How the SABC is covering the Tshwane protests vs what’s really happening

 ·21 Jun 2016
SABC test signal

Government has condemned the outbreak of violence in certain areas in the City of Tshwane.

Residents took to the streets on Monday and Tuesday after the African National Congress named former minister Thoko Didiza as the mayoral candidate for Tshwane.

The protesters are demanding that current mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa be the mayoral candidate for the city.

Several buses and delivery vans have been set alight in areas of the capital city such as Mamelodi, east of Pretoria, as well as Atteridgeville.

On Tuesday morning, Maunde Street in Attridgeville was closed with burning tyres and debris.

Read: What the government doesn’t want you to know about violent protests in SA

Provincial police say cases of murder, malicious damage to property and intimidation have been opened.

Government said it condemns in the strongest terms the outbreak of violence and destruction of property. It has appealed for calm and the peaceful resolution of differences.

The violence comes at a time when the national broadcaster, the SABC has banned  the showing of violent protests on any of its channels in a bid to “educate the population”, and send a message that violent action will not get them the attention they seek.

SABC chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng said that the broadcaster will show that violent protests are not necessary, saying that “as a responsible public institution, we will not assist these individuals to push their agenda that seeks media attention”.

On Tuesday, as the SAPS called for reinforcements, the SABC reported the following:

ANC pushes to resolve Tshwane standoff

The African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee and the Gauteng provincial leadership are expected to meet with Tshwane ANC branches in an effort to try to resolve the standoff in the city.

Alleged disgruntled ANC members in the city went on violent protests over the party’s Tshwane mayoral candidate, Thoko Didiza.

Buses were burned and a metro police vehicle overturned and roads barricaded in and around Mamelodi.

ANC Tshwane region Secretary, Teboho Jwala, says the ANC’s processes are democratic.

Jwala says branch members and the public decide on who can become the ward councillor candidate through public meetings.

SABC web page

SABC news did not show any footage of the violence or damage to property on its morning news bulletin.

Independent media meanwhile, revealed images and footage that shows the full extent of the damage caused in areas of Tshwane.

eNCA's coverage of Tshwane

eNCA’s coverage of Tshwane

Tshwane fires

Tshwane fires

Tshwane protests

Tshwane protests

Tshwane burning

Tshwane burning

Image Sources: 1,2,3,4

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