SABC to repay rest of R1 billion loan soon: Pule

21 May 2013 - 13:30 By Sapa
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Communications Minister Dina Pule held a press conference this week at the Hyatt Hotel in Rosebank, Johannesburg
Communications Minister Dina Pule held a press conference this week at the Hyatt Hotel in Rosebank, Johannesburg
Image: MOELETSI MABE

The SABC will repay its government guaranteed loan of R1 billion in full within the next few months, Communication Minister Dina Pule said on Tuesday.

Introducing her budget vote debate in the National Assembly, Pule said the state broadcaster was accelerating its pay back plan.

"The SABC plans to pay the outstanding balance of R220 million within four months," she said.

The R1 billion Nedbank loan was granted in 2009 after the broadcaster reported cash flow problems.

Pule said the SABC would be able to meet its obligations in terms of digital terrestrial television (DTT) -- migrating from analogue to digital broadcasting.

"The SABC can immediately migrate these three existing channels to the DTT platform and launch new channels in due course," she said.

However, governance arrangements at the broadcaster were still bothering the minister.

"I will be consulting with the portfolio committee on communications to explore an urgent review and amendment to the Broadcasting Act," she said.

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