Katlego Sekhu

The South African Broadcasting Corporation is standing by its decision not to broadcast the DA’s controversial advertisement of the burning South African flag. The broadcaster encourages the political party to amend the ad and resubmit
Nyiko Shibambo, Complaints Specialist at the SABC, wrote to ICASA:
“The SABC has been monitoring the outcry from South Africans of all races condemning the advertisement which is currently in circulation on various media platforms. Likewise, the SABC believes that the advertisement encourages damage of treasured national symbols. The national flag is a national symbol which represents diverse elements of the country and national unity. Additionally, it is expected that the national flag should be accorded with dignity and respect. Thus, the flag is not a representation of a political party but the nation at large. The SABC has also noted the condemnation of the advertisement by the president of the republic and other government departments.”
“The SABC, as a public broadcaster, is mandated to promote nation-building through its services and the said political advertisement goes against the spirit of nation-building.
“The SABC has also noted that some of the words used in the advertisement in question are subject to a formal complaint lodged with Icasa against the SABC. Therefore allowing this advertisement to be broadcast will be prejudicial to the SABC.”
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