AfriForum objects to the SABC’s new position of Afrikaans
Afriforum will oppose the decreasing offer of Afrikaans on SABC TV in every possible way.
This was said by deputy CEO of Afriforum, Alana Bailey, after it had become known in the media that Afrikaans television news bulletins will indeed be moved from SABC 2 to SABC 3.
SABC3 allegedly has a much smaller reception area than SABC2, which means that substantially fewer people will henceforth be able to watch Afrikaans news bulletins.
“The areas where SABC 3 cannot be received include large parts of the Northern Cape, Eastern Free State, Eastern Cape and Western Cape. These are areas where the majority of the people actually speak Afrikaans.
“It is unacceptable that the SABC as public broadcaster elects to forsake its obligation to the Afrikaans-speaking community,” says Bailey.
“The Afrikaans community may claim their language rights and the violation of such rights cannot be accepted.”
When the first rumours became known regarding this step, Afriforum asked the SABC for more information.
No reply has been received by July 15.
“We are aware that complaints against the SABC were submitted to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) at that stage.
“In the light of the most recent announcement, Afriforum will also lodge a complaint with the Pan South African Language Board (PANSALB).
“A decision regarding future legal action will be made on the basis of feedback from ICASA and PANSALB,” says Bailey.
In a related matter, Afriforum reported that it is also currently awaiting a legal opinion regarding the appointment of Hlaudi Motsoeneng as CEO of the SABC.
“With the controversy regarding his qualifications, management decisions, employment, attitudes toward women’s rights and press freedom, as well as the position of Afrikaans, his appointment is unacceptable,” says Bailey.
“It seems as if the SABC is increasingly becoming deeper entangled in controversy and mismanagement.
“Afriforum is committed to ensure by all possible means that the protection of language rights, accountability, good governance and media freedom will be promoted and protected,” concludes Bailey. – @IschkeBoksburg
