Cape Town — The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) revealed that it will no longer be showing the two upcoming tests between the Springboks and Ireland.
In a statement, the local broadcaster gave details behind the decision, citing broadcast rights over a sub-license agreement with Multichoice. It appears as if the two parties were thus unable to agree.
“This decision follows the recent urgent litigation at the Competition Appeal Court over the broadcast rights to the Test matches which necessitated the SABC to review its decision to continue with the sub-license Agreement concluded with Multichoice,” SABC spokesperson, Mmoni Seapolelo, said.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) regrets that it will no longer be able to broadcast the Springbok Inbound Test matches against Ireland on Saturday, the 6th, and Saturday the 13th of July 2024, as previously communicated.https://t.co/EaXyXU5oTN
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) July 5, 2024
Despite losing TV rights, it remains committed to broadcasting sports of national interest and will still be broadcasting the games across its radio stations.
Motsweding FM, Lesedi FM, Thobela FM, Ukhozi FM, Umhlobo Wenene FM, Ligwalagwala FM, Ikwekwezi FM, Munghana Lonene FM, Phalaphala FM, RSG and Radio 2000 – will be broadcasting all the six Inbound Springbok matches. The match kicks off at 5 pm today.
The decision caused outrage among South Africans on social media, with many relying on SABC to view important sports games as some are unable to afford the high prices of a DSTV subscription.
I hope the new minister will dissolve the incompetent board and get rid of the CEO and her management team for failing to execute their duties. How can people be expected to pay tv licenses when they’re denied the opportunity to watch rugby and cricket all the time? Shame on SABC
— Musoonline (@musojnr) July 5, 2024
Useless SABC, seems like only bafana bafana matters. Cricket, you don’t broadcast, rugby you don’t broadcast. I guess you won’t even broadcast the Olympics. Why is it that when bafana bafana plays anywhere in the world its broadcast and Cricket and rugby you don’t???
— Iketleng Senokoane (@Iketleng72) July 5, 2024
So SABC ur not gng to broadcast rugby matches…ur rather broadcast German football…with side are u with …
— Vincent Sebola (@VincentSebola1) July 6, 2024
Why now sabc, why? @GaytonMcK , can you kindly intervene and help us the poor class, most of us will miss the chance to watch our national rugby team.
— Nelsonkk®️🇿🇦 (@Nelsonk95) July 5, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
