Government appalled by E-TV selective broadcast

24 May 2012

The Government is appalled and has found it disappointing and out of character for  E-TV to censure the visuals that show Advocate Gcina Malindi breaking down in tears during the South Gauteng High Court proceedings in relation to The Spearportrait, today.

The role of the media, with particular reference to television, is to show visuals that inform and educate society. Government believes that in this particular instance, E-TV was biased and failed to broadcast a true reflection of the court proceedings.

Advocate Malindi broke down in tears after judges questioned his legal arguments. E-TV censured the visuals that would have shown his deep pain and emotion, that expressed the culmination of the sentiment of humiliation and denigration of the dignity of President Jacob Zuma, his office and the African culture that is shared by millions of South Africans.

Statement issued by Jimmy Manyi, Government Communications (GCIS), May 24 2012

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