The SA Communist Party has called on the SABC to reverse the “draconian” editorial policy that led to the suspension of the broadcaster's three senior editorial staff members last week.
The trio, Thandeka Gqubule - economics editor, Foeta Krige - executive editor at Radio Sonder Grense and Suna Venter - senior journalist were allegedly suspended for opposing an instruction not to cover an anti-censorship protest outside the broadcaster's offices.
The SACP pledged solidarity with the suspended workers urging SABC bosses to refrain from changing policies without proper public consultation and to respect workers' rights.
Their suspension came after a decision by SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng to the public broadcaster from showing footage of violent protests in news reporting.
The ban came at a crucial time when violent protests took centre stage in the run up to the local government elections on August 3, as communities revolted against councillor nomination lists and service delivery.
On Saturday, the SACP said the suspensions of the trio exposed the “draconian character of the internal censorship that has been imposed at the SABC and manipulation of news from within”.
The party said populist posture towards policy and labour relations at the SABC based on the creation of a personality cult in Motsoeneng constituted a deeply worrying trend.
“Since the banning decree was announced, it has become very difficult to trust the SABC as a source of uncensored news,” said SACP spokesmane Alex Mashilo. “Each time news is broadcast an unanswered question what was concealed resurfaces. This is very bad for the image and credibility of the SABC.”
SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago however dismissed the party's condemnation of the SABC saying this was a matter between the employer and employees.
“They (SACP) are talking about something they don't know. They are basing their statement on one side of the story and we refuse to engage them on this,” said Kganyago. “Whoever has an issue with this must allow us to do what we need to do. All the parties have rights and the case can go either way because the employees are only suspended pending their case.”
Mashilo said the public broadcaster must air news without fear or favour and this included both good and bad news. He said the SABC board should be worried about the deteriorating state of good governance at the public broadcaster.
Political Bureau