SABC: Expect blank TV screens as ‘Day Zero’ looms

Viewers have to brace themselves for static and blank screens as the public broadcaster is warning of an impending “Day Zero” scenario while salaries are also at risk.

According to a report by eNCA, the SABC is waiting to hear from the government following a request of R3.2-billion bailout.

The broadcaster needs continued support from strategic partners which it owes “large sums of money” – including SuperSport, the City of Johannesburg and Sentech.

In order to keep the public broadcaster functional, it needs the bailout money, says financial head Yolande van Biljon.

“I think Day Zero could happen tomorrow. It depends on whether any of these big partners are unable to support us financially,” said Van Biljon.

Van Biljon says the SABC is still planning to pay salaries next month, however, there’s no guarantee.

“It is indeed crunch time, but we are doing everything we can to protect the payroll,” she said.

This has unions concerned about the livelihoods and future of their members.

“At this point in time, we haven’t seen anything of this turnaround strategy that we have been talking about,” said Aubrey Tshabalala, General Secretary of the Communication Workers Union.

“It tells that instead of people trying to save the SABC there is nothing tangible that they can give to us.”