South Africa BC ordered to back down on violent protest ban

THE Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) has ordered the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to withdraw its decision to ban footage of violent protests where public property is being destroyed.

SABC chairperson Prof Mbulaheni Maguvhe has seven days to confirm in writing that the public broadcaster has complied, Icasa council acting chairperson Rubben Mohlaloga said on Monday at Icasa’s offices in Johannesburg.

"The withdrawal must be done retrospectively from the date when the resolution was taken on 26 May 2016," he said.

"Furthermore, the authority’s approach is to assist the licensees to comply with the existing legal and regulatory framework. To that extent we are open and willing to assist going forward."

Mohlaloga said the finding was binding on all parties involved in the matter.

When asked what the penalty would be for non-compliance, he said it could range from a warning, to a fine or even the revoking of a license.

If any parties felt "discomfort" with Icasa’s decision they could take the matter to court for a review.

In May, Media Monitoring Africa, the SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition and the Freedom of Expression Institute lodged a complaint with Icasa’s complaints and compliance committee, challenging the validity of the SABC’s decision.

A number of senior journalists at the broadcaster face disciplinary action for questioning the ban. The SABC board last week denied that the ban was a policy position, calling it an "editorial decision".

Icasa’s complaints and compliance committee heard the matter during a public hearing last month on an urgent basis, and made a recommendation to the Icasa council on Thursday. Mohlaloga said the council had concurred with the recommendation made.

"The council of Icasa has deliberated on this recommendation and applied its mind fully on the matter, taking into account all facts before it and whether all processes were followed (in reaching) the conclusion of the matter," he said.

The SABC is expected to address media at 3pm. It is unclear if the public broadcaster will take the matter to court.

Communications Minister Faith Muthambi is expected to be meeting the ANC on Monday to discuss the current crisis at the SABC.