"Ms O'Neil will contribute to strategic and operational planning on SABC revenues and exercise oversight over implementation of the turnaround programme," SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said in a statement.
"The board expects this arrangement to last for several months. She will remain a member of the board and will not serve directly in the SABC structures."
The request was made at the recommendation of group chief executive officer Solly Mokoetle and "because of Ms O'Neil's specialised knowledge and experience in the field of advertising and related activities".
O'Neil has extensive experience in television sales and marketing and was also involved in the Telkom Media venture to start a new channel.
The SABC is battling a financial crisis after reporting a loss of R910 million in the year to the end of March last year.