOS Coordinator) […]
May 27, 2015
Yesterday afternoon, Parliament received and accepted a legal opinion on the powers to remove Board members of the SABC. The opinion was sought by the Portfolio […]
April 30, 2015
A broad alliance of civil society and industry associations has issued a firm call for the Film and Publications Board (“the Board”) to withdraw its […]
April 22, 2015
The SOS Coalition notes with concern the violence and brutalisation of foreign nationals in various regions of South Africa in recent weeks. In our condemnation of this […]
April 14, 2015
On 17 February 2015, MMA and SOS joined Caxton Publishers in an application to the Competition Tribunal for the contract selling the SABC archives to Multichoice […]
March 6, 2015
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) and the SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition (SOS) note the announcement made at yesterday’s cabinet briefing concerning the long-awaited broadcasting digital migration. […]
March 2, 2015
On the 17th of February 2015, MMA and SOS joined Caxton Publishers in an application to the Competition Tribunal in which we call on Multichoice and […]
February 13, 2015
13 February 2015 Yesterday, a cellphone signal scrambling device was set up in the National Assembly Chamber to prevent all attending the President’s State of the Nation […]
December 17, 2014
The SOS Coalition welcomes the resignation of Ellen Tshabalala from the SABC Board. Tshabalala was, on 3 December 2014, found guilty by Parliament of willfully […]
December 3, 2014
On 3rd December, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Commuications conducted an formal inquiry into allegations that SABC Board Chairperson, Ellen Zandile Tshabalala, had willfully or negligently […]
September 15, 2014
Today, the Minister of Communications was scheduled to brief the Portfolio committee on Communications on progress she and the SABC had made in instituting the recommendations […]
July 17, 2014
SOS CALLS FOR THE IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION OF THE SABC CHAIR’S QUALIFICATIONS The SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition notes the ongoing leadership crises at the SABC. Further, […]
July 9, 2014
APPOINTMENT OF SABC COO The SOS Coalition notes with alarm the Minister of Communications’ announcement of the appointment of Mr. Hlaudi Motsoeneng as the COO of […]
June 24, 2014
SOS COALITION BACKS COSATU’S CALL TO RESCUE THE SABC FROM ITS SORRY STATE The SOS Coalition welcomes today’s open letter to the SABC Board by the […]
May 25, 2014
Ministerial Instability and ICT Fragmentation Offer South Africa No Good Story to Tell SOS Coalition notes with concern the President’s creation of a new Ministry of […]
February 12, 2014
The government is reviewing laws on freedom of expression, diversity in radio & TV, the cost of communication & internet access. Now is your opportunity to […]
February 10, 2014
SOS ASTONISHED BY CLAIM THAT VARSITY-QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES ARE “A DRAIN TO THE SABC’. The SOS Coalition is astonished by the latest statement made by SABC Acting […]
February 5, 2014
SOS CALLS FOR STRONG ACTION AND PUBLIC INPUT AFTER CONFIRMATION OF YET ANOTHER SABC CEO RESIGNATION The SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition notes with shock that […]
December 27, 2013
CABINET’S SET-TOP BOX CONTROL COMPROMISE MUST PROMOTE UNIVERSAL ACCESS AND MEDIA DIVERSITY The SOS Coalition notes Cabinet’s decision of 20 December 2013 on set-top box (STB) […]
December 13, 2013
At the Continental Conference on Media Legislative Reforms and Transforming State Broadcasters into Public Broadcasters in Africa, held in Midrand, South Africa on 2-3 December 2013 […]
December 12, 2013
BOOING OF THE PRESIDENT: SOS SUPPORTS CALL TO INVESTIGATE SABC CENSORSHIP The SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition notes with concern the Mail & Guardian story in […]
December 10, 2013
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November 25, 2013
TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE THE ONLY HOPE FOR A TRANSFORMED SABC SOS is alarmed to learn of the findings in the Public Protector’s preliminary report […]
