The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) on Monday ruled that the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) should reverse its decision not to broadcast violent protests on television.

Rubben Mohlaloga, the acting chairperson of Icasa, told a media briefing in Johannesburg that the regulations did not permit the SABC to ban the broadcasting of visuals of violent protests.

Mohlaloga said the public broadcaster should reverse the ban within seven days.

Earlier this year in May SABC chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng banned the broadcasting of the visuals showing the destruction of state property. He said such visuals incited others to destroy government property.

The matter was brought to Icasa by SOS – the coalition supporting public broadcasting. The body said the ruling had a direct bearing on SABC staffers who were suspended for defying the ban.

The SABC which was due to respond to the ruling later Monday, was not immediately available for comment.