This, after a newspaper report claimed it did not have a broadcast contract with Fifa.<\/p>\n
The Star reported on Monday that the SABC “used the World Cup as an excuse to avoid an interdict overturning a questionable R400 million contract” for outside broadcasting (OB) units.<\/p>\n
It reported that lawyers for Fifa’s agent, Host Broadcast Services (HBS) had indicated in court documents pertaining to the tender matter that there was no contract.<\/p>\n
“Our client wishes to advise that no such contract between HBS and the SABC exists,” the Star quoted from the lawyers’ response to a subpoena to appear in court.<\/p>\n
“In addition, no SABC OB trucks will be required by HBS for the 2010 Fifa World Cup to be held in South Africa.”<\/p>\n
In a statement on Wednesday, SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said it had already been necessary to use the OB vans.<\/p>\n
They were used for the preliminary draw for Fifa in December 2007, the Confederations Cup draw and 11 of the 16 Confederation Cup matches.<\/p>\n
Two of the new OB units would be used by HBS for the final draw on the December 4.<\/p>\n
Kganyago said the awarding of the contract to SonySA was “appropriate” as it was R66 million cheaper than the bid by Digital Horizons, which has brought a challenge in the High Court in Johannesburg against the awarding of the tender.<\/p>\n
“… The court case will not in any way hamper the broadcasting of this tournament as suggested,” Kganyago said.<\/p>\n