We will not change our decision: SABC
SABC board chairperson Professor Mbulaheni Maguvhe has stated that the broadcaster will not retract its decision to not broadcast the destruction of property during violent protests.
Maguvhe made the statement following an ICASA ruling that the SABC must withdraw its decision to stop broadcasting violent protest footage.
Maguvhe said the matter will be taken under review with their legal team, and to the Constitutional Court if needs be, while SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng said they will challenge the ICASA ruling.
The ruling followed a complaint by the Media Monitoring Project Benefit Trust, Support Public Broadcasting Coalition, and Freedom of Expression.
The complaint was related to a media statement released by the SABC that it will no longer broadcast footage of the destruction of public property during protests.
Broadcast ban at the SABC
In May, the SABC said it will no longer show violent protests on any of its channels in a bid to “educate the population”, and send a message that violent action will not get the attention it seeks.
Motsoeneng called it a “bold move”, and said it was in line with the broadcaster’s mandate of educating the nation.
Motsoeneng said the broadcaster will show that violent protests are not necessary, adding that “as a responsible public institution, we will not assist these individuals to push their agenda that seeks media attention”.
The SABC did not detail what constitutes “violent” protests, but said it will not show footage of public property being destroyed.
The broadcaster said it upheld citizens’ right to protest, but that the decision not to air the destruction of state property would encourage citizens to protest peacefully.
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