The SABC has canned a television interview with cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro, better known as Zapiro, The Times newspaper reported on Thursday.<\/p>\n
Zapiro said the pre-recorded show was not aired following “orders from above”.<\/p>\n
“Even in the interview it felt like I was being pushed into having to say something positive about the president,” he was quoted as saying.<\/p>\n
SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago told The Times he did not know the reasons behind the decision to cancel the Interface interview.<\/p>\n
“The problem is that everyone thinks a decision is taken because of them. It is not personal.”<\/p>\n
In October, Zuma withdrew a damages claim against Zapiro for a cartoon depicting him unbuckling his trousers as his allies hold down Lady Justice.<\/p>\n
Several other political shows have recently been canned by the SABC.<\/p>\n
Last week, a radio talkshow where three journalists were expected to discuss the upcoming Mangaung conference was cancelled.<\/p>\n
The SABC defended its actions — saying there should have been ANC delegates present to ensure the show was balanced.<\/p>\n
Earlier this week, The Times reported on a letter purportedly written by SABC reporters, producers and presenters accusing the broadcaster of political interference.<\/p>\n
The workers claimed to have been “taken to task” for not giving adequate coverage to President Jacob Zuma.<\/p>\n
The SABC announced this week it would centralise control of talkshows across all its radio stations.<\/p>\n
SABC roasted over cancelled show<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n SABC bans Zuma ad: report<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n