South African Broadcasting Corporation controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2020
SABC suspends retrenchment process
Company response
In November 2020, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) suspended its retrenchment process for seven days following worker backlash over proposed retrenchments. During the suspension, the broadcaster negotiated with unions and explored other options. The event was reported as a last-ditch attempt to stop SABC job cuts.
After workers’ backlash over proposed retrenchments, SABC suspended its retrenchment process for seven days while negotiating with unions and exploring other options.
Stated objective. To facilitate the exploration of other options and engage with stakeholders.
Company response
Remediation — SABC
the SABC decided last week to suspend its retrenchment process for seven days as it negotiated with unions
Source excerpt
Following heavy backlash from workers at the state broadcaster, the SABC decided last week to suspend its retrenchment process for seven days as it negotiated with unions.
The board said that suspending the retrenchment process for seven days will facilitate the exploration of other options.
2019
eNCA news head apologizes over tweet about former staffer
Company response
eNCA head of news Kanthan Pillay apologized for a tweet calling former staffer Samkele Maseko a “rat.” The tweet received social-media backlash, and Pillay said he regretted and retracted the statement.
Company response
Apology — Kanthan Pillay
I hereby express my unreserved apology to all that were offended by my irresponsible and ill-conceived statement on Twitter, posted on Tuesday, December 17 2019
Source excerpt
I deeply regret the statement I made and retract it in its entirety,
The tweet — which made reference to “rats swimming towards a sinking ship [reference to SABC]” — received backlash from social media users.
eNCA head of news Kanthan Pillay has apologised for a tweet in which he referred to former staffer Samkele Maseko as a “rat”.
2016
Dispute over editorial independence
The broadcaster continued to face public and political criticism concerning its independence, governance and treatment of controversial news subjects.
2004
Allegations of censorship and editorial bias
Criticism intensified over allegations of self-censorship, selective news coverage and insufficient objectivity, particularly in relation to the governing African National Congress.
1948
Political influence during National Party rule
The SABC was criticised for serving the interests of the National Party government and for political influence over management, programming and editorial policy.