November 20, 2013
SABC BOARD STABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY CRITICAL FOR PUBLIC CONFIDENCE AND SABC SUCCESS Last week, South Africans were disappointed to learn that Noluthando Gosa had resigned from […]
September 20, 2013
SOS RESPONDS TO PROPOSED NEW SABC BOARD The SOS Coalition notes the candidates recommended by the Portfolio Committee on Communications for the SABC Board. The SABC […]
September 13, 2013
SOS COALITION CALLS FOR STRONG ACTION ON SABC’S DISCLAIMER The SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition is dismayed by the unabated financial mismanagement of the SABC revealed […]
July 12, 2013
STABILITY FOR THE SABC AND SUPPORTING INSTITUTIONS DEPENDS ON STABILITY IN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS The SOS Coalition notes President Zuma’s appointment of the Honourable Yunus […]
June 21, 2013
The SOS Coalition has considered the Framing Paper produced by the ICT Policy Review Panel carefully and welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Framing Paper […]
June 17, 2013
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications Mr. Sikhumbuzo Eric Kholwane 17 June 2013 Dear Mr Kholwane, Amendments to the Broadcasting Act It has come to […]
May 23, 2013
CONNECTING SOUTH AFRICA THROUGH PUBLIC BROADCASTING: THE SOS COALITION RESPONDS TO THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS’ BUDGET VOTE SPEECH. The Minister of Communication gave her budget speech […]
May 20, 2013
SOS MOURNS THE PASSING OF VUYO MBULI The SOS Coalition is deeply saddened by the news of the sudden death of radio and television journalist and […]
May 20, 2013
SOS COALITION LAUNCHES MULTI-PRONGED CAMPAIGN TO SAVE THE SABC Following the dissolution and appointment of an Interim SABC Board, the SOS Coalition held an emergency meeting […]
March 11, 2013
RESIGNATION OF SABC BOARD CHAIRPERSON AND DEPUTY The SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition notes the deepening crises at the SABC. According to news reports both the […]
March 7, 2013
Chair of the Portfolio Committee on Communications Mr. Sikhumbuzo Eric Kholwane 06 March 2013 Dear Mr Kholwane NEED FOR AN EMERGENCY PARLIAMENTARY HEARING TO RESOLVE CRISES […]
March 5, 2013
SOS WELCOMES PROGRESS MADE ON THE ICT POLICY REVIEW PROCESS The SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition is pleased to note the Minister of Communications’ announcement of […]
March 5, 2013
CONTINUED CRISES AT THE SABC AT PARLIAMENTARY, BOARD AND MANAGEMENT LEVEL The SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition notes the ongoing crises at the SABC at the […]
February 27, 2013
NEW ACTING COO AND POSTPONEMENT OF PARLIAMENTARY BRIEFING ON SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT AND SKILLS AUDIT FINDINGS SOS notes the SABC Board’s announcement made yesterday that they […]
February 18, 2013
STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS 2013 – SOS DISSAPOINTED THAT ICT AND BROADCASTING ISSUES FORGOTTEN On Thursday President Zuma gave his State of the Nation Address, […]
February 14, 2013
The Minister of Communications Ms Dina Pule iParioli Office Park, Block C, 1166 Park Street, Hatfield, Pretoria Hatfield South Africa 0001 7 February 2013 Dear Minister […]
February 14, 2013
STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS 2013 – SOS CALLS FOR ICT TO BE A KEY FOCUS AREA Tonight President Zuma will be giving his State of […]
February 7, 2013
ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS MUST BE INVESTIGATED AND SWIFTLY RESOLVED The SOS Coalition is very concerned about the ongoing allegations of corruption against the […]
February 5, 2013
THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FACING PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING IN THE DIGITAL ERA Public service broadcasting plays an important role in providing access to and participation in […]
February 4, 2013
SABC PAYS BACK R416 MILLION TOWARDS R1 BILLION LOAN – CRITICAL SUMMARY The SABC announced that it has paid back a significant portion of the R1 […]
February 3, 2013
