SABC election coverage under pressure as funding shortfall sparks legal concerns

A funding shortfall threatens the SABC’s ability to cover South Africa’s November 4 local government elections, particularly for audiences that rely on the public broadcaster. Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) says African-language speakers and people outside major urban centres may have less access to election information. MMA director William Bird called the situation unacceptable and said the watchdog is considering a legal challenge over its effects on citizens’ rights. The organisation is due to release an interim report this week, while any funding announcement by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana remains uncertain.