08 March 2007
The SACP Has Learnt With Utter Shock And Dismay That The SABC Board Has Decided To Give Mr Snuki Zikalala, The Man Fingered With Blacklisting Certain Commentators, A Slap Of The Wrist For His Appalling Actions.
The actions by Mr Zikalala and the subsequent action by the Board has reaffirmed our long held view that the SABC News Division is increasingly being allowed to play, amongst other things, a more factionalist role in the nature and character of its reporting, especially on matters relating to our broad movement. The question of censorship is indeed a very, very serious matter. We did not wage the struggle for the liberation of this country and the transformation of the public broadcaster only to return to some of the worst practices of the SABC under the apartheid regime.
The SABC Board needs to examine itself carefully and where it is taking the broadcaster to. We intend raising these matters very sharply when we meet with this Board. If the SABC is not going to lose the confidence of the public, it is important that it is seen to be upholding the values and principles that should be reflective of the public broadcaster of reporting without fear or favour.
We are owed a better explanation
Issue by the SACP.
For information contact:
Malesela Maleka
SACP Spokesperson
Mobile: 082 226 1802
Tel: 011 339 3621
Fax: 011 339 4244
E-mail: Malesela@sacp.org.za