SABC bans broadcast of protest

File photo

SABC bans broadcast of protests and destruction of property

Censorship state ahoy!

SABC bans broadcast of protest

File photo

This is not a drill. Repeat: this is not a drill. The state broadcaster announced on Friday that it would stop broadcasting protests and footage showing destruction of property, urging other broadcasters to do the same.

SABC say that it condemns tha burning of public institutions and has taken the decision to stop showing this footage.

“These actions are regrettable and viewed as regressive on the developments made after 22 years of South Africa’s democracy. Continuing to promote them might encourage other communities to do the same. The SABC would like to stress that we will continue to cover news without fear or favour. We will not cover people who are destroying public property,” the broadcaster said in a statement.

South Africa has been gripped by a number of protests in recent months, from service delivery, to student protests and, more recently the burning down of schools.

Now, while that might sound like a bit of positive nation building, this is nothing but censorship.

Chief operations officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng said the decision was taken to show that violent protests were not necessary.

“It is regrettable that these actions are disrupting many lives and as a responsible public institution we will not assist these individuals to push their agenda that seeks media attention.”