Statement on the SABC’s continued use of the misleading “GNU” term

12 August 2024

Tomorrow, August 13, 2024, the Johannesburg High Court will address the urgent application submitted by Umkhonto weSizwe Party President Jacob Zuma, which seeks to compel the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to cease referring to the DA/ANC Coalition as a "Government of National Unity."

The SABC should not serve as a conduit for the Democratic Alliance and the ANC of Cyril Ramaphosa, as this misrepresentation undermines the integrity of Section 3(Ia) of the Broadcasting Act 4 of 1999 and the principles outlined in the SABC Charter regarding Editorial Independence.

DA Federal Chair Helen Zille has acknowledged this coalition as a partnership between the DA and the ANC rather than a genuine "Government of National Unity," revealing the deceptive nature of this arrangement.

The SABC must uphold its duty to accurately represent political alliances without serving as a mouthpiece for partisan agendas.

Despite the Umkhonto weSizwe Party's request for an opposing affidavit, the SABC has not responded, reinforcing the need for the court to grant the relief sought by Umkhonto weSizwe.

We remain committed to defending the editorial independence of the SABC and ensuring that the South African public is not misled by state-affiliated entities.

Issued by Nhlamulo Ndhlela, Head: Media and Communications, MKP, 12 August 2024