The African National Congress (ANC) has proposed a new framework that would reign back streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+.
The party wants to protect domestic broadcasters including SABC through a new regime that would include licensing and local content requirements.
Communications minister Khumbudzo Nthsavheni said one of the proposals was that SABC should provide a dedicated history channel, but stressed she was speaking in a personal capacity rather than directly for the government.
“The streaming services will not provide us with that because we have no control over on their content,” Nthsavheni told a press briefing at an ANC policy forum.
“In the Commission we’ve also proposed there must be a governance framework that must be explored to make sure everyone competes on fair terms because you can’t have people who don’t pay tax and have no licence requirements who just come in”
Nthsavheni said South Africa must follow the lead of Europe and the United States in the regulation of streaming services.