Ozayo Mamba
The 2023 Rugby World Cup was all set to not be broadcasted on free-to-air television in South Africa, as the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and SuperSport had failed to come to an agreement on the sub-licensing of the rights for the tournament. Though after much deliberation a deal was struck and travesty still followed the streaming on the SABC. Why is this? And how did things still go wrong?
SuperSport, the exclusive rights holder for the Rugby World Cup matches in South Africa, had offered numerous proposals to the SABC in line with the regulations and similar to past agreements. However, the SABC had refused the offers, citing financial limitations and unreasonable demands from SuperSport. This matter caused widespread anger and disappointment among South African rugby fans, who were set to miss their chance to watch the Springboks defend their world title. The Rugby World Cup is a major event for the nation, as it showcases its talent and diversity on a global stage while also contributing to social cohesion and national unity.
The Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, took action and worked to resolve the conflict between the SABC and SuperSport. He met with the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele and SABC executives, and his hard work paid off. At the 11th hour they secured an agreement to broadcast only 16 games on SABC 2.. However, this compromise has not satisfied all parties (approximately 3.2 million viewers using OpenView HD will still be cut off).
The Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, took action and worked to resolve the conflict between the SABC and SuperSport. He met with the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele and SABC executives, and his hard work paid off. At the 11th hour they secured an agreement to broadcast only 16 games on SABC 2. However, this compromise has not satisfied all parties (approximately 3.2 million viewers using OpenView HD will still be cut off).
The matter of fact remains that a large broadcaster such as the SABC should not have been caught in this situation in the first place and they should take careful note of these events for the future.
