The SABC building in Auckland Park has been declared safe by Johannesburg Emergency Services following a fire that occurred yesterday. The public broadcaster has said in a statement that the electricity supply has also been restored.

Staff members were evacuated from the affected building and an investigation into what caused the fire is also underway. In a statement, SABC management said, "Contingency measures are being implemented and the safety of all employees is prioritised and that the Corporation will provide a further update once the emergency services have surveyed the situation."

Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said they suspect that the fire incident started in the building's lift pit. "It appears to have started on the ground floor by debris and papers next to the lift pit area. Firefighters have however cleared the debris," Mulaudzi said. The SABC said its buildings are dilapidated and in need of resources to revamp its studios and facilities. The SABC finance chief, Yolande van Biljon, told Parliament that the corporation was operating in facilities, especially at its Auckland Park headquarters, that are more than 45 years old and which had limited or no maintenance over the past 15 years. "Yes, we are operating in facilities that are 45 years old-plus and require an extensive capital overhaul and of course noting that for the better part of that period, in particular the last 15 years, there was limited to no investment in infrastructure both in buildings as well as technology," she said.