The SABC stuck to its guns on Monday, indicating it would take the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa’s (Icasa) decision that the public broadcaster withdraw its decision to ban showing images of violent protests on review.
Briefing journalists at the SABC headquarters in Johannesburg, the broadcaster’s board and management said Icasa was not a court of law, but a chapter nine institution which only has the power to give recommendations.
"The Icasa recommends issues, Icasa also uses legal advisers in its recommending…we are the broadcaster we practice the broadcasting. That is why we are sticking to our story because our Constitution is also against violence, unrest and inciting such. This is our editorial stance," SABC board member Aaron Tshidzuma said.
Responding to the ANC’s criticism last week of the developments at the SABC, Tshidzuma said the SABC was a government company.
"We are the broadcaster, a government company and not politicians. That issue was directed to the political head, the minister [Faith Muthambi], so they are handling that politically. We are appointed by Parliament… we do not deal with politicians but with our shareholder, who is the minister," he said.
Chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng earlier said people "were making noise" outside the SABC. He said the public broadcaster was profitable, performed well was "and stress free".
"I don’t have stress. When I’m under pressure I perform very well. All this hullabaloo does not affect me," he said.
A defiant Motsoeneng added that "no one would tell the SABC what to do".
Motsoeneng and the board sang from the same hymn book on Monday telling reporters that all was well at the public broadcaster, despite wide-spread criticism of the its latest editorial policy banning footage of violent protests. The public broadcaster also came under fire for suspending eight senior reporters who questioned the controversial decision.
Icasa earlier on Monday recommended that the broadcaster withdraw the decision and comply with the request within seven days.
The ban drew criticism from civilians and political parties, who accused the SABC of censoring news ahead of the August 3 local government elections.
The matter was brought to Icasa by the Freedom of Expression Institute and SOS – the coalition supporting public broadcasting. The organisations said the ruling had a direct bearing on SABC staffers who were suspended for defying the ban.
– African News Agency (ANA)
