The South African Broadcasting Corp. company faced potential blackouts at its three television channels last night as more than two thirds of its staff prepare to strike over wage rates, The Citizen reported on Sunday.

The planned action by the Communication Workers' Union included lunchtime pickets, go slows and a refusal to do overtime. This will be followed by a march on the Broadcasting Corp.'s regional headquarters in Johannesburg on July 10 and then a stay-away.

The striking staff includes those manning the SABC's transmitting tower in Brixton, Johannesburg and could result in the potential blackout for the stations.

CWU general secretary Gallant Roberts said: "I am sure there will be a major impact on operations at the SABC in total."

The SABC is predicted to record an 800 million rand deficit and has requested a 2 billion rand bailout from the government.