SABC News ordered to apologise on air to EFF spokesman

Screengrab of SABC's Eben Jansen interviewing EFF's Mbuyiseni Ndlozi on Newsroom
Screengrab of SABC's Eben Jansen interviewing EFF's Mbuyiseni Ndlozi on Newsroom
The SABC News channel has been ordered to apologise on air for presenter Eben Jansen’s “aggressive” behaviour toward Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) spokesman Mbuyiseni Ndlozi.

Broadcasting industry watchdog the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) issued the order after Jarred Cinman had complained to the commission that Jansen’s behaviour was “biased‚ unprofessional‚ rude and embarrassing”‚ and called for Jansen to be taken off air.

The complaint related to an interview Jansen conducted with Ndlozi during the show “SABC Newsroom” on April 9 about Ndlozi’s views on the debate around statues.

The broadcaster submitted that internal steps have been taken against Jansen because of the breach of the SABC editorial policies. But it added that it does not believe that it contravened the broadcasting code of conduct.

But BCCSA commissioner Lynda Gilfillan said that Ndlozi was “interrupted”‚ “ridiculed” and “silenced”‚ denying him of the opportunity to answer questions.

She said that the interview turned into an “inquisition rather than an inquiry” and dubbed Jansen the “Grand Inquisitor”.

In the interview‚ Gilfillan noted‚ Jansen declared: “Actually I am not going to allow you to speak any more…Let’s move on. That’s the spokesperson for the EFF…who unfortunately does not want a conversation‚ he’s more in the mood for a soliloquy today.”

In her ruling‚ Gilfillan said: “In view of the extensive public interest in the manner dealt with in the interview and the potentially inflammatory consequences of the presenter’s behaviour…the broadcaster cannot simply be let off with a slap on the wrist.”

The BCCSA ordered that the news channel must apologise on air by Thursday.

subscribe

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.