Question NW607 to the Minister of Communications
23 March 2016 - NW607
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Communications
Whether she had (a) ascertained if the SABC bosses had issued any directives prohibiting talk show hosts from keeping open lines on current affairs until the end of the local government elections and (b) made it clear that Sections 15 and 16 of the Constitution had to be honoured irrespective of the political affiliation of the SABC bosses, if not, why is she failing in her duty to provide constitutionally directed leadership; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
a) The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) management did not prohibit talk show hosts from having open lines discussions during programmes. Presenters / talk show hosts of for example religious or sport programmes are subject matter experts and will have open line discussions on relevant religious or sporting matters. At the same time political discussions can only be dealt with during News and Current affairs programmes where presenters/host are skilled to deal with these matters. The SABC therefore wants to ensure that political discussions are dealt with on the correct platforms to ensure that political parties do not misuse entertainment, religious and sports programmes for their political expediency.
b) Not applicable
MR N MUNZHELELE
[ACTING] DIRECTOR GENERAL
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: