The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The ‘special leave’ on which SABC head of news and current affairs Phil Molefe has been placed, after apparently giving too much air time to Julius Malema, confirms that the editorial independence of the broadcaster is under threat.

In terms of Section 6(2) of the Broadcasting Act, the SABC “will in pursuit of its objectives and in exercise of its powers, enjoy freedom of expression and journalistic, creative and programming independence”.

When the position of a news executive is threatened as a result of reporting on individuals who have fallen out of favour with the political elite, such independence is clearly lacking.

Since the days of Snuki Zikalala political interference in the editorial independence of the SABC has destroyed its credibility as South Africa’s national public service broadcaster.

Today, I have written to the chairperson of the parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications to urgently summon the SABC board and executive management to explain the current editorial crisis and its impact on the entity’s turnaround strategy.

In addition, I will call on the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to evaluate whether the politically inspired upheavals at the SABC undermine its broadcasting mandate.

Should ICASA be unwilling or unable to conduct such a review it may be time to institute an independent commission of inquiry that could critically evaluate the nature and extent of political interference at the public broadcaster and propose amendments to broadcasting regulations which could safeguard the independence of the SABC.

Changes in key editorial and management positions at the SABC tend to coincide with the ANC’s internal political strife and communications campaigns. This makes it exceptionally difficult for editorial and creative staff of integrity to properly perform their duties and fulfil the SABC’s public broadcasting mandate.

Mr Molefe’s “special leave” follows similar purges seen over the last 20 years when ANC turf wars are underway.

Drastic changes must be made to the governance structure of the SABC to ensure the future viability of the corporation. The portfolio committee and ICASA should drive such changes. Should these processes prove ineffective, a commission of inquiry made up of impartial members with a passion for impartial public broadcasting must review the governance of the SABC.