The SABC needs urgent funding to enable it to fulfil its critical public service mandate during the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections. Parliament’s communications watchdog has sounded the alarm over the chronic underfunding of the SABC, warning that the public broadcaster needs about R120 million to provide fair, comprehensive coverage of the 2026 Local Government Elections. Last month, the public broadcaster officially marked its 90th anniversary, reflecting nearly a century of national media representation. “The briefing highlighted the significant financial resources required for the SABC to execute its election mandate, with an estimated R120 million required to support its election coverage operations.” Last year, the SABC requested dedicated funding to support its election coverage.