These matches had been restricted from Openview consumers and due to that eMedia Investments had filed a court application with the Competition Tribunal after failing to acquire the necessary funds for the matches.
Now SABC will no longer be able to air these matches on SABC 2 but updates will be available on their radio stations. As mentioned, the outcome to eMedia Investments' appeal would lead to millions of households without DStv access to Springbok matches.
SABC was paying for these matches at a discounted rate provided that Openview and even StarSat don't air it. Now that this barrier appears to be broken SuperSport could as well refuse to license further games to the SABC unless they pay full amount for the rights.
This comes after the public broadcaster had to cancel Muvhango at the last minute with some sources eyeing Generations: The Legacy as the next soap to be on the chopping block.
Statement from the SABC
This decision follows the recent urgent litigation at the Competition Appeal Court over the broadcast rights to the Test matches which necessitated the SABC to review its decision to continue with the sub-license Agreement concluded with Multichoice.
The SABC remains committed to broadcasting sports of national interest and to this end, the following SABC’s African Language Stations (Motsweding FM, Lesedi FM, Thobela FM, Ukhozi FM, Umhlobo Wenene FM, Ligwalagwala FM, Ikwekwezi FM, Munghana Lonene FM, Phalaphala FM, RSG) and Radio 2000 will be broadcasting all the six Inbound Springbok matches. The kick off time for the match tomorrow is 17h00.
The SABC will always strive to achieve its sports broadcast mandate without compromising its commercial objectives.
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