We haven’t pulled DA’s advert: SABC
The SABC says that it has not pulled the Democratic Alliance’s second Ayisafani political advert, contrary to the party’s claims.
On Wednesday (30 April), the DA reported that the SABC blocked its second advert, which was created in response to the “banning” of the party’s first political advert earlier in April.
“The DA has just learnt that the SABC will not allow our second Ayisafani television advert to air in this crucial final week of the campaign,” the party said in a statement.
“This is political censorship, plain and simple,” the DA said.
According to DA party leader Helen Zille, the DA received notice from the SABC Head of Broadcast Compliance, Fakir Hassen, that the ad would not be allowed on air.
“Mr Hassen’s written reason for not allowing the ad to air is that the opening line of the advert is false,” Zille said.
“Hassan said that Icasa banned Ayisafani. We can’t say ‘They tried to silence us’ because the ad was banned.”
“This is a transparent attempt by the SABC to protect Zuma and the ANC from rising DA support in the last week,” the party leader said.
The advert was supposed to be aired on Wednesday morning, but was not.
We never pulled the ad: SABC
However, responding to queries about the move, SABC general manager of group communications, Kaizer Kganyago said that no such thing has happened.
“The answer is no, we have not pulled the advert,” Kganyago said.
The broadcaster noted further that the DA’s video is not a public service announcement, and as with any commercial advertising transaction it handles, it takes 5 working days to process the content.
The broadcaster said that the DA submitted its advert on Thursday, 24 April , and the 5th working day after that date is only Friday, 2 May.
The DA said it will seek an urgent high court interdict if the SABC does not flight the ad.
“The next slot for the advert is tonight at 9pm on SABC2. The proof that it was banned is because it did not air on the slot this morning.”
Zille said SABC acting chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng had called her around noon to say the ad would be aired in its night-time slot.
“We have verbal confirmation, but nothing in writing… Till then we will continue with our court application and steps to seek an urgent court interdict.”
It would be heard in the High Court in Pretoria.
More on the SABC
DA ready to take Icasa to court over ad
Loading ...