DA welcomes interdict against SABC censorship; fight against Motsoeneng must continue

20 July 2016

The DA welcomes the court interdict against the SABC’s censorship of protest related violence. This is a victory for the Constitution, and the freedom of the media protected by it. 

This, however, will not on its own stop the rot at the SABC. The public broadcaster has been captured by Jacob Zuma’s friend and ally, Hlaudi Motsoeneng, and his dictatorial, anti-free press reign will continue unless further action is taken to remove him as acting COO.

To this end, it is more important than ever that Parliament, in addition to the Commission of Inquiry requested by DA Leader, Mmusi Maimane MP, today, fulfil its constitutional obligations and hold the SABC and Mr Motsoeneng to account. 

The DA condemns the ANC’s failure to comply with our request, which was compliant with the rules, and essential to give effect to parliamentary oversight.

It is now clear, more than ever, that it is the ANC which is behind the stubborn dictatorship of Hlaudi Motsoeneng. While Jackson Mthembu says one thing to the media, behind the scenes, Faith Muthambi and Jacob Zuma have propped him up and protected him.

The DA will continue with our legal challenge against Mr Motsoeneng and have filed an opposing affidavit in the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) to this effect.

We urge all South Africans, including civil society and other political parties, to join us in calling for Hlaudi Motsoeneng to go, and for Parliament to intervene on behalf of the people which it democratically represents. 

Issued by Phumzile Van Damme, DA Shadow Minister of Communication, 20 July 2016