The SABC says that it has not pulled the Democratic Alliance\u2019s second Ayisafani political advert, contrary to the party\u2019s claims.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday (30 April), the DA reported that the SABC blocked its second advert, which was created in response to the \u201cbanning\u201d of the party\u2019s first political advert earlier in April.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d the party said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is political censorship, plain and simple,\u201d the DA said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cMr Hassen\u2019s written reason for not allowing the ad to air is that the opening line of the advert is false,\u201d Zille said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHassan said that Icasa banned Ayisafani. We can\u2019t say \u2018They tried to silence us\u2019 because the ad was banned.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a transparent attempt by the SABC to protect Zuma and the ANC from rising DA support in the last week,\u201d the party leader said.<\/p>\n
The advert was supposed to be aired on Wednesday morning, but was not.<\/p>\n
However, responding to queries about the move, SABC general manager of group communications, Kaizer Kganyago said that no such thing has happened.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe answer is no, we have not pulled the advert,\u201d Kganyago said.<\/p>\n
The broadcaster noted further that the DA\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The DA said it will seek an urgent high court interdict if the SABC does not flight the ad.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
It would be heard in the High Court in Pretoria.<\/p>\n
SABC pulls second DA advert<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n DA ready to take Icasa to court over ad<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n