Panyaza Lesufi joins call for DStv to allow SABC to screen Rugby World Cup final

Panyaza Lesufi says the whole country should be allowed to enjoy the match, not just the 'privileged few'.
Panyaza Lesufi says the whole country should be allowed to enjoy the match, not just the 'privileged few'.
Image: VATHISWA RUSELO

Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has called on DStv to provide the SABC with the rights to broadcast the Rugby World Cup final.

The Springboks take on England in the match on Saturday.

According to Lesufi, this will enable the whole country to follow the national rugby team, instead of just “the privileged few”.

Before the start of the tournament in September, the DA's shadow communications minister, Phumzile van Damme, pleaded with MultiChoice to share SA's games. 

The cash-strapped public broadcaster failed to secure the broadcasting rights to the tournament, which are owned by MultiChoice and SuperSport.

 Van Damme said: “In the spirit of nation-building, MultiChoice should, at the very least, consider sharing games in which the Springboks are playing with the public broadcaster.

“This will go a long way in demonstrating goodwill to the people of South Africa."

However, MultiChoice's group executive for corporate affairs, Joe Heshu, said at the time that any action that sought to devalue sports rights, however well intended, “places the future of sporting codes at risk”.

A video showing a heartfelt phone call between Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and Cyril Ramaphosa was shared by the president on Twitter. The Boks will face England at the tournament's conclusion on November 2 2019.


Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.