SABC’s R43 Million Spending on Senior Management Salaries Unveiled

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) spent R43 million on salaries for senior management, executive management, and board members during the 2023/24 financial year. The public broadcaster’s annual report provides detailed insights into these expenses alongside its financial performance.

Breakdown of Salaries

The report reveals:

• Non-Executive Board Members: R8.49 million for 11 members, with Chairperson Khathutshelo Ramukumba earning R1.098 million.
• Executive Board Members: R9.875 million, including R3.455 million for former CFO Yolande van Biljon and R2.052 million for former GCEO Madoda Mxakwe.
• Senior Management: R25.3 million.

Newly appointed GCEO Nomsa Chabeli earned R931,000 despite joining in January 2024.

Financial Struggles and Improvements

Despite a net operating loss of R192 million for the year, the SABC saw a 77% improvement compared to the R826 million loss in the previous year. Total revenue was R5.1 billion, with operational expenses at R5.3 billion.

The key expense drivers were employee costs (40%), content amortization (21%), and signal distribution (12%).

Public Accountability

The detailed annual report highlights significant spending on leadership while the SABC navigates challenging financial times. Its improvements in reducing losses, however, signal a path toward stabilization.

The SABC’s salary expenditure, coupled with its financial challenges, reflects the complexities of managing public broadcasting. With enhanced performance and cost oversight, the broadcaster aims for a more sustainable future.