A GROUP of demonstrators picketed outside the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) offices in Johannesburg yesterday as they awaited the authority’s decision on censorship at the SABC.
The group wanted a verdict rendering the public broadcaster's decision to ban the airing of visuals of violent protests invalid.
But by late last night, officials were still stuck in a meeting and no decision had been made yet.
Among those picketing outside Icasa’s offices were former Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, social activist Yusuf Abramjee, as well as members of the Right2Know (R2K) campaign and the SOS Coalition.
Icasa employees who have been striking since Monday also joined the picket. Many of the demonstrators held flags and signs which read: “Show us real news. Show us proper news not propaganda”.
A man with a loudhailer addressed the crowd and said he hoped Icasa would rule “in the favour of democracy and protect the media”.
Several SABC employees, political parties and organisations have since spoken out against the broadcaster, many of them calling for the removal of its chief operating officer, Hlaudi Motsoeneng.
The much-maligned Motsoeneng has defended his decision, saying the broadcaster was opposed to glamourising violence.