SABC & PSL urged to go back to negotiations

MEDIA STATEMENT RELEASED BY:
MR BONGINKOSI DHLAMINI MP
IFP SPOKESPERSON FOR SPORTS & RECREATION

March 28, 2007

Mr Bonginkosi Dhlamini, IFP spokesperson for Sports and Recreation, today urges the SABC and the PSL to go back to negotiations. He said: "The IFP would like to urge both the SABC and the PSL to go back to negotiations. We believe that issuing a tender for the broadcasting rights of PSL games is of no benefit to the people."

Mr Dhlamini further explained: "At this stage the SABC is the only broadcaster that can deliver the games to the people. Most people in the rural areas cannot afford MNet or DSTV to view the games, and the SABC is the only broadcaster that can broadcast PSL games to rural areas and townships in their own languages. We believe that this is vital for the PSL, as well as 2010 - broadcasting local games by the SABC would enable further marketing regarding the upcoming World Cup."

In conclusion, Mr Dhlamini said: "Although the IFP believes that a tender process is premature at this stage, we also urge the SABC to pay fair value for the broadcasting rights."


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr Bonginkosi Dhlamini MP: 083 254 8576
Noleen Hendricks: 082 886 9848