ANC denies interference at the SABC as opposition parties warn of threat to democracy

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu denied the ANC played a role in the SABC’s decision to can its ‘Face the Nation’ programme. Picture: Nigel Sibanda The ANC has denied that it is interfering in the editorial policies of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), after reports of the discontinuation of the political show,Face the Nation. TheSunday Timesreported over the weekend thatFace the Nationwill no longer be broadcast on the state company’s platforms.

It claimed that senior managers at the company had decided to dump the show after complaints from the Presidency and some ANC leaders. According to the report, some politicians felt uncomfortable with the questions being asked by the talk show’s host Clement Manyathela. But in a statement on Sunday, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu denied that theANC is interfering in editorial policies at the SABC.

“The ANC categorically rejects these allegations as baseless, unsubstantiated, and devoid of any factual foundation,” said Bhengu. She said her party has always advocated for media freedom, even during apartheid. “The ANC has historically been at the forefront of the struggle for freedom of expression and a free, independent media in South Africa.

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These rights are not incidental, but are deeply rooted in the values of our constitution and the liberation struggle itself. “The ANC therefore remains firmly committed to defending media freedom and the right of journalists to operate without fear, favour or prejudice.” However, Bhengu said press freedom also comes with the responsibility to uphold truth, accuracy, fairness and ethical journalism. “Freedom of expression must not be abused to advance misleading narratives or unverified claims that undermine democratic accountability,” she said. The party has also called on the SABC to show the public how editorial decisions at the struggling parastatal are made.

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