Labour federation Cosatu has raised concerns over the “Springbok blackout” that will prevent many South Africans from watching the rugby game against New Zealand on Saturday. The federation has called on Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie and President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene and ensure that the match is aired on SABC.
Cosatu’s Western Cape provincial secretary, Malvern de Bruyn, emphasized the importance of broadcasting the game on a public platform like SABC to make it accessible to working-class families who cannot afford DSTV. He criticized McKenzie for his handling of the situation, accusing him of prioritizing money over the interests of all South Africans.
De Bruyn urged the government, particularly President Ramaphosa, to step in and address the crisis to ensure that future Springbok games are broadcast live on SABC. The spokesperson for Multichoice, the rights holder for the rugby matches, clarified that the previous broadcast on SABC was a one-time event to commemorate 30 years of democracy.
In response to the situation, SABC spokesperson Mmoni Seapolelo confirmed that the upcoming match between South Africa and New Zealand would not be televised on SABC. She explained that while the SABC is committed to broadcasting sports of national interest, securing broadcasting rights can be challenging due to various factors, including high costs.
The ongoing debate highlights the need for a balance between commercial interests and public access to important sporting events. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government and relevant stakeholders will address the concerns raised by Cosatu and ensure that all South Africans can enjoy watching the Springboks play on national television.
