The broadcaster's head of news and current affairs, Snuki Zikalala, told Business Day on December 4 that the last time its journalists were intimidated was during the period leading up to the country's first democratic elections in 1994.

He did not name particular political parties, but said the threats were received "across the board". He said threats should be immediately reported to the editorial team and to both the Independent Electoral Commission and the Independent Communications Authority, which lay down rules for elections coverage.

Zikalala said the SABC had offered to provide security to journalists, but so far the offers were declined. He said the intimidation played a role in the SABC's decision to appoint an internal complaints officer who will liaise with political parties.

Source: Business Day

back