Minister, please ensure that the important role that the SABC plays in our democracy is protected, supported and respected. This a hard thought plea I make on
behalf of those people of our country who do not have money for Netflix, Showmax or DStv and in some cases do not own TVs and only have Radios.
You know that the majority of South Africans rely on the SABC's radio and TV stations. Please ensure that they can continue to be provided with information, education and entertainment by the public broadcaster. Day Zero must never come for it will be them who will suffer.
You may live a life of luxury; they do not. This is also a heartfelt plea I make on behalf of the thousands of SABC staff who lived through Hlaudi Motsoeneng's reign of terror and low live in a time of uncertainty with only three months of salaries left in the SABC's coffers.
We applaud the SABC staff that made sure that, probably for the first time in a democratic South Africa; election coverage was fair across all parties. That's why nibuhlungu ... [That's why you are bitter.] ... That's why the Minister is upset because the SABC is no longer under the ANC's control. The Minister is
upset because the SABC bravely reported her attempts to block the SABC's covering of the protest at a manifesto launch. If you are upset, build a bridge and get over it. Stop putting yourself and your party's ego above that of the people of South Africa, enough!
You have National Treasury's 11 preconditions; work on building an amicable relationship with the SABC so that the people of our country do not have to suffer because of the bad blood you have with the SABC and your bad- mouthing.
To the SABC I say continue your good work thus far but please release the following reports that are long outstanding: The Revised Editorial Policy Report, the Report on Political Interference the SABC and the results of the staff and salaries audit that you conducted. This is work that does not require funding from National Treasury and we trust that these reports will be released soon for public scrutiny.
I must state that I am incredibly excited about the inclusion of digital technologies as part of the department's mandate. I
trust that adequate funding will be allocated to this important function. I will offer the Minister suggestions from the DA, which I hope she will consider in good faith. This is but one idea I look forward to sharing many with her.
Last month, the UK government announced new measures to ensure that their regulatory system can effectively support technology innovation. A council will be formed to advice government of regulations they need to adapt and respond to changes in technology.
I believe that the same is needed in South Africa. Companies in this sector should not be hamstrung by onerous red tape. Please make sure that this sector is provided with enough support so that it can create jobs.
To my fellow committee members, I have already suggested that as a communications and digital technology committee, we must live by example in creating a digitised Parliament - Yeah, Waterfront is where you buy your expensive outfits with money you got from the Guptas. [Interjections.]