Icasa is no court of law

The SABC  has announced it will challenge The independent Communications Authority of South Africa Icasa’s (Icasa’s) ruling for the broadcaster to withdraw its decision not to show footage of violent protests.

SABC spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, confirmed on The John Robbie Show on Radio 702 on 12 July that the ruling will be challenged as “Icasa is not a court of law and its recommendations are not binding.” “The SABC has seven days to respond to Icasa’s decision or to comply with the ruling, failing which, the SABC could be liable to a fine or even have its broadcasting licence revoked,” said Icasa acting chairperson, Rubben Mohlaloga, on Radio 702.

Icasa’s acting chairperson, Rubben Mohlaloga, made the anticipated ruling on 11 July. The ruling was made under the principle that the SABC was in conflict with duties outlined in the Broadcasting Act and the constitutional right of freedom of expression and freedom to receive information or ideas. The censorship was also compared to that of the previous government, which banned specific news and comment. Mohlaloga further explained the SABC’s obligations to produce fair and unbiased coverage.

Yet, the SABC’s legal representatives claim that the broadcaster is protecting its journalists from dangerous situations and is also shielding children from violent content on television through the censorship. It was argued that protesters would essentially ‘up the ante’ and potentially be more violent if news cameras are present.

The SABC’s spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, could not be reached for further comment.

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