SABC, MultiChoice reach Rugby World Cup broadcast agreement
More South Africans will now be able to watch some of the Rugby World Cup games.
Minister of Sports Zizi Kodwa says the SABC reached agreement with MultiChoice on Thursday.
Kodwa briefed the media on the sub-licencing agreemement between the two entities in Pretoria on Friday.
"We can only confirm what is in the public domain that SABC paid $3 million. What was the demand? I don't know. What was offered? I don't know. What is why we decided not to be involved in the negotiations, except to say we employ you to find a solution.
READ: Kolbe one of four changes as Springboks launch World Cup defence
"I am sure both MultiChoice as well as SABC the agreement was not maximally archived - the commercial value that they wanted. But because they appreciated the conversations that I had with them, that you may not be the best that makes commercial sense.
"But I think in the national interest to avoid that loss again, the negotiations of the next World Cup must commence now."
He has urged both broadcasters to find solutions in dealing with this matter.
"I want to reiterate my call for a permanent solution to be found, because we cannot find ourselves in this situation before mayor sporting events."
The Springboks start their campaign against Scotland on Sunday.