OPEN LETTER TO THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Chair of the Portfolio Committee on Communications Mr. Sikhumbuzo […]
February 2, 2013
Following the series of crises within the SABC since 2007 which led to the dissolution and appointment of an interim Board in 2009, SOS threw its […]
January 24, 2013
The CTO’s 8th Digital Broadcasting Switchover Forum 2013 will once again bring together senior policy makers, broadcasters, telecoms services providers, industry solution providers and other stakeholders […]
January 23, 2013
SOS WELCOMES KICK-OFF OF ICT POLICY REVIEW After years of lobbying for a full and purposive review of the broadcasting and related sectors , the SOS […]
January 15, 2013
ROGRESS ON DIGITAL MIGRATION – SOS COALITION CONCERNS AND PROPOSALS The SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition welcomes the Department of Communications conciliatory meeting with free-to-air broadcasters, […]
January 4, 2013
The SOS Coalition handed over its written submission in respect of the ICASA Amendment Act to the Minister of Communications, today. In line with our press […]
December 12, 2012
SOS WELCOMES MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENT OF ICT POLICY REVIEW PANEL & CALLS FOR A TRANSPARENT, PARTICIPATORY & EFFICIENT REVIEW Since the SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition’s inception […]
December 11, 2012
THE SABC NEEDS TO REVIEW ITS EDITORIAL POLICIES. AND STICK TO THEM. Last week the SOS Coalition was one of the many voices which decried the […]
December 5, 2012
SOS CALLS FOR A TRANSFORMED AND CREDIBLE SABC Yesterday evening, Business Day political editor, Sam Mkokeli, Sunday Times political editor, S’thembiso Msomi and bureau editor, Andrew […]
November 27, 2012
SOS CALLS FOR THE IMMEDIATE WITHDRAWAL OF THE ICASA AMENDMENT BILL The SOS Coalition is deeply concerned by the latest actions by the Minister of the […]
November 22, 2012
This is the shareholder compact signed between the Government of the Republic of South Africa in the Department of Communications and the SABC. While both parties […]
November 21, 2012
This booklet entails the SOS Coalition’s principles as well as outlines the Coalition’s vision for the future of public broadcasting in South Africa in a fresh, […]
November 12, 2012
SOS WELCOMES RESOLUTION OF THE FXI BLACKLISTING COMPLAINT AGAINST THE SABC The SOS Coalition welcomes the joint statement released by the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) […]
November 10, 2012
SOS SUPPORTS THE FINAL RESOLUTION OF FXI’S BLACKLISTING COMPLAINT On Monday 12 November the Freedom of Expression Institute’s long-running SABC “Blacklisting” case will finally be heard […]
November 10, 2012
Last week the SABC Board presented its Annual Report to Parliament. While the broadcaster waxed lyrical about the results its yet to be seen turnaround strategy […]
September 20, 2012
SOS DISMAYED BY REPEATED SABC CRISES Once again the SABC finds itself in the news for the wrong reasons and has, once again, remained conspicuously silent. […]
September 14, 2012
Today, the SOS Coalition made its written submission in response to the proposed Electronic Communications Act Amendment Bill. While SOS welcomes many of the technical amendments […]
August 24, 2012
THE SOS COALITION FINALLY MEETS WITH THE SABC On Wednesday the 22 of August the SOS Coalition met with GCEO, Lulama Mokhobo, and her executive team […]
August 22, 2012
A CRITICAL SUMMARY OF THE DOC’S DTT STATE OF READINESS REPORT TO THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON LABOUR AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISE Last Wednesday, 15 August, the Department […]
August 20, 2012
INVITATION TO SOS PRESS CONFERENCE The SOS Coalition has scheduled a meeting with SABC GCEO, Lulama Mokhobo, for Wednesday 22 August 2012 to discuss, among other […]
August 16, 2012
In our July 2012 submission to ICASA on its proposed DTT regulations, the SOS Coalition and Media Monitoring Africa argue, inter alia, for the following key […]
August 14, 2012
The SOS Coalition is deeply concerned at the current state of affairs at the SABC. The Coalition notes with disappointment its thwarted attempts to meet its […]
July 12, 2012
Department of Communications Commits to Open, Transparent and Inclusive ICT Policy Review Process SJ Phamodi 12 July 2012 Following the SOS Coalition’s Tuesday press statement […]
July 12, 2012
This is the SA country report published as part of the global research project – “Mapping Digital Media”.The research project was funded by the Open Society […]
July 10, 2012
Providing Full and Comprehensive Information about DTT Developments to South Africans is Central to Strengthening Public Broadcasting Yesterday, the Minister of Communications, Dina Pule, was set […]
June 29, 2012
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June 26, 2012
The ANC Communication Policy Discussion Document is a positive beginning to a robust debate around policy changes in South Africa The African National Congress (ANC) today […]
June 26, 2012
As the ANC National Policy Conference kicks off today and the ruling party begins to form its national policy direction for years to come, SOS releases […]
June 8, 2012
SOS press statement on the banning of the Nandos and AfriForum adverts. SOS calls on all broadcasters to promote a diversity of views and opinions 8_June_2012_-_SOS_Calls_on_all_Broadcasters_to_Promote_Diversity_of_Views_and_Opinion […]
June 1, 2012
Government Gazette 35408 calling for the public to nominate members for the ICT Policy Review Panel issued on 1 June 2012. Invitation_to_Nominate_ICT_Policy_Review_Panel_1_June_2012 FacebookTweetLinkedIn
May 31, 2012
Annexure A – SOS Supplementary Submission to ICASA – Broadcasting Regulatory Framework – 31 May 2012
Annexure A to SOS’s supplementary submission to ICASA – Review of the Broadcasting Regulatory Framework. The annexure includes detailed research done by SASFED on the SABC’s […]
May 21, 2012
The South African Screen Federation (SASFED’s) letter to the Minister of Communications asking a number of questions about the terms of reference for this body. The […]
April 20, 2012
The Minister of Communications address to the ICT Policy Colloquium’s on 19 April 2012. Address_by_Minister_Ms_Dina_Pule_at_the_Integared_ICT_Policy_Colloquium_Midrand_19_April_2012 FacebookTweetLinkedIn
April 20, 2012
The keynote presentation given at the ICT Policy Colloquium by ex- Director General of the Department of Communications, Mr Andile Ngcaba. Policy_Framework_for_South_Africa_-_Andile_Ngcaba_April_2012 FacebookTweetLinkedIn
April 20, 2012
Part three of the Discussion Document tabled by the Ministry and Department of Communications for their ICT Colloquium held between the 19 and 20 April 2012. […]
April 20, 2012
The ICT Policy Colloquium Discussion Document tabled by the Ministry and Department of Communication – part 2 of 3 parts. Gazette35255_ICT_Colloquium_Discussion_Document_Part_2 FacebookTweetLinkedIn
April 20, 2012
Discussion Document (Part One) gazetted for the ICT Policy Colloquium convened by the Ministry and Department of Communications in Johannesburg from 19 to 20 April 2012. […]
April 16, 2012
SOS’s detailed submission to ICASA on its “Issues Paper: Review of the Broadcasting Regulatory Framework Towards a Digitally Converged Environment” submitted on 16 April 2012. SOS_Review_of_the_broadcasting_regulatory_framework_-_16_April_2012_-_final […]
April 11, 2012
Press Statement – SOS Coalition Notes With Concern Further Instabilities at Our SABC – 11 April 2012
The SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition notes with grave concern the latest developments at our public broadcaster, the SABC, regarding the Head of News, Mr. Phil […]
March 15, 2012
The SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition has sent an open letter to the Minister of Communications, calling for the immediate prioritisation of the broadcasting policy review […]
March 2, 2012
Attached is a presentation of the report by the Department of Communications (D0C) made to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications, on the South African Broadcasting […]
March 1, 2012
This presentation was made by the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) at the Sparks Seminar on Regulating Broadcasting in the Digital Age. The Seminar was […]
February 27, 2012
