In a recent Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) report focusing on the South African Broadcasting Corporation Limited (SABC), the regulator set out to ‘determine the extent to which the SABC has complied with the provisions of the applicable legislation, the licence terms and conditions and the relevant regulations.’ <\/p>\n
ICASA was complimentary towards the SABC, saying that despite challenges SABC1 and 2 complied with all the regulations on infomercials, advertising and sponsorships. SABC 3 however did not comply with the requirements on advertising in certain instances.<\/p>\n
According to the reports the public broadcaster further met and exceeded the required South African quotas although there were isolated instances where non-compliance was detected – in particular SABC 3.<\/p>\n
“The concerted efforts by the SABC in ensuring expansion of television coverage across provinces in order to meet its universal service and access obligations are commendable,” ICASA said.<\/p>\n
“Further, the SABC has made strides in promoting marginalized languages. These have been prioritized by the SABC particularly in the specific genres of news, magazine programmes and to a lesser extent in drama (especially Venda language).”<\/p>\n
ICASA however pointed out that the SABC has to make headway in terms of commissioning of local content in marginalized languages, especially languages such as Xitsonga, isiNdebele and isiSwati. <\/p>\n
“The SABC should use the regional television services SABC 4 and SABC 5 as vehicles to cater extensively for these needs once these two regional television services are on air,” said ICASA.<\/p>\n