South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) staff and officials will have three days to make submissions to an independent commission probing the public broadcaster’s alleged blacklisting of certain political analysts.
Commissioners Zwelakhe Sisulu and Gilbert Marcus have set aside this Friday and Saturday and next Monday to hear submissions, an SABC statement read on Monday.
”We are encouraging SABC management and staff who may be able to assist us to come forward,” it quoted Sisulu as saying.
”We have done some initial work and now need to build an understanding of the news division’s policy and approach on the use of commentators and analysts. The more information we have, the better equipped we will be to fully understand the situation.”
Last month, opposition parties called for an independent investigation into claims that the SABC had blacklisted analysts critical of President Thabo Mbeki.
An SABC talk show host said he had been prevented from interviewing certain commentators on his show. Media reports said the prohibition was ordered by SABC head of news Snuki Zikalala.
The SABC said on Monday the investigators were aiming for ”a rapid but rigorous inquiry”.
”We are also, obviously, going to ensure that anybody who wants to make a submission can do so without fear or favour.”
The commission has enlisted Rhodes journalism professor Guy Berger as an ”expert resource” to aid its work, and appointed an independent attorney, Eric Mabuza, to receive and process submissions.
Mabuza can be contacted on 011 215 2503 or 082 561 1067.
”If appropriate, submissions may be made confidentially,” the statement read. — Sapa