ANC hands over memo to SAHRC
The ANC arranged nationwide pickets last week, after what they termed as racist conduct by an eNCA reporter.
The local Branch Manager of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), Victor Mavhidula, has confirmed that they have received a memorandum delivered by members of the ANC last week.
The ANC arranged nationwide pickets last week, after what they termed as racist conduct by an eNCA reporter, Lindsay Dentlinger, at the State of the Nation Address last week.
Video footage circulating on social media depicts Dentlinger requesting black Members of Parliament to put on masks during interviews, while seemingly not doing so for their white counterparts.
While Dentlinger, a seasoned journalist with over 21 years’ experience has since acknowledged the outrage, she added that the video footage were not of the same event and is thus an unfair representation of her work.
ANC Provincial Secretary Soviet Lekganyane addressed the media during the picket last week, saying the aim was to “restate our strategic objectives as the ANC, that we are aware of the divided past we come from including the painful experiences and memories of those before us.”
Lekganyane denied that the pickets were part of the party’s election campaign.
“The ANC has, in every election campaign, spread a message of unity, hope, justice and equality.
“That’s why you see us here today, we have not changed we are still the ANC that was formed in 1912 and we still have the courage to forgive. Let’s build a country that will be for all of us, one free of racism and discrimination.”
In a press statement, eNCA said Dentlinger’s conduct has never been in question and that this incident represents an inaccurate representation of her work.
The Managing Director of eNCA, Norman Munzhelele, said the way eNCA and Dentlinger are perceived is unfair and not a true reflection of events.
“Comments and some of the video content are malicious and misleading, and after carefully analysing the situation, we understand that given the pressure of the live TV environment, such unplanned occurrences can occur.
“Through our deliberations we have found no malicious intent on the part of the journalist,” he stated.
