SABC in poll position

Published Mar 17, 2004

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"What is even more exciting is that it is the first time SABC is doing the elections solo - without foreign help," says Solly Mokoetle, chief co-ordinating officer of Democracy 10.

"In 1994, we had a host of foreign experts. We welcomed their experience because no one had ever covered a national election in this country."

Now the SABC is confident, says head of news Jimi Matthews.

"So confident, that we have no need to utilise our foreign colleagues. We have a great team."

SABC2 is the central platform for Election 2004 as well as the presidential inauguration.

"This is not just another programme for the SABC.

"This is a challenge and a test to ensure we deliver the election coverage to the entire population," said Mokoetle.

Democracy 10 will broadcast pre-election programmes and take viewers through the election week, up to and including the inauguration.

"Programmes are aimed at informing the public and to construct the coming 10 years," says Mokoetle.

Current affairs shows will focus on the different aspects of these landmark elections, with the main weekly platforms being Asikhulume on SABC1 (Sundays) and Interface on SABC3 (Thursdays).

The anchors of these two discussion forums, Xolani Gwala and Redi Direko, will become two of the main hosts for the election week and inauguration broadcasts.

The aim of the Morning Live pre-election broadcasts will be to focus on issues of national heritage and more. Democracy 10 - Your Voice, Your Story, anchored by Leanne Manas (Business Beat) and Gwala, is a daily roundup which started this Monday. It's aimed at delivering human interest stories.

Every Friday at 6pm, also on SABC2, a team of performers will bring light relief with the first-ever political satire in prime-time on SA TV.

The working title is Democracy When, and it is directed by Basil Appolis. June van Merch (Fishy Feshuns), Tselane Tambo and Fikile Mahola (7de Laan) will take viewers on a weekly trip around the far side.

The fun begins on April 19 and runs for six weeks.

Except for some intermittent breaks on the day of voting and the first day of results (April 15), there will be on-air reporting around the clock. A reduced broadcast on April 16 will wrap the last results-day coverage.

SABC2 will also be celebrating by screening shows and movies that explore democracy and freedom right till the end of the year.

Among the shows are The Great Comedy Trek with Pieter Dirk Uys and the internationally celebrated music-documentary, Amandla - A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony.

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