It is regrettable that the SABC's inability to broadcast the Rugby World Cup tournament will deny millions of South Africans the opportunity to share in the euphoria and sense of cohesion that the tournament creates for everyone in the country.
The mandate of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is to promote nation building and social cohesion. The Rugby World Cup is an ideal opportunity to do this.
It is a shame that the SABC will not go the extra mile to, in partnership with the government and the broadcaster, come up with a plan to broadcast the tournament on the SABC channels – as was done with the ABSA soccer premier league. Even if it is only the matches in which South Africa plays.
Concerning the broadcasting rights of the soccer league, Minister Nathi Mthethwa (Sport, Arts and Culture) played a significant role in ensuring that the matches were broadcasted.
The FF Plus says that the government must fulfil its mandate and must ensure that the national broadcaster, which has the responsibility to broadcast events in national public interest, does what it is supposed to.
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