EFF marches against advert ‘ban’
JOBURG – Thousands of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) supporters marched to the SABC’s offices in protest of the broadcaster’s decision to reject the party’s election advert.
Update:
Malema took the podium when they arrived at the SABC offices and he addressed the members of the march and the SABC.
In his address, Malema said, “Hlaudi and SABC undermine the intelligence of the EFF and it’s members. I must warn you Hlaudi. I was like you to Zuma. He will dump you like a used condom.”
After signing the memorandum, Malema handed it over to the SABC officials.
Hoards of demonstrators marched from Empire Road in Parktown, chanting “voetsak man” and waving posters which read “SABC belongs to ANC and Zuma. Let’s burn it” on 29 April.
The march, which was still underway, was being monitored by strong police presence and according to officials no incidents had thus far been reported.
Spotted in the crowd was Tsonga musician Benny Mayengani, who claimed that the SABC banned his music because he is an EFF member.
Crowds were currently congregating outside the SABC offices in Auckland Park, where EFF leader Julius Malema was addressing them.
According to tweets by the EFF: “#Malema: We are going to destroy etolls physically. If this is inciting violence then the police must arrest us.”
In further tweeted that Malema said when the party comes into power in Gauteng it will hold a ceremony to remove e-tolls.
According to tweets, Malema also launched a scathing attack at the SABC’s Hlaudi Motsoeneng, questioning his qualifications.
The party posted a series of tweets, referencing Malema’s comments, which read: “#Malema: Morena Hlaudi you conduct reminds us of your qualifications.”
“#Malema: If you conducted yourself professionally we would forget about your qualifications.”
Malema then said that the EFF’s advert should be aired.
The EFF was expected to hand over a memorandum SABC officials.
On 26 April, the Independent Communications Authority of SA’s (Icasa) Complaints and /compliance Committee (CCC) ruled in favour of the SABC, upholding the broadcaster’s decision not to flight the EFF’s advert.
The CCC ruled that the advert, which carries the slogan “destroy e-tolls physically” may be perceived as condoning or lending support to unlawful acts.
However, the EFF had refused to change the advert.
