Shocked SABC staff were informed by email today (Tuesday) that effective immediately, they have to apply for approval for all international trips from the minister of communications, Faith Muthambi, and will have to explain how it will benefit the government and report back within 7 days after any international trip.
In the notice also sent to TVwithThinus, SABC staff were told that they must now "submit formal requests for all international trips to the minister for approval effective immediately".
SABC staffers who want to travel internationally must motivate their trip to the minister of communications and must explain why it will be good for South Africa and the South African government.
SABC staff are told in no uncertain terms that "no approval or bookings can be confirmed nor issued" if it hasn't been approved by the minister.
They will also have to report back, if they've traveled abroad, within 7 days.
"The SABC is already not in a position to react quickly to big events because of too many 'gatekeepers' and the computer system through which all financial transactions and also money for shoots and productions needs to be pushed and approved. And now this," said a source.
Also on Tuesday, parliament's portfolio committee of communications, tasked with oversight of the beleaguered South African public broadcaster, decided that a full-scale parliamentary inquiry into the ongoing litany of SABC crises was necessary and urgent.
Humphrey Maxegwana, chairperson of the committee and other members, expressed support for such an inquiry and said that a request would be dispatched to parliament's chair of chairs, Cedric Frolick.
