News24.com | IFP fuming after SABC crew pulled from May Day rally, broadcaster denies editorial interference

IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa.

• The IFP wants an investigation into the decision of the SABC to withdraw its crew from its Workers' Day rally.
• The SABC has denied any political interference and maintained it was merely an editorial decision.
• The IFP has warned the SABC to stay politically neutral especially with the 2024 general election looming.

The IFP is fuming after a SABC broadcast crew was pulled from its Workers' Day activities in KwaZulu-Natal.

"The IFP’s leadership was stunned this morning to learn that an SABC broadcast crew was pulled by the SABC from IFP Workers' Day activities, after it had already arrived at the location, shortly before IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa arrived," party spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said in a statement.

"Whilst this is not the first time this has happened to the IFP, it is, however, concerning. The SABC has, in recent times, we believe, made great strides to restore its credibility as a public broadcaster." 

Moshoeshoe Monare, SABC's group executive for news and current affairs, said there was no editorial interference with regard to coverage of the IFP event.

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"The decision was made by editors at their diary meeting this morning. We have since communicated to the leadership of the IFP regarding the rationale behind that editorial decision," Monare said.

The IFP, however, maintains the SABC's move was interference at the highest level.

Hlengwa said:

He said the party wanted a full-scale investigation into what led to the decision.

"The public broadcaster has a role and responsibility to cover all voices, views, and organisations, and should not be seen to be back under the control of the ruling party. If the SABC is not freed from political interference, we hold no hope that the 2024 elections will be free and fair."