Free State Alliance statement on SABC 14 - 11 - 06

STATEMENT BY THE EXTENDED ALLIANCE MEETING HELD ON 13 NOVEMBER 2006

We the following organizations met on the 13 November 2006 to discuss problems that affect the alliance, MDM formations and the society at large in the Free State Province. COSATU, SACP, ANCYL, YCL, SASCO and SANCO discussed a number of issues.

Among other things, the meeting discussed the transformation of the SABC to be able to execute its mandate properly as a public broadcaster. In 2005 there was a march on SABC in Bloemfontein to answers on reports that the SABC was allegedly involved in the challenges facing our movement. Instead of responding to our memorandum, the Head of Current Affairs Mr. Hlauli Motsoeneng at Lesedi FM was subjected to unfair treatment and intimidation and ultimately suspended for four months.

As the above organizations we believe that the SABC has a role to play in the society and has to ensure that it practices fairness in all its dealings. We are disturbed that the man they are treating in this way is the one that ensured that all matters affecting the community are taken up, the role that he played during the elections, ensuring that workers’ issues are raised through current affairs programme, youth and student issues are also raised and to ensure that transformation was taking place within his section in the current affairs. The community is the witness that the current affairs in the form of Matshohlo, Makumane and Mathumisa are having women to ensure transformation was taking place.

It is clear that people that work hard for the communities are frustrated so that they can finally leave the SABC. We are calling upon the CEO Mr Dali Mpofu to intervene in this matter because SABC’s Lesedi FM is basically going down the drain.

This statement issued by:

Contacts

SACP = Phel Parkies at 0825766331

COSATU = Sam Mashinini at 0825636954

ANCYL = Thabo Moeketsi at 0836450270

YCL = Teboho Kholoanyane at 0732223162

SASCO = Elmund Raboshakga at 0724623298

SANCO = Patrick Qibi at 0729139715