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The IFP condemns in the strongest possible terms the latest incident of
alleged censorship at the SABC, following reports that the SABC has canned a
television interview with cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro, better known as
Zapiro.

IFP Spokesperson on Communications, Ms Liezl van der Merwe MP, said, "South
Africans should have a public broadcaster not a state broadcaster. Yet we
continue to see the politicization of the SABC, which is extremely
concerning. The irregularities in editorial practice and policies in the
SABC are glaring."

Van der Merwe added, "As the IFP we have taken to the streets to demand
fairness from the SABC. We did so on behalf of all South Africans, who have
a right not to be force-fed political propaganda. We welcome the
investigation that has been launched by the Independent Communications
Authority of South Africa (ICASA) in respect of the canning of the Metro FM
show and we hope that they will also investigate this latest incident at the
SABC."

The IFP notes the conspicuous silence from the Minister of Communications on
all of these crises at the SABC.

"While the SABC suffers one scandal after the next we have heard no clear
indication from the Minister of what she intends to do to ensure that the
SABC regains its credibility. Where is the leadership?" asked van der Merwe.

The SABC has the responsibility of being the true voice of all South
Africans, without fear or favour. It has failed its mandate.

"Government should therefore not be surprised when citizens suggest that the
SABC be moved to Luthuli House, and funded through the ANC’s coffers,
rather than with taxpayers’ money," concluded van der Merwe.