Seven former SABC executives have written to President Jacob Zuma, Communications Minister Faith Muthambi and SABC chair Mbulaheni Maguvhe, criticising events at the public broadcaster.<\/p>\n
The seven include former editor-in-chiefs for TV news Joe Thloloe and Allister Sparks, former news chief executive Barney Mthombothi, and former deputy CEO Govin Reddy.<\/p>\n
They had helped transform the SABC into a \u201ctrue public broadcaster\u201d following the end of apartheid, to reflect a commitment to openness, fairness, and independence, both in its programming and the way it was governed, they wrote.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe write to express our grave concern at the extent to which the SABC has deviated from the clear principles of good public broadcasting that were laid down at the time of that transformation.\u201d<\/p>\n
They criticise the \u201cenforcement of news censorship\u201d, the suspension of journalists as a \u201cgross violation\u201d, and the SABC\u2019s general \u201cabandonment\u201d of its mandate to provide an honest reflection of events in society.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a betrayal, not only of the South African public, which the SABC is called upon to serve without fear or favour, but also of many people in civil society, as well as broadcasting specialists from abroad, who worked hard to produce a public broadcaster to rival the best in the world,\u201d the letter read.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe news is censored. Editorial decisions are dictated from above. The public broadcaster that the SABC had become, with an editorial code that committed the corporation to fair, balanced and impartial journalism, free from outside influences, be they political or commercial, shows clear signs of reverting back into being a state broadcaster.\u201d<\/p>\n
They called on the SABC to be a force for good, a well from which all its people could drink, and a reference point for a society in quest of unity.<\/p>\n
The letter listed five changes they would like to see at the SABC:<\/p>\n
The letter is signed by Brigalia Bam \u2013 former deputy chairperson of SABC board; Professor Njabulo S Ndebele \u2013 former SABC board member and University of Johannesburg chancellor; Joe Thloloe \u2013 former editor-in-chief, SABC TV news; Allister Sparks \u2013 former board member and editor-in chief, television news; Govin Reddy \u2013 former deputy CEO, SABC; Mathatha Tsedu \u2013 former deputy chief executive, SABC news; Barney Mthombothi \u2013 former chief executive, SABC news.<\/p>\n
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