20 April 2009

The Inkatha Freedom Party is considering taking legal action against the SABC following numerous instances of deliberate political sabotage against the IFP in the run-up to 22 April, which the IFP argues has ruined any chance of free and fair elections. 

"The IFP contends that the SABC has, from the start, been on a mission at the behest of the ANC, to ruin the IFP's election campaign. We have on several occasions lodged complaints with the public broadcaster in relation to their pro-ANC bias, but without any success. The SABC has deliberately negatively impacted on our election campaign and we now have no other option but to take legal action," said Albert Mncwango MP, the IFP's National Organiser. 

Last week, the SABC broadcasted unsubstantiated ANC allegations against the IFP, without checking the facts or soliciting comment from the IFP. On Sunday the SABC deliberately overran its broadcast schedule, delaying the IFP's live coverage and, effectively denying the IFP the opportunity to send its final election message to the people of South Africa. In turn, the ANC was afforded hours of live coverage.  

"Throughout this election campaign we have been shocked by the lack of professionalism displayed by the SABC. The SABC's repeated failure to be an objective and even-handed broadcaster now constitutes a serious threat to our democracy," said Mncwango. 

Mncwango added that most parties have had many meetings over the years with the SABC Board and its executives about their political coverage (and lack thereof when it comes to opposition parties), to no avail.

"This pro-ANC bias cannot go on. The SABC reaches the homes (via radio and television) of the vast majority of South Africans. This is a matter which goes to the heart of how the citizens of this country can freely make up their own minds as to whom they wish to govern them. South Africans must demand of their public broadcaster that they be treated with respect and not force-fed and manipulated with ANC propaganda any longer," said Mncwango. 

Mncwango added: "The IFP is of the view that all opposition parties should consider meeting en bloc to seek a remedy to the current Zanufication of the SABC and, and to seek redress from our courts. The SABC's conduct in this election campaign has effectively ruled out any chance of the 2009 elections being free and fair."