The Banning of a "Pro Zuma" by the so-called Public Broadcaster

Monday, 06 February 2006

From : COSATU KZN

Banning of Zuma?s Song by Izingane Zoma

Cosatu, SACP, supported SANCO, ANCYL & YCL in KwaZulu-Natal has learn with dismay and shock the censorship imposed on the song about Jacob Zuma by Ingane Zoma. We have therefore forwarded a letter of demand for answers to SABC, KZN, in particular on Ukhozi FM. We have observed for quite sometime the political attitude of the SABC on newsworthy matters pertaining to comrade Jacob Zuma. As the above organisations, we have monitoring and observed with dismay, shock and disgust the treatment to comrade Jacob Zuma and issues pertaining to him done by the so called public broadcaster, SABC.

The following are just the few amongst many incidents that we consider to have received no or very little reception by the SABC:-

1. The banning /censorship of the song about Jacob Zuma by Ingane Zoma
2. The censorship by the same public broadcaster, SABC of the interview with comrade Jacob Zuma as the newsmaker of the year.
3. Bias or lack thereof of the coverage of the countrywide demonstrations in support of comrade Jacob Zuma during trial in October and November.
4. The debacle surrounding the non-coverage of the country?s Deputy President, comrade Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, visit to the women?s day celebration in Utrecht.
5. the non-coverage of the Youth Day Celebrations in KwaMashu last year and the incidents also .

It is therefore in that context that as the above formations we are contemplating in committing ourselves to a rolling mass action campaign against SABC.

Such a campaign will include pickets and a march to SABC offices in Durban. These events will take place within the next two weeks as we believe same will be about the protection of SABC as a public broadcaster. We can not justify the payment of TV licences, if such institutions are to be use as private tools for political campaigns and factional agendas.

We further wish to appreciate the position of our National Leadership, with regard the issue of the 3^rd term for the president, comrade Thabo Mbeki. This to us was nothing else but a political gimmick from an dividuals desperate to lay his hands on the state tenders, which amounted to almost R400 million. We are pleased therefore that Sanco in KwaZulu Natal, same as the President, comrade Thabo Mbeki have distanced themselves from such statement. Clearly from the briefing presented to us, this is self seeking individual?s view, that did not enjoy the support of the Sanco NEC.

Issued by COSATU & SACP KZN with the support of SANCO, ANCYL & YCL

Contact: Zet Luzipo - Cosatu - 0728843456

Themba Mthembu - SACP - 0833036988