The SABC’s new media partner, Brandsphere Media, is under scrutiny as its director, Baldwin Dakile, faces an SIU investigation related to a decade-old tender. The SIU is trying to recover R25.9 million (previously R756 million) linked to an irregular tender awarded to Dakile’s former company, Media Corner, by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies in 2012. This tender, intended for digital migration awareness, was later cancelled, and the SIU alleges “reckless and fraudulent” behaviour by Dakile.
Despite the ongoing investigation, the SABC maintains it performed due diligence on Brandsphere before partnering with them. Brandsphere will handle sponsorships and advertising for the SABC across its platforms. Brandsphere CEO Piwe Motshegoa stated that the Media Corner matter is unrelated to their SABC partnership. She did not elaborate on Dakile’s role in the company beyond confirming his directorship.
The SIU confirmed it’s still pursuing the R25.9 million, aiming to hold Dakile personally liable for losses incurred by the department. Dakile’s lawyers acknowledge the case but deny any wrongdoing on his part, claiming the SIU has not pursued the matter since a legal challenge was filed. The SABC, facing financial struggles, anticipates a reduced loss of R590 million this year and hopes increased advertising revenue will lead to profitability in 2027. They assert that their due diligence included evaluating Brandsphere’s capabilities and the backgrounds of its leadership, but did not address why they seemingly overlooked the SIU investigation.