SABC’s Broadcasting Inequity

Statement by Ashor Sarupen – DA Federal Council Chairperson:

The DA has given the South African Broadcasting Corporation 43-hours to confirm in writing their commitments for fair and equitable coverage on terrestrial television of the closing election campaign rallies of major political parties.

The concern has arisen after senior SABC Executives communicated contradictory positions to the DA this week.

One executive communicated that no political party will get any live coverage for their final rallies on any terrestrial television channels, and another executive communicated that “no decision” has yet been reached on which parties will get free-to-air live broadcasting of closing rallies.

This contradiction is obviously of great concern. With just hours before polls open, live television coverage next weekend must be strictly equitable and fair.

Plainly, if the SABC intends to broadcast the ANC’s final rally on terrestrial television, there is no manner in law or regulation that the DA’s final rally will not enjoy the same live terrestrial coverage.

The two largest parties in South Africa make up over two thirds of all support, and must both be treated fairly.

Regrettably, the DA has had to raise equitable coverage with the SABC before every election for the past 15 years. We would welcome the day on which that is no longer necessary.

The DA’s Final National Rally of this election will be held on Saturday 31 October, in Mamelodi, with a stage programme beginning at 09:00 AM.

In this election every South African voter has the right to see the competing final offers of the major political parties.