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As they begin the process of reviewing their classification guidelines, the Film and Publication Board is considering adding a new element of gender based violence (GBV) in their guidelines.
Gender-based violence in media was the theme of the industry dialogue that took place in Johannesburg today.
“One of the themes we were exploring today is if we maybe need to start regulating violence – to look at gender based violence and sexual violence and other forms of violence,” said Abongile Mashele, the acting chief operations officer at the Film and Publication Board.
“When you just say this material contains violence it leaves it at a very broad level,” she added. “So we are going to be looking at those changes.”
Mashele added that the age categorisation may be up for review as well to see whether the guidelines are accurately responding to the developmental stages of South African children.
“I think it is a good move from a media monitoring perspective,” said Tarisai Nyamweda, media coordinator at Gender Links.
“Media need to formulate policies and strategies that speak to covering gender based violence in a gender aware and sensitive manner,” Nyamweda added.
With regards to specifying the element of gender-based violence, Mashele said: “We’re just putting it out there to start a conversation to see if there is a need. The importance of having an element of separation is for us to be able to track and see prevalence.”
The publication board has adopted a detailed methodology that informs the classification guidelines; they review their guidelines every five years. Mashele said a discussion document is underway for public consultation.
“Once we are done with the consultation document we will consult South Africans widely. We would like ordinary South Africans to get involved as much as possible because the guidelines are not our guidelines – they are reflective of the South African societal values as a whole,” said Mashele.
The board uses academic research to monitor tolerance levels, consults with child psychologist professors to advise on child development modes, and uses public opinion to inform them for their classification guidelines.
The final stages of drafting updated guidelines are presented to the council of the Film and Publication Board for approval and then the minister before informing industry content distributors like cinemas.
Nyamweda said in news media “the firsthand accounts of women seldom feature. Their experiences are trivialised and sensationalised. Such coverage has often resulted in secondary victimisation, rather than supporting survivors and pointing them in the direction of help”.
Mashele said while they have no mandate over news media, the board does offer an advisory role.
