Mahumapelo suspends working relations with North West SABC

North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo has reportedly suspended working relations with the SABC in the province following claims that he was getting excessive coverage and interfered with the public broadcaster’s editorial policy.

The premier’s spokesperson, Brian Setswambung, told News24 on Tuesday Mahumapelo was shocked and disturbed by allegations reported by City Press at the weekend that he was getting preferential treatment and dictated how stories about him should be reported on.

“The office of the premier has, as a result of these unfounded and fabricated claims, decided to suspend its working relations with the SABC, this to afford the corporation time to investigate these allegations,” Setswambung was quoted as saying.

The suspension means Mahumapelo will not comment on stories when asked by the SABC in North West, and will not be available for interviews, according to the report. However, it will not apply to other media houses, locally or nationally.

Setswambung said the premier wrote to the public broadcaster about the allegations because he respected press freedom, and wanted the claims against him to be resolved. The SABC has apparently indicated that it would investigate the allegations.

Mahumapelo had always made himself available for interviews, including allowing reporters to go off topic at press conferences, the spokesperson added.

“The decision to suspend the relations is to curb further encroachment accusations against the premier on the corporation’s editorial policy whilst the investigation is being carried out,” Setswambung said.

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