Claims of encroachment on NW SABC editorial untrue, vindictive
Office of the Premier in the North West Province is rejecting as untrue and fictitious media reports on allegations by some hidden sources within the North West SABC that Premier Supra Mahumapelo had encroached on the public broadcaster’s editorial policy.
Office of the Premier has also described these claims as shocking and worrying, considering the fact that Premier Mahumapelo who is known in the media fraternity to be one of the “media friendly” leaders in government, has always been available for all media interviews, locally and nationally, including the SABC.
“What is more surprising to us is that the SABC in the North West has on a number of occasions, been invited to the Premier’s monthly media briefings to discuss some of the service delivery issues in the province, only for SABC journalists to ask questions and report on issues that were not even part or focus of the presser. And the Premier has always welcomed and fielded such questions, with facts”, said Brian Setswambung, the Provincial spokesperson.
The Office of the Premier has, as a result of these unfounded and fabricated claims, decided to suspend its working relations with the SABC, this to afford the corporation time to investigate these allegations.
The decision to suspend the relations is to curb further encroachment accusations against the Premier on the corporation’s editorial policy, whilst the investigation is being carried out.
“We thank the public broadcaster for having worked with us in empowering our community with information relevant for their development.
It is our hope that the day the SABC is satisfied that our Premier or the Provincial Government is no longer accused of dictating its editorial policy, it will duly bring such to our attention for us to review our position in this regard”, emphasised Setswambung, adding that the Provincial General Manager of the North West SABC has been informed of this position.
For enquiries, contact:
Brian Setswambung
Cell: 076 012 4501
E-mail: bsetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
