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The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has formally said that it will comply with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa’s (Icasa) order to repeal its decision to ban the broadcast of images of violent protests.
“Today is a fantastic and victorious day for press freedom, we welcome the decision,” said Sekoetlane Phamodi, Coordinator at SOS Coalition.
“The SABC reflects a majority of the people of South Africans and needs to be a benchmark in the commitment to press freedom,” he added.
The broadcaster had previously said it would not abide by the Icasa ruling as it did not believe the order it was given actually constituted a ruling.
Earlier yesterday the High Court in Pretoria granted an order interdicting the SABC from implementing or enforcing its censorship decision.
The Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF) and the SABC reached a settlement after the SABC conceded to most of the points in the HSF’s application for the urgent interdict.
“We see this as a victory and an important day to reinforce the values of press freedom,” said Kimera Chetty, legal researcher at the Helen Suzman Foundation.
“What has been happening at the SABC is not only unconstitutional, but it is also indicative of a crisis in management and is a pure disregard of the law and of its staff,” Chetty added.
Although many celebrated the lifting of the ban, Phamodi says this is merely “a small battle won in a series of many battles” and that reinstating the fired journalists remains a priority.
“We need to recognise and thank them for being great public servants and taking the risks they took. They put their jobs on the line in securing the lifeblood of democracy,” he added.
ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe also came out in support of the journalists saying “workers cannot live in fear in the workplace, we can’t support this mass dismissal of journalists.”
Dubbed the #SABC8, the journalists were suspended for opposing editorial policy and sacked this week.
SABC economics editor Thandeka Gqubule, Special Assignment executive producer Busisiwe Ntuli and SABC parliamentary correspondent Lukhanyo Calata were fired, while freelance journalist Vuyo Mvoko’s contract was terminated on Tuesday.
SAfm current affairs executive producer Krivani Pillay, RSG executive editor Foeta Krige, senior investigative journalist Jacques Steenkamp, and senior journalist Suna Venter got the boot on Monday July 18.
These four journalists took their case to the Labour Court this morning where Judge Robert Lagrange postponed the matter to 12:30 on Friday. This was to allow the broadcaster time to file court papers.
"The respondents [SABC] must file any answering affidavits in draft form by 19:00 this evening. The applicants must file any reply affidavits in draft form by 10:00 tomorrow," Judge Lagrange said.
While HSF has vowed that they will closely watch the SABC to ensure that it adhered to the interdict, SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago could not be reached for a response on whether the SABC will from now on cover all violent protests.
— Additional reporting News24
