By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is once again embroiled into allegations of editorial interference and abuse of power by its executives.
This follows reports that group executive of news and current affairs, Phathiswa Magopeni,has lodged a formal complaint with the board against SABC CEO Madoda Mxakwe and board chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini.
Magopeni is facing disciplinary action over the flighting of a Special Assignment episode that had been interdicted from being aired.
She was reportedly being held responsible for the decision to broadcast the episode.
Magopeni said both Mxakwe and Makhathini tried to force her to approve an unscheduled interview with ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa in the run-up to the recent local government elections.
She also claimed that the SABC newsroom was gagged on reporting about her charges and disciplinary hearing, adding that she was being silenced from speaking out about the charges in public.
Meanwhile South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) said in a statement that it had learnt of the SABC’s decision to bring disciplinary action against Magopeni for alleged negligence and bringing the public broadcaster into disrepute.
The episode exposed alleged anti-competitive practices in the towing industry. A contempt of court order had since been sought against the SABC, Sanef said.
SABC Corporate Affairs and Marketing Group Executive Gugu Ntuli said the SABC had no comment.
“The SABC has the responsibility to investigate the violation of a court order after an episode of the investigative programme Special Assignment was aired, six weeks after the court ordered that it should not be broadcast. The media is not above the law, and court decisions must be respected. Any responsible company would do that,” Sanef said.
Sanef said the latest developments came on the back of political pressure and attacks on Magopeni.
This week, the ANC blamed the SABC for the party’s poor showing in the recent municipal elections.