Last year a 78 page internal SABC inquiry determined that the SABC was in contravention of their own code of conduct for ordering that certain commentators and analysts were not to be used on air because of their political views.
For more background visit this summary of our links following the scandal.
Last week the SABC finally took action against the SABC MD of news and current affairs (and ANC lacky) Dr Snuki Zikalala.
What action has been taken? The Star's hyperbolic headline seems to suggest the the action taken was sufficient: SABC supremo Zikalala roasted over blacklist
Roasted? Hardly. Zikalala got away with a verbal warning! The SABC has once again shown absolute contempt for their mandate obligating them to provide news and public affairs programming which is fair and unbiased, impartial, balanced and independent from government interests.
SABC head of news Snuki Zikalala has been warned that if the blacklisting of political commentators by the public broadcaster occurs again, stronger action will be taken against him. |
Most commentators on the blacklist were banned either because of their criticism of President Thabo Mbeki or for their criticism of Robert Mugabe. One reporter, Paula Slier was allegedly banned because she is a "white Jewish girl". Zikalala said
| From the movement where I come from, we support the PLO. But she supported what's happening in Israel?. I said no, you can't you can't undermine the Palestinian struggle, you can't. For me it's a principle issue. |
The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) has setup an online petition (albeit 4 months late) calling on the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) to enforce the SABC licensing conditions: SABC Petition to ICASA
How can I sign a petition also signed by Salim Vally?
I am opposed in principle to my name apearing on the same list as Vally.
Posted by: Gary | March 15, 2007 at 20:11
I understand your reluctance to sign it, still it is worth knowing about all the same.
Posted by: Steve | March 15, 2007 at 22:04
It is very interesting that the South African media seems reluctant to
take Zikalala on. It is the same 'sickening respect' that has been
shown to Manto.
Is it lack of courage? Perhaps, journalists know that they can't step
out of line without "unbuttering" their bread?
I think that "Zikalala" is a litmus test and I cannot help concluding
that The FXI and South African media, have been unwilling to stand up
to The ANC.
Isn't it amazing how quickly hard earned rights can be recklessly
flushed down the toilet?
Posted by: The Dictator / Embittered Correspondent | March 15, 2007 at 22:06