SOS submission to the Sparks Seminar. SOS Coordinator, Kate Skinner argued that although ICASA and its predecessor the IBA had played a key role in transforming […]
February 27, 2012
SOS submission to the Sparks Seminar. SOS Coordinator, Kate Skinner argued that although ICASA and its predecessor the IBA had played a key role in transforming […]
February 23, 2012
SOS Coalition & SASFED: Broadcasting Regulatory Review Submission – ICASA Conference, 20-21 Feb 2012
The SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition and South African Screen Federation (SASFED) submission to the Broadcasting Regulatory Review at the ICASA Conference, 20-21 February 2012, focuses […]
February 16, 2012
The SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition welcomes the appointment of the new SABC Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Gugu Duda, and views the appointment as a critical […]
February 8, 2012
The Minister of Communications, Ms Dina Pule, became aware of the process that the SABC intended to follow to appoint a Chief Operating Officer for the […]
February 7, 2012
Amendments to the Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy tabled in February 2012. Digital_migration_policy_-_Feb_2012_1 FacebookTweetLinkedIn
February 1, 2012
Amendments to Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy tabled by the Minister in February 2012. Digital_migration_policy_-_Feb_2012 FacebookTweetLinkedIn
January 31, 2012
The SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition notes the intervention of the Minister of Communications to ensure the integrity of the appointment of the SABC’s Chief Operating […]
January 26, 2012
SOS’s draft advocacy document putting forward a series of views on SABC governance, funding, programming etc. It also puts forward proposals on community media issues. SOS_vision_document_-_26_Jan_2012 […]
January 24, 2012
SOS’s letter to ICASA to ask the latter to clarify their position on their broadcasting regulatory framework review. SOS wanted to know how this process fitted […]
January 12, 2012
SOS CONCERNED BY REPORTS OF FURTHER WASTEFUL EXPENDITURE IN THE SABC The SOS Coalition is concerned by media reports in the Star that the SABC has […]
December 8, 2011
Part two of three parts of the ICASA’s Issues Paper: Review of the Broadcasting Regulatory Framework Towards a Digitally Converged Environment. A_Review_of_the_Broadcasting_Regulatory_Framework_towards_a_Digitally_Converged_Environment_Part_2_of_3_34828 (1) FacebookTweetLinkedIn
December 7, 2011
Part one of three parts – ICASA’s Issues Paper: A Review of the Broadcast Regulatory Framework Towards a Digitally Converged Environment. A_Review_of_the_Broadcasting_Regulatory_Framework_towards_a_Digitally_Converged_Environment_Part_1_of_3_34828 FacebookTweetLinkedIn
November 14, 2011
The Minister of Comms statement after her first meeting with the SABC Board. DEPARTMENT_OF_COMMUNICATIONS_-_on_meeting_with_the_SABC_Board_-_14_Nov_2011 FacebookTweetLinkedIn
November 14, 2011
SOS letter to the Minister of Comms asking for her to prioritise the broadcasting policy review process and to withdraw the Electronic Communications Amendment Draft Bill. […]
November 10, 2011
SOS’s submission on ICASA’s Draft DTT Regulations tabled in September 2011. SOS_Submission_-_DTT_Draft_Regs_-_10_November_2011_-_final FacebookTweetLinkedIn
November 8, 2011
Letter to the Minister of Comms to alert her to the fact that SOS has called for the resignation of the Chair of the Board, Dr […]
November 8, 2011
SOS’s letter to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications asking for assistance to ensure that the SABC answers all of SOS’s questions on maladministration at the […]
November 8, 2011
The SOS Coalition has called for Dr Ben Ngubane to resign and has requested that SABC Board members answer the questions initially posed to Dr. Ngubane. […]
November 4, 2011
The Dept of Communications tabled an Electronic Communications Act Amendment on 4 November 2011. This Bill was later withdrawn. ECA_Amendment_Bill_Nov_2011 (1) FacebookTweetLinkedIn
October 26, 2011
Cosatu Mpumalanga congratulates Dina Pule on her elevation to the Minister of Communications. Pule hails from Mpumalanga and served as MEC in Mpumulanga for a number […]
October 25, 2011
The SOS Coalition thanks the previous Minister and Deputy Minister of Communications for their hard work, welcomes the new Minister and Deputy Minister and urges the […]
October 19, 2011
SOS urges citizens and our public broadcaster to embrace “Media Freedom” day. PS_-_19_Oct_-_Embracing_media_freedom_-_final FacebookTweetLinkedIn
October 12, 2011
The 2011 Annual Report of the South African Broadcasting Corporation SABC Annual Report 2011 FacebookTweetLinkedIn
October 11, 2011
With the support of community broadcasters the SOS Coalition drafted a feedback form for broadcasters to fill in after broadcasting their talkshows on the public broadcasting […]
October 11, 2011
The SOS Coalition has produced a pamphlet that outlines the major principles reflected in SOS’s vision for a strong new public broadcasting landscape. SOS_pamphlet_-_final FacebookTweetLinkedIn
October 11, 2011
The SOS and Right 2 Know campaigns have put together a list of names of resource people that are prepared to talk on radio talkshows on […]
October 11, 2011
The SOS Coalition and Right 2 Know have drafted a script for community broadcasters to use to run talkshows on public broadcasting issues and in particular […]
October 6, 2011
The presentation delivered by Richard Waghorn, SABC Chief Technology Officer to the SOS / Institute for Advancement of Journalism / FXI and Media Monitoring Africa event […]
October 6, 2011
Presentation delivered by Richard Waghorn, SABC Chief Technology Officer, on 6 October 2011 to the SOS, Institute for Advancement of Journalism (IAJ), Freedom of Expression Institute […]
September 28, 2011
The Independent Communications Authority of SA’s Draft Digital Terrestrial Television Regulations published on 28 September 2011. These Regulations repeal the previous Digital Migration Regulations. Draft_DTT_Regs_-_2011 […]
September 23, 2011
The SOS Coalition’s proposal for the roll-out of the broadcasting policy review process drafted in September 2011. SOS_Proposal_for_the_Policy_Review_Process_2011-2013_29-09-11_-_final FacebookTweetLinkedIn
September 23, 2011
This is the report of the SOS / R2K community broadcasting workshop held on the 22nd and 23rd of September 2011. SOS-R2K_Commmunity_Broadcasting_Workshop_Report_Final FacebookTweetLinkedIn
September 23, 2011
The participant list of the SOS/ R2K community broadcaster workshop held on the 22 and 23 September 2011. Appendix_1-_PARTICIPANT_LIST_SOS_R2K_Community_Broadcasting_Workshop_22-23_SEPT FacebookTweetLinkedIn
September 20, 2011
Top TV’s submission to Parliament in September 2011. Top_TV_presentation_-_September_2011_-_digital_migration FacebookTweetLinkedIn
September 19, 2011
The Department of Communications submission to Parliament on their digital readiness made on 19 and 20 September 2011. Department_of_Communications_presentation_-_September_2011_-digital_migration FacebookTweetLinkedIn
September 19, 2011
The submission made by the SABC to Parliament about its digital readiness on 19 and 20 September 2011. SABC_presentation_-_September_2011_-_digital_migration FacebookTweetLinkedIn
September 19, 2011
SABS_presentation_-_September_2011_-_digital_migration FacebookTweetLinkedIn
September 3, 2011
The Communications Minister has agreed to a comprehensive policy review process leading to new broadcasting laws for the sector. He has also agreed to deal with […]
September 2, 2011
The SABC responds to Business Day’s article on the Special Investigating Unit’s into corruption at the SABC. SABC_Press_statement_-_response_to_SIU_probe_-_2_Sept_2011 FacebookTweetLinkedIn
September 1, 2011
Press statement – SOS welcomes Minister’s invite to discuss broadcasting policy review – 1 Sept 2011
SOS welcomes the Minister’s invite to come and discuss the broadcasting policy review process. The meeting will be held in Pretoria at the Department of Communications […]
August 19, 2011
Amendments to the Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy tabled in September 2008. Amendment_of_BDMP_19_Aug_2011 FacebookTweetLinkedIn
August 19, 2011
The SOS Coalition is deeply concerned about the outcomes of the Parliamentary hearing held on 16 August 2011. PS_-_18_August_2011_-_SABC_finances_-_final FacebookTweetLinkedIn
July 1, 2011
SOS press statement on the resignation of SABC Board member, Peter Harris and the appointment of Acting CEO, Phil Molefe. PS_-_1_July_-_Resignation_of_Peter_Harris_and_appointment_of_acting_CEO_-_final FacebookTweetLinkedIn
June 15, 2011
The third BCCSA ruling on the Sam Sole / Robert Gumede matter. Application_for_the_Extension_of_the_Mail_Guardian_Order_Broadcast_Date_Judgment_25_2 FacebookTweetLinkedIn
June 9, 2011
The SABC will be appealing the BCCS; A judgement on the Sam Sole / Robert Gumede matter at ICASA’s Complaints and Compliance Committee. BCCSA_process_and_Mail_and_Guardian_-_9_June_2011 FacebookTweetLinkedIn
May 31, 2011
The Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa’s ruling on the Sam Sole / Robert Gumede matter, Case no 17 of 2011. The SABC appealed the original […]
March 16, 2011
After analysing the DOC’s strategic plan for 2011 to 2014, the SOS Coalition was concerned that the Department’s promised broadcasting policy review had fallen off the […]
March 2, 2011
The SOS Coalition has welcomed Parliament’s move to fill the four SABC board vacancies. Vacancies were created when four board members resigned in 2010. PS_-_2_March_2011_-_new_board_members FacebookTweetLinkedIn
November 22, 2010
SOS press statement welcoming the Minister of Communication’s announcement to withdraw the Public Service Broadcasting Bill. PS_-_22_November_2010_-_Withdrawal_of_PSB_Bill_-_final FacebookTweetLinkedIn
November 18, 2010
SOS welcomes Parliament’s decision to extend the deadline for SABC Board nominations to 6 December 2010. PS_-_18_November_-_SABC_Board_nominations_-_extension_of_deadline FacebookTweetLinkedIn
November 15, 2010
The SOS Coalition has asked the Minister of Communications not to fast track the Public Service Broadcasting and ICASA Amendment Bills. SOS would like a comprehensive […]
November 12, 2010
SOS responds to the Minister’s press briefing on 11 November 2010. PS_-_12_November_-_SOS_responds_to_Minister_-_final FacebookTweetLinkedIn
November 1, 2010
SOS welcomes the appointment of the new Minister and Deputy Minister of Communications. SOS urges civil society not to nominate new board members until the corporate […]
October 22, 2010
SOS notes the outcomes of the Parliamentary Hearing on 20 October. SOS condemns the Board for lack of preparation but notes that not only the Board […]
October 17, 2010
Minister Nyanda comments on developments at Sentech, the SABC and the Department of Communications. MINISTER_NYANDA_REACHES_AN_AGREEMENT_WITH_SABC_AND_SENTECH_BOARDS FacebookTweetLinkedIn
August 27, 2010
SOS welcomed the Board’s decision to suspend the CEO due to his support for corporate governance breaches at the SABC. PS_-_27_Aug_2010_-_Corporate_governance_breaches_must_be_resolved FacebookTweetLinkedIn
June 1, 2010
Parliamentary Monitoring Group (PMG) Minutes of the Digital Migration hearings held by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications on 1 June 2010. PMG_minutes_-_digitial_hearing_-_1_June_2010 FacebookTweetLinkedIn
February 5, 2010
SOS urges Parliament to extend the deadline for SABC Board nominations to ensure time for the resolving of corporate governance breaches PS_-_5_November_-_nomination_of_new_SABC_board_members FacebookTweetLinkedIn
January 15, 2010
Here is the National Community Radio Forum’s submission on the Draft Public Service Broadcasting Bill, 2009 submitted on the 15th of January 2010 NCRF_PBS_submission_final3 FacebookTweetLinkedIn
August 12, 2009
SOS’s press statement calling for an extension of the deadlines for comment on the Public Service Discussion Paper. Press_statement_12_Aug_09 FacebookTweetLinkedIn
July 1, 2009
The Freedom of Expression Institute’s press statement outlining the institution’s disappointment at ICASA’s ruling on the blacklisting controversy. FXI pointed out that ICASA’s Complaints and Compliance […]
March 1, 2009
Canadian broadcasting expert Toby Mendel assisted the SOS Coalition with some research on ownership and control issues from an international perspective. Mendel comments on ICASA’s Ownership